Dell PowerVault MD3420
The Dell PowerVault MD3420 is a performance-dense 2U direct-attached storage array supporting twenty-four 2.5-inch drives and 12Gb/s SAS host connectivity. Powered by dual active-active RAID controllers with up to 16GB of cache, the MD3420 delivers high IOPS for virtualized clusters, transactional SQL databases, and shared hypervisor storage. By using external mini-SAS HD connections, it provides high-speed shared storage for up to four clustered servers without SAN switch complexity or cost. Pre-owned system evaluators should inspect cache protection batteries and verify SFF-8644 cables.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3420, Dell MD3420, MD3420 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 | 24x 2.5-inch SAS/SSD drives in base array; expands up to 192 drives across MD1420 DAEs |
| Raw capacity | Up to 184TB raw in base enclosure |
| 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 MD3220
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault ME4024
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD3420 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 R640 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R740 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R430 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R530 2U 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 MD3420.
- 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
- Lenovo Storage S2200
Buying a used MD3420: what to check
Inspect controller cache backup battery condition, confirm mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 host cables, verify all 24 drive trays are present, and test MDSM management connectivity.
FAQ
What performance advantage does the MD3420 have over MD3220?
12Gb/s SAS host and drive interfaces deliver double the throughput and lower latency compared to the older 6Gb/s MD3220.
Can SSDs be used in the MD3420?
Yes, high-endurance SAS solid-state drives are supported for all-flash or hybrid tiered configurations.
Buying or selling MD3420?
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 MD3420 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27