Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server | Specs and Performance

When it comes to enterprise-grade computing, the Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server stands tall as one of Dell’s most powerful and versatile 2U platforms from the PowerEdge 12th generation family. Designed for organizations handling compute-heavy workloads such as virtualization, high-density databases, and large-scale applications, the R820 remains a reliable choice even in today’s refurbished server market.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know — from specifications and architecture to real-world performance, upgrade tips, buying advice, and common use cases.

What Is the Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server?

The Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server is a 2U, four-socket rack server built to deliver maximum performance in a compact chassis. It was engineered for businesses that needed high compute density, massive memory capacity, and enterprise-class reliability — all in just 2U of rack space.

At its peak, the R820 was the go-to choice for enterprises deploying virtualization clusters, database servers, and VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure). Even today, refurbished R820 servers provide excellent value for companies that want performance at a fraction of the cost of newer platforms.

Key Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server specifications:

Form Factor: 2U rack server
Processor Support: Up to 4 × Intel® Xeon® E5-4600 or E5-4600 v2 processors (up to 48 cores total)
Memory: Up to 1.5 TB across 48 DIMM slots using LRDIMMs (RDIMM and UDIMM also supported)
Storage Options: Flexible configurations with 2.5″ or 3.5″ SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs
Expansion Slots: Multiple PCIe 3.0 slots for NICs, HBAs, or accelerators
Management: Integrated iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller for remote management
Power Supplies: Hot-swap, redundant PSU options (750W, 1100W AC)
RAID Support: PERC RAID controllers with cache battery options

Architecture Highlights

The R820 was designed with scalability and workload flexibility in mind. Some of its standout architectural features include:

Four CPU Sockets: Delivering high core counts for compute-dense virtualization and application hosting.
Massive Memory Footprint: 48 DIMM slots allow you to run memory-intensive databases and analytics workloads without bottlenecks.
Flexible I/O: Multiple PCIe 3.0 slots give room for network expansion, storage acceleration, or GPU add-ons (within power/thermal limits).
Efficient Cooling: Intelligent fans adjust dynamically, maintaining performance while reducing unnecessary noise.

Real-World Performance

Performance-wise, the Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server excels at:

Virtualization — The combination of 4 CPUs and up to 1.5 TB RAM means you can host dozens (or even hundreds) of virtual machines on a single chassis.
Databases — With high memory capacity, the R820 handles OLTP and in-memory database workloads effectively.
VDI Deployments — Enterprises running Citrix or VMware Horizon benefit from high user density per server.
Compute-Intensive Apps — From ERP systems to financial modeling, the R820 remains competitive in performance when properly configured.

Typical Use Cases

Enterprise Virtualization Hosts — Ideal for VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM clusters.
High-Density Databases — Perfect for Microsoft SQL, Oracle, or MySQL workloads.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) — Supports hundreds of virtual desktops.
HPC and Scientific Applications — Suitable for parallel workloads that demand raw compute power.

Remote Management & Maintenance

The iDRAC7 with Lifecycle Controller makes remote administration simple. With iDRAC, IT teams can:

Monitor hardware health and thermal conditions
Update firmware remotely
Run system diagnostics
Access the server console without being physically present

This greatly reduces downtime and enhances IT efficiency.

Buying a Refurbished Dell PowerEdge R820

Since Dell no longer sells the R820 as new, most businesses opt for refurbished or used models. Here’s a checklist before buying:

✅ CPU configuration — Verify the Xeon generation (v1 vs v2) for performance differences.
✅ Memory population — Check if it uses RDIMM or LRDIMM and ensure all slots are functional.
✅ RAID controller health — Confirm PERC controller and cache battery are tested.
✅ Power supplies — Ensure redundancy and wattage match your needs.
✅ iDRAC functionality — A healthy iDRAC is essential for remote management.
✅ Warranty or DOA policy — Only buy from vendors offering return/replacement options.

At Quality Servers, we specialize in providing refurbished Dell servers including the R820, ensuring rigorous testing and reliable performance.

Upgrades & Compatibility

CPU: You can upgrade within the Xeon E5-4600/v2 family.
Memory: To achieve 1.5 TB, use 32 GB or 64 GB LRDIMMs — mixing RDIMM and LRDIMM isn’t supported.
Storage: Add SSDs for faster I/O or use PCIe storage adapters for performance-heavy workloads.
Networking: Expand with 10GbE/40GbE NICs for virtualization and high-bandwidth apps.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

High compute and memory density in just 2U
Excellent for virtualization and large databases
Reliable, enterprise-class design
Affordable in the refurbished market

Cons:

Older CPU architecture (less efficient than modern Xeon/EPYC)
Limited NVMe support without add-on cards
Higher power consumption compared to new-generation servers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much RAM can the Dell PowerEdge R820 support?
A: Up to 1.5 TB using LRDIMMs across 48 DIMM slots.

Q2: Is the Dell R820 good for virtualization?
A: Yes, it’s excellent for VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM deployments due to its high CPU and memory density.

Q3: Can I buy the R820 new from Dell?
A: No, it is now only available in refurbished or used markets.

Q4: What workloads benefit most from the R820?
A: Databases, VDI, virtualization clusters, and enterprise apps.

Final Thoughts

The Dell PowerEdge R820 Rack Server may be from an older generation, but it still packs a punch for organizations looking for affordable, high-performance computing. Whether you need a powerful virtualization host, a database workhorse, or a scalable VDI platform, the R820 delivers enterprise reliability at a fraction of the cost when purchased refurbished.

For businesses in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and across India, Quality Servers offers tested and certified refurbished Dell R820 servers that help you cut IT costs without compromising on performance.