Virtualisation platforms
Commonly deployed for virtualisation platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V, with scalable compute and memory in a compact 2U footprint.
Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 Rack Server (2U, Dual Socket)
The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 is a powerful and adaptable 2U rackmount server designed to deliver outstanding performance and scalability. Powered by Intel® Xeon® processors, it provides the ideal balance of resources for diverse workloads.
ServerSource makes it simple to configure this flexible platform to suit your precise business needs.
Use our configurator today to build to order your perfect Dell EMC PowerEdge Server.
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|3 to 5 Year Warranty
|Ships Across Europe
Key Features and Advantages
Recommended Workloads and Best-Fit Use Cases
The Dell PowerEdge R540 is suitable for the following workloads:
Database and transactional applications
Suitable for database and transactional workloads that benefit from strong CPU performance, memory capacity and flexible storage options.
Enterprise business systems and middleware
Ideal for core business systems and middleware that require reliable enterprise-class performance and management features.
Private cloud and software-defined infrastructure
Well suited to private cloud and software-defined infrastructure deployments that require flexible I/O and scalable resources.
Development, test and staging
A strong platform for development, test and staging environments where consistent performance and enterprise management are important.
Core enterprise workloads
Designed for organisations that need dependable dual-socket compute for core enterprise workloads in a compact 2U footprint.
Example Build to Order Configurations
These example configurations demonstrate the flexibility of the R540 platform across different use cases:
| Use Case | CPU & Memory | Storage & I/O Configuration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web or application host | Xeon with 32 to 64 GB DDR4 | 1 to 2 × SATA SSD with optional HDD | Cost-effective hosting for business apps and web servers |
| File or backup server | Xeon with 32 to 64 GB DDR4 | HDD pool or mixed SSD/HDD | Optimised for storage capacity or hybrid performance |
| Small virtualisation host | Xeon with 32 to 64 GB DDR4 | SSD boot plus HDD/SSD | Capable of running light virtual workloads |
| Branch office server | Xeon with moderate RAM | Mixed SSD/HDD | Reliable general-purpose platform for remote sites |
(Configurations vary depending on chosen chassis and backplane.)
Technical Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Dell PowerEdge R540 2U rack server:
- Form factor: 2U rack server
- Processors: Up to two 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs
- Memory: Up to 1 TB DDR4 ECC RDIMM, up to 2666 MT/s (higher with LRDIMM)
- Drive bays: Up to 12 × 3.5-inch front bays; optional 2 × 3.5-inch rear bays (up to 14 total)
- Storage controllers: PERC H330, PERC H740P, PERC H745, HBA330, S140 software RAID (SATA)
- Power supplies: Redundant hot-plug Platinum power supply options
- Networking: 2 × 1 GbE LOM with optional network expansion
- Expansion: Up to 5 × PCIe Gen3 slots (configuration dependent)
- Management: iDRAC9 with lifecycle management capabilities
Why Buy from ServerSource
Fast Delivery
UK and EU delivery available with genuine Dell EMC hardware and full warranty support.
Competitive Pricing
Perfectly priced Dell EMC systems with transparent quote process and no hidden fees.
Expert Support
Pre sales technical consultation to ensure your R540 configuration meets your exact needs.
Build your Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 server online
Adjust CPUs, memory, storage, RAID, NICs and operating system options as needed, then submit your R540 configuration to our team for pricing and availability.
Dell PowerEdge R540 Technical Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Dell PowerEdge R540 2U rack server with Intel Xeon processors.
Processor Support
The R540 supports up to two 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, delivering reliable performance for virtualisation, database workloads and enterprise applications.
Storage and I/O Configuration
| Component | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Storage | Boot options | Boot configurations vary by build. Choose a suitable boot device based on your selected storage and controller options. |
| Storage Controllers | PERC H330, PERC H740P, PERC H745, HBA330, S140 | S140: SATA software RAID. PERC/HBA options available depending on your chassis and drive configuration. |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe Gen3 | Supports up to five PCIe Gen3 slots depending on riser and rear storage configuration, for network adapters, storage controllers and other expansion needs. |
| Drive Bays | Front / Rear | Up to 12 × 3.5-inch front bays; optional 2 × 3.5-inch rear bays (up to 14 total) |
Power and Thermal Specifications
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power Supply Units | Hot-plug redundant Platinum options | Power supply options vary by configuration. |
| Cooling | Air cooling | Up to 4 cabled fans for reliable operation in data centre environments |
Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 technical overview
The R540 platform includes:
What is the power consumption of the Dell R540?
The Dell PowerEdge R540 supports redundant hot-plug Platinum power supply options. Power consumption varies based on CPU configuration, memory, and storage choices.
Why choose a 2U rackmount server?
2U rackmount servers like the Dell PowerEdge R540 provide increased internal expansion and storage flexibility, making them a practical choice for a wide range of enterprise workloads. The R540 delivers reliable dual-socket performance in a space-efficient 2U form factor, ideal for deployments where balanced compute, memory and storage are important.
What makes the R540 well suited to enterprise workloads?
The Dell PowerEdge R540 is designed for enterprise environments that require strong compute performance, scalable memory and flexible storage in a compact 2U footprint. With dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable support, PCIe Gen3 expansion and flexible SAS/SATA storage options, it is well suited to virtualisation, databases and core business workloads.
Key Features Summary
- Form factor: 2U rack server
- Processors: Up to two Intel Xeon Scalable processors
- Memory: Up to 1 TB DDR4 ECC RDIMM, up to 2666 MT/s (higher with LRDIMM)
- Drive bays: Up to 12 × 3.5-inch front bays; optional 2 × 3.5-inch rear bays (up to 14 total)
- Storage controllers: PERC H330, PERC H740P, PERC H745, HBA330, S140 software RAID (SATA)
- Power supplies: Redundant hot-plug Platinum power supply options
- Networking: 2 × 1 GbE LOM with optional network expansion
- Expansion: Up to 5 PCIe Gen3 slots (configuration dependent)
- Management: iDRAC9 with lifecycle management capabilities for remote monitoring and simplified management
Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 build-to-order FAQ
Find answers to common questions about configuring and ordering your Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 server
Can I configure any Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 server online?
Yes. Our online configurator covers a wide range of Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 options including CPUs, memory, hard drives, SSDs, RAID controllers, NICs and operating systems. Submit your configuration for a personalised quote with competitive pricing.
Which workloads are Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 servers best suited for?
PowerEdge R540 servers are ideal for virtualisation, databases, private cloud and core business workloads that require strong compute performance, scalable memory and flexible storage in a compact 2U footprint.
Can I standardise on a single R540 reference configuration?
Absolutely. Design a standard specification and repeat that build across multiple Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 servers. This simplifies lifecycle management, capacity planning and spares holdings, making fleet management more efficient and cost-effective.
Do you support other Dell EMC PowerEdge server models?
Yes. ServerSource can configure a wide range of Dell EMC PowerEdge rack and tower servers including R640, R740, R750, R760, R860, T550, T560 and more. Visit our Dell EMC build-to-order online store to explore other models and generations.
Why choose ServerSource for your Dell EMC PowerEdge R540?
We validate every component choice for compatibility and real-world balance so that your custom R540 configuration is ready for production use. All servers come with genuine Dell EMC hardware, full manufacturer warranty, and expert pre-sales and after-sales support.