The Dell PowerEdge 13th generation is the DDR4, Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 and v4 family that includes the R630, R730, R730xd, R430 and R530, plus the T430 and T630 towers. It suits budget builds, labs and estates that already run these models, where matching an existing platform matters more than the latest processors.
Where 13th generation servers still fit
The 13th generation was the first PowerEdge family to move from DDR3 to DDR4 memory. That makes it the oldest Dell platform that shares a memory type with the later 14th and 15th generations. Common reasons to buy it today:
- Matching an existing estate. Adding a node to an R730 cluster, or keeping a spare R630 on the shelf, avoids mixing platforms.
- Labs and training. Two sockets and 24 memory slots give plenty of room for test workloads.
- Backup and archive targets. The R730xd takes many drives in 2U at a low entry cost.
- Applications certified on a specific model. Some vendors certify software on one server model and version.
For a new long-term deployment, compare the 14th generation guide first. 13th generation hardware is older, and support status varies by model and region. Our guide to buying end-of-life hardware explains how to plan spares for older platforms.
The models at a glance
Figures come from Dell technical guides and spec sheets held in our catalog.
| Model | Form factor | Sockets | Processor family (as listed) | Memory slots | Drive bays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R430 | 1U rack | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v4 | 12 | Up to 10 x 2.5in or 4 x 3.5in |
| R630 | 1U rack | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v4 | 24 | Up to 10 x 2.5in or 24 x 1.8in SSD |
| R530 | 2U rack | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v4 | 12 | Up to 8 x 3.5in |
| R730 | 2U rack | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v3 | 24 | Varies by chassis |
| R730xd | 2U rack | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v3 | 24 | Storage-focused chassis |
| T430 | Tower (5U rackable) | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v4 | 12 | Varies by chassis |
| T630 | Tower (5U rackable) | 2 | Xeon E5-2600 v4 | 24 | Up to 32 x 2.5in or 18 x 3.5in |
All of these models use DDR4 memory. The R630 and T630 are listed with up to 1.5 TB of memory.
How to choose
R630: the 1U workhorse
The R630 has two sockets and 24 memory slots in 1U, with 3 expansion slots. Its drive options run up to 10 x 2.5in drives, or 24 x 1.8in SSDs in a dedicated chassis. It suits virtualization hosts, web and application servers, and any role where rack space is tight.
R730: 2U compute
The R730 offers the same two sockets and 24 memory slots in 2U. Choose it over the R630 when you need more drives or more room for PCIe cards. A mixed R630 and R730 estate can share DDR4 memory and many spares.
R730xd: 2U storage
The R730xd uses the R730 compute platform with a drive-heavy front end. It is a common choice for backup repositories, file servers, software-defined storage and lab clusters. State the exact bay layout you need, because LFF (3.5in) and SFF (2.5in) chassis are different builds.
R430 and R530: 12-slot, lower cost
The R430 (1U) and R530 (2U) have two sockets but only 12 memory slots. The R430 takes up to 10 x 2.5in or 4 x 3.5in drives with 2 expansion slots. The R530 takes up to 8 x 3.5in drives with 5 expansion slots. They suit branch offices and light workloads.
T430 and T630: towers
The T430 is a 12-slot tower with 6 expansion slots. The T630 is the larger 24-slot tower with 8 expansion slots and up to 32 x 2.5in or 18 x 3.5in drives. Both are listed as rackable in 5U.
Single-socket models
The R330 (1U) and T330 (tower) use Intel Xeon E3-1200 v6 processors, 4 memory slots and up to 64 GB of memory.
13th vs 12th generation
The 12th generation (R620, R720, R720xd) uses DDR3 memory and Xeon E5-2600 and E5-2600 v2 processors. Memory, processors and many parts do not carry over to the 13th generation. If you are choosing between the two for a new purchase, the 13th generation's DDR4 memory is easier to source and matches later platforms.
| Generation | Example models | Memory type | Processor family |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th | R620, R720, R720xd | DDR3 | Xeon E5-2600 / v2 |
| 13th | R630, R730, R730xd | DDR4 | Xeon E5-2600 v3 / v4 |
| 14th | R640, R740, R740xd | DDR4 | Xeon Scalable (2nd generation as listed) |
Parts for 13th generation servers
- RAID controller. The PERC H730P mini (405-AAEK) is a 12Gb SAS/SATA integrated controller with 2 GB NV cache and RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60. It is a common controller in 13th generation builds; check the form factor your chassis takes. See the PERC guide.
- Optics. Dell lists the 10GbE SFP+ LR transceiver 407-BBZV for the R430, R530, R630, R730 and T430, as well as later models.
- Memory. Browse DDR4 server memory. Match the part number of the modules already installed where you can.
- Drives. Order drives with the correct carrier for the chassis. See SAS, SATA and NVMe drives.
Refurbished buying checklist
- Model and chassis. Give the exact model and the drive bay layout (number of bays, 2.5in or 3.5in).
- Processors. Choose two matching processors from the supported family for your model. Confirm the power rating fits the chassis cooling.
- Memory. DDR4 RDIMMs or LRDIMMs, populated evenly across both processors. Do not mix the two types.
- Controller. RAID (PERC) or non-RAID, and the cache size you need.
- Network. The onboard network option, plus any extra adapters and optics.
- Power. Single or dual power supplies, and the wattage.
- Rails, bezel and cables.
- Spares. For older platforms, consider ordering spare drives, power supplies and fans at the same time.
How to request pricing
Send the model and your parts list as one RFQ, or paste a list of part numbers. For anything we do not list, use Source a Part. Browse rack servers and tower servers, or all Dell products. We reply within 1 business day.
FAQ
Is the Dell R730 still a good server to buy?
It is a practical choice for labs, backup targets and for expanding an existing R730 estate. For a new long-term deployment, compare it with 14th generation models, which use newer processors.
What is the difference between the R730 and the R730xd?
They share the same two-socket compute platform and 24 memory slots. The R730xd has a storage-focused chassis with more drive bays.
Does the R630 use DDR3 or DDR4 memory?
The R630 uses DDR4 memory in 24 slots. The earlier R620 uses DDR3, and the two are not interchangeable.
Can I use R630 memory in an R640?
Both use DDR4, but supported speeds and module types differ between generations. Check the server's memory support list, or send us both models and we will match the modules.