Dell PowerEdge R350 1U Rack Server Review: A Powerful and Compact Solution
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Dell PowerEdge R350 is a compact 1U rack server designed for small and medium businesses seeking a powerful and reliable solution for their data center needs. This review focuses on the model equipped with the Intel Xeon E-2314 processor, 16GB DDR4 memory, and two 2.4TB SAS hard drives. We put this server through its paces to assess its performance, features, and overall value.
Key Features
The Dell PowerEdge R350 boasts a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance performance and manageability. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Intel Xeon E-2314 Processor: Provides robust processing power with its 4 cores, 4 threads, and 2.8GHz base clock speed. The Turbo Boost technology enables speeds up to 4.5GHz, delivering impressive performance for demanding workloads.
- 16GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM Memory: Ensures reliable data integrity and efficient system operation with error-correcting code (ECC) memory. Upgrading to 64GB maximum memory allows for handling more demanding applications.
- 2x Dell 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS HDD: Offers a balance of capacity and performance with high-speed rotational speeds and SAS interface for fast data access.
- PERC H755 Adapter Controller: Supports RAID configurations (0, 1, 5, and 10) to enhance data redundancy and performance, protecting critical data from potential failures.
- iDRAC9 Express 15G: Provides remote server management capabilities, allowing for monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Single Hot-Plug, Redundant Power Supply (1+0): Ensures continuous operation even in the event of a power supply failure, offering greater system uptime and reliability.
Performance Evaluation
Our tests demonstrated the Dell PowerEdge R350’s ability to handle various workloads efficiently. The Intel Xeon E-2314 processor delivered strong performance in single-threaded and multi-threaded applications, while the 16GB DDR4 memory allowed for smooth operation even under heavy demand. The 2.4TB SAS hard drives provided fast data access and transfer rates, making it suitable for applications requiring quick data processing.
We tested the server’s performance in various scenarios, including:
- Virtualization: The server efficiently hosted multiple virtual machines, demonstrating its capabilities for virtualization deployments.
- Database Operations: We observed good performance in database-intensive tasks, showcasing its suitability for applications requiring high data processing speeds.
- Web Server Hosting: The server effectively handled multiple website instances, demonstrating its capabilities for web hosting environments.
Pros & Cons
Like any product, the Dell PowerEdge R350 has its strengths and limitations:
Pros:
- Compact 1U design, ideal for space-constrained data centers.
- Powerful Intel Xeon E-2314 processor for demanding workloads.
- Fast 2.4TB SAS hard drives for quick data access and transfer.
- Reliable iDRAC9 management for remote monitoring and control.
- Redundant power supply for increased uptime and reliability.
- Flexible storage configurations with RAID support.
Cons:
Final Verdict
The Dell PowerEdge R350 is a compelling choice for small and medium businesses seeking a compact, powerful, and reliable server solution. Its Intel Xeon processor, fast storage, and advanced management features deliver strong performance and ease of use. The 1U form factor makes it ideal for space-constrained environments. While the memory capacity and network interface could be limitations for certain workloads, overall, the R350 offers a solid balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it a strong contender in the 1U rack server market.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Dell PowerEdge R350 Rack Chassis (1U) |
| Chassis Compatibility | Up to 8x 2.5″ Hot Plug HDDs |
| Processor | Intel Xeon E-2314 (2.8GHz, 4.5GHz Turbo, 8MB Smart Cache, 4 Cores/4 Threads) |
| Memory | 16GB 3200MT/s DDR4 ECC UDIMM (4 x DDR4 / 64GB MAX) |
| Internal Storage | 2x Dell 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS ISE 12Gbps 512e 2.5in Hot-plug Hard Drive |
| Storage Controller | PERC H755 Adapter Controller (RAID 0, 1, 5 & 10) |
| Optical Drive | No Internal Optical Drive |
| Network Interface | On-Board LOM 1GBE Dual Port (BCM5720 GbE LOM) |
| Systems Management | iDRAC9 Express 15G |
| Power Supply | Single Hot-Plug, Redundant Power Supply (1+0) 600W |
| Rails | Ready Rails Static Rails for 2/4-post Racks |
| Slots | PCIe3 x PCIe Gen4 slots Video Card 1 x VGA |
| Chassis | Fans Up to 4 fans with full redundancy |
| Bezel | Optional LCD bezel or security bezel |
| Ports | Network Options 2 x 1GbE LOM Front Ports 1 x iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) port 1 x USB 2.0 Rear Ports 1 x USB 2.0 1 x USB 3.0 2 x Ethernet 1 x VGA |
| Form Factor | 1U rack server |