Dell PowerVault MD3820i
The Dell PowerVault MD3820i is a 2U 10GbE iSCSI storage array equipped with 24 2.5-inch drive bays and dual active-active controllers. Designed for virtualized multi-server infrastructures and mixed database workloads, the MD3820i delivers dense small-form-factor IOPS and 10GbE networking simplicity for cost-sensitive enterprise datacenters.
Also written as: PowerVault MD3820i, Dell MD3820i, MD3820i 2.5-inch 10GbE iSCSI
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | PowerVault MD |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | Sep 2014 |
| End of sale | Jan 2020 |
| End of support | Jan 2025 |
| Controller type | Dual active-active 10GbE iSCSI RAID controllers, 4GB or 8GB 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 48TB raw storage in base enclosure with 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
- Previous generation: Dell PowerVault MD3620i
- Next generation: Dell PowerVault ME4024
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)
SSDs
400-AZPZ Dell 1.92TB SAS Read Intensive 12Gb/s 2.5-inch Hot-Plug SSD
Works together
How the Dell PowerVault MD3820i 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 R220 1U rack
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
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 MD3820i.
- 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 MD3820i: what to check
Check battery backup unit charging status on both controller sleds, verify 10GbE interface port negotiation, inspect 24 drive trays for mounting clips, and test redundant 600W power units.
FAQ
What network cables can be used with the MD3820i?
Depending on the controller module, it uses Cat6a copper cables (10GBASE-T) or SFP+ direct-attach copper/optical cables.
How does the MD3820i protect cache during power failure?
Battery-backed cache de-stages uncommitted write data directly to persistent flash memory upon power loss.
Buying or selling PowerVault MD3820i?
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 MD3820i Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27