Dell is one of the largest manufacturers of computer servers, which they design and build themselves. A large number of their products are designed for specific tasks like data-centers and web-servers. This article is going to list out and detail all of the Dell servers that we have available in our systems listings, and hopefully it will assist you in making the right choice when purchasing one for your own needs.
Dell SR20s
These Dell SR20s are a part of their new generation of 2-in-1 servers that are both powerful and portable enough to suit most needs. The dual core, 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor and 12 GB of RAM ensure that your applications will run quickly and smoothly. What’s not to like?
It would be best to purchase these Dell SR20s if you will mainly be using them for occasional travel or tasking, as they are probably the most portable and easy to use of all the servers on this list. If you need something a little more powerful, you can opt for the larger SR30s instead.
Dell M820s
Dell introduced a whole new series of servers back in 2015 called the M series, and since then they have been the standard by which all other servers are judged. What makes these servers so special is the combination of their size and power. At only 19.5 inches tall, and weighing in at less than 7.5 pounds, you can actually carry these around with you if you want to be able to use them where and when you want. For proof, just check out our own Joshua Speck’s travel series where he demonstrates just how light and small these Dell M820s are.
These Dell M820s are perfect for users who need to do a lot of work with minimal power usage. If you’re one of these individuals, take a look at our own review of the Dell M820 to see what all the fuss is about. These Dell M820s are the reason why the Dell brand is associated with high performance and power efficiency, as well.
Dell M620s
The M620s are essentially smaller versions of the M820s, and at 12.9 inches tall and 6.9 pounds, they are even more portable. This makes them the perfect choice for mobile professionals or for users who need to be able to transport and use these servers in situations where space is a premium. Like the M820s, the M620s are built with aerodynamic shapes in mind, to promote efficient airflow and cooling.
Many mobile professionals prefer using these Dell servers because they are incredibly light and can be plugged into areas where there isn’t a lot of room. While we don’t necessarily recommend against using desktop or laptop computers for development and design work, with the right applications and configurations, a mobile computer can be a significant time-saver when working on the go.
For instance, if you’re working on a project that needs to be reviewed by a client or stakeholder who is out of state, you may find that using a mobile computer rather than a personal desktop or laptop is the most convenient option. Even if you do have access to a quality office environment, if you’re on the move a lot, the flexibility of using a mobile computer is well worth considering.
Dell M300s
If you’re looking for a low-cost option that doesn’t compromise on quality, consider the Dell M300s. At under 5 pounds and 15.6 inches tall, these Dell M300s are quite the value-add as compared to other similarly priced servers out there. It’s great to have a compact device that still has the performance you need to get the job done.
These Dell M300s are designed for users who need to perform a variety of tasks on a regular basis, and who might not necessarily have the luxury of dedicated workspace environments. Due to their small size, they are also great for users who need to travel with their computers a lot, as they don’t take up a lot of space when packed away. Furthermore, due to their small size and relatively light weight, they tend to be faster than most other comparable machines.
In our experience, the fans on these Dell M300s are a bit louder than average, but still within tolerable levels. That, however, could be dependent on your personal audio preferences. Another thing to keep in mind is that these Dell M300s have been known to have a shorter lifespan than most other comparable devices. It’s great when you think about how many hours you’ll spend on the road, but also how much you’ll need to spend on maintaining and replacing hardware. It would be best to build your own desktops and use your laptops instead of relying on these Dell M300s for important work.
Dell M240s
The M240s are a part of Dell’s X line of servers, and while they don’t pack the same punch as the M series, they make up for it in other ways. These Dell M240s are quite a bit larger than your average desktop or laptop computer, but as an added bonus, they are also quite a bit lighter!
If you’re looking for a device that will be durable enough to withstand a few knocks here and there without breaking, as well as portable enough to be moved around whenever you want, then these Dell M240s are for you. They also boast a 10 year warranty which, in our experience, has been very reliable. When it comes to cooling, these Dell M240s are designed with a dedicated heat-pipe and dual fans to ensure that your PC stays cool even under heavy load. With all of these wonderful qualities, it’s no wonder why these servers are so popular among professionals and heavy users who need a machine that will last them a long time and perform well regardless of the task at hand.
Dell M100s
Last but not least, let’s not forget about the humble Dell M100s. At 4.9 pounds, 1U in size, and having a single fan, these Dell M100s don’t exactly scream high performance. What they do provide, though, is a sturdy and reliable unit for those who need to do a lot of computational work that isn’t graphics-intensive. These Dell M100s are also relatively inexpensive, which is great if cost is a concern. If you’re looking for a device with a long lifespan, low power consumption, and that’s built with high-quality materials, then these Dell M100s are for you.
Even with only a single fan, these Dell M100s can keep their cool and quiet even under heavy load, which is a great attribute for users who need to perform tasks like mining, crypto-currency transactions, or modeling with detailed geometry.
To wrap it up, we hope this article was helpful in elucidating the various aspects to consider when choosing a server. With the exception of the M60s which we have not yet discussed, all of the other hardware discussed here is readily available from multiple sources, including our own store. Just remember to factor the cost of the computer you will need to purchase in order to utilize these products, as well as its associated peripheral devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor) into your overall purchasing decision, especially if you’re on a tight budget.