Dell PowerScale F900
The Dell PowerScale F900 is Dell's top-tier 2U all-NVMe scale-out file storage node built to tackle the world's most data-intensive unstructured workloads. Driven by dual Intel Xeon Platinum processors and 768GB of memory per node, the F900 provides massive computational power and bandwidth for generative AI, high-performance computing, financial algorithmic modeling, and electronic design automation. Governed by the OneFS distributed file system, clusters support modular scaling to 252 nodes with multi-terabit aggregated throughput under a single namespace. Second-hand market purchasers should verify back-end 100GbE switch compatibility and inspect all 24 NVMe bays.
Also written as: PowerScale F900, Dell EMC PowerScale F900, Isilon F900
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerScale |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | May 2021 |
| Cpu platform | Dual Intel Xeon Platinum 8268 (24 cores per CPU, 48 cores per node) |
| Memory max (GB) | 768 |
| Drive bays | Up to 24x 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs (1.92TB, 3.84TB, 7.68TB or 15.36TB) per 2U node |
| Raw capacity | 46TB to 368TB raw capacity per node (up to 92 PB in a 252-node cluster) |
| Network onboard | Dual 100GbE / 40GbE front-end ports; dual 100GbE back-end clustering ports |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 2400W Platinum power supplies |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell Isilon F800
Works together
How the Dell PowerScale F900 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
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.
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R250 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R350 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R450 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R550 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R650 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R650xs 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-BBRL Dell Intel X710 Quad Port 10GbE SFP+ Full-Height PCIe Adapter
540-BDBX Dell NVIDIA Mellanox ConnectX-6 Dx Dual Port 100GbE QSFP56 PCIe Adapter
Switches
Dell PowerSwitch S5224F-ON 1U rack
Dell PowerSwitch S5232F-ON 1U rack
Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON 1U rack
Dell PowerSwitch Z9264F-ON 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
- NFS explained mrplanb.com
- Block vs object storage mrplanb.com
- Object storage Ledger 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 PowerScale F900.
- 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
- Vast Data Ceres
- Pure Storage Storage Flashblade S500
Buying a used F900: what to check
Verify minimum 3-node cluster configuration, inspect dual 2400W power supplies on each node, check 100GbE QSFP28 optics, and confirm valid OneFS licensing.
FAQ
What is the peak throughput of a PowerScale F900 cluster?
A fully scaled 252-node F900 cluster can achieve over 25 TB/s of aggregate read throughput under OneFS.
Does the F900 support native S3 object storage?
Yes, OneFS provides native S3 API access directly to the same underlying file data alongside NFS and SMB.
Buying or selling F900?
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 PowerScale F900 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27