Rivenditori di server
The Dell PowerEdge R660 is a 1U, dual-CPU rack server based on Intel’s 4th-generation Xeon Scalable “Rapide di Zaffiro” processors. It supports the latest server technologies, including E3.S Gen5 storage, DDR5 memory, and configurations with liquid CPU cooling. Despite the 1U form factor, it can also accept up to 16 SSDs.
The PowerEdge R660 is an upgrade to Dell’s previous-generation PowerEdge R650. This 1U rack server is suitable for all applications from general purpose to HCI/HPC. Key features include support for two processors (dual sockets), 32 RDIMMs, and three graphics cards.
The biggest advance the R660 makes over the R650 is that it’s based on Intel’s “Rapide di Zaffiro” fourth-generation Xeon Scalable processors. These new chips can scale up to 56 times faster, use DDR5 memory, and support Gen5 storage.
Storage configuration is also one of the server’s strengths. Traditional storage can be expanded up to ten 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives, but it can also use Gen5 NVMe SSDs. In addition, new backplane options include support for up to 16 E3.S (7millimetro) drives. There are also rear drive options for boot, which include the new NVMe BOSS drive.
Our PowerEdge R660 review unit was the base configuration, with five 2.5-inch bays. The center stack was not populated to improve airflow to the dual Xeon Scalable processors.
Front connections include a USB 2.0, VGA video output, and a Micro-AB USB port for connecting to the Dell iDRAC (Dell Remote Access Controller).
Ports on the rear of our unit include dual 1GbE, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, VGA out, and an Ethernet port for Dell IDRAC remote management. The serial port, which was not on our unit, is optional. Additional network ports can be added via the server’s OCP 3.0 slots.
Our unit’s dual Platinum-rated 1,400-watt hot-swappable power supplies flank the rear edge. Dual M.2 NVMe SSDs sit on the rear left; these are intended to serve as boot drives. Other configurations support Gen5 E3.S drives here.
Let’s get into this beast. This front view shows the numerous cooling fans that draw air through the drive bays along the front edge. Airflow is directed over the dual CPU heatsinks and the DDR5 RDIMM slots just behind them. Like the PowerEdge R650, the PowerEdge R660 supports CPU liquid cooling solutions, but our unit did not come with one.
There is adequate space between the front drive bays and the cooling fans of the RAID controller. The PowerEdge R660 supports dual hardware RAID controllers.
Here’s a closer look at one of the CPU coolers. The Xeon 8452Y processors in our unit each have 36 cores/72 threads, 67.5MB of cache, and a 300-watt TDP, which is the highest this server supports. The chips support up to 6TB of DDR5-4800 RAM, and the PowerEdge R660’s 32 DIMM slots enable it to support up to 8TB of RAM (32 256GB RDIMMs), which is possible with higher-end Xeon chips. Our unit came with 512GB of RAM via 16 16GB RDIMMs, and the other slots have plastic fillers to prevent dust buildup.
The Dell PowerEdge R660 is an impressive upgrade to Dell’s server line. Thermal improvements enable this 1U server to support up to two 300-watt 4th-generation Xeon Scalable processors, bringing DDR5 memory and Gen5 storage support.
A variety of storage drive configurations is a highlight of the PowerEdge R660. Dell has adopted E3.S SSD to increase storage density.
This will be a huge boon when vSAN, VxRail and modifications are made to storage systems like PowerScale.
Dell’s experience with enterprise servers is also clearly evident in its excellent iDRAC9 remote management, which puts server health, setup, maintenance and support at your fingertips. Overall, the PowerEdge R660 shows a lot of promise, and we can’t wait to see some of the more storage-intensive configurations in the future, especially the E3.S systems.
