Dell's R630, R730, R640 and R740 are the four rack servers most buyers compare, and the choice comes down to two questions. First, generation: the R630 and R730 are 13th generation (Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4), the R640 and R740 are 14th generation (Intel Xeon Scalable). Second, height: the R630 and R640 are 1U, the R730 and R740 are 2U. Pick the older generation when budget matters most and the workload is light; pick the newer generation for virtualisation density, databases and longer service life; pick 2U when you need more drive bays or expansion cards. This guide compares them and lists what to check before you pay for any refurbished server.
| Model | Generation | Height | Processor family | Memory | Drive bays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R630 | 13th | 1U | 2x Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 / v4 | DDR4 ECC, 24 DIMM slots | 8x 2.5-inch |
| R730 | 13th | 2U | 2x Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 / v4 | DDR4 ECC, 24 DIMM slots | 8x 3.5-inch or 16x 2.5-inch |
| R640 | 14th | 1U | 2x Intel Xeon Scalable (Skylake-SP / Cascade Lake), up to 28 cores each | DDR4, 24 DIMM slots | Up to 10 NVMe bays |
| R740 | 14th | 2U | 2x Intel Xeon Scalable, 1st and 2nd generation | DDR4 ECC, up to 2933 MT/s, 24 DIMM slots | Depends on configuration |
These figures come from the specifications on Serverwale's own product pages. Exact bays, maximum memory and PCIe slots depend on the chassis configuration of the specific unit, so confirm them against the unit you are buying and do not rely on a generic spec sheet.
The R630 (1U) and R730 (2U) use Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4 processors with DDR4 memory and the iDRAC8 management controller. They are the budget choice and still sensible for file and print servers, Active Directory, small ERP or accounting systems, test labs and light virtualisation. The trade-offs are older processors that use more power for the same work, and fewer cores per socket than a 14th generation machine. The R730 adds room for more drives and expansion cards than the R630, which is why many buyers who want storage or a modest GPU choose it over the 1U model. If you want the same generation in a storage-heavy chassis, look at the R730xd.
The R640 (1U) and R740 (2U) use Intel Xeon Scalable processors, with up to 28 cores per socket, faster DDR4 on second-generation parts, iDRAC9 and NVMe drive options. They suit virtualisation hosts that need more virtual machines per server, databases, and anyone planning to keep the server for several years. They cost more than the 13th generation, so decide whether the extra cores and memory speed will actually be used. Our R740 vs R640 comparison goes deeper, and the hub guide Dell R740 vs HPE DL380 compares the R740 with its main rival. For storage-dense builds see the R740xd, which Serverwale lists with 24 small or 12 large drive bays.
| Job | Sensible choice |
|---|---|
| File server, Active Directory, accounting or small ERP | R730, or R630 if rack space is tight |
| Test lab or development servers on a tight budget | R630 or R730 |
| Virtualisation host with many virtual machines | R740 (R640 if 1U is required) |
| Database or analytics with more memory per socket | R740 or R640 |
| Large local storage or backup repository | R730xd or R740xd |
| Short project or peak demand | Rent instead of buying |
If you need the server for a project or a peak season, renting is cheaper than owning. Serverwale lists a rental R630 and a leased R730, and the Dell server rental page and PowerEdge rental guide explain how it works. Our own server on rent guide covers the decision.
Compare like with like: same generation, same CPU model, same memory, same drives and the same warranty. A cheap unit with one CPU and little memory can cost more once you upgrade it. The refurbished server price index and the Dell vs HP comparison help you see the market, and how to choose a vendor lists what a trustworthy seller shows you.
Which is better, Dell R730 or R740? The R740 is newer (14th generation, Intel Xeon Scalable, iDRAC9) and suits virtualisation and longer service life; the R730 is cheaper (13th generation, Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4) and fine for lighter workloads. Both are 2U with 24 DIMM slots. Choose by workload and budget.
What is the difference between R630 and R730? Both are 13th generation and use Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4 with DDR4. The R630 is 1U and holds eight 2.5-inch drives; the R730 is 2U and takes 8 large or 16 small drives and more expansion cards.
Do these servers use DDR4 memory? Yes. Serverwale's specifications for the R630, R730, R640 and R740 all list DDR4 ECC memory. Check the exact modules in the unit you are buying.
Can I fit a GPU in a Dell R630? Not officially. Serverwale's R630 graphics card page states that Dell did not design or sell a GPU enablement kit for the 1U R620/R630 chassis class and that only very low-power cards fit. A 2U model or a dedicated GPU server is a better choice.
What warranty does Serverwale give on refurbished Dell servers? Serverwale states a 1-year hardware warranty on its servers. Confirm the exact terms and what they cover in writing before you order.
Can I rent a Dell PowerEdge server instead of buying? Yes. Serverwale lists rental and lease options for PowerEdge servers, including the R630 and R730. Renting suits projects, tests and peak demand.
Tell us your workload, budget and quantity, and we will suggest the right model and quote it. Serverwale · Phone +91-87962-44410 · WhatsApp https://wa.me/918796244410 · Burari, Delhi 110084, India. See enterprise solutions, browse live stock or server AMC plans.
Sources: Serverwale product pages for the Dell PowerEdge R630, R730, R640, R740 and R630 graphics card. Specifications vary by unit; confirm them before buying. No prices are quoted here because prices change with configuration and stock.