Dell PowerEdge XR11
The PowerEdge XR11 is a rugged single-socket 1U edge server built with 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. Designed with an ultra-short 16-inch depth, front or reverse I/O and airflow, and NEBS Level 3 certification, it handles telecom edge, defense communication, and marine environments reliably.
Also written as: PowerEdge XR11, Dell XR11, XR11 Rugged Server
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerEdge XR |
| Form factor | 1U rack |
| Released | Apr 2021 |
| Cpu sockets | 1 |
| Cpu platform | 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors |
| Memory slots | 8 |
| Memory type | DDR4 ECC RDIMM up to 3200 MT/s |
| Drive bays | Up to 4x 2.5in SAS/SATA/NVMe drives |
| Pcie slots | Up to 2x PCIe Gen4 slots and OCP 3.0 slot |
| Chassis depth | Short-depth 16 inches (400mm) |
| Operating temp | -5C to 55C continuous operating range |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell PowerEdge XR2
- Next generation: Dell PowerEdge XR5610
Works together
How the Dell PowerEdge XR11 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
Dell Connectrix DS-7720B 1U rack
Dell Connectrix MP-7850B 1U switch
Dell Connectrix DS-7730B 2U switch
Dell Connectrix ED-DCX7-8B 14U director chassis
Storage
Dell PowerStore 500T 2U rack
Dell PowerMax 2500 4U multi-node rack
Dell PowerMax 8500 system bay multi-enclosure
Dell PowerStore 1000T 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 1000X 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 1200T 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-BBGN Dell Broadcom 57412 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ PCIe Adapter
540-BBGO Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual Port 10GBASE-T RJ45 PCIe Adapter
540-BBGP Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual Port 10GBASE-T RJ45 OCP 3.0 Adapter
540-BBGY Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 PCIe Low Profile Network Adapter
Switches
Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch Z9432F-ON 1U switch
Dell Connectrix ED-DCX7-4B 9U director chassis
Dell PowerSwitch N3248PXE-ON 1U switch
Storage
- Dell PowerStore 500T 2U rack
- Dell PowerMax 2500 4U multi-node rack
- Dell PowerMax 8500 system bay multi-enclosure
- Dell PowerStore 1000T 2U rack
- Dell PowerStore 1000X 2U rack
- Dell PowerStore 1200T 2U rack
Optics
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
HBA465E Dell HBA465e External Host Bus Adapter
Storage
Dell PowerVault ME5012 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME5024 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME5084 5U rack
Dell PowerEdge MX5016s blade
Dell PowerStore NVMe Expansion Enclosure (ENS24) 2U rack
Dell PowerStore 7000T 2U 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-BBGN Dell Broadcom 57412 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ PCIe Adapter
- 540-BBGO Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual Port 10GBASE-T RJ45 PCIe Adapter
- 540-BBGP Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual Port 10GBASE-T RJ45 OCP 3.0 Adapter
- 540-BBGY Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 PCIe Low Profile Network Adapter
Switches
- Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON 1U switch
- Dell PowerSwitch Z9432F-ON 1U switch
- Dell Connectrix ED-DCX7-4B 9U director chassis
- Dell PowerSwitch N3248PXE-ON 1U switch
Storage
Dell PowerScale A300 4U
Dell PowerScale A3000 4U 4-node chassis
Dell PowerScale F900 2U rack
Dell PowerScale H700 4U
Dell PowerScale H7000 4U 4-node chassis- Dell PowerStore 500T 2U rack
Optics
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
Check compatibility with Dell
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that Dell has tested with the Dell PowerEdge XR11.
- Compatibility Dell E-Lab Navigator (storage and SAN interoperability) (free vendor sign-in)
- Support Dell Support: drivers, manuals and service tag lookup
Equivalent models from other brands
FAQ
What makes the PowerEdge XR11 suitable for marine and military environments?
The XR11 complies with MIL-STD-810H and MIL-STD-461G specifications for shock, vibration, and altitude, and features marine-certified operating acoustics and conformal coating options.
Does the XR11 support reverse I/O cabling?
Yes, it is available in standard front-to-back airflow or reverse I/O configurations with front-accessible power and ports for simplified maintenance in tight telecom racks.
Buying or selling XR11?
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 XR11 Product Details, checked 2026-10-27
- Dell PowerEdge XR11 Technical Documentation, checked 2026-10-27