PowerEdge R640 Server - Dual Gold CPUs, 128GB RAM Computer

Our review of the PowerEdge R640 finds it best suited for IT teams and small data centers that need dense compute in a 1U chassis; the single biggest reason to consider this unit is the combination of two Intel Xeon Gold 6126 processors and 128GB of RAM in an updated chassis, which delivers strong multi-threaded performance for virtualization and database workloads. This refreshed R640 arrives with BIOS and firmware updated, a Dell PERC H730p RAID card installed, and four new 1.2TB SAS drives, making it a practical choice for shops that want a ready-to-deploy rack server without buying new.

Key Features

• Dual Xeon Gold CPUs: Two Intel Xeon Gold 6126 2.6GHz 12-core processors provide a total of 24 cores for demanding multi-threaded tasks and consolidation of virtual machines.
• Large memory capacity: 128GB PC4-2133 DDR4 memory gives plenty of headroom for virtualization, in-memory caches, or database buffers.
• Hardware RAID: The Dell PERC H730p Mini RAID controller simplifies disk redundancy and RAID configurations for performance and data protection.
• New SAS drives with warranty: Four new 1.2TB SAS 10K 12Gb/s hard drives arrive with a 2-year warranty, providing high spindle speed and predictable I/O for storage-heavy workloads.
• Updated firmware: BIOS and firmware are updated before shipping, reducing initial setup friction and improving compatibility with modern management tools.
• Redundant power: Dual platinum-efficiency power supplies provide fault tolerance for rack deployments that require high availability.

Who It's For

The R640 is aimed at small enterprises, hosting providers, and labs that need a dense, high-core-count server for virtualization, container hosts, or transactional databases. With 24 physical cores and 128GB of RAM it handles multiple VMs or container clusters without immediate memory upgrades.

Those who need brand-new hardware warranty coverage or quieter desktop-friendly machines should look elsewhere; this is a renewed rack server intended for a data center or dedicated server room, and rails are not included so rack mounting requires planning.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High core count from dual Xeon Gold 6126 CPUs gives excellent multi-threaded throughput.
• 128GB DDR4 memory enables substantial virtualization and caching capacity out of the box.
• Four new 1.2TB SAS 10K drives with 2-year warranty reduce initial storage concerns and provide faster spindle performance than typical 7.2K drives.
• Updated BIOS and firmware, plus iDRAC 9 Express, ease remote management and deployment.

Cons

• Renewed unit with a 90-day hardware replacement warranty may not satisfy buyers who require full new-hardware warranties.
• Rails are not included, so additional purchase or planning is needed for rack installation.

Specifications

Chassis	Dell PowerEdge R640 1U 8-bay 2.5' SFF
Processors	2x Intel Xeon Gold 6126 2.6GHz (12 cores each)
Memory	128GB PC4-2133 DDR4
RAID Controller	Dell PERC H730p Mini
Storage	4x NEW 1.2TB SAS 10K 12Gb/s HDD (2-year HDD warranty)
Power Supplies	2x Platinum efficiency PSUs
Remote Management	iDRAC 9 Express

Our Verdict

The PowerEdge R640 is a strong value for teams needing a compact, powerful rack server with ample cores and memory for virtualization or database tasks; the inclusion of a PERC RAID card and new SAS drives with a 2-year drive warranty further reduces immediate support risk. Buyers who accept a renewed unit with a 90-day hardware replacement warranty and provide their own rails will find this R640 a cost-effective way to add dense compute and storage to a rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this server include an operating system?
Operating system is not included; the server ships without OS and is ready for custom imaging.

Are rails or bezel included?
Bezel is included but rails are not included, so plan to acquire compatible rack rails separately for mounting.

What warranty coverage is provided?
The unit includes a 90-day hardware replacement warranty and the hard drives carry a 2-year warranty.