Dell PowerEdge R750xa
The Dell PowerEdge R750xa is a GPU-optimized 2U dual-socket enterprise server designed for artificial intelligence training, machine learning inference, computer-aided engineering, and graphic-intensive virtualization. Powered by dual 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, the R750xa features front-accessible PCIe slots accommodating up to 4 double-width 300W accelerators such as the NVIDIA A100 PCIe. Its dedicated front-to-back airflow channel cools high-wattage GPUs efficiently. Second-hand purchasers should inspect auxiliary PCIe power cables, verify installed power supplies are 2400W, and confirm high-performance fan operation.
Also written as: PowerEdge R750xa, Dell R750xa, R750xa GPU Server
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerEdge R |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | May 2021 |
| Cpu sockets | 2 |
| Cpu platform | Intel Xeon Scalable 3rd Gen (up to 40 cores, 270W TDP) |
| Memory slots | 32 |
| Memory type | DDR4-3200 RDIMM / LRDIMM |
| Memory max (GB) | 8,192 |
| Drive bays | Up to 8x 2.5-inch NVMe/SAS/SATA drives |
| Pcie slots | Up to 8 PCIe Gen4 slots |
| Gpu support | Up to 4x 300W double-wide PCIe GPUs (NVIDIA A100) or 8x 75W single-wide GPUs |
| Network onboard | OCP 3.0 slot; 1x 1GbE iDRAC dedicated port |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 1400W, 1800W or 2400W Platinum/Titanium |
Generations
- Next generation: Dell PowerEdge R760xa
Compatible parts
Heatsinks
412-AATQ Dell PowerEdge R750 High Performance CPU Heatsink (>205W TDP)
Power supplies
450-AKLR Dell 2400W Platinum Hot-Plug Redundant Power Supply (Common Slot)
Fans
750-ACFU Dell PowerEdge R750 Very High Performance Gold Fan Module (VHP)
Other parts
- PERC-H745
RAID controllers
PERC-H755 Dell PERC H755 Front SAS 12Gb/s 8GB NV Cache PCIe Gen4 RAID Controller
Boot devices
BOSS-S2 Dell Boot Optimized Storage Solution (BOSS-S2) Hot-Plug Rear Controller with Dual M.2 SSDs
Works together
How the Dell PowerEdge R750xa connects to servers, storage and the network: 4 ways, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Adapters for the server (check the fit list)
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Switches
Lenovo ThinkSystem DB730S 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DB630S 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DB610S 1U rack
Storage
Dell PowerStore 500T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 1000T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 1000X 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 1200T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 3000T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 3200T 2U rack
Optics
iSCSI and NVMe/TCP over Ethernet
Keep the speed the same at all three points: a 25GbE server, a 25GbE switch port and a 25GbE array port. Mixed speeds work but the slowest link sets the pace.
Adapters for the server (check the fit list)
540-BBHG Dell Intel X520/I350 2x10GbE SFP+ + 2x1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
540-BBHH Dell Intel X540/I350 2x10GBASE-T + 2x1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
540-BBIU Dell Broadcom 57416/5720 2x10GBASE-T + 2x1GbE Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
540-BBIV Dell Broadcom 57412/5720 2x10GbE SFP+ + 2x1GbE Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
Direct-attached SAS
12Gb SAS uses Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors; older 6Gb gear uses Mini-SAS (SFF-8088). Adapter cables exist, but the link runs at the slower speed.
Adapters for the server (check the fit list)
405-AANT Dell 12Gbps SAS HBA Dual Port External PCIe Controller
405-AASU Dell HBA355e External SAS 12Gb/s Host Bus Adapter
Storage
Dell PowerVault ME5012 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME5024 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME5084 5U rack
Dell PowerVault ME4012 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME4024 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME4084 5U rack
File storage (NFS and SMB)
Front-end ports face the clients; back-end ports (on scale-out systems) connect the nodes to each other and need their own switch pair.
Adapters for the server (check the fit list)
- 540-BBHG Dell Intel X520/I350 2x10GbE SFP+ + 2x1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
- 540-BBHH Dell Intel X540/I350 2x10GBASE-T + 2x1GbE BASE-T Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
- 540-BBIU Dell Broadcom 57416/5720 2x10GBASE-T + 2x1GbE Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
- 540-BBIV Dell Broadcom 57412/5720 2x10GbE SFP+ + 2x1GbE Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
Storage
Lenovo ThinkSystem DM5100F 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DM3010H 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DG5000 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DM3200F 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DM3000H 2U rack
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- Dell E-Lab Navigator (Dell interoperability) dell.com
Equivalent models from other brands
- HPE Proliant DL385 Gen10 Plus
- Lenovo Thinksystem SR670
Buying a used R750xa: what to check
Confirm auxiliary GPU power cabling harnesses are present, verify that 2400W power supplies are installed to support multi-GPU loads, and check high-performance fan modules.
FAQ
What GPUs are supported in the PowerEdge R750xa?
It supports up to 4 double-width PCIe Gen4 accelerators such as the NVIDIA A100, A40, A30, or up to 8 single-width NVIDIA T4/A2 GPUs.
What power supplies are required for 4 GPUs?
Dual 2400W power supplies operating in redundant mode on 200-240V AC lines are required.
Buying or selling R750xa?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Dell PowerEdge R750xa Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27