Dell Unity XT 480F
The Dell Unity XT 480F is a mid-tier all-flash unified storage array designed for mission-critical relational databases, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and high-concurrency cloud environments. Powered by dual active-active Storage Processors with 192GB of RAM, the 480F supports up to 750 solid-state drives, scaling to 4.0PB raw (over 12PB effective with inline data reduction). It provides concurrent block and file protocols with non-disruptive software upgrades. Second-hand buyers should check that the installed SSDs carry authentic Dell EMC firmware and verify battery backup modules.
Also written as: Unity XT 480F, Dell EMC Unity XT 480F, Unity 480F All-Flash
Specifications
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Family | Unity XT |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Released | May 2019 |
| Cpu platform | Dual active-active storage processors (SPs), Intel Xeon Skylake 8-core (1.8 GHz) per SP |
| Memory max (GB) | 192 |
| Drive bays | Up to 25x 2.5-inch SAS SSDs in base DPE; expands up to 750 all-flash SSDs across DAEs |
| Raw capacity | Up to 4.0 PB raw capacity (up to 12 PB effective with 3:1 data reduction) |
| Network onboard | 4-port 10GbE / 1GbE; 2x I/O module slots per SP supporting 16Gb/32Gb FC or 25GbE optical |
| Power supply | Dual redundant hot-plug 1800W Platinum power supplies |
Generations
- Previous generation: Dell Unity 450F
- Next generation: Dell PowerStore 1000T
Compatible parts
Transceivers
407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
HBAs
540-BCMT Dell QLogic 2772 Dual Port 32Gb Fibre Channel PCIe Adapter
Works together
How the Dell Unity XT 480F connects to servers, storage and the network: 3 ways, 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 R6515 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7515 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6525 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R7525 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R240 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R340 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
Lenovo ThinkSystem DB630S 2U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DB610S 1U rack
Optics
407-BBOG Dell 16Gb Short Wave SFP+ Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver- 407-BCBI Dell 32Gb Short Wave SFP28 Fibre Channel Optical Transceiver
4M27A09984 Lenovo ThinkSystem 32Gb FC SFP+ Optical Transceiver
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 R740 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R730 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge MX840c blade
Dell PowerEdge MX750c blade
Dell PowerEdge T640 tower
Dell PowerEdge MX760c blade
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 S5212F-ON 1U rack
Dell PowerSwitch S5224F-ON 1U rack
Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON 1U rack
Dell PowerSwitch S5296F-ON 2U rack
Optics
File storage (NFS and SMB)
Front-end ports face the clients; back-end ports (on scale-out systems) connect the nodes to each other and need their own switch pair.
Servers
- Dell PowerEdge R740 2U rack
- Dell PowerEdge R730 2U rack
- Dell PowerEdge MX840c blade
- Dell PowerEdge MX750c blade
- Dell PowerEdge T640 tower
- Dell PowerEdge MX760c blade
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 S5212F-ON 1U rack
- Dell PowerSwitch S5224F-ON 1U rack
- Dell PowerSwitch S5248F-ON 1U rack
- Dell PowerSwitch S5296F-ON 2U 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
- Dell E-Lab Navigator (Dell interoperability) dell.com
Equivalent models from other brands
- Pure Storage Storage Flasharray X20
- NetApp Aff A250
Buying a used 480F: what to check
Verify all SSDs carry authentic Dell Unity firmware, inspect both SP lithium-ion backup packs, test Fibre Channel ports, and confirm Unity OE software license status.
FAQ
How many SSDs does the Unity XT 480F support?
Up to 750 all-flash 2.5-inch SAS SSDs across base and expansion enclosures.
What data reduction ratio is typical on the 480F?
Up to 3:1 or higher using inline deduplication and compression.
Buying or selling 480F?
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 Unity XT 480F Spec Sheet, checked 2026-10-27