Dell PowerVault MD3400
The Dell PowerVault MD3400 is an upgraded 2U hardware RAID storage array delivering 12Gb/s direct-attached SAS connectivity for high-speed shared clustering. Featuring dual active-active controllers with up to 16GB of total cache memory, the MD3400 houses twelve 3.5-inch drives and supports expansion up to 192 drives via MD1400 expansion enclosures. Delivering twice the throughput of legacy 6Gb SAS systems, it connects directly to host servers equipped with 12Gb SAS HBAs (such as the Dell 12Gbps HBA) using mini-SAS HD cabling. Refurbished buyers should test controller battery packs and confirm SFF-8644 cables.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3400, Dell MD3400, MD3400 12Gb SAS Array
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Sep 2014 |
| End of sale | Feb 2019 |
| End of support | Mar 2024 |
| Cpu platform | Dual active-active hardware RAID controllers, 4GB or 8GB battery-backed cache per controller |
| Memory max (GB) | 16 |
| Drive bays | 12x 3.5-inch SAS/NL-SAS/SSD drives in base array; expands up to 192 drives across MD1400 DAEs |
| Raw capacity | Up to 192TB raw in base enclosure (up to 1.5 PB fully expanded) |
| Network onboard | 4x 12Gb/s mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) host ports per controller; 1x 1GbE management port |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 600W power supplies |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell PowerVault MD3200
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault ME4012
Compatible parts
Transceivers
407-BBOH Dell 8Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD3400 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 Msa 2040 Sas
- Lenovo Storage S2200
Buying a used MD3400: what to check
Verify dual 12Gb SAS controllers with SFF-8644 ports, test cache backup batteries, check all 12 drive trays, and verify MDSM management network access.
FAQ
What interface does the MD3400 use for host connectivity?
High-speed 12Gb/s mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) ports, offering double the bandwidth of previous 6Gb systems.
How many servers can share the MD3400 directly?
Up to four servers in dual-path redundant configurations without needing external SAS switches.
Buying or selling MD3400?
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 MD3400 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27