Selecting the right server for AI, machine learning (ML), or high-performance computing (HPC) is essential to maximizing efficiency, performance, and return on investment. Dell PowerEdge servers provide purpose-built solutions optimized for a wide range of workloads, from Generative AI to edge inferencing. Below is a detailed comparison table to guide your decision, along with actionable insights to ensure you choose the best option for your specific needs.
This guide simplifies the decision-making process with a detailed comparison table, key insights, and actionable tips to help you choose the perfect server for your business. Whether you’re scaling up your data center or deploying AI at the edge, we’ll help you find the right solution.
Dell PowerEdge Server Comparison Table
Model | Processor | Memory | GPU Support | Applications | Unique Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
XE9680 | Two 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors | 32 DDR5 DIMMs, up to 4TB | 8x NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs or A100 GPUs with NVLink connectivity | Large datasets, Generative AI, AI/ML/DL training, HPC | No-compromise AI performance, air-cooled, 6U rack |
XE9640 | Two 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors | 32 DDR5 DIMMs, up to 4TB | 4x Intel Data Center Max 1550 OAM GPUs with GPU-to-GPU connectivity | AI/ML training, HPC, modeling & simulation | Dense acceleration, liquid-cooled CPUs/GPUs |
XE8640 | Two 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors | 32 DDR5 DIMMs, up to 4TB | 4x NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs with NVLink connectivity | Medium datasets, AI/ML training, modeling, simulation | Purpose-built for balanced AI and HPC, 4U rack |
XE8545 | Two 3rd Gen AMD EPYC™ processors | 32 DDR4 DIMMs, up to 2TB | 4x NVIDIA A100 GPUs | AI/ML inferencing, smaller datasets language model | AMD EPYC-powered flexibility, air-cooled, 4U rack |
R760xa | Two 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors | 32 DDR5 DIMMs, up to 4TB | 4x 350W double-wide GPUs or 12x 75W single-wide GPUs | AI/ML inferencing, HPC, VDI & performance graphic | Mainstream performance, 2U rack |
XR12 | One 3rd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processor | 8 DDR4 DIMMs, up to 1TB | 2x 300W double-wide GPUs | Edge AI, light-duty training and inferencing | Compact edge server, rugged design (-5°C to 55°C) |
Key Notes & Practical Selection Tips
Match Server to Workload:
- For AI/ML training on large datasets or Generative AI, the XE9680 offers the most robust configuration with up to 8 GPUs.
- For modeling and simulation workloads, the XE8640 provides balanced performance with 4 GPUs and DDR5 memory.
- For small- to medium-scale inferencing and analytics, consider the XE8545 or R760xa, which offer scalability at a lower cost.
- For edge environments or rugged use cases, the XR12 is purpose-built to operate in extreme conditions.
GPU Optimization:
- GPU performance is a critical factor for demanding AI, ML, and HPC workloads.
- NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, available in the XE9680 and XE8640, offer cutting-edge capabilities like NVLink connectivity and engable seamless GPU-to-GPU communication.
- Intel Data Center Max GPUs, supported by the XE9640, deliver efficient performance for HPC applications requiring high memory bandwidth.
- If your workload heavily depends on GPU performance, choose servers that support NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs or Intel Max GPUs, both ideal for demanding AI/ML applications.
Cooling and Efficiency:
- Air-cooled models like the XE9680 are ideal for data centers prioritizing cost-effective operation, handling workloads in ambient temperatures up to 35°C.
- For environments where sustained high-performance workloads are critical, liquid-cooled options like the XE9640 deliver superior thermal management.
Plan for Scalability:
- Future-proofing your infrastructure is essential as AI and HPC demands evolve.
- The XE9680, with support for up to 4TB of DDR5 memory and 8 GPUs, provides unmatched scalability for expanding workloads.
- For edge deployments, the XR12 is uniquely suited for edge AI deployments in remote or industrial environments, with rugged features and broad temperature tolerance.
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