The Dell PowerEdge R640 was first introduced in 2017 as part of Dell’s 14th-generation server line. It quickly became popular because of its flexibility and ability to grow with business needs. This made it a top choice for many companies needing a server that could handle different tasks, from running databases to hosting virtual machines. Even though newer models like the R650 and R750 have been released, the R640 is still a great option for businesses, at a much lower price point.
"Dell PowerEdge R640 - affordable, high performance: The right choice."
Even once Dell stops selling this model as new, refurbished R640 servers and all key components—such as CPUs, memory, storage drives, and network cards—will remain widely available in excellent condition. This means businesses can continue using the R640 for years to come by upgrading with refurbished parts, ensuring they maintain high performance and reliability while saving big on costs.
Performance and Scalability
At the heart of the PowerEdge R640 is support for dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors, offering up to 56 cores in total (28 cores per CPU). These processors are designed to support a wide range of workloads, including virtualization, high-performance computing (HPC), database management, and containerized applications. The system can handle heavy multi-threaded tasks, providing the necessary compute power for both general-purpose and resource-intensive environments.
In terms of memory, the R640 can be equipped with up to 1.5TB of DDR4 RAM running at 2666 MHz or 2933 MHz, depending on the chosen configuration. It also supports NVDIMM-N modules, providing data persistence in the event of power loss. This makes it a great option for memory-heavy workloads like in-memory databases and real-time analytics.
Storage Flexibility and Upgradability
One of the standout features of the Dell PowerEdge R640 is its storage flexibility. The server supports multiple storage configurations, including:
Up to 10 x 2.5" drives or 4 x 3.5" drives, depending on the chassis.
SATA, SAS, and NVMe SSDs.
This flexibility allows you to mix and match storage options to suit your specific workload. For example, you can use NVMe SSDs for high-speed data access and SATA HDDs for large-capacity storage. This versatility makes the R640 suitable for a wide range of applications, from general-purpose computing to database hosting, where storage performance is critical.
Additionally, the R640 can be equipped with a rear-mounted drive cage that provides support for two additional 2.5" drives. This can increase your overall storage capacity to as much as 58TB, allowing for significant scalability as your data needs grow. This is particularly useful in data-heavy environments where adding more storage is a priority without replacing the server entirely.
Networking and Power Efficiency
Networking capabilities are another key area where the R640 excels. The Network Daughter Card (NDC) allows for flexible networking configurations, giving you the option to choose from 1G RJ45, 10G SFP+, or 25G ports, depending on your infrastructure. This makes it easy to upgrade network speeds or add redundancy as your requirements evolve.
Power efficiency is also a hallmark of the R640. With power supply options ranging from 495W to 1600W, it can be tailored to the needs of your specific workload while keeping energy consumption under control. The availability of redundant power supplies ensures that your server remains operational even in the event of a power supply failure, which is critical for high-availability environments.
Long-Term Support and Extensibility
One of the biggest advantages of the PowerEdge R640 is that it continues to be supported even after its End of Life (EOL) and End of Service Life (EOSL) dates, which are yet to be officially announced. While Dell will eventually stop offering direct support, businesses can still maintain and extend the life of their R640 through third-party maintenance providers and refurbished parts. The server’s architecture allows for incremental upgrades, meaning you can continue to add newer components such as SSDs, memory, or network cards well into the future.
This is particularly beneficial for organizations looking to maximize their return on investment (ROI) by extending the useful life of their hardware. Refurbished parts, such as Intel Xeon Scalable processors, NVMe SSDs, and DDR4 memory, are readily available on the market, ensuring that your R640 remains fully functional and up-to-date, even as newer models are introduced.
Comparing to Newer Models
When compared to newer models like the R650 or R750, the R640 holds up remarkably well. While newer servers offer slight improvements in terms of power efficiency and CPU performance, the R640's flexibility in configuration and extensive upgrade options make it a competitive option for businesses that don’t need the absolute latest technology. The fact that it can still be scaled and upgraded with modern components means that it can handle most workloads without missing a beat.
For example, while the R650 offers some improvements in terms of processing speed and energy efficiency, these differences may not justify the cost of an entirely new infrastructure for many businesses. Instead, upgrading an existing R640 with newer components can provide similar performance at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion: A Strong, Future-Proof Server
The Dell PowerEdge R640 remains a high-performance, cost-effective solution for businesses. Its flexibility in terms of storage, memory, and networking upgrades ensures that it can be tailored to meet both current and future demands. With the availability of refurbished parts and third-party support, businesses can extend the lifecycle of their R640 servers well beyond their EOL and EOSL dates, making it a future-proof investment.
"The Dell PowerEdge R640 can still be a good long-term investment."
For organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure without a significant upfront investment, the PowerEdge R640 offers an excellent balance of performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Whether you need a server for virtualization, storage-heavy tasks, or general-purpose computing, the R640 has the features and capabilities to meet your needs while remaining a solid contender in today's market.
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