Version: 2008
  • On The Insider: Britney's Bikini-Clad Top 10
advertisement

Dell PowerEdge 830 server

  • Quick specs
  • Processor: Intel Pentium D (3 GHz)
  • RAM installed: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM
  • Hard drive: 160 GB Standard
  • See full specifications

Add to my list Product summary

The good: Offers dual-core Pentium D processors; case opens without tools; comprehensive management software.

The bad: Supports only a single processor; phone-support lines open only during certain hours.

The bottom line: As long as you don't need dual processors, the PowerEdge 830 will aptly serve your small to medium-size business.

Read full review

Compare this soho server to:

CNET editors' review

  • Reviewed on: 08/25/2005
  • Released on: 07/11/2005
The new Dell PowerEdge 830 server straddles the line between bare-bones servers, such as Dell's own PowerEdge SC430, and fully loaded machines, such as Gateway's 9510. The PowerEdge 830 offers a broad range of components that serve everyone from budget-minded small businesses to medium-size companies: Celeron D, Pentium 4, or dual-core Pentium D processors; slower SATA or scorching SCSI hard drives; and more. Every PowerEdge 830 ships with Dell's handy OpenManage program, which helps companies keep tabs on the systems attached to the server. The only reason for small to medium-size businesses not to consider this generally well-rounded server is if they need the power of dual processors; in that case, they can consider buying a slightly more full-featured system, such as the IBM eServer xSeries 226.

Businesses that will choose the midrange PowerEdge 830 have probably been around a while, meaning they likely have someone on staff with technical know-how. Though these people should be able to set up the server, they can still fall back on Dell's OpenManage Server Assistant software for help. The application guides you through essential steps in the setup process, prompting you for information on your company's network and how you plan to implement the server. It also steers you through the maze of installing whatever operating system you've picked for the system and assists with advanced capabilities, such as choosing a level of RAID protection for your SCSI hard drives (if you've configured the server with them). While the OpenManage Server Assistant software could stand a more comprehensive user guide, it's a general, helpful way to get through the sometimes-painful steps involved in setting up a server.

Unlike the PowerEdge SC430, the PowerEdge 830 offers management software beyond the OpenManage Server Assistant. The PowerEdge 830 comes equipped with the complete OpenManage suite, which features several individual programs for observing and upgrading the systems on your network. Those programs include Server Administrator, which monitors the health of network systems, lets you perform system upgrades, and alerts you in advance of impending system failures; Array Manager, which helps specifically with storage-device management; and IT Assistant, which keeps an inventory of devices on the network and also provides further fault-monitoring capabilities. Dell goes above and beyond the usual standard of documentation by shipping the PowerEdge 830 with dozens of comprehensive user guides pertaining to each OpenManage application.

Like most midrange servers, the PowerEdge 830 offers a largish tower-style case that makes it look like an oversize PC. You can conveniently crack open the case without tools by swinging open the door that covers the front bezel, using your fingers to untwist a setscrew that lies underneath, then sliding off the side panel. The inside of the case contains a moderate number of expansion bays and slots, starting with four ECC DIMM memory slots. The PowerEdge 830 can also accommodate up to four SATA or hot-swappable SCSI hard drives; one extra 5.25-inch media drive, such as a DVD-ROM/CD-RW; and a 3.5-inch floppy drive. Finally, it provides six I/O slots--one 32-bit PCI, two 64-bit PCI-X, and three PCI Express.

Continue reading

Most helpful user reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Dell PowerEdge 830 server

ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Compare prices for Dell PowerEdge 830 server

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Email me when this product is available

advertisement

Recent user reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Dell PowerEdge 830 server

ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit
advertisement

Dell PowerEdge 830 server