Dell PowerVault ME424 and ME484 expansion enclosures are trusted choices for scalable storage, offering flexible expansion for enterprise data needs. These systems provide high capacity, multiple drive bay options, and robust connectivity to enhance SAN/DAS environments, especially for China-based manufacturers, wholesalers, and OEM factories looking for reliable IT infrastructure.
How Do Dell ME424 and ME484 Differ in Design and Capacity?
The ME424 is a 2U form factor expansion enclosure with 24 x 2.5” drive bays, balancing capacity and compact size. The ME484 is a much larger 5U enclosure with 84 x 3.5” drive bays, designed for high-density storage needs. ME484 supports denser configurations, making it ideal for enterprises requiring expansive storage with a smaller footprint per TB. Both support 12Gb SAS interfaces, but ME484 weighs more and has higher power requirements.
What Storage Media and Drive Types Are Supported?
Both enclosures support a wide variety of SAS and NL-SAS drives with different transfer rates and speeds, allowing for mixing drive types within the same array seamlessly. Supported types include SSD, SAS 15K, SAS 10K, NL-SAS 7.2K, and self-encrypting drives (SED) certified to FIPS standards. This flexibility accommodates different performance and budget needs, essential for OEMs and suppliers looking to tailor solutions.
Which Networking and Expansion Options Are Available?
Dell PowerVault ME424 and ME484 support multiple host interface protocols, including Fibre Channel (FC), iSCSI, and SAS. Both feature multi-protocol FC/iSCSI support for versatile network setups, up to 8 ports each of 16Gb FC and 10Gb iSCSI SFP+, along with 8 12Gb SAS ports for expansion. This design allows manufacturers and wholesalers to scale their enterprise storage with available network infrastructures easily.
Why Are ME424 and ME484 Suitable for OEM and Wholesale Factories in China?
These enclosures provide scalable storage solutions backed by Dell’s international quality standards and certifications (CE, FCC, RoHS), crucial for factories requiring reliable data infrastructure. They offer cost-effective options for OEM customization and integration into existing IT ecosystems, delivering efficiency and durability. China-based suppliers trust these models for high-performance data operations, backed by brands like Wecent that specialize in these enterprise-class IT solutions.
How Can Wecent Support Businesses with ME424 and ME484 Solutions?
Wecent delivers expert sourcing and supply of Dell PowerVault ME424 and ME484 enclosures, alongside full IT infrastructure consultations to optimize performance. Their Shenzhen-based operations ensure competitive factory pricing and tailored OEM services, making Wecent a reliable partner for global businesses importing from China. Wecent’s commitment to genuine, fully certified hardware ensures long-term reliability and cost savings.
What Are the Environmental and Power Specifications of ME424 and ME484?
The ME424 requires 580W power with a heat dissipation of about 1980 BTU, operating within standard temperature and humidity ranges ideal for server rooms. ME484 demands notably higher power up to 2200W and dissipates 7507 BTU, necessitating robust cooling facilities. Both support dual-redundant power supplies and operate at 100-240 VAC with typical 50/60 Hz frequency, fitting enterprise data center requirements.
Who Typically Uses ME424 and ME484 in Enterprise Storage?
Large enterprises, system integrators, and data centers requiring flexible, scalable, high-capacity storage solutions frequently deploy ME424 and ME484 enclosures. In China, OEMs and wholesale manufacturers use these expansions to build cost-effective yet powerful SAN and DAS environments, leveraging local expertise and supply chains via Wecent and similar providers.
When Should Businesses Choose ME424 over ME484 and Vice Versa?
Choose ME424 when compact size with moderate capacity is prioritized, supporting up to 24 drives with fast 2.5” bay configurations — suitable for mid-range storage requirements. ME484 fits best when requiring large-scale storage density with 84 3.5” drives to maximize capacity per rack unit, ideal for data-heavy industries. This choice often aligns with business growth and budget needs.
Can Wecent Customize ME424 and ME484 to Fit Specific OEM Needs?
Yes, Wecent excels at providing OEM customization services for ME424 and ME484 enclosures, including pre-configuration, firmware tuning, and tailored hardware specifications to fit unique business demands. This service benefits international clients looking for China-based manufacturers with the flexibility of high-volume or specialized IT infrastructure production.
