Is the Dell R540 Rack Server compatible with SSD7000 series controllers?

Compatibility Status: Yes (it can support Bootable or Data RAID configurations)

Link to Compatibility Report: SSD7xxx_6xxx_Dell_R540_Compatibility Report_v1.00_21_10_11.pdf

Note: The compatibility reports we provide are based on research of the target platform / motherboard, using the manufacturer’s official specifications and product documentation.

Summary: The Dell R540 Rack Server platform can support HighPoint NVMe RAID controllers and SSD6500 series enclosures. However, SSD7500 PCIe Gen4 controllers will not be able to perform optimally, as the motherboard utilizes a PCIe 3.0 host interface.

Cross-Sync is not possible, as the system only provides one full sized PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (other slots are limited to half-length and/or half-height controllers.

Manufacturer Documentation: 

R540 Features: https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/productdetailstxn/poweredge-r540#features_section

1. PCIe Host Interface: PCIe 3.0 – the platform provides a total of five slots, several of which can support PCIe 3.0 x16 devices. However, only one slot is capable of supporting a full-height, full-length PCIe card, and at least one slot requires the use of a riser card.

2. Boot RAID Support (NVMe arrays used to boot a system): Boot configurations appear to be supported (the motherboard BIOS provides option ROM support for UEFI devices and allows Secure Boot to be disabled).

3. Data RAID Support (NVMe arrays used for data storage): There are no apparent restrictions for data RAID configurations, aside from the lack of Cross-Sync capability (due to the PCIe slot configuration).

 4. Recommended Controllers:

      · Bootable Configurations: SSD7103, SSD6202, SSD6204, SSD7505, SSD7502

      · Maximum Performance: Single controller only: SSD7104F, SSD7101A-1, SSD&104, SSD7505, SSD7140, SSD7540

       · Maximum Storage Capacity: 8-Port controllers; SSD7140, SSD7540, SSD7180/SSD7184 (U.2), SSD7580x

       · External Storage: SSD6540 series