1 System overview
Introduction
The Dell™ PowerEdge™ VRTX platform brings order to chaos, redefines IT operations and allows
users to deploy performance anywhere. PowerEdge VRTX is a powerful, scalable and easy-to-
manage solutions platform, optimized specifically for office environments. Clear up the complexity
of disparate hardware, multiple management tools and hardware sprawl with an optimized platform
that integrates up to four PowerEdge M-series server nodes, storage, networking and management
into a compact 5U chassis.
With extensive scalability available inside the chassis, additional servers and hard drives can be
inserted without the need for more floor space or rack space, and without any additional cables.
VRTX's feature-rich, two-socket, half-height Dell PowerEdge M520 and M620 server nodes are
proven platforms and technologies that deliver exceptional flexibility and scalable performance.
With a choice of up to 12 3.5-inch or 25 2.5-inch hot-plug hard drives delivering up to 48TB, VRTX is
equipped with massive internal shared storage, keeping you ahead of the pace of data growth.
Integrate networking through the 1GbE internal switch module or an optional Ethernet
pass-through module with eight 1GbE ports. Take advantage of flexible, expandable I/O with eight
®
PCI Express
(PCIe) slots — three full-height/full-length and five low-profile/half-length. Capitalize
with redundant 1100W AC power supplies, fans, blower modules and chassis management
controllers.
Simplified systems management, without compromise
VRTX's Chassis Management Controller (CMC) resolves the problems of systems management tool
proliferation and complexity by providing converged management of server nodes, shared storage,
networking and power in a unified tool, all managed through a single console.
The CMC's intuitive, easy-to-use GUI can be accessed from a web browser, and works together with
a variety of Dell OpenManage™ tools including the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller
version 7 (iDRAC7) with Lifecycle Controller embedded in each server node. Embedded
management in the VRTX platform allows IT administrators to manage this Dell hardware in physical,
virtual, local and remote environments, and gives the choice of managing the system out-of-band,
completely agent-free, or in-band with or without a systems management software agent installed.
CMC's unified management console for VRTX server nodes, storage and networking can reduce
complexity, enhance productivity and help to enable maximum uptime, which in turn can reduce
administration time and the cost of ownership.
For remote management, OpenManage Essentials, a free software download from
Dell.com/Support, monitors and manages multiple VRTX platforms in different locations. Exclusive
to VRTX systems with Enterprise-licensed CMC, the geographical mapping feature of OpenManage
Essentials can be configured to show each system's location as well as system and component
health status.
OpenManage iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller integrates and connects to leading third-party
systems management solutions (such as those from Microsoft, VMware and BMC Software), so users
can maintain a single point of control and capitalize on an existing systems management investment.
5
PowerEdge VRTX Technical Guide
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