Quick Specs Form Factor: 4U rack server Processor | Max: 60 Core 2x or 4x Gen 4 Intel Xeon ScalableOptional Intel® QuickAssist Technology Memory | Max: 16TB 64 DDR5 RDIMM 4800MhzSupports registered ECC DDR5 DIMMs only Storage | Max: 8 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 122.88 TB 16 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 245.76 TB 24 x 2.5" NVMe (SSD) Max: 368.64 TB 16 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) + 8 x 2.5" NVMe Max: 368.64 TB 32 x 2.5" SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 491.52 TB 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) Max: 122.88 TB 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) + 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) Max: 245.76 TB Rear Storage: None Boot Options: BOSS-N1USB PCIe Slots | Gen: 5.0 Up to 12 SlotsThere are many configuration options. Remote management: iDRAC9 Express LOM: 2 x 1 GbE (optional) OCP 3.0: 1 x OCP card 3.0 (optional) RAID controllers: S160 (SW RAID)PERC H965i, H965e H755, H355HBA355i, HBA355e GPU: Up to 4 x 400 W DW Other Versions Dell PowerEdge R920 Dell PowerEdge R930 Dell PowerEdge R940 Dell PowerEdge R940xa Dell PowerEdge R960 (Click to View) Ideal for: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Analytics Deep Learning (DL) High-Performance Computing (HPC) Machine Learning (ML) Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) Virtualization Virtual Machines (VM) The Dell PowerEdge R960 is a 4-socket rack server that uses a stacked PEM (Processor Expansion Module) design to maximize compute density. Two processors sit on the default motherboard, while the remaining two are housed in the PEM, installed directly above the first pair — a layout that conserves both space and cooling. This high-performance server solution is built for mission-critical, always-on workloads, powering real-time data collection and processing without downtime. Chassis Options: The PowerEdge R960 system is a 4U server that supports: Four AC or DC power supply units with 2+2 redundancy Up to 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives - Smartflow Up to 16 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives - Smartflow Up to 32 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives - Dual Controller Up to 24 x 2.5-inch (NVMe Gen4) Passive Up to 16 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) + 8 x 2.5-inch NVMe (SSD) drives Up to 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) drives Up to 16 x EDSFF E3.S Gen5 NVMe (SSD) + 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) drives The Universal Backplane supports HW RAID for SAS/SATA with direct attach NVMe, and does not support HW RAID for NVMe. Processor Supports up to four 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, with up to 60 cores per processor and optional Intel® QuickAssist Technology for accelerated performance. The PEM houses the 3rd and 4th CPUs stacked directly above the first two processors, along with the remaining 32 DIMMs — for a total of 64 DDR5 RDIMMs supporting high memory density and bandwidth. When the PEM is installed, there are some rules and restrictions for the expansion risers. Please read the manuals below for more guidance when configuring this system's expansion kits. Heatsink & Fans With the Processor Expansion Module (PEM) board installed, the system scales up to support 4 CPUs. Heat sink selection comes in 2 types, determined by processor TDP — see the table below to identify the correct match for your configuration. Heat sink Processor TDP STD HSK ≤ 185 W L-type HSK ≥ 195 W The R960 supports a single fan type: a stacked fan system with up to 6 sets of Standard (STD) fans (dual fan module). Each fan within a set is hot-swappable and sits in a fan cage that lowers onto the fan tray. Standard air shrouds must be installed in all configurations, except when GPUs and full-length risers are present — in which case the GPU air shroud is required instead. Any open PCI or DIMM slots should be filled with blanks or fillers to maintain proper airflow. Memory The Dell PowerEdge R960 