Dell Compellent SC4020
The Dell Storage SC4020, from the Compellent line, is a 2U array with two storage controllers and up to 24 internal 2.5-inch SAS drives. Controllers are ordered with Fibre Channel, iSCSI or SAS front-end ports, and SC200, SC220 and SC280 enclosures add capacity. It runs the Storage Center operating system and is managed with Dell Storage Manager.
Also written as: Dell Storage SC4020, Compellent SC4020, SC4020 Storage System
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | Compellent SC |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Controller configuration | Two hot-swappable storage controllers |
| Drive bays | 7 to 24 internal 2.5-inch hot-swappable 6Gbps SAS drives |
| Expansion | Up to 14 SC200 or 7 SC220 expansion enclosures, up to 192 drives in one redundant SAS chain; up to two SC280 enclosures per the owner manual |
| Host connectivity | Per controller: two 16Gb Fibre Channel, four 8Gb Fibre Channel, two 10Gb iSCSI or four 12Gb SAS ports |
| Management | Dell Storage Manager Client, Storage Center OS |
| Power supply | Two redundant 580W power supply and cooling fan modules |
Works together
How the Dell Compellent SC4020 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
Dell PowerEdge R HS5610 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R HS5620 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R HS7710 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R250 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R260 1U rack (short-depth)
Dell PowerEdge R350 1U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BBUU Dell Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BBUV Dell QLogic 2692 Dual Port 16Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
540-BCMS Dell QLogic 2770 Single Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Switches
Dell Connectrix DS-6610B 1U rack
Dell Connectrix DS-6620B 1U rack
Dell Connectrix DS-6630B 2U switch
Dell Connectrix DS-7720B 1U rack
Optics
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- What an hour of downtime costs outagecost.org
- 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 Compellent SC4020.
- 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 SC4020: what to check
Check the front-end I/O card type on both controllers, the Storage Center licence status and the firmware level. Confirm both controllers and both power supply and fan modules are present, and ask for the drive list including any expansion enclosures.
FAQ
How many drives does the SC4020 hold?
Dell lists a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 internal 2.5-inch SAS drives. Expansion enclosures add more, up to 192 drives in one redundant SAS chain.
Which host ports can the SC4020 have?
Per controller Dell lists two 16Gb Fibre Channel, four 8Gb Fibre Channel, two 10Gb iSCSI or four 12Gb SAS ports, depending on the I/O option ordered.
Buying or selling SC4020?
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 SC4020 Storage System Owner Manual, July 2017 Rev. I, checked 2026-10-28