Dell Power Edge - Model Naming Convention

Model Naming Convention

Since the introduction of the Generation 10 servers in 2007 Dell has adopted a standardized method for naming their servers; the name of each server is now represented by a letter followed by 3 digits. The letter indicates the type of server: R (for Rack-mountable) indicates a 19" rack-mountable server, M (for Modular) indicates a blade server, whilst T (for Tower) indicates a stand-alone server.

This letter is then followed by 3 digits.

• The first digit refers to the number of sockets in the system: 1 to 3 for one socket, 4 to 7 for two sockets, and 9 for four sockets. 8 can be either two or four sockets depending on generation and CPU make
• The middle digit refers to the generation: 0 for Generation 10, 1 for Generation 11, and so on.
• The third digit indicates the make of the CPU: 0 for Intel or 5 for AMD.

For example: The Dell PowerEdge M610 is a two-socket server of the 11th generation using an Intel CPU whilst the R605 is a two-socket AMD-based rack-server of the 10th generation.

Prior to the Generation 10 servers, the naming convention was as follows

• First digit - height of the server in rack units
• Second digit - generation of server (up to 9th generation)
• Third digit - server type (5 for rack server, 0 for tower server, although tower servers could be outfitted with a rack chassis)
• Fourth digit - indicated whether blade or normal (5 for blade, 0 for normal)

Example 1: PowerEdge 2650 ( 2 = 2U server, 6 = 6th generation, 5 = rack server, 0 = normal )

Example 2: PowerEdge 6950 ( 6 = 4U server, 9 = 9th generation, 5 = rack server, 0 = normal )

Example 3: PowerEdge 2800 ( 2 = 2U server 2850, 8 = 8th generation, 0 = tower server, 0 = normal )

Example 4: PowerEdge 1855 ( 1 = 1U server, 8 = 8th generation, 5 = rack server, 5 = blade )

Most servers had a tower equivalent - the PowerEdge 2800 was the tower equivalent of the 2850. The naming applies to the tower version too, but the tower version will usually be between 5U and 6U.