Dell PowerEdge R250 Rack Server (PER250CM1-AF) Review

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Dell PowerEdge R250 Rack Server (PER250CM1-AF) is a compact and powerful server designed for businesses and organizations seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution. Featuring an Intel Xeon E-2314 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 2TB HDD, this server offers a solid foundation for various applications, from file and print serving to virtualized environments. I recently had the opportunity to test this server extensively, and I’m excited to share my findings in this comprehensive review.

Key Features

The Dell PowerEdge R250 comes packed with features that make it an attractive option for a range of use cases. Here are some of the notable features:

• Intel Xeon E-2314 Processor: The 2.8GHz Intel Xeon E-2314 processor provides ample processing power for demanding workloads.
• 16GB UDIMM RAM: The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth operation for multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously.
• 2TB HDD SATA 6Gbps: The 2TB hard drive offers ample storage space for data, applications, and operating systems.
• iDRAC9 Basic 15G: The iDRAC9 provides remote server management capabilities, allowing you to monitor and control the server remotely.
• Single Cabled Power Supply 450W Platinum: The 450W Platinum power supply provides reliable power delivery with high efficiency.
• TPM2.0: The integrated TPM 2.0 chip enhances security and protects sensitive data.

Performance

In my testing, the Dell PowerEdge R250 delivered strong performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and running productivity applications. The server handled virtualization tasks with ease, smoothly running multiple virtual machines simultaneously. The Intel Xeon processor provided the necessary horsepower for demanding workloads, ensuring responsiveness and efficiency.

The 16GB of RAM proved sufficient for most business applications, but for more demanding tasks like large database operations or heavy multimedia editing, you might consider upgrading to a higher RAM configuration.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Intel Xeon processor for demanding workloads
• Compact rack-mountable design for space-saving installation
• Reliable and efficient power supply
• Remote management capabilities via iDRAC9
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• The base RAM configuration might not be enough for highly demanding workloads
• The single hard drive might be a bottleneck for large data storage needs
• Limited expansion slots for future upgrades

Final Verdict

The Dell PowerEdge R250 Rack Server is an excellent choice for small businesses and organizations looking for a powerful and reliable server at an affordable price. It offers solid performance, a compact design, and valuable features, making it a great option for a variety of applications. While the base RAM configuration and single hard drive might limit its suitability for very demanding workloads, the server’s overall performance and versatility make it a compelling option for many use cases. I would definitely recommend the Dell PowerEdge R250 to anyone seeking a robust and cost-effective rack server.

Specifications