Direct from PowerEdge Development

---

PowerEdge MX7000 Direct Orthogonal Connectors

The new MX7000 modular platform eliminates the midplane of traditional server architectures and instead uses Direct Orthogonal Connectors for internal interconnection of compute, storage and switch modules. Elimination of the midplane greatly optimizes airflow and enhances cooling, while signal transmission and power delivery are also improved by this new, innovative design.

---

PowerEdge MX-Series Fabric Management

The networking options offered for the PowerEdge MX-Series, enabling users to scale from a single chassis to many. Users wanted to stick with traditional management can configure the networking elements of the MX-Series infrastructure using Full-Switch mode or Open Networking, but for those looking for ease of use, self-healing technologies, automated configuration of VLAN and QoS as well as the convenience and cost savings of reduced administration, SmartFabric Services is the ideal solution.

---

PowerEdge MX-Series Storage Options and Use Cases

A broad range of workloads are now optimized for storage technologies, creating the need to provide customers with flexibility in the server infrastructure to meet these diverse needs. The PowerEdge MX-Series has been designed specifically to reduce storage option complexity while at the same time delivering the robust, agile storage architecture needed to optimize for various workloads and environments.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 Chassis Thermal Airflow Architecture

The Multiple Airflow Architecture of the new MX7000 chassis enables enhanced energy efficiency in the cooling of higher power and denser system configurations, extends the lifecycle of the chassis to accommodate multiple generations of future IT technology, and delivers excellent investment protection.

---

PowerEdge MX-Series Optimizations for the Software Defined Data Center

The Software Defined Data Center is emerging as one of the leading architectural approaches for customers who wish to cut costs, increase agility and improve reliability without incurring vendor lock-in. The new PowerEdge MX-Series Modular solutions were designed specifically to enable SDDC by integrating key optimizations for Software Defined Storage and Software Defined Networking with the industry leading Dell EMC PowerEdge Server family.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 Acoustical Baffle

The MX7000 Acoustical Baffle brings temporary or permanent acoustical mitigation to noise-sensitive installations. Installation of the baffle can be performed quickly in the field, no tools required.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 Acoustical Options

For the majority of MX7000 deployments, the acoustical experience meets customer expectations. For customers deploying in noise-sensitive areas, a three-pillar strategy of Configuration selection, Software settings, and Acoustical hardware can reduce acoustical noise output to meet expectations for those deployments.

---

PowerEdge MX740c, MX840c and Intel QuickAssist Technology

Intel® QuickAssist Technology (Intel® QAT) on PowerEdge MX provides a software-enabled foundation for security, authentication, and compression, and significantly increases the performance and efficiency of standard platform solutions.

PowerEdge MX Power Redundancy

Core details associated with the PowerEdge MX redundant power features. Specifically called out in detail and explained are the grid power options and associated redundancy features.

---

Troubleshooting with Extract Logs on PowerEdge MX7000

How to collect the PowerEdge MX7000 Extract Logs that can be later used by Technical Support to troubleshoot any hardware or firmware issues.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 Reset to Default

How to utilize the "Reset to Default" feature found in Dell’s new PowerEdge MX7000 chassis. Also outlined are the listing of the settings that are reset, and settings that are not impacted. The retention of some persistent storage of critcal chassis information on the chassis right control panel, and which settings are retained in case of management card replacement.

---

PowerEdge MX Secure Chassis Management

Innovative new security features that are built into the PowerEdge MX7000 for single and multi-chassis deployment, including:

• Secure boot features built into the Management Modules and iDRAC
• Ground-up security design incorporating SELinux and least-privilege processes
• Mechanisms that ensure the security of all management traffic inside the chassis by authenticating and authorizing every component in the chassis
• Encryption for all internal management network traffic

---

PowerEddge MX7000 At the Box Serial Access

PowerEdge MX7000 step by step process for "At the box" serial access ensuring secure chassis management and efficient troubleshooting when remote access to the management firmware is not available.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 LED Device Status

Comprehensive status information for LED behaviors on PowerEdge MX7000. The MX7000 chassis and modular devices in a MX7000 chassis are equipped with multipurpose LEDs which can indicate the current health state of the device, provide identification or implement device specific features.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 LED Control Panel

Describes the features and capabilities provided by the control panels, specifically the LED Options.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 vSAN Ready Nodes

vSAN Ready Node options available for the PowerEdge MX as well as select BIOS configurations for optimal performance.

