I'm looking to upgrade my small lab setup and possibly assist a couple of clients with their IT needs. To do this, I'm on the hunt for some good used Dell servers but have been struggling to find trustworthy vendors. I've checked out eBay and Amazon, but their listings can be pretty hit-or-miss; I've even received equipment with dead drives or untested DIMMs. I don't mind buying used equipment, but I would really prefer something that's been fully tested and comes with a warranty, even if that means spending a little extra. Are there any specific vendors or online marketplaces you would recommend for purchasing used Dell servers? I'm particularly looking for places that not only stock these items but also offer reliable support after the sale.
4 Answers
I’d recommend not going older than the R730XD; the R740XD is a solid choice. Look for refurbishers who provide some warranty and support. We've had good experiences with Enterasource (enterasource.com).
Unix Surplus is a reliable option; I've purchased three R730XDs from EmergentSX on eBay, and they're going strong in my lab. I suggest you go for R740XD or newer if you can, and I recommend the 2U chassis for easier handling in a lab setting.
I typically find the best listings from reputable IT reseller companies. Recently, I bought six Dell R740s, each with 768GB of RAM, and they are on their way to a data center as we speak!
I have personal experience with Cloud Ninja, but there's also another company based in Florida that I can't quite recall the name of. Just make sure you find what suits your needs and don't hesitate to go for it. Good luck!
Totally agree on Unix Surplus—it’s a great company to work with.