Dell R720 Rack-Mount Server

The Dell R720 is a 2U, rack-mount system that IT managers should put at the top of their evaluation list for workhorse two-processor systems.

My test unit came equipped with dual, high-efficiency 750W hot-swappable power supplies.

The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 7 with Lifecycle Controller provides embedded server management and provides uniform management messages across Dell’s 12th-generation systems.

The PowerEdge R720 provides flexible LAN on motherboard networking options. Here I’m using a network interface card (NIC) configured with 4-RJ45 network ports.

Changing the Select NIC module required me to remove four screws.

Checking on installed components required me to look closely through small viewports in the internal cowling.

The PowerEdge R720 makes extensive use of internal baffles to direct airflow over the dual processers and the supporting RAM.

Good internal cable management kept the airflow clear in my test R720, minimizing the work required by the system fans.

The dual Intel Xeon E5-2690 processors provided both the increased computational power and reduced energy consumption, compared with the PowerEdge R720 predecessor, the R710.

My test PowerEdge R720 system consistently turned in Geekbench performance numbers in the 40,000 range, which was around 12 percent higher than a comparably equipped HP DL380 Gen 8 system.