Dell PowerVault MD3620i
The Dell PowerVault MD3620i is a 2U small-form-factor iSCSI storage array featuring 24 2.5-inch drive bays and dual 10GbE controllers. Tailored for IOPS-demanding database applications and multi-tenant virtualization clusters requiring IP-based networking, the MD3620i provided high-density rotational and flash performance over standard Ethernet infrastructure.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3620i, Dell MD3620i, MD3620i 2.5-inch 10GbE iSCSI
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault MD |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Sep 2011 |
| End of sale | Jan 2016 |
| End of support | Jan 2021 |
| Controller type | Dual active-active 10GbE iSCSI RAID controllers, 2GB or 4GB cache per controller |
| Drive bays | 24x 2.5-inch SAS/SSD drive bays in 2U enclosure; expands up to 192 drives |
| Raw capacity | Up to 28.8TB raw storage in base enclosure (with 1.2TB SAS drives) |
| Host interface | 2x 10GBASE-T or 10GbE SFP+ iSCSI host ports per controller (4 ports total) |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 600W AC power supplies |
Generations
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault MD3820i
Compatible parts
HBAs
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMU Dell Emulex LPe35002 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Transceivers
407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
Rail kits
770-BCKW Dell ReadyRails II Sliding Rails for 2U PowerEdge Servers (B6)
Drive caddies
DXD9H Dell 2.5-inch Gen14/Gen15/Gen16 Hot-Plug Drive Caddy Tray (SFF)
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD3620i connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
iSCSI and NVMe/TCP over Ethernet
Keep the speed the same at all three points: a 25GbE server, a 25GbE switch port and a 25GbE array port. Mixed speeds work but the slowest link sets the pace.
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R320 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R420 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R520 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R620 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R720 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R720xd 2U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBGN Dell Broadcom 57412 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ PCIe Adapter
540-BBGO Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual Port 10GBASE-T RJ45 PCIe Adapter
540-BBGP Dell Broadcom 57416 Dual Port 10GBASE-T RJ45 OCP 3.0 Adapter
540-BBGY Dell Broadcom 57414 Dual Port 10/25GbE SFP28 PCIe Low Profile Network Adapter
Switches
Dell PowerSwitch N2024 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N2024P 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N2048 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N2048P 1U switch
Optics
407-BBOU Dell 10GbE SFP+ SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 300m MMF)- 407-BCBF Dell 25GbE SFP28 SR Optical Transceiver (850nm, 100m MMF)
SFP-10G-LR-AR Arista 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Optical Transceiver Module
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- iSCSI explained mrplanb.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- Network monitoring tools compared 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 MD3620i.
- 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 MD3620i: what to check
Confirm controller battery backup module state, test 10GbE data port connectivity, check 24 2.5-inch drive trays, and verify proper fan module operation.
FAQ
Can the MD3620i connect to standard 1GbE iSCSI hosts?
While the controller ports are 10GbE, hosts can route traffic through 1GbE/10GbE switches with appropriate MTU and flow control settings.
What management software is used for the MD3620i?
It is managed via Dell Modular Disk Storage Manager (MDSM).
Buying or selling PowerVault MD3620i?
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 MD3620i Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27