offers 64 DDR5 RDIMM slots with up to 16TB of maximum memory, supporting speeds up to 4800 MT/s. Speeds reduce to 4400 MHz when two DIMMs per channel (DPC) are installed. Supports registered ECC DDR5 DIMMs only; memory mixing is not supported. Memory DIMM slots are not hot-pluggable. When memory modules of different speeds are installed, all modules operate at the speed of the slowest installed DIMM. For complete memory rules and restrictions, refer to the manuals below. DIMM type DIMM rank DIMM capacity Dual processor Four processors Minimum system capacity Maximum system capacity Minimum system capacity Maximum system capacity DDR5 RDIMM Single rank 16 GB 32 GB 512 GB 64 GB 1 TB Dual rank 32 GB 64 GB 1 TB 128 GB 2 TB Dual rank 64 GB 128 GB 2 TB 256 GB 4 TB Quad rank 128 GB 256 GB 4 TB 512 GB 8 TB Octa rank 256 GB 512 GB 8 TB 1 TB 16 TB NOTE: DDR4 memory DIMMs are not supported in the R960. Expansion Slots The Dell PowerEdge R960 supports up to 12 PCIe Gen5 slots on the system board — 10 full-height and 2 low-profile — with support for up to four 400W double-width GPUs. A GPU air shroud is required whenever GPUs are installed in the system. Config No. Riser configuration No. of Processors PERC type supported Rear storage possible 0-1 (Basic entry) R1C+R4C 4 Front PERC No 0-2 (Basic entry) R1C+R4C 2 Front PERC No 1 (Scale out) R1C+R3B+R4C 4 Front PERC No 2 (Maximum I/O) R1B+R2+R3B+R4B 4 Front PERC No 3 (GPU) R1A+R2+R3A+R4A (FL) 4 Front PERC No Networking Adapters Note: The system allows either LOM card or an OCP card or both to be installed in the system. LAN on Motherboard (LOM) Optional 2 x 1GbE LOM with BCM5720 LAN controller. This provides an easy way to expand network connectivity on the R960 without using a PCIe slot. If the LOM card is not installed, a blank filler must be used in its place to maintain optimal airflow. Open Compute Project (OCP) 3.0 Optional 1 x OCP 3.0 card, available in multiple configurations ranging from 1GbE x4, 10GbE x2, 10GbE x4, 25GbE x2, 25GbE x4, up to 100GbE x2. Refer to the manual for detailed guidance on supported card options. Storage Controllers Dell's RAID controller lineup includes the fPERC solution, which delivers a base RAID hardware controller without consuming a PCIe slot — achieved through a small form factor, high-density connector to the base planar. The 16G PERC controller family builds heavily on the 15G lineup, carrying forward the Value and Value Performance tiers. New to 16G is the Avenger-based Premium Performance tier (H965), a high-end offering designed to drive stronger IOPS and enhanced SSD performance. Because the system supports a wide mix of drive types, dual controllers are available in select configurations. However, drive types cannot be mixed within the same RAID volume — each distinct drive set requires its own dedicated RAID controller. Note that PowerEdge does not support Tri-Mode configurations, meaning SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives cannot be combined behind a single controller. Performance Level Controller and Description Entry S160 Value H355, HBA355 (internal/external) Value Performance H755 Premium Performance H965i, H965e GPU The system supports up to 4x 400W double-wide GPUs, with the Riser Expander (R3A) accommodating 2 of the double-wide GPUs. GPU support is only available through Riser Configuration 3: R1A + R2 + R3A + R4A (FL). When a GPU is installed, the GPU air shroud is required. Any open GPU slot must be filled with a blank/filler to maintain optimal airflow. Power & Dimensions Power Supports up to 4 hot-swap redundant PSUs. 1100 W Titanium 100—240 VAC or 240 HVDC 1400 W Platinum 100—240 VAC or 240 HVDC 1800 W Titanium 200—240 VAC or 240 HVDC When installing a 60 mm PSU above, a 26 mm PSU adapter is required 2400 W Platinum 100—240 VAC or 240 HVDC 2800 W Titanium 200—240 VAC or 240 HVDC Dimensions & Weight: Width: 482 mm (18.97 inches)Height: 174.3 mm (6.86 inches)Length: 883.195 mm (34.77 inches) with bezelLength: 869.195 mm (34.22 inches) without bezelWeight Per Chassis: A server with fully populated drives 60.2 kg (132.71 lbs)
