Dell PowerMax 2500
The Dell PowerMax 2500 introduces a next-generation high-end enterprise architecture featuring end-to-end PCIe Gen4 NVMe, multi-node active-active directors, and automated PowerMaxOS 10 data services. Delivering 64Gb Fibre Channel and 100GbE host fabrics, the 2500 brings mainframe-grade 6-nines availability, continuous hardware fault tolerance, and secure cyber recovery vaults to mid-to-large enterprise data centers.
Also written as: PowerMax 2500, Dell PowerMax 2500, PowerMaxOS 10 Array
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerMax |
| Form factor | 4U multi-node rack |
| Released | May 2022 |
| Cpu platform | Up to 2 node pairs (4 directors), Intel Xeon Scalable Ice Lake (64 total processor cores) |
| Memory max (GB) | 4,096 |
| Drive bays | Up to 48x 2.5-inch NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSDs per dual-node enclosure; scalable across multiple enclosures |
| Raw capacity | Up to 2.7 PB effective storage capacity |
| Network onboard | Modular front-end I/O supporting 64Gb/32Gb Fibre Channel, 100GbE / 25GbE iSCSI, and NVMe-oF |
| Power supply | Redundant hot-plug high-efficiency power supplies with internal battery backup units |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell PowerMax 2000
Compatible parts
HBAs
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMU Dell Emulex LPe35002 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Transceivers
407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
Rail kits
770-BCKW Dell ReadyRails II Sliding Rails for 2U PowerEdge Servers (B6)
Drive caddies
DXD9H Dell 2.5-inch Gen14/Gen15/Gen16 Hot-Plug Drive Caddy Tray (SFF)
SSDs
400-AZPZ Dell 1.92TB SAS Read Intensive 12Gb/s 2.5-inch Hot-Plug SSD
400-BDSD Dell 3.84TB SAS Read Intensive 12Gb/s 2.5-inch Hot-Plug SSD
Works together
How the Dell PowerMax 2500 connects to servers, storage and the network: 2 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).
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R HS5610 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R HS5620 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R250 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R350 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R360 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R450 1U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter- 540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
- 540-BCMU Dell Emulex LPe35002 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BDLM Dell Emulex LPe36002 Dual Port 64Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
Switches
Dell Connectrix DS-7730B 2U switch
Dell Connectrix DS-7720B 1U rack
Dell Connectrix MP-7850B 1U switch
Dell Connectrix ED-DCX7-8B 14U director chassis
Optics
- 407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
57-1000333-01 Brocade 32G FC SFP+ SWL
57-1000495-01 Brocade 64G FC SFP+ SWL
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.
Servers
- Dell PowerEdge R250 1U rack
- Dell PowerEdge R350 1U rack
- Dell PowerEdge R360 1U rack
- Dell PowerEdge R450 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R550 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R650 1U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBGY Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 PCIe Low Profile Network Adapter
540-BBHB Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 OCP 3.0 Mezzanine Network Adapter
540-BBJL Dell Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx Dual Port 25GbE SFP28 Network Daughter Card (rNDC)
540-BCND Dell Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx Dual Port 25GbE SFP28 PCIe Adapter
Switches
Dell PowerSwitch S5448F-ON 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N3248TE-ON 1U switch
Dell Connectrix ED-DCX7-4B 9U director chassis
Dell PowerSwitch N3248PXE-ON 1U switch
Optics
407-BBOY Dell 100GbE QSFP28 SR4 Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MPO-12)- 407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
QSFP-100G-CWDM4-AR Arista 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module
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 PowerMax 2500.
- 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
Buying a used PowerMax 2500: what to check
Confirm licensing entitlements for PowerMaxOS 10 and SRDF replication, verify director board hardware revisions, and inspect internal NVMe-oF fabric switches and high-voltage power components.
FAQ
Does the PowerMax 2500 support IBM mainframe FICON connectivity?
Yes, the PowerMax 2500 provides optional mixed open-systems (FC, NVMe-oF) and mainframe FICON connectivity on the same chassis.
How does the PowerMax 2500 interconnect its director nodes?
It utilizes an internal dynamic dual-switch NVMe-oF backplane fabric rather than legacy proprietary point-to-point interconnects.
Buying or selling PowerMax 2500?
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 PowerMax 2500 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27