Dell PowerVault ME5012 Storage Arrays – new and refurbished

FAQ

What can a Dell PowerVault ME5012 storage array be used for in a business?

The Dell PowerVault ME5012 is a block storage array for centralized data storage in small and mid-sized businesses and branch offices. It works well for virtualization, databases, file servers and backup. It is a 2U model with 3.5" drives, designed for high capacity at a reasonable cost per terabyte.

How many drives does the Dell PowerVault ME5012 support, and what types?

The ME5012 has 12 bays for 3.5" drives in a 2U chassis. The type of drives (e.g. NL-SAS or SAS) depends on whether capacity or performance matters more to you. Capacity can be expanded later with additional expansion enclosures. It's best to confirm the configuration and compatible drives with a Hardware Direct advisor.

Which host interfaces can I choose for the ME5012?

The ME5 series is available in variants with different interfaces for connecting servers, including Fibre Channel, iSCSI and SAS. The right choice depends on your infrastructure, that is, whether you have an FC SAN or connect your servers over Ethernet. The port configuration must be specified when you place the order.

Does the ME5012 provide redundancy and protection against failure?

ME5 arrays have two controllers and redundant power supplies, so the failure of a single component does not have to mean downtime. You can add further data protection with RAID levels, and replaceable components can usually be serviced without shutting the system down. However, an array is not a substitute for a backup.

Which model should I choose: the 12-drive ME5012 or the 24-drive ME5024?

The difference is mainly in the drive format and chassis. The ME5012 supports 12 3.5" drives, which favors high capacity. The ME5024 holds 24 2.5" drives and is better suited to cases where performance and the number of drives matter. So the choice depends on whether terabytes or speed is the higher priority.