The Dell PowerEdge R820 was released in early 2012 as part of Dell’s 12th-generation server lineup. Built for enterprise-class workloads, it offers robust processing power, high memory capacity, and reliable scalability. WECENT helps businesses deploy, upgrade, and maintain R820 systems efficiently, providing tailored solutions for virtualization, databases, and mid-tier cloud environments.
What Is the Dell PowerEdge R820 Server?
The PowerEdge R820 is a 2U rack-mounted server designed for demanding computing environments. It supports up to four Intel Xeon E5-4600 processors, 48 DIMM slots, and 16 drive bays, making it suitable for virtualization, ERP, and database workloads. Its architecture balances high performance with dense server deployment.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Up to 4 x Intel Xeon E5-4600 |
| Memory | Up to 1.5TB RAM (48 DIMMs) |
| Storage | Up to 16 x 2.5″ HDD/SSD |
| RAID Controllers | PERC H310, H710, H710P |
| Power Supply | Dual hot-plug redundant |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack-mounted |
When Was the PowerEdge R820 Released?
The R820 debuted in February 2012 as part of Dell’s 12th-generation PowerEdge family. Leveraging Intel Xeon E5 processors, it offered notable performance improvements over previous generations. Its scalable design and reliability make it still relevant for enterprise workloads today.
Why Is the PowerEdge R820 Still Relevant Today?
Its modular design, stability, and cost-efficiency keep the R820 valuable. Organizations repurpose it for virtualization clusters, backup servers, and mid-tier cloud setups. The four-socket configuration supports medium to large workloads, and WECENT provides refurbishing and optimization services that extend the server’s lifespan.
How Does the PowerEdge R820 Compare to Newer PowerEdge Models?
While newer servers like the R640 or R760 offer higher energy efficiency and PCIe Gen5 support, the R820 remains a reliable choice for cost-conscious enterprises. With 16 drive bays and high memory density, it handles critical workloads effectively.
| Model | Generation | Max CPU | RAM | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R820 | 12th Gen | 4 x Xeon E5-4600 | 1.5TB | Virtualization & Databases |
| R740 | 14th Gen | 2 x Xeon Scalable | 3TB | Cloud & AI |
| R750 | 15th Gen | 2 x Xeon Gen3 | 4TB | Enterprise & HPC |
| R760 | 16th Gen | 2 x Xeon Gen4 | 8TB | Next-gen Data Centers |
Which Applications Benefit Most from Dell PowerEdge R820?
ERP systems, high-transaction databases, and virtualization clusters benefit most. Its large memory and multi-processor design support Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware vSphere, and Oracle workloads. Sectors like finance, healthcare, and research can leverage the R820 for analytics and decision-support tasks, where WECENT designs optimized IT infrastructure solutions.
Can the PowerEdge R820 Handle Modern Workloads?
Yes, with upgrades like SSD storage, high-capacity DIMMs, and updated RAID controllers. Although not ideal for GPU-intensive AI workloads, it reliably supports file servers, backup systems, and private clouds when configured by WECENT’s IT solution experts.
Why Choose WECENT for PowerEdge Solutions?
WECENT is an authorized supplier for Dell and other global IT brands. With over eight years of enterprise server experience, they provide genuine R820 units, spare parts, and upgrade kits with warranty support. Their services include consultation, procurement, and integration, ensuring optimized performance and minimal downtime.
Who Should Consider Using the PowerEdge R820?
Mid-size enterprises, research institutes, and educational organizations benefit most. It suits those upgrading from older servers without fully migrating to cloud-native systems. WECENT assists in creating hybrid environments combining R820 units with modern network and storage technologies.
Where Can Businesses Source a PowerEdge R820?
Certified IT solution providers like WECENT offer original, refurbished R820 servers. Businesses can request tailored configurations for memory, storage, and network cards. WECENT’s global logistics and OEM customization ensure reliable delivery and compliance.
Also check:
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When did the PowerEdge R740 come out?
