Dell EMC PowerEdge R7515 Server

Description

This system is not compatible with the 1st generation round of AMD EPYC processors (codename Naples). With a new motherboard design on these next-generation platforms, Dell has enhanced the air flow while increasing I/O capacity and bandwidth, plus even more gains with support for PCIe 4.0, which is 4-times faster than PCIe 3.0. These AMD platforms offer greater compute performance than the current mainstream Intel Xeon-based platforms. Compared to the previous generation R7415 using 1st generation EPYC processors, there is a 2-fold increase in performance, which is quite an achievement. It also offers the highest VM density for a single-socket server, and can easily be used as a vSAN Ready Node.

Performance

The AMD processors feature a System-on-Chip (SoC) design with two threads per core and a top core count of up to 64-cores. Only a single 2nd generation AMD EPYC processor is supported offering up to 64 cores of processing power, 8x memory channels for more memory bandwidth, and support for PCIe 4.0. The high core count supports the highest VM density in a single-socket system. The system is powered by dual redundant PSUs up to 1600W Platinum.

Memory

With 8x memory channels to work with, the system will support up to 16x DDR4 memory modules. Using Registered RDIMM) memory modules, the system will support a maximum of 1TB. Outfitted with Load-Reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules, the system will support a maximum of 2TB using 128GB memory modules in all 16 slots. Also supported are 3-Dimensional Stack DIMMs, or 3-DS DIMMs.

Storage

SATA, SAS and NVMe drives are supported on this chassis. There are a few storage options to choose from depending on your workload. Chassis configurations include:

A rear-mounted drive cage will support 2x more 3.5-inch hot plug SATA or SAS (HDD) drives, and using low-profile risers will still support 2x PCIe slots. An optional optical drive is only supported on the 8-bay chassis. A dedicated slot for a PERC mini controller helps preserve your limited PCIe expansion slots.

Expansion

There are four x16 electrical PCIe sockets on the Dell R7515 server, depending on your choice of risers. You get a maximum of 2x PCIe 4.0 slots and 2x PCIe 3.0 slots. PCIe 4.0 is twice as fast as PCIe 3.0 offering transfer rates of 2GB/s compared to 1GB/s with PCIe 3.0. Open compute project (OCP) connectors on the end of the motherboard provide options for a LAN on Motherboard (LOM), which can be switched out to support other connection speeds and features. For the best user experience in VDI applications, up to 4x 150W GPUS, like the Nvidia Tesla T4, can be installed.

Management

These Dell platforms featuring 2nd generation AMD EPYC processors are completely compatible with the Intel Xeon-based alternatives and will easily integrate with your existing network. Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC 9.0) with Lifecycle Controller provides at-chassis and remote access to the system. It’s also compatible with Dell’s OpenManage Enterprise suite of tools and the OpenManage Enterprise Power Manager. Optional QuickSync 2.0, for at-chassis management using a smartphone or tablet is also supported, providing more immediate inventory and status. A dedicated iDRAC port on the back of the system enables remote access. Several security features are included.

Summary

AMD’s 2nd generation processors are driving the market towards greater levels of performance along with a greater return on investment. Featuring the highest core count and highest VM density of any other mainstream server, the Dell EMC PowerEdge R7515 server can support your needs now, and into the future.