Dell PowerEdge 12G

PowerEdge R920

Mission-critical four-socket box for in-memory databases and large ERP.

The PowerEdge R920 is an end-of-life model with no vendor support; we keep it running while you plan a replacement. Mission-critical four-socket box for in-memory databases and large ERP.

Platform facts

VendorDell
Generation12G
Form factor4U rack
Sockets4
CPUIntel Xeon E7-4800 v2 / E7-8800 v2 (Ivy Bridge-EX)
DIMM slots96
MemoryDDR3 RDIMM/LRDIMM, up to 6 TB
Storage24x 2.5-inch hot-plug SAS/SATA/SSD, optional PCIe SSD
RAIDPERC H730P, H830
ManagementiDRAC7
Released2014
Statusend of life

Field notes

Memory risers (8 of them) and their VRMs are the first suspects on memory errors; reseat before replacing. Four 1100 W PSUs and it still needs high-line power when loaded. Firmware via Lifecycle Controller 2. Windows Server 2016 / ESXi 6.7 are the practical ceilings. Replace with an R960.

Successor: PowerEdge R930.

What we do with the PowerEdge R920

Keep it or replace it?

A PowerEdge R920 can keep doing a single job for years if it has good backups, current firmware and spare parts on the shelf. It should not be the only copy of anything, and it should not be internet-facing on an unsupported OS. We will tell you honestly whether a memory or disk upgrade buys useful time or whether the money belongs in a replacement.

Replacement planning covers the OS and licences, not only the box: a PowerEdge R920 running Windows Server 2012 or an old ESXi needs a migration plan, not a lift-and-shift.

Related models

Related services

Frequently asked questions

Do you work on PowerEdge servers you did not sell?

Yes. Most of our Dell work is on servers a business already owns, in or out of warranty.

Can you update firmware without downtime?

iDRAC and some component firmware update live. BIOS, PERC and NIC firmware need a reboot, which we schedule in a maintenance window.

Can the PowerEdge R920 run a current operating system?

Check the field notes above. As a rule, current models are certified for Windows Server 2022/2025, ESXi 8 and RHEL 9; legacy models usually stop at Windows Server 2019 or ESXi 7 and may need Proxmox or an older Linux to stay useful.

Need a hand with this?

Tell us what you are running and what is slowing you down. You get a straight assessment and a plan, with no obligation. Support desk is staffed 24/7.

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