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WECENT Expert Views
“The PowerEdge R820 provides a strong foundation for enterprises balancing performance and cost-efficiency. By pairing these servers with SSD arrays and redundant networking, clients achieve exceptional reliability. Lifecycle maintenance is critical, and WECENT focuses on evolving infrastructure without disrupting operations.”
— WECENT Server Solutions Team
Is the PowerEdge R820 Still Worth the Investment?
Yes, especially for organizations seeking enterprise-grade servers at a lower cost. Its upgrade potential, modular design, and availability of certified parts make it a practical choice in 2025. Partnering with WECENT ensures professional configuration, warranty support, and long-term reliability.
How Does WECENT Customize Enterprise Server Solutions?
WECENT tailors servers to client workloads, offering memory expansion, RAID setup, and firmware optimization. Their customization improves resource utilization and aligns IT infrastructure with performance goals and data growth requirements.
What Other Equipment Complements the R820?
The R820 pairs well with Dell PowerVault ME storage and Cisco networking hardware. Compatible GPUs and drives, such as NVIDIA A40 or A100, enhance performance. WECENT can design complete ecosystems including storage arrays, network switches, and UPS systems.
Could the R820 Be Integrated into a Hybrid Cloud?
Yes. Using software-defined storage and network integration, the R820 can serve as a private cloud node or edge computing gateway. WECENT deploys hybrid environments combining legacy and modern infrastructure, enabling seamless scalability and cloud orchestration.
Conclusion
The Dell PowerEdge R820, launched in 2012, remains a reliable, high-performance server for modern enterprise workloads. Working with WECENT ensures access to genuine hardware, tailored configurations, and full lifecycle support. Its versatility makes it suitable for virtualization, hybrid cloud, and data-intensive applications, delivering cost-effective, stable performance for years to come.
FAQs
What generation is the Dell PowerEdge R820?
It is a 12th-generation server introduced in 2012.
How many processors can the R820 support?
Up to four Intel Xeon E5-4600 CPUs.
Can I get replacement parts for the R820?
Yes, WECENT provides certified original parts with warranty support.
Is the R820 compatible with modern SSDs?
Yes, with updated firmware and RAID configurations.
What workloads are ideal for the R820 today?
Virtualization, data warehousing, and mid-sized enterprise applications with high memory demands.
When did the Dell PowerEdge R820 come out?
The Dell PowerEdge R820 was launched in early 2012 as part of Dell’s 12th-generation PowerEdge family, with general availability and shipments starting in March 2012 for enterprise customers worldwide.
Which generation does the PowerEdge R820 belong to?
The PowerEdge R820 is part of Dell’s 12th Generation PowerEdge servers, designed to deliver higher performance, improved reliability, and enhanced management features compared with previous generations.
What type of server is the Dell PowerEdge R820?
The Dell PowerEdge R820 is a 2U rack-mount server with four processor sockets, built for dense virtualization, scalable databases, ERP systems, and other performance-intensive enterprise workloads.
Which processors does the PowerEdge R820 support?
The PowerEdge R820 supports Intel Xeon E5 series processors, offering multiple cores, large memory capacity, and strong compute performance suitable for large-scale virtualization and data-driven applications.
When did Dell start shipping the PowerEdge R820?
Dell began shipping the PowerEdge R820 in early March 2012, shortly after its official announcement as part of the rollout of the 12th-generation PowerEdge server lineup.
What workloads is the PowerEdge R820 designed for?
The PowerEdge R820 targets dense virtualization, large databases, ERP, HPC, and other mission-critical enterprise workloads that require high compute density, memory capacity, and reliability.
How old is the Dell PowerEdge R820 today?
Released in early 2012, the PowerEdge R820 is now over a decade old, making it a mature platform often found in refurbished or legacy enterprise environments.
Why is the PowerEdge R820 still used by some businesses?
Many organizations still deploy refurbished R820 servers because they deliver strong multi-socket performance at a lower cost, and suppliers like WECENT help provide original hardware, configuration services, and global support for such legacy systems.