DELL PowerEdge R740 2x Gold 6132 14C 256GB 2x 300GB 10K SAS H730P rack server

Dell PowerEdge R740 2U rack server

The Dell PowerEdge R740 is a 2U rack server equipped with two Intel Gold 6132 processors, each offering 14 cores at 2.6GHz. It ships with 256GB of DDR4 memory across 16 modules and includes a H730P RAID controller managing two 300GB 10K SAS drives. The chassis supports up to eight 2.5-inch drive bays and provides up to eight PCIe Gen 3 slots for expansion cards. Integrated networking uses an Intel X550 controller delivering two 10Gb RJ45 and two 1Gb RJ45 ports, while iDRAC9 Enterprise handles remote management.

Installation notes

The server arrives with bezel, rails and power cords included, allowing immediate rack mounting in a standard 2U space. Redundant 1100W power supplies simplify cabling and provide failover without extra parts. Memory is pre-populated in 16 slots, so further upgrades require removing existing modules. The H730P controller must be configured for the desired RAID level before the operating system is installed, and the iDRAC9 Enterprise licence should be activated during initial setup for full remote access.

Pre-purchase checks

Verify that your rack can accommodate a 2U chassis and that power distribution units can supply two 1100W connections. Confirm the PCIe Gen 3 slots match the form factor and bandwidth needs of any add-in cards you plan to use. Ensure the two 10Gb RJ45 and two 1Gb RJ45 network ports are compatible with your existing switch infrastructure. The eight 2.5-inch drive bays limit future storage expansion to that form factor, and the absence of an optical drive means OS installation must use USB or network boot.