---

PowerEdge MX7000 Chassis Management Network Cabling

PowerEdge MX7000 chassis management network including recommended network cabling diagrams, and the fault tolerant capabilities of the network design in the chassis.

---

Configuring PowerEdge FX2 for FCoE with VMware

Outlines the simplicity of configuring an FX2 system for FCoE operation, providing users the benefit of cable reduction while at the same time delivering the performance and security of Fibre Channel-based storage.

---

The PowerEdge FX2 Unique Solution Design

The PowerEdge FX2 takes advantage of the best attributes of both rack servers and blade servers, and delivers them in a unique hybrid solution. Key benefits include:

• Small initial investment
• Outstanding data center flexibility
• Extensive integrated storage capacity
• Choice of PCIe slots or integrated switching
• Ability to manage FX2 as rack servers or as blade servers
• Workload optimization

---

PowerEdge FX2 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Comparison

PowerEdge FX2 delivers 22% better TCO over a 4-year lifecycle compared to rack servers. As the PowerEdge FX2 is 2U in size, comparing the TCO to a 2U rack server is a great way to understand the unique capabilities of the FX2. Savings include:

• Reduces cabling by up to 75% which reduces cost and potential points of failure
• Utilizes half the rack space – especially important for colocations and data center constrained spaces
• Physically deployed once per 4 servers
• Leverages existing systems management skills: Can be managed like a rack server or like a blade server

---

PowerEdge FX2 Optimized Fault Zone Design

The PowerEdge FX2 offers greater workload density than blade servers while also resolving the traditional trade-off between probability of failure and severity of failure. Includes detailed example of how with FX2, in the same 10u space as an M1000e and 16 blade nodes, customers can benefit from 25% more compute capacity while at the same time significantly reducing fault zone severity.

---

Augmenting QoS using NPAR with PowerEdge FX2

Quality of service (QoS) and the importance of network bandwidth prioritization. Contains clear description of how to set up NPAR in both un-constrained and constrained environments, including prioritization of vMotion and FCoE over lower-priority functions in case of server emergency.

---

PowerEdge R840 Boost Performance and Delivers Competitive Advantage

Summarizes performance benchmarking between the new PowerEdge R840 and an earlier-generation PowerEdge R820, both running a compute-intensive workload (Monte Carlo simulations). The results help users to understand the importance of upgrading to new technology, not only for the obvious performance benefits but also for gaining (or maintaining) competitive advantage.

---

PowerEdge R740 Accerates Microsoft SQL Server Performance

Benchmark results showing that the new 14th-generation PowerEdge R740 significantly out-performs the previous-generation R730, both running Microsoft SQL Server 2016:

• 41% higher transactions per second
• 50% increase in user load
• 50% decrease in average query response time

This is an excellent support document to encourage install-base users to refresh with new 14G technology.

---

PowerEdge R740 SQL Server Performance with NVDIMMs

Explains that while the R740 without NVDIMMs delivers impressive high performance, data centers wanting the utmost out of their R740’s can implement NVDIMMs to:

 

• Boost transactions per second by 42%
• Boost batch requests per second by 43%

 

compared to the same R740 without NVDIMMs. This is an excellent support document to encourage users to utilize NVDIMMs with new 14G technology.

---

PowerEdge T640 - Workhorse server for demanding workloads

Overview of the powerful, efficient and versatile PowerEdge T640 rackable tower server, including key workloads. Describes main benefits that result in better business outcomes for our customers.

---

PowerEdge R6415, R7415 and R7425 with AMD EPYC processors and NUMA

Explains how the new AMD EPYC design establishes Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) domains across dies and sockets, and how PowerEdge BIOS settings leverage these domains for optimal performance.

---

Configuring Low-Latency Environments on PowerEdge 14G Servers

Guidelines for tuning PowerEdge servers for low-latency applications and workloads, e.g. High Frequency Trading, chemical process control, manufacturing workflow, signal processing, etc.

---

Configuration Compliance Baseline Management in OpenManage Enterprise

Summarizes the new configuration compliance baseline feature in OpenManage and describes best-practice methods to get the most out of the feature. Configuration compliance baselines identify the difference between a chassis or server’s settings and expected values. This feature is used to check and report attribute compliance throughout the data center.

