Dell PowerStore Storage is a next-generation all-flash storage solution built for performance, scalability, and efficiency. Designed for enterprises, it comes in two primary categories: T-Series (Traditional Storage) and X-Series (Virtualized Storage with AppsON).
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This article provides an in-depth technical comparison of both categories, detailing their differences and analyzing all models in a structured and easy-to-understand way.
Dell PowerStore T-Series vs. PowerStore X-Series: Key Differences
Feature | T-Series (Traditional Storage) | X-Series (Virtualized Storage with AppsON) |
Deployment Mode | Runs PowerStoreOS natively | Runs PowerStoreOS inside VMware ESXi |
Storage Access | Block & File Storage | Block Storage Only |
VM Hosting (AppsON) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Runs VMs directly on storage) |
Best Use Case | High-performance storage | VMware environments needing compute + storage |
Dell PowerStore T-Series Model Breakdown
The PowerStore T-Series is a high-performance, dedicated storage solution built for scalability.
T-Series Models:
Model | CPU | Memory (Max GB) | Max Raw Capacity |
500T | Single Xeon | 384 GB | 1.2 PB |
1000T | Dual Xeon | 384 GB | 1.2 PB |
3000T | Dual Xeon | 768 GB | 1.2 PB |
9000T | Dual Xeon | 2560 GB | 1.2 PB |
Expansion & Scalability:
Supports up to 3 expansion enclosures
Drives supported: NVMe SSD, SAS SSD, NVMe SCM
Designed for: High-performance databases, analytics, and virtualization
Dell T-Series is best for enterprises needing high-capacity, fast storage.
Dell PowerStore X-Series Model Breakdown
The PowerStore X-Series is unique because it runs PowerStoreOS inside VMware ESXi, allowing it to host applications directly on the storage array.
X-Series Models:
Model | CPU | Memory (Max GB) | VM Hosting (AppsON) |
1000X | Dual Xeon | 384 GB | ✅ Yes |
3000X | Dual Xeon | 768 GB | ✅ Yes |
9000X | Dual Xeon | 2560 GB | ✅ Yes |
Why Choose PowerStore X-Series?
Integrated VMware ESXi
Runs applications directly on storage
Best for VMware-heavy environments needing both storage and compute
Dell X-Series is ideal for organizations looking to consolidate compute and storage.
First-Gen vs. Second-Gen PowerStore Models
The second generation of PowerStore Storage offers massive performance and efficiency improvements.
Feature | First-Gen (2020-2021) | Second-Gen (2023) |
NVMe Support | NVMe + SAS SSD | 100% NVMe SSD |
Performance | Standard | Up to 50% faster |
Data Efficiency | 4:1 Reduction | 5:1 Reduction |
Security | Standard | Zero Trust Security Model |
Scalability | 4-node cluster | Improved clustering options |
Which Dell PowerStore Storage Model Is Right for You?
Choose PowerStore T-Series if:
You need high-performance, dedicated storage.
Your focus is block and file storage.
You require massive scalability (1.2 PB capacity).
Choose PowerStore X-Series if:
You are a VMware-heavy organization.
You need AppsON to run VMs on storage.
You want compute and storage in one device.
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