Dell PowerVault MD3460
The Dell PowerVault MD3460 is a dense 4U direct-attached storage (DAS) array featuring dual 12Gb SAS controllers and 60 drive bays arranged across two sliding drawers. Built for compute-intensive virtualization clusters, high-speed backup staging, and CCTV video surveillance recording, the MD3460 delivers direct host connectivity without SAN switch overhead.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3460, Dell MD3460, MD3460 Dense 4U Array
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault MD |
| Form factor | 4U rack |
| Released | Sep 2014 |
| End of sale | Jan 2020 |
| End of support | Jan 2025 |
| Controller type | Dual active-active 12Gb SAS RAID controllers, 4GB or 8GB cache per controller |
| Drive bays | 60x 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SAS/NL-SAS/SSD drives across two 30-slot drawers in 4U |
| Raw capacity | Up to 600TB raw storage in base enclosure; expands to 180 drives |
| Host interface | 4x 12Gb/s mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) ports per controller (8 ports total) |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 1755W power supply modules with integrated cooling |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell PowerVault MD3260
- 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 MD3460.
- 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 MD3460: what to check
Examine drawer ribbon cables and cable management tracks for wear, test controller battery backup packs, verify 12Gb mini-SAS HD cables are provided, and test dual 1755W power units.
FAQ
How many servers can directly connect to the MD3460?
Up to 4 servers with redundant dual-path SAS connections or up to 8 servers with single-path connections.
Can 2.5-inch SSDs be installed in MD3460 drawers?
Yes, using supported Dell 3.5-inch to 2.5-inch adapter carrier brackets.
Buying or selling PowerVault MD3460?
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 MD3460 Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27