---

Device Onboarding with OpenManage Enterprise

Describes the new Device Onboarding feature of OpenManage Enterprise and explains the straightforward steps to set up administrator privileges for full management. Users wanting to simply monitor their servers can instead implement reduce, non-administrator privileges.

---

Building Intelligent Server Management

Point of View describing how PowerEdge servers are designed with management intelligence in mind, with a focus on simplicity, efficiency and availability, that results in tangible and significant real-world benefits.

---

Simplify Server Management using Dell EMC’s Agent-free Architecture

Describes agent-based vs. agent-free server management and why Dell chose its agent-free strategy. The innovative agent-free architecture in PowerEdge Servers offers a far simpler way to manage server infrastructures without the complexities of using agents. Automating management operations agent-free is easily achieved using our consoles and 3rd party integrations, or by employing scripting to our management APIs. Leveraging this approach offers significant reductions in the amount of time and effort needed by System Administrators to manage their Dell EMC server infrastructure, leading to lower OPEX and greater focus on IT innovation.

---

The Future of Systems Management Automation

Describes the role of Dell EMC as an industry leader in management automation, driving the creation of new standards and delivering innovative solutions that simplify and speed server operations. Our embrace of management automation began with the first PowerEdge servers and has grown to include support for key industry standards, an agent-free management architecture for OS-independent management throughout the server lifecycle, and solution enablement through scripting support.

---

Best practices for performing firmware updates on PowerEdge servers

Describes various methods for performing firmware updates and three components for an best practice around performing updates:

• Baseline development and management
• Update notification
• Deployment

Dell provides tools for everything you need to perform server updates, from planning to deployment.

---

Workload Profile based Automated Server Configuration for PowerEdge Servers

Describes the functionality and proper use of Dell EMC’s new Workload Profile Optimization tools. Profile based tuning implements Dell EMC "best practices" which are created based on thousands of hours of lab testing by Dell EMC Solutions teams. Customers can choose from a variety of different workload optimizations many of which offer options for "Performance" optimized; tuned for maximum performance or, "Performance/Watt" which is tuned to reduce power consumption.

---

Proactive High Availability with OMIVV

Describes how the newly introduced VMware Proactive HA functionality, in combination with the OMIVV virtual appliance, can detect potential hardware issues and act upon them proactively, before they result in actual downtime

---

Building the Optimal Machine Learning Platform

Brief overview of some of the basic principles of Machine Learning and describes the challenges and trade-offs involved in constructing the optimal Machine Learning platform for different use cases.

---

Elastic AI Infrastructure using Dell EMC PowerEdge and Bitfusion FlexDirect

Typical deployments of GPU-accelerated servers are operated as silo-ed, stand-alone assets. By instead consolidating multiple CPU clusters into a single shared pool, significant improvements can be attained across performance, productivity, CAPEX, OPEX, and the pace of data center modernization. PowerEdge servers running Bitfusion FlexDirect enables this consolidation, offering a seamless way for any machine in the network to access any arbitrary fraction of GPU or multiple GPU’s, anytime.

---

Deep Learning Inferencing with Intel Programmable Acceleration Card on Dell EMC Infrastructure

Evaluates the performance and efficiency of Deep Learning inference on Intel Programmable Acceleration Card (PAC) FPGA on Dell EMC PowerEdge R740/R740xd server. The objective is not only to report on real-world inferencing performance but also examine the end-to-end use case of the Intel PAC FPGA solution.

---

FPGA’s: Some Use Cases in the Data Center

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA’s) are not a panacea for all compute problems, but when applied selectively and appropriately, they can deliver significantly better business outcomes. Includes use cases and extensive description of capabilities.

---

Enabling Sound Cap in PowerEdge 14G Servers

Sound Cap can effectively limit acoustical output in noise-sensitive environments, e.g. when re-deploying data center rack servers to lab or office environments, or when limiting noise is consciously prioritized over CPU performance.

---

Thermal Design Tenets of PowerEdge 14G Servers

The task of cooling PowerEdge 14G servers builds on the features and capabilities of previous PowerEdge servers and now expands support for higher power processors, enhanced PCIe cooling capability, and increased GPU and NVMe count. Includes table of "Six key tenets of PowerEdge 14G Thermal Design".

