Current Configuration
(List below serves as quick links to each section)
Select Chassis
Select Processor
Memory
Additional Backplanes
Riser Card
Storage Devices
SFF SAS Drives
SFF SATA Drives
NVMe Drives
EDSFF E3.S NVMe SSD Drives
OCP 3.0
GPU
TPM
Rail Kit
Power Supply Units (PSU)
ECS Warranty
Quick Specs
4U rack server
Processor | Max: 60 Core2x or 4x Gen 4 Intel Xeon Scalable
Optional Intel® QuickAssist Technology
64 DDR5 RDIMM 4800Mhz
Supports registered ECC DDR5 DIMMs only
- 8 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 122.88 TB
- 16 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 245.76 TB
- 24 x 2.5" NVMe (SSD) Max: 368.64 TB
- 16 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD)
+ 8 x 2.5" NVMe Max: 368.64 TB - 32 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 491.52 TB
- 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) Max: 122.88 TB
- 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD)
+ 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 245.76 TB
None
Boot Options:BOSS-N1
USB
Up to 12 Slots
There are many configuration options.
iDRAC9 Express
LOM:2 x 1 GbE (optional)
OCP 3.0:1 x OCP card 3.0 (optional)
RAID controllers:S160 (SW RAID)
PERC H965i, H965e H755, H355
HBA355i, HBA355e
Up to 4 x 400 W DW
- Dell PowerEdge R920
- Dell PowerEdge R930
- Dell PowerEdge R940
- Dell PowerEdge R940xa
- Dell PowerEdge R960
(Click to View)
Ideal for:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data Analytics
- Deep Learning (DL)
- High-Performance Computing (HPC)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI)
- Virtualization
- Virtual Machines (VM)
Boost business outcomes and get faster results from critical operations with an air-cooled architecture.
- Harness the power of four Intel® Xeon® processors (up to 60 cores per processor) and up to 64 DDR DIMMs for 16TB of memory, meeting the demands of the largest in-memory databases
- Scale up with up to 32 SAS/SATA/HDD drives, up to 24 NVMe drives and 12 PCIe Gen 5 expansion slots with support for 4 double-wide GPU accelerators
- 4U form factor for fast deployment and server density
The Dell PowerEdge R960 is a high-performance server designed to boost outcomes for core applications such as:
The R960 boosts business-critical operations with unprecedented scale-up capabilities in a 4U air-cooled form factor with four (4) Intel Xeon® Scalable Processors to empower business and drive data-driven initiatives.
- With a maximum CPU core count of 60 cores and the ability to support 64 DDR5 DIMMs for a total of 16 TB of memory, the R960 is positioned for the largest in-memory databases without the need for slower I/O database access.
- Scale up business needs with support for up to 24 NVMe drives, DIMMs, 8 PCIe Gen5 slots for I/O expansion, LOM, and industry standard OCP to enable customers flexible network connectivity.
- Enable fast 1:1 CPU-I/O communications with PCIe Gen5 adaptor support.
Business-critical performance, business-wide
- Harness latest generation technologies to maximize data transformation, support large in-memory databases, and generate faster insights to drive the business forward.
- Leverage new workload accelerators built into each Intel Xeon processor that are purpose-designed for peak performance in traditional and emerging business applications.
- Install up to 4 GPU accelerators to boost AI-based business applications and rapidly transform real-time data and analytics into decision-based outcomes.
- Increase power user and worker productivity with up to 4 VDI accelerators.
The Dell OpenManage™ systems management portfolio delivers a secure, efficient, and comprehensive solution for PowerEdge servers. Simplify, automate and centralize one-to-many management with the OpenManage Enterprise console and iDRAC.
Cyber Resilient Architecture for Zero Trust IT environment & operations
Security is integrated into every phase of the PowerEdge lifecycle, including protected supply chain and factory-to-site integrity assurance. Silicon-based root of trust anchors end-to-end boot resilience while Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls ensure trusted operations
Dell PowerEdge R960 Base Knowledge
The Dell R960 has 4 Processors on a stacked PEM board. The first two CPUs are on the default motherboard. At the same time, the 3rd and 4th CPUs are in the PEM. The PEM gets installed right above the first two processors. This saves space and cooling. Power mission-critical initiatives with data collected in real-time, with a server that doesn't need to stop.
- Deploy business-wide applications, while maximizing insights
- Intel® Xeon® processors optimized for your workloads
- Boost AI-based business applications with 4 GPU accelerators, transforming real-time data into decision-based outcomes
The PowerEdge R960 system is a 4U server that supports:
- Four AC or DC power supply units with 2+2 redundancy
- Up to 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives - Smartflow
- Up to 16 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives - Smartflow
- Up to 32 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives - Dual Controller
- Up to 24 x 2.5-inch (NVMe Gen4) Passive
- Up to 16 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) + 8 x 2.5-inch NVMe (SSD) drives
- Up to 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) drives
- Up to 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) + 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives
- The Universal Backplane supports HW RAID for SAS/SATA with direct attach NVMe, and does not support HW RAID for NVMe.
Up to four 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors with up to 60 cores per processor and with optional Intel® QuickAssist Technology. The PEM will hold the 3rd and 4th CPU stacked on top of the first two processors. Along with the last 32 DIMMs for a total of 64 DDR5 RDIMMs.
When the PEM is installed, there are some rules and restrictions for the expansion risers. Please read the manuals below for more guidance when configuring this system's expansion kits.
