PowerEdge R730 + GPU Configuration Help

These servers come in a few configurations, one of which allows GPUGPU processing cards to be installed inside the server. Such GPUGPU configurations include a GPU enablment kit which provides the needed GPU auxilary power connectors but this 'kit' can only be ordered at time of purchase and not a retrofitable post purchase part.

GPUGPU processors (as distinct from graphics cards) are sold by Dell and are supported within the server. Some of the early GPUGPU processing cards sold by Dell also provided a DVI port which could be used for graphics functions but i'd asume this graphics configuration function was not supported by Dell.

The term "not supported by Dell" does not mean something wont work within the server, only that should you have problems Dell will not provide resources to help resolve the issue and as such you are own your own in finding a fix.

Probably the first issue you will come accross when installing an Nvidia GTX gaphics card into a Dell server (with a GPU enablement kit) is that the fans will ramp up to 75% and the machine will be noisy as a result. There are workarounds listed within these forums for such noise issues but again these solutions are unsupported by Dell.

And if your planning on dual GPU cards in SLI configuration, i'm not sure it's at all possible as your now bumping into motherboard licensing issues and i'd think Dell hasn't licensed their mobos for SLI or crossfire.

Then there is the issue having a driver for your cards certified on teh server OS you are using. Likely Win7/Win10 drivers should not cause issues on 2008R2/2016 server OS but you will not find certified NVidia GTX graphics card drivers for server OS's.

So if your wanting a clear answer then i'd say "GPU cards are not supported by Dell on Dell servers but you may make it work by sorting through any issues that crop up using your own brain power". Yes i know, it's hardly celar :emotion-4:

The bigger question is why do you want a server and couldn't a workstation better suit your needs?

Hi Skylarking,

Thanks for the reply. Well it's racked and won't take up much space, and the redundant power supply is really useful. Before looking up the PowerEdge R730, I've actually looked around for Precision line of products. Sadly it is not ready stock and will take a month or so for it to arrive at my home city. The PowerEdge R730 though, is ready stock and looking from the outside of the hardware, it looks identical. I am hoping for the R730 to be able to be fitted with some gpu.

Thank you.

Hello joshuatanuseputra1202,

Did you finally manage to run your GTX card in R730?

I am curious as I am planning a similar config.