Dell PowerVault MD3220
The Dell PowerVault MD3220 is a performance-optimized 2U direct-attached SAS storage array housing twenty-four 2.5-inch drives. Equipped with dual active-active RAID controllers with battery-backed cache memory, the MD3220 allows multiple servers to share a high-performance SAS pool over external 6Gb/s SAS links. Designed for two-node to four-node virtualization clusters and database environments needing fast random I/O, it eliminates the cost and latency of Fibre Channel fabrics. In the secondary market, it serves as an economical shared storage platform for small clusters. Buyers should inspect cache battery units and verify both controllers.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3220, Dell MD3220, MD3220 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 | 24x 2.5-inch SAS/SSD drives in base array; expands up to 192 drives across MD1220 DAEs |
| Raw capacity | Up to 48TB raw in base enclosure |
| 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
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault MD3420
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD3220 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 MD3220.
- 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 MD3220: what to check
Test cache batteries on both controllers, confirm SFF-8088 SAS host cables are included, check MDSM management software access, and verify 24 drive trays.
FAQ
What drive size does the MD3220 support?
Twenty-four 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS spinning hard drives or solid-state drives.
Can the MD3220 connect to multiple servers?
Yes, up to four servers can connect simultaneously in dual-path redundant configurations for shared clustering.
Buying or selling MD3220?
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 MD3220 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27