The system supports 4 CPUs when the Processor Expansion Module (PEM) Board is installed. The System supports 2 Types of Heat Sinks based off the processor's TDP. The table below will help you understand which Heat Sink will be installed.
| Heat sink | Processor TDP |
|---|---|
| STD HSK | ≤ 185 W |
| L-type HSK | ≥ 195 W |
There is only 1 Type of Fan supported by the R960. This Fan is a stacked Fan system. With up to 6 sets of Standard (STD) fans (dual fan module). Each fan in the set is hot-swappable and sits in a fan cage that is lowered onto the fan tray.
All the Air shoruds will need to be installed unless you have GPUs and full length risers then you will need the GPU Air Shroud installed. If you have any blank PCI or DIMM slots, those will need to be filled with blanks / filler for optimal airflow.
Dell's PowerEdge R960 supports 64 DDR5 RDIMM slots, with 16TB max memory allowed at speeds up to 4800 MT/s. The Speeds downgrade to 4400Mhz when two DIMMs are installed per channel (DPC).
Supports registered ECC DDR5 DIMMs only and memory mixing is not supported.
Memory DIMM slots are not hot pluggable.
If memory modules with different speeds are installed, they operate at the speed of the slowest installed memory module(s).
For all the memory rules and restrictions, please read the manuals below.
| DIMM type | DIMM rank | DIMM capacity | Dual processor | Four processors | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum system capacity | Maximum system capacity | Minimum system capacity | Maximum system capacity | |||
| DDR5 RDIMM | Single rank | 16 GB | 32 GB | 512 GB | 64 GB | 1 TB |
| Dual rank | 32 GB | 64 GB | 1 TB | 128 GB | 2 TB | |
| Dual rank | 64 GB | 128 GB | 2 TB | 256 GB | 4 TB | |
| Quad rank | 128 GB | 256 GB | 4 TB | 512 GB | 8 TB | |
| Octa rank | 256 GB | 512 GB | 8 TB | 1 TB | 16 TB | |
| NOTE: DDR4 memory DIMMs are not supported in the R960. | ||||||
The PowerEdge R960 system supports up to 12 PCI express (PCIe) Gen5 slots (10 Full Height and 2 Low Profiles) on the system board. Up to 4 x 400 W DW. GPU air shroud is required, when GPUs are installed in the system.
| Config No. | Riser configuration | No. of Processors | PERC type supported | Rear storage possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 (Basic entry) | R1C+R4C | 4 | Front PERC | No |
| 0-2 (Basic entry) | R1C+R4C | 2 | Front PERC | No |
| 1 (Scale out) | R1C+R3B+R4C | 4 | Front PERC | No |
| 2 (Maximum I/O) | R1B+R2+R3B+R4B | 4 | Front PERC | No |
| 3 (GPU) | R1A+R2+R3A+R4A (FL) | 4 | Front PERC | No |
Note: The system allows either LOM card or an OCP card or both to be installed in the system.
LAN on Motherboard (LOM)
2 x 1 GbE LOM with BCM5720 LAN controller (optional).
This is a great way to expand the network of the R960 without using up a PCIe slot. If the LOM card is not installed you must install a blank filler for optimal airflow.
Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0
1 x OCP card 3.0 (optional)
There are many options for the OCP card. They range from 1 GbE x 4, 10 GbE x 2, 10 GbE x 4, 25 GbE x 2, 25 GbE x 4, all the way to 100 GbE x 2. Please read the manual for more guidance on which cards are supported.
Dell RAID controller options offer performance improvements, including the fPERC solution. fPERC provides a base RAID HW controller without consuming a PCIe slot by using a small form factor and high-density connector to the base planar.
16G PERC Controller offerings are a heavy leverage of the 15G PERC family. The Value and Value Performance levels carry over to 16G from 15G. New to 16G is the Avenger-based Premium Performance tier offering. This high-end offering drives IOPs performance and enhanced SSD performance. (H965)
Since you have the ability to mix a lot of different types of drives. This system supports dual controllers in a few configurations. You may not mix drive type in the RAID volumes. You will need a separate RAID Controller for each set of drives. PowerEdge does not support Tri-Mode, the mixing of SAS, SATA, and NVMe behind the same controller.
| Performance Level | Controller and Description |
|---|---|
| Entry | S160 |
| Value | H355, HBA355 (internal/external) |
| Value Performance | H755 |
| Premium Performance | H965i, H965e |
The system holds up to 4x 400W Double-Wide with the Riser Expander (R3A) holding 2 of the Double-Wide GPUs.
Riser Configuration 3 (GPU) R1A+R2+R3A+R4A (FL) is the only configuration to support GPUs.
If a GPU is installed it will need the GPU air shroud. If any GPU slot is blank it needs to have the blank/filler installed for optimal airflow.
Supports up to 4 hot-swap redundant PSUs.
- 1100 W Titanium 100—240 VAC or 240 HVDC
- 1400 W Platinum 100—240 VAC or 240 HVDC
- 1800 W Titanium 200—240 VAC or 240 HVDC
- When installing a 60 mm PSU above, a 26 mm PSU adapter is required
- 2400 W Platinum 100—240 VAC or 240 HVDC
- 2800 W Titanium 200—240 VAC or 240 HVDC
Dimensions & Weight:
Width: 482 mm (18.97 inches)
Height: 174.3 mm (6.86 inches)
Length: 883.195 mm (34.77 inches) with bezel
Length: 869.195 mm (34.22 inches) without bezel
Weight Per Chassis: A server with fully populated drives 60.2 kg (132.71 lbs)
Current Configuration
(List below serves as quick links to each section)