Dell PowerVault MD1280
The Dell PowerVault MD1280 is an ultra-dense 5U direct-attached storage (DAS) expansion enclosure holding 84 3.5-inch SAS drives across two independent pull-out drawers. Built for bulk data retention, big data Hadoop nodes, and media streaming repositories, the MD1280 provides massive storage density per rack unit with redundant 6Gb SAS data paths.
Also written as: PowerVault MD1280, Dell MD1280, MD1280 5U 84-drive JBOD
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault MD |
| Form factor | storage shelf |
| Released | Feb 2014 |
| End of sale | Jan 2019 |
| End of support | Jan 2024 |
| Controller type | Dual hot-pluggable 6Gb SAS Environmental Service Modules (ESMs) |
| Drive bays | 84x 3.5-inch/2.5-inch SAS/NL-SAS drive bays across two sliding drawers in 5U |
| Raw capacity | Up to 672TB raw capacity per 5U enclosure (with 8TB drives) |
| Interconnect | Dual 6Gb/s mini-SAS (SFF-8088) ports per ESM for host or controller attachment |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 2800W high-output power supplies |
Generations
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault ME484
Compatible parts
Rail kits
770-BCKW Dell ReadyRails II Sliding Rails for 2U PowerEdge Servers (B6)
Drive caddies
X7K8W Dell 3.5-inch Gen14/Gen15/Gen16 Hot-Plug Drive Caddy Tray (LFF)
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
Transceivers
407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
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 PowerVault MD1280.
- 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 PowerVault MD1280: what to check
Examine heavy-duty 5U chassis slides, check drawer cable management tracks, verify dual 2800W power modules on 208V-240V circuits, and confirm all 84 drive caddies are present.
FAQ
Can the MD1280 connect directly to PowerEdge servers?
Yes, connecting to PowerEdge servers via a supported external SAS HBA (such as Dell 6Gbps SAS HBA or PERC H810).
What power circuits are required for the MD1280?
The MD1280 strictly requires 200V to 240V AC power due to the heavy draw of 84 spinning drives and dual 2800W power supplies.
Buying or selling PowerVault MD1280?
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 MD1280 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27