Dell EMC PowerEdge R7425 Server

Description

Outfitted with AMD's EPYC processors, the Dell EMC PowerEdge R7425 server delivers more cores and memory to support more virtual desktop implementations. The system supports a full range of storage options, including support for super-fast NVMe storage devices. Dell's integrated suite of management tools help System Administrators enable peak efficiency through intelligent automation of routine server maintenance tasks.

Performance

One or two AMD EPYC 7000 series processors can be installed, which offer up to 32 cores per processor for 64 total cores, and 128 threads, in a two-processor configuration using top of the line EPYC processors. AMD's EPYC processors also deliver up to 128 PCIe 3.0 lanes, eight memory channels, and up to 2TB of memory, per processor. The EPYC processors also feature the industry's first hardware-embedded x86 server security solution with its system on a chip architecture.

Memory

In total, there are 32 DDR4 DIMM slots on the system board. Each of the two processors supports eight memory channels with two memory slots each for a total of 16 DIMM slots. Both Registered and Load Reduced DIMM modules are supported but NVDIMMs are not compatible with this system. With two processors and a full complement of 128GB memory modules, the system will support up to 4TB of memory.

Storage

There are quite a few storage options on the Dell R7425 server. You can choose from up to 24x 2.5-inch drives or 12x 3.5-inch drives up front. The 2.5-inch drive chassis supports SAS, SATA, Nearline SAS and NVME drives, while the 3.5-inch drive bay chassis supports the same but no NVMe. There is also a mid-plane drive carrier that supports up to four 2.5-inch NVMe drives or four 3.5-inch SAS or SATA HDDs. Additionally, a rear drive bay can also support either 4x 2.5-inch or 2x 3.5-inch SAS or SATA HDD drives. The 24-bay chassis outfitted with 24x 2.5-inch drives up front along with four in the midplane and four in the rear accessible drive cage will support up to 32 drives.

Expansion

Riser options include up to 8x PCIe 3.0slots with up to six featuring x16 PCIe lanes to make use of the 128 PCIe lanes supported by each processor. There are two USB 3.0 slots on the back of the system along with a dedicated iDRAC network port. On the front of the system you'll find two more USB 2.0 ports along with a dedicated iDRAC Micro-USB port. A network daughter card (NDC) is installed in a dedicated slot on the back of the system and can support a variety of Network connection speeds from 1GbE to 25GbE.

Management

Management of the Dell EMC R7425 server is handled by Dell's integrated Dell Remote Access Controller which offers out-of-band tools to manage the system on-site and remotely with Dell's OpenManage systems management portfolio to obtain the peak performance and efficiency from your Dell server. You can also manage the system at the chassis using the OpenManage mobile app along with the PowerEdge Quick Sync 2.0. Quick Sync 2.0 and OpenManage allows you to easily access server information at the chassis using a Smart phone or Tablet supporting either iOS or an Android OS—a definite improvement compared to Quick Sync 1.0.

Summary

With its high core count and dense memory, the Dell EMC PowerEdge R7425 server is an excellent choice for data centers and other applications where you need to maximize your virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). It offers built-in security with AMD's EPYC processors with Secure Run Technology that encrypts all software and data in memory. It also ensures only cryptographically signed firmware will run on the system along with a host of other security features.