The New Dell Enterprise Infrastructure Planning Tool (EIPT)

Dell EMC’s new power estimation tool, EIPT. EIPT provides precise outputs for data center planning purposes, enabling users to effectively size their compute infrastructures by determining the most efficient system configurations based on a range of workloads and scenarios.

---

Dell EMC Blade Server Delivers Energy Cost Savings

Describes the superior design of the PowerEdge M630 vs. the HPE ProLiant BL460 and the resulting OPEX cost savings.

---

PowerEdge Multi-Vector Cooling

Dell EMC’s multi-faceted approach to server thermal control, which addresses and resolves not only cooling but also power consumption, airflow consumption and acoustics.

---

14 FAQs about 14G Thermals

14 Frequently asked questions about PowerEdge 14G thermal design, behavior and capabilities. Consult these FAQs first, before sifting through multiple white papers and sourcebooks.

---

Server Exhaust Considerations for Thermal Efficiency

Servers consume immense amounts of energy and create thermal challenges in the datacenter. In this 3 page paper we discuss the thermal trends of the server infrastructure specifically the ∆T between intake and exhaust. Outlined in detail, PowerEdge servers minimize fan speed and airflow to enable best in class efficiency without sacrificing system or component reliability.

---

Liquid Cooling in the Data Center is on the Rise

Liquid cooling in the data center and why it is becoming more prevalent. Dell EMC point-of-view on this subject from a technology standpoint and what we are doing to implement a liquid cooling solution for our customers.

---

PowerEdge Quality from Concept to End-of-Life - Point of View

Provides background and Dell EMC's point of view on PowerEdge quality.

---

Designing for Any Data Center: The Dell Development Process

The Dell EMC process of designing new servers, which results in platforms and solutions providing users with new capabilities and data center cost savings. Calls out the PowerEdge FX2 as an example.

---

What it takes to develop a PowerEdge Server

Describes the multi-stage, multi-year development cycle of PowerEdge servers, which ensure the quality, performance, manageability and investment protection expected of a PowerEdge.

---

Reliability in Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers

For PowerEdge servers, reliability is the quality of performing well, over time. The PowerEdge server design and reliability process focus on three key areas:

• Component
• Subsystems
• System

This Tech Note also explains how PowerEdge servers are tested in a variety of environmental conditions, to ensure that PowerEdge servers meet and exceed customer expectations.

---

Simulation and Signal Integrity in PowerEdge Servers

Dell EMC ensures signal integrity through a sophisticated, simulation-driven process in which we run millions of simulations for each server generation.

---

Understanding Our Unique Factory Process - Point of View

Point of View provides a look at Dell EMC’s factory testing and product design process.

---

DELL EMC Testing Maturity Model: Why Testing Matters

Extensive, rigorous testing of PowerEdge servers delivers quality and customer value, and earned Dell EMC the TMMi Level 3 certification.

---

AMD CPU Security Features in PowerEdge 14G Servers

Key security features in PowerEdge 14G servers configured with AMD CPU’s, including the AMD Secure Processor and hardware encryption capabilities: Secure Memory Encryption (SME) for non-virtualized environments and Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) for virtualized ones.

---

Secure Boot and Secure Operation for VDI Environments with PowerEdge R6415, R7415, R7425 Servers

Explains that adequately securing a VDI environment goes beyond implementing just end-point and software-based security solutions. Implementing security at the hardware level, with capabilities such as Secure Boot and Secure Operation, should also be seriously considered for servers that support VDI environments.

---

Secure Boot and Secure Operation for VDI Environments with PowerEdge R6415, R7415, R7425 Servers

To protect, detect and recover from cyber attacks, security must be built into servers (as it is with PowerEdge servers), not bolted on after the fact. It also describes the Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) model; covers some innovative security features of PowerEdge 14G servers, and includes key actions that users can take to provide additional server security.

---

Cyber-Resiliency at the Chipset and BIOS

The new BIOS features introduced with PowerEdge 14G servers offer unique resiliency to malicious intent or user error. The two features highlighted, BIOS Recovery and integration of Intel Boot Guard, respectively, are further demonstration of PowerEdge engineering commitment to ensuring the security and stability of enterprise infrastructures.

