Dell PowerVault MD1200
The Dell PowerVault MD1200 is an iconic 2U 12-bay 3.5-inch direct-attached storage (DAS) expansion enclosure connecting via 6Gb/s SAS SFF-8088 interfaces. Operating as a direct JBOD array behind external PERC H800 or H810 controllers, the MD1200 delivers reliable bulk storage for file servers, video repositories, and homelab storage clusters (ZFS, TrueNAS, Unraid). Renowned for its tank-like durability and broad third-party drive compatibility, the MD1200 remains one of the most traded budget disk shelves on the secondary market. Buyers should confirm SFF-8088 to SFF-8088 or SFF-8644 cables and check EMM status.
Also written as: PowerVault MD1200, Dell MD1200, MD1200 6Gb SAS JBOD
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Mar 2010 |
| End of sale | Dec 2015 |
| End of support | Dec 2020 |
| Drive bays | 12x 3.5-inch hot-swap SAS/NL-SAS/SATA drives |
| Raw capacity | Up to 120TB raw capacity per enclosure (using 10TB HDDs) |
| Network onboard | Dual redundant Enclosure Management Modules (EMM) with 6Gb/s mini-SAS (SFF-8088) ports |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 600W power supplies |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell Powervault MD1000
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault MD1400
Compatible parts
Hard drives
400-AUQO Dell 600GB 15K RPM SAS 12Gb/s 512n 3.5in Hybrid Hot-Plug Hard Drive
400-AUQW Dell 4TB 7.2K RPM SAS 12Gb/s 512e 3.5in Hot-Plug Hard Drive
400-AUQX Dell 8TB 7.2K RPM SAS 12Gb/s 512e 3.5in Hot-Plug Hard Drive
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD1200 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
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.
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R430 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R530 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R630 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R730 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R730xd 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R230 1U rack
Adapters for the server
405-AANT Dell 12Gbps SAS HBA Dual Port External PCIe Controller
405-AASU Dell HBA355e External SAS 12Gb/s Host Bus Adapter
05-50076-01 Broadcom HBA 9500-16e PCIe 4.0 Tri-Mode 16-Port External Host Bus Adapter
4Y37A09724 Lenovo ThinkSystem 440-16e SAS/SATA PCIe Gen4 12Gb HBA
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- LTO tape prices and archive advisor tapebackup.org
- Enterprise backup Ledger: backup software scored mrplanb.com
- LTO tape for backup mrplanb.com
- Dell E-Lab Navigator (Dell interoperability) dell.com
Equivalent models from other brands
- HPE D2600 Jbod
Buying a used MD1200: what to check
Inspect EMM modules for bent SFF-8088 connector pins, verify dual 600W power supplies, confirm whether drive caddies with interposers are supplied, and check fan noise.
FAQ
What interface does the PowerVault MD1200 use?
External 6Gb/s mini-SAS SFF-8088 ports on dual redundant Enclosure Management Modules (EMMs).
Can the MD1200 accept drives larger than 2TB?
Yes, when connected to a modern SAS HBA or PERC H800/H810, drives of 10TB, 12TB, or larger work without partition limitations.
Buying or selling MD1200?
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 PowerVault MD1200 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27