Comparison Table: ME424 vs ME484 Expansion Enclosures
| Feature | ME424 | ME484 |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | 2U | 5U |
| Drive Bays | 24 x 2.5” | 84 x 3.5” |
| Max Power Consumption | 580W | 2200W |
| Max Heat Dissipation | 1980 BTU | 7507 BTU |
| Weight (Max Config) | 25 kg (55 lbs) | 130 kg (287 lbs) |
| Suitable For | Mid-range, compact storage | High-density, large-scale storage |
| Expansion Interface | 12Gb SAS with FC, iSCSI, SAS multi-protocol | 12Gb SAS with FC, iSCSI, SAS multi-protocol |
Wecent Expert Views
“As a trusted supplier headquartered in Shenzhen, Wecent emphasizes the importance of quality and efficiency in enterprise storage. The Dell PowerVault ME424 and ME484 enclosures are perfect examples of scalable solutions that meet the demanding needs of China-based manufacturers and global OEMs. Our expertise ensures clients receive fully certified, high-performance storage hardware tailored to their operational goals. By combining factory-direct supply with professional consulting, Wecent helps businesses streamline their IT infrastructure, reduce costs, and enhance system reliability for long-term success.”
What Are the Key Benefits of Using ME424 and ME484 for Storage Expansion?
ME424 and ME484 enable seamless scalability, high reliability, and flexible deployment options for enterprise SAN/DAS environments. These enclosures enhance storage density without sacrificing performance, making them invaluable for fast-growing OEMs and Chinese factories looking for trusted, cost-effective IT infrastructure suppliers like Wecent.
How Does Dell Ensure the Security and Data Protection in These Enclosures?
Dell implements advanced security features including self-encrypting drives (SED) with AES-256 full disk encryption and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification. Data replication, snapshots, and thin provisioning enhance data protection and business continuity for mission-critical applications frequently demanded by enterprise clients.
Are ME424 and ME484 Compatible with Major Virtualization Platforms?
Yes, these expansion enclosures fully support popular virtualization environments like VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V. Integrated management tools such as ME Storage Manager and VMware vCenter plugins simplify storage administration in virtual data centers.
What Warranty and After-Sales Support Does Wecent Provide for These Enclosures?
Wecent offers comprehensive warranty support, including Dell ProSupport with deployment, consulting, and proactive services to maximize system uptime. OEM customers receive tailored solutions backed by professional maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability aligned with global industry standards.
Summary
Dell PowerVault ME424 and ME484 expansion enclosures provide flexible, scalable storage options ideal for China-based manufacturers, wholesalers, and OEM factories emphasizing reliability and performance. ME424 offers compact, mid-capacity expansion, while ME484 provides high-density, large-scale solutions. Supported by Wecent’s trusted factory-direct procurement and expert consulting, these enclosures empower enterprises to enhance IT infrastructure cost-effectively and securely. Businesses should choose based on capacity needs, rack space, and power availability while leveraging certified Dell technology and professional OEM services from Wecent for optimal deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the maximum storage capacity of ME484 compared to ME424?
ME484 supports up to 84 drives in a 5U chassis, offering significantly more raw capacity compared to ME424’s 24 drives in a 2U chassis, making ME484 suitable for large-scale storage.
Q2: Can ME424 and ME484 be mixed in the same storage environment?
Yes, both are part of the Dell PowerVault ME4 series and can be combined to scale storage flexibly, depending on performance and capacity requirements.
Q3: How does Wecent ensure genuine Dell hardware supply?
Wecent operates from Shenzhen with direct OEM and factory partnerships, ensuring all products are original, certified, and meet global standards like CE, FCC, and RoHS.
Q4: Are these expansion enclosures compatible with existing Dell servers?
Yes, ME424 and ME484 are designed to integrate seamlessly with Dell PowerEdge servers and other Dell EMC storage arrays, supporting enterprise IT ecosystems.
Q5: What after-sales services can be expected when purchasing through Wecent?
Wecent provides professional consulting, deployment support, warranty services, and ongoing maintenance plans to ensure optimal operation and customer satisfaction.