Dell PowerVault MD1200, MD1220, MD1400 and MD1420 are JBOD expansion enclosures that add drive bays to one server through its external RAID controller, while the PowerVault ME4 and ME5 are storage arrays with their own controllers that can serve several hosts over Fibre Channel, iSCSI or SAS. Choose a JBOD to add capacity to a single server, and an ME array for shared storage.
JBOD or storage array?
| MD1200 / MD1400 (JBOD) | ME4 / ME5 (array) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Direct-attached expansion enclosure | SAN/DAS storage array |
| RAID done by | The server's external RAID controller | The array's own controllers |
| Connects to | One server, over SAS | One or more hosts, over FC, iSCSI or SAS |
| Management | Through the server's controller tools | Through the array's own management interface |
| Typical use | Extra capacity for a backup server, file server or single host | Shared storage for a virtualization cluster, databases, file services |
A JBOD ("just a bunch of disks") has no RAID intelligence of its own. Its enclosure management modules (EMMs) pass the drives to a SAS controller in the server. An array presents volumes from its own controllers, so several servers can share it and the storage keeps running if one server goes down.
MD1200 and MD1220: 6Gb SAS JBODs
| Model | Bays | Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD1200 | 12 x 3.5in (2.5in drives supported) | 6Gb SAS (SAS 2.0) | Up to 8 enclosures behind one PERC H800 |
| MD1220 | 24 x 2.5in | 6Gb SAS | Dual EMMs |
Both are 2U with dual enclosure management modules. They suit older estates that already run a 6Gb SAS external controller, such as the PERC H800. For new purchases, the 12Gb MD1400 series is the newer choice.
MD1400 and MD1420: 12Gb SAS JBODs
| Model | Bays | Interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD1400 | 12 x 3.5in (2.5in drives with carriers) | 12Gb SAS | Up to 8 enclosures behind one PERC H830/H840 |
| MD1420 | 24 x 2.5in | 12Gb SAS | Up to 8 enclosures behind one PERC H830/H840 |
Both are 2U with dual EMMs, and take 600 W AC or 700 W DC power supplies. Choose the MD1400 for bulk 3.5in hard drives and the MD1420 for 2.5in SSDs or 10K/15K drives.
Controllers for MD JBODs
The MD1400 and MD1420 attach to the server through a PERC H830 or H840 external RAID controller. The MD1200 is listed with the PERC H800. You need one SAS cable per path, and two for redundant paths through both EMMs. We can source these controllers and cables through Source a Part. For internal controllers, see our PERC guide.
ME4 series: SAN/DAS arrays
| Model | Bays | Height | Host interfaces | Controllers | Max drives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME4012 | 12 x 3.5in | 2U | 16Gb FC, 10Gb iSCSI or 12Gb SAS | Single or dual, 8 GB each | 264 |
| ME4024 | 24 x 2.5in | 2U | 16Gb FC, 10Gb iSCSI or 12Gb SAS | Single or dual, 8 GB each | 276 |
| ME4084 | 84 x 3.5in | 5U | 16Gb FC, 10Gb iSCSI or 12Gb SAS | Dual, 8 GB each | 336 |
The ME4012 and ME4024 expand with ME412, ME424 or ME484 enclosures. The ME4084 expands with ME484 enclosures.
ME5 series: faster host ports
| Model | Bays | Height | Host interfaces | Controllers | Max drives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME5012 | 12 x 3.5in | 2U | 32Gb FC, 25Gb or 10Gb iSCSI, or 12Gb SAS | Single or dual | 264 |
| ME5024 | 24 x 2.5in | 2U | 32Gb FC, 25Gb or 10Gb iSCSI, or 12Gb SAS | Single or dual | 276 |
| ME5084 | 84 x 3.5in | 5U | 32Gb FC, 25Gb or 10Gb iSCSI, or 12Gb SAS | Dual | 336 |
Compared with the ME4, the ME5 moves to 32Gb Fibre Channel and adds 25Gb iSCSI. Bay counts and maximum drive counts are the same. For SAS-attached ME5 arrays, Dell lists the HBA355e external SAS HBA on the server side.
Single or dual controllers?
The 12-bay and 24-bay ME models come with one or two controllers. A dual-controller array keeps running if one controller fails, and lets you connect each host to both controllers. For production storage, dual controllers are the usual choice. Single-controller arrays suit backup targets and labs.
Drives for PowerVault
ME4 and ME5 arrays expect Dell drives from their support matrix. Our catalog lists Dell drives by the Dell part number, with the drive maker's model shown, for example:
- Dell 18TB 7.2K SAS 3.5in (5HYG2): listed for ME4 and ME5.
- Dell 20TB 7.2K SAS 3.5in (R3G03): listed for ME5.
- Dell 24TB 7.2K SAS 3.5in (GPP63): listed for ME5.
- Dell 1.92TB SAS 2.5in SSD (NRR34): listed for ME4 and ME5.
See our guide to 16TB to 24TB enterprise hard drives for interface, sector format and encryption options.
How to choose
- One server needs more bays: MD1400 (3.5in) or MD1420 (2.5in), with a PERC H830 or H840.
- An existing 6Gb estate: MD1200 or MD1220, matched to your current controller.
- Shared storage for a small cluster: ME5012 or ME5024 with dual controllers.
- Dense capacity in one chassis: ME5084 or ME4084, 84 bays in 5U.
- Matching an existing ME4 array or adding expansion: ME4 models and ME4-listed drives.
Checklist for your request
- Enclosure or array model and bay type (3.5in or 2.5in).
- For arrays: host interface (FC, iSCSI or SAS) and port speed, and single or dual controllers.
- For JBODs: the server and its external controller.
- Drives: capacity, type and quantity, using Dell part numbers for ME arrays.
- Cables, rails and power supplies.
- Expansion enclosures, if you plan to grow.
Browse storage enclosures and Dell products, then send your list as one RFQ. We reply within 1 business day.
FAQ
What is the difference between the MD1400 and the ME5012?
The MD1400 is a 12-bay JBOD that relies on a RAID controller in one server. The ME5012 is a 12-bay storage array with its own controllers, which can serve several hosts over FC, iSCSI or SAS.
Can I connect an MD1400 to a PERC H800?
The MD1400 is listed for the 12Gb PERC H830 and H840. Dell lists the PERC H800 with the 6Gb MD1200.
How many MD1400 enclosures can one controller run?
Up to 8 enclosures behind one PERC H830 or H840, per Dell's specifications.
Does the ME5 use the same drives as the ME4?
Some Dell drive part numbers are listed for both series, and some only for one. Check the Dell part number against the series before you order.