Dell PowerVault MD3200
The Dell PowerVault MD3200 is a dedicated 2U hardware RAID storage array designed for direct-attached 6Gb/s SAS shared clustering between up to four host servers. Driven by dual active-active RAID controllers with battery-backed cache, the MD3200 houses twelve 3.5-inch drives and supports expansion up to 192 drives using MD1200 expansion shelves. Operating with Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM), it provided high availability shared storage for Microsoft Failover Clustering and VMware vSphere without requiring complex Ethernet or FC SAN switches. Used buyers should test the RAID controller cache backup batteries and verify MDSM software access.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3200, Dell MD3200, MD3200 Direct Attached SAS Array
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | May 2010 |
| End of sale | Aug 2015 |
| End of support | Aug 2020 |
| Cpu platform | Dual active-active hardware RAID controllers, 2GB or 4GB battery-backed cache per controller |
| Memory max (GB) | 8 |
| Drive bays | 12x 3.5-inch SAS/NL-SAS/SSD drives in base array; expands up to 192 drives across MD1200 DAEs |
| Raw capacity | Up to 96TB raw in base enclosure (up to 768TB fully expanded) |
| Network onboard | 4x 6Gb/s SAS host ports (SFF-8088) per controller; 1x 100Mb/1GbE management port |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 600W power supplies |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell Powervault MD3000
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault MD3400
Compatible parts
Transceivers
407-BBOH Dell 8Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD3200 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 R630 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R730 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R430 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R530 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
804398-B21 HPE Smart Array E208e-p SR Gen10 12G SAS External Controller
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
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 MD3200.
- 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
- HPE Msa 2040 Sas
Buying a used MD3200: what to check
Inspect RAID controller cache backup batteries (often depleted on older units), test dual active-active controllers, confirm SFF-8088 SAS host ports, and verify 12 drive trays.
FAQ
How do servers connect to the PowerVault MD3200?
Direct connection via external mini-SAS SFF-8088 cables to 6Gb SAS HBAs (Dell 6Gbps SAS HBA) in each host server.
How many servers can directly share the MD3200?
Up to four servers in dual-path redundant configurations or eight servers in single-path mode.
Buying or selling MD3200?
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 MD3200 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27