---

System Erase on PowerEdge 14G Servers

IT Administrators can simplify the process of erasing data with System Erase, a new capability of iDRAC9 and PowerEdge 14G servers. When servers are re-purposed from workload to workload, or as they change ownership from one organization to another, or as they are retired/decommissioned, all data should be removed from internal storage devices and non-volatile stores.

---

Rapid Operating System Recovery

Having a secure server platform should include quick OS recovery in case of corruption. In this 3-page technical paper we discuss a new features and commands found in our 14G PowerEdge Servers which ensures customers have the ability to set up a physical recovery disk and perform remote disk recovery in case of OS Corruption or hard drive failure.

---

PowerEdge Enterprise HDD Overview

Overview of PowerEdge hard drive technologies, including form factor, rotational speed, sector format and bus interface. These factors can be used in conjunction with trade-offs between performance, capacity and budget to help users in appropriate HDD selection.

---

The Modern Data Center Needs a Modern Network

Dell EMC and Brocade explains that upgrading IT infrastructures with new PowerEdge servers and flash storage can deliver significant improvements to workload performance but to fully realize the benefits of these upgrades and to avoid performance bottlenecks, the network connecting servers to storage should also be upgraded.

---

Dell EMC Offers a Seamless Transition to NVMe over Fibre Channel

NVMe over Fabrics represent the next storage transition to "faster flash". With Dell EMC NVMe over Fibre Channel-enabled adapters available now for PowerEdge servers, users can implement these technologies currently, gaining the benefits of lower latency, higher performance, investment protection, and the flexibility to move to NVMe storage at the pace of their own business.

---

PowerEdge Boot Optimized Storage Solution (BOSS)

Tech Note describing the motivation for developing BOSS as well as its benefits and key features.

• One or Two 80mm M.2 SATA devices
• M.2 Devices are Read Intensive 120GB/240GB
• Same Cost & Performance as 2.5"
• Fixed function Hardware RAID 1 (mirroring) or Pass-through
• Single x2 PCIe Gen 2 host interface (x8 connector)
• Dual x1 SATA ports for device interfaces
• Presents single virtualized SATA device to the host
• Half-height / Half-length PCIe adapter module
• Managing BOSS is accomplished with standard, well-known management tools including OpenManage Systems Administrator (OMSA) and command line interface (CLI)

---

PowerEdge R640 Unique NVMe Implementation

The new PowerEdge R640 takes advantage of an increase in PCI lanes to optimize the performance of up to 8 NVMe drives. This implementation lowers latency, decreases power consumption and reduces cost for workloads needing up to 8 NVMe drives.

---

Innovative Carrier Design

The unique industrial design, usability, and engineering of our PowerEdge Hard Drive carriers as a critical components to our PowerEdge 14th Generation of servers. This innovative design increased airflow and enabled more server configurations and won a 2017 Red Dot award for product design.

---

Why Choose Dell EMC Enterprise-class Drives?

Describes the very stringent manufacturing and quality processes that Dell EMC branded drives go through to ensure customer satisfaction.

---

Why Choose Dell EMC PERC Adapters?

Explains the four key differences and benefits of Dell EMC branded PERCs compared to standard 3rd Party cards.

---

Batteries vs. Supercapacitors: Why Dell EMC PERC Controllers Use Batteries?

Explains the critical differences between Li Ion batteries vs. Supercaps, and why Dell EMC chose batteries for the newest PERC controllers.

---

PowerEdge Innovation: Solving More Pain Points, Sooner

Describes three main categories of Dell EMC innovation and how they accelerate customer success.

---

Server-Centric IT

Utilize PowerEdge Servers as servers, storage, networking or converged/hyperconverged infrastructure, and how a server-centric IT paradigm can dramatically simplify IT infrastructure and management.

---

Realizing the Value of Open Compute vs Extreme Scale Infrastructure

The Open Compute Project (OCP) was founded on the promise of server cost reduction and increased efficiency. Often however, customers are faced with a lot more than they expected in deploying such solutions. In this two page discussion, we outline how Dell EMC guides customers through these considerations to realize the benefits of open computing & hyperscale design in modern IT.

---

R740xd2

The Open Compute Project (OCP) was founded on the promise of server cost reduction and increased efficiency. Often however, customers are faced with a lot more than they expected in deploying such solutions. In this two page discussion, we outline how Dell EMC guides customers through these considerations to realize the benefits of open computing & hyperscale design in modern IT.