Dell R420

The Dell PowerEdge R420 Offers Affordable Performance to Small Businesses

The Dell PowerEdge R420 is a two-socket 1U rack server that delivers an intuitive, user-friendly experience, coupled with robust technical capabilities that make it an excellent choice for any small business looking for a network solution. Extremely affordable, the R420 manages to offer excellent performance without breaking the bank. Savvy buyers can further reduce costs by purchasing a server gently used or refurbished on eBay at a significantly reduced price.

The Dell R420 was engineered specifically for small and growing businesses. Affordability, an intuitive user experience, and easy expandability combine to make the R420 a purpose-built solution for small businesses on the grow. Available in a wide range of configurations and options to meet the requirements of virtually any organization, precise specifications will vary from server to server, but the base model R420 offers the following:

• Intel Xeon ES-2400 CPU family
• Up to 16TB of internal storage
• 12 DIMM slots, able to support up to 324 DDR3 RAM
• One 550W non-redundant, or up to two 550W hot plug redundant, or 350W hot plug redundant PSUs
• 2 PCIe x16 slots

Yes, the Dell R420 designers prioritized data security, and the R420 incorporates a number of physical and digital security features. On the physical side, the R420 includes a coin key lock on the top of the cover, an optional locking metal bezel that secures both the hard drives and the server control panel, and an intrusion alert switch to alert the user when the internal components of the unit have been accessed. Digital security features include incorporation of the Trusted Platform Module, allowing the user to create and store passwords and encryption keys, and a secure boot mode accessible from BIOS to set a machine password and lock down the machine.

The Dell R420 is a standard sized 1U rack server, designed to be secured in a server rack or cabinet. The server includes five to six internal system fans, depending on the precise configuration of the unit, and includes dynamic control of the fans in response to temperature fluctuations, in order to efficiently cool the unit. The R420 is available with either the ReadyRails sliding rail system which requires a four-post rack, or the ReadyRails static rail system, which enables installation in two or four-post racks. Both systems allow for toolless installation of the server. An optional cable management arm is available.

The Dell R420 is available free of an installed operating system, but is also available with the following:

• Microsoft Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, x64
• Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux