Dell EMC PowerEdge R7415 Server Review

Earlier this year, @DellEMC released 2 new single-socket PowerEdge servers with @AMD #EPYC processors - the PowerEdge R6415 and the PowerEdge R7415. The PowerEdge R7415 is a 2U single-socket server with enterprise-class AMD EPYC processors available. Being a single-socket server, users can expect a cost savings in both lower licenses costs and power costs, resulting in a better TCO. Of course, AMD has also stated that the price of the CPU is lower than the two CPU counterparts, giving the R7415 access to new workloads where conventional dual-socket systems may not be ideal. The R7415 can be loaded with up to 24 NVMe drives that not only can bring a large performance boost but with the ever increasing density of these drives, can potentially offer incredible capacity. This would position the server ideally for use cases such as software defined storage (SDS) or business analytics.  While AMD EPYC processors offer many features, one of the most significant is its high PCIe lane count per CPU (128 PCIe lanes per single CPU). This is important for two reasons. First, it offers 3x more lanes than single socket x86 systems (only 48 lanes), allowing for more I/O per CPU. More importantly, it unlocks capabilities and performance previously available only in 2-socket architectures without the related overprovisioning. This also allows for new system configurations on a single socket server, focusing more on I/O capabilities. In addition to leveraging EPYC’s high PCIe lane count, the unique design of the PowerEdge R7415 provides up to 12 direct-connect, hot-swap NVMe drives (maximum 24 drives with some switching). NVME drives pack a performance punch and emerging developments see them increasing density. So if one were to fully load the R7415 they should see a big boost in performance as well as a potentially very dense 2U server. Dell EMC goes on to state that, even fully loaded with 24 NVMe drives, the server still has enough lanes available to power 4 standard rear PCIe slots with an optional 2 x 10GE mezzanine card. Additionally, the PowerEdge R7415 can pack in 2TB of memory with its 16 DDR4 DIMM slots. Leveraging AMD CPUs hasn't changed the fundamental value proposition PowerEdge offers; the R7415 has the same features users enjoy and have come to expect from the PowerEdge line. This includes the feature-rich LifeCycle Controller, iDRAC, and OpenManage Mobile offerings. These support features can sway customers away from low-cost white box systems that don't include the same depth-of-management capabilities. The R7415 also has security options built-in, with features such as cryptographically trusted booting and silicon root of trust. Dell EMC PowerEdge R7415 Server Specifications

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