Dell PowerEdge R210 II review

Dell's new PowerEdge R210 II is its first rack server to use the Xeon E3 processor and delivers it in an ultra-compact chassis aimed at a wide range of uses. In this exclusive review Dave Mitchell puts this 1U server on the lab bench and sees whether it's as versatile as Dell claims.

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IT Pro Verdict

Dell’s PowerEdge R210 II is a worthy choice as an entry level rack server for small businesses or a low cost compute node for data centres short on space. The price for the review system is quite high, but this does include the fastest Xeon E3 processor currently available and by picking a slower Xeon E3 you can drop the price substantially. Storage options and remote management features are very good and it rectifies the high operational noise levels of its predecessor.

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The Dell PowerEdge R210 II
The Dell PowerEdge R210 II

The Dell PowerEdge R210 II

Despite being launched by Intel some months ago it's taken a while for servers fitted with its new Xeon E3 processor to actually come to market and Dell is the first. Its latest PowerEdge R210 II is designed for a range of environments from SMBs to enterprises and remote offices, but one thing they'll all appreciate is its compact dimensions.

ITPRO Recommended award

The interior of the Dell PowerEdge R210 II as seen from above.

The interior of the Dell PowerEdge R210 II as seen from above.

The server is available with a good choice of processors, starting with a low-cost 3.1GHz Core i3. The server has seven Xeon E3 options starting with a 3.1GHz E3-1220. The system on review was specced out for performance and came with the top of the range 3.5GHz Xeon E3-1280. You'll pay for the privilege though, as this processor costs a hefty 390 extra. SMBs will be better off considering the 3.3GHz E3-1240 as this'll shave at least 260 off the price.

The server is very solidly built with most of the front panel acting as a grill to improve air flow. Dell's four-pack LED diagnostics panel is fitted as standard, but the LCD control panel as used by the higher-end PowerEdge servers is not an option.

Despite its compact dimensions, internal design is nice and tidy with easy access to all key components. A new feature we were very pleased to see (and hear) is the acoustic improvements. The original R210 had problems cooling its Xeon 3400 processor and the end result was excessive noise levels from the cooling fan making it unsuitable for small offices. The R210 II has four small fans cooling the power supply, processor and expansion bay, but they run much slower and are therefore a lot quieter.

Dave Mitchell
Dave Mitchell

Dave is an IT consultant and freelance journalist specialising in hands-on reviews of computer networking products covering all market sectors from small businesses to enterprises. Founder of Binary Testing Ltd – the UK’s premier independent network testing laboratory - Dave has over 45 years of experience in the IT industry.

Dave has produced many thousands of in-depth business networking product reviews from his lab which have been reproduced globally. Writing for ITPro and its sister title, PC Pro, he covers all areas of business IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, network security, data protection, cloud, infrastructure and services.