Dell PowerEdge XE Servers vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server comparison

Dell PowerEdge XE Servers and Dell XR2 Rugged Server are both solutions in the Rack Servers category. Dell PowerEdge XE Servers is ranked #10 with an average rating of 8.5, while Dell XR2 Rugged Server is ranked #14. Dell PowerEdge XE Servers holds a 1.1% mindshare in Rack Servers, compared to Dell XR2 Rugged Server’s 0.5% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Dell PowerEdge XE Servers users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Dell XR2 Rugged Server users who would recommend it.

Dell PowerEdge XE Servers

Read 10 Dell PowerEdge XE Servers reviews

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384 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Read 2 Dell XR2 Rugged Server reviews

464 Views
274 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Dell PowerEdge XE Servers

Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 8, 2024

Dell XR2 Rugged Server and Dell PowerEdge XE Servers compete in performance and scalability. PowerEdge XE seems to have the upper hand due to its advanced features and better overall satisfaction.

Features: Dell XR2 Rugged Server offers durability, reliability, and superior performance in harsh environments. Dell PowerEdge XE Servers are recognized for their scalability, high-density computing, and efficiency in data operations.

Room for Improvement: Dell XR2 Rugged Server could improve in storage capacity, power efficiency, and capacity enhancements. Dell PowerEdge XE Servers need better cooling systems, optimized power usage, and improved cooling solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Dell XR2 Rugged Server is easy to deploy with satisfactory customer service. Dell PowerEdge XE Servers present a steeper learning curve but offer superior tech support.

Pricing and ROI: Dell XR2 Rugged Server has reasonable setup costs with a good return on investment in extreme conditions. Dell PowerEdge XE Servers have higher setup costs offset by advanced capabilities and ROI in scalable environments.

To learn more, read our detailed Dell PowerEdge XE Servers vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE Servers vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Dell PowerEdge XE Servers

Ranking in Rack Servers

10th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

7.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Ranking in Rack Servers

14th

Average Rating

9.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Rack Servers category, the mindshare of Dell PowerEdge XE Servers is 1.1%, up from 0.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Dell XR2 Rugged Server is 0.5%, down from 0.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Rack Servers

Featured Reviews

Muzammil Nasim

Software Architect at a manufacturing company with 501-1,000 employees

We're hardly using 15 percent of their computing power, so there's a lot left over that we could utilize

It should be easier to extend PowerEdge XE servers. We haven't architected them with an eye toward scalability. They have a fixed number of slots for hard drives, which is enough for our present use case, However, we would have more options if we could extend that. We could deploy the servers in a broader range of use cases with different requirements. It's fine for our current deployment with only a few thousand users. We're exploring other solutions like such as VxRail or PowerFlex for larger public-facing use cases.

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Jesse_B

Manager of networks and infrastructure at a government with 5,001-10,000 employees

Simple to scale, high availability, and top level service and support

Dell XR2 Rugged Server's technology is always on the competitive edge, with the most current technology. They have proven reliability. If you're looking for a mission-critical system and support is important to you, then this is something a solution you should consider. I rate Dell XR2 Rugged Server a nine out of ten.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"In general, it works well. We haven't had issues."

"The most valuable feature is the trusted platform module."

"The resource management features are valuable."

"One of the most valuable features of Dell PowerEdge XE Servers is the ease of fixing issues if there are any."

"The strong point of this solution is its compatibility with VMware and its resilience."

"The most valuable feature is that it can support up to 32 drives of internal storage."

"Its reliability and consistency are most valuable."

"PowerEdge XE servers are high-performing. We're hardly using 15 percent of their computing power, so there's a lot left over that we could utilize."

More Dell PowerEdge XE Servers pros

"The scalability of the Dell XR2 Rugged Server is good and easy to do."

"The storage and the disc performance in terms of IOPS is great."

Cons

"It is mostly stable, but the usual problem would be, for example, upgrading to a newer version of VMware or dealing with compatibility issues during the process."

"It should be easier to extend PowerEdge XE servers. We haven't architected them with an eye toward scalability. They have a fixed number of slots for hard drives, which is enough for our present use case, However, we would have more options if we could extend that. We could deploy the servers in a broader range of use cases with different requirements. It's fine for our current deployment with only a few thousand users. We're exploring other solutions like such as VxRail or PowerFlex for larger public-facing use cases."

"Dell PowerEdge XE Servers can improve by adapting HCI technology."

"Upgrading can be a bit difficult."

"I would like to have support for performing a detailed analysis of the server from a mobile device."

"The quality and reliability could be improved."

"We use OpenManager a lot, and that can be a bit clunky at times. They can make that better."

"The support team must improve the speed of response."

More Dell PowerEdge XE Servers cons

"It lacks a modular option to expand to a 16-bay system."

"Dell XR2 Rugged Server could improve if there was more customization allowed."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing model is quite competitive."

"This solution is priced very reasonably."

"You always want slightly cheaper, but overall, they are quite comparable and quite neutral."

"There are different types of licensing available, that works well for customers. The product is not very much to purchase."

"Dell has competitive pricing."

"If you want an SLA for parts and equipment then you need to purchase a support agreement."

"The price of one Dell XR2 Rugged Server is approximately $10,000."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

21%

Financial Services Firm

13%

University

Manufacturing Company

15%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

The resource management features are valuable.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

Dell has competitive pricing.

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What needs improvement with Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

The support team must improve the speed of response. The product should be promoted more in the market.

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Comparisons

HPE Apollo Systems vs Dell PowerEdge XE Servers

Compared 40% of the time

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers vs Dell PowerEdge XE Servers

Compared 34% of the time

IBM Power Systems vs Dell PowerEdge XE Servers

Compared 9% of the time

More Dell PowerEdge XE Servers Competitors

HPE ProLiant DL Servers vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Compared 29% of the time

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Compared 29% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

May 2025

Download Dell PowerEdge XE Servers product report

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

May 2025

Download Dell XR2 Rugged Server product report

Also Known As

PowerEdge XE Servers

XR2 Rugged Server

Overview

Our newest addition to the Dell EMC PowerEdge family, PowerEdge XE servers are purpose-built for complex, harsh and compute-intensive workloads.

Dell Technologies

A high performance rugged server with workload acceleration and faster memory that is specifically designed to thrive in space constrained, rugged and harsh environments, at the edge. Make it yours.

Dell Technologies

Sample Customers

Epsilon, ROZETTA CORP, JIGUANG, RACKSPACE, NEW BELGIUM BREWING

DIGISTOR - Secure Data Storage

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE Servers vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server

April 2025

Free Report: Dell PowerEdge XE Servers vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server

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