General Details

The Dell PowerVault ME5284 is a 5U, 84-bay high-density block storage array built for organizations that need maximum raw capacity in the fewest rack units — delivering up to 840K IOPS, 12GB/s read throughput, and 10GB/s write throughput for capacity-intensive workloads including video surveillance, backup-to-disk, archiving, HPC scratch storage, and large-scale virtualization.
Built on a dual-active-only controller architecture powered by Intel Xeon processors, the ME5284 includes 24GB of total cache (8GB per controller plus 16GB shared) and requires dual controllers in all configurations — providing no single point of failure and full hot-swap controller replacement for continuous availability.
The base enclosure provides 84 x 3.5" LFF drive bays (2.5" hybrid carriers also supported) for NLSAS 7.2K (4TB–24TB), SAS 10K (1.2TB–2.4TB), and SSD (1.6TB–7.68TB) media including FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certified self-encrypting drives; with up to three ME584 5U expansion enclosures attached over 12Gb SAS, the array scales non-disruptively to 336 drives and up to 7.39PB of raw capacity — the highest in the PowerVault ME5 family.
Every ME5284 ships with a fully all-inclusive software stack — ADAPT distributed RAID, thin provisioning, up to 1,024 redirect-on-write snapshots, asynchronous replication via FC or iSCSI, 3-tier auto-tiering, volume copy, AES-256 data-at-rest encryption, and VMware SRM — with no additional licensing fees, managed through the HTML5 PowerVault Manager GUI, OpenManage Enterprise, VMware vCenter plugin, CLI, or Redfish/Swordfish REST API.

Features

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Dell PowerVault ME5284 — Key Features

Key Features

Up to 640K IOPS — Versatile Workload Performance

PowerVault ME5 delivers up to 840K IOPS, 14GB/s read, and 11GB/s write throughput. With twice the performance and four times the capacity of ME4, it handles high-performance computing, SQL databases, virtualization, video surveillance, and edge deployments without compromise.

Dual-Active Controller Architecture

Each ME5 array ships with dual hot-swappable controllers (single-controller configs available on 2U models), each powered by an Intel Xeon processor with 16GB of cache. Dual-active operation ensures no single point of failure and maximizes throughput across all host connections.

Flexible Host Connectivity

Four host interface options adapt to any infrastructure: 32Gb Fibre Channel (auto-negotiates to 16Gb), 25Gb iSCSI (SFP+ or SFP28), 10Gb iSCSI (BaseT), and 12Gb SAS direct attach. Up to 8 host ports per array. Multiprotocol configurations are not supported — one controller type per array.

Non-Disruptive Scale to 8PB

Expand capacity without downtime. Attach up to nine 2U expansion enclosures (ME512 or ME524) or up to three 5U enclosures (ME584) via 12Gb SAS. Maximum configurations reach 264–336 drives per array and up to 7.39PB of raw capacity. ADAPT RAID distributes spare capacity to minimize rebuild risk as you scale.

All-Flash, Hybrid, or HDD-Only Configurations

Configure the ME5 as an all-flash array, hybrid flash, or HDD-only system. Supported media includes NLSAS 7.2K (4TB–24TB), SAS 10K 2.5" (1.2TB–2.4TB), and SSD (1.6TB MU to 7.68TB RI). FIPS-certified SEDs are available across SSD and HDD form factors for data-at-rest encryption.

ADAPT Distributed RAID

ADAPT replaces traditional RAID with distributed erasure coding, spreading data and parity across all drives in a pool. Drive rebuild times are dramatically shorter than conventional RAID 5 or RAID 6, reducing the window of exposure to a second drive failure. ADAPT coexists with RAID 1, 5, 6, and 10 in the same array.

Simplified Management with PowerVault Manager

An HTML5 browser-based GUI requires no client software installation. Manage storage natively or integrate with OpenManage Enterprise, VMware vCenter plugin, CLI, and Redfish/Swordfish REST API. PowerVault Manager scales from single-array management to multi-site oversight as infrastructure grows.

Non-Disruptive Scale to 8PB

Broad OS and Hypervisor Compatibility

Out-of-the-box support for Windows Server 2025 and 2022 (including Hyper-V), RHEL 9.5 and 8.10, SLES 15/15 SP6/12 SP8, VMware vSphere 9.0 and 8.0 U3. Certified VMware vSphere (ESXi), vCenter, SRM, and Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization integrations are included.

Enterprise-Grade Data Security

Self-encrypting drives (SED) based on AES-256 full disk encryption (FDE) are available in SSD and HDD formats, certified to FIPS 140-3 Level 2. Key management is handled by the internal controller or via KMIP-compatible external key managers, including IBM SKLM and Thales KeySecure.

Edge-Enabled Storage

PowerVault ME5 is purpose-built for edge deployments where reliability and simplicity are paramount. Reduce deployment risks and gain real-time insights at the edge — supporting cloud gaming, oil and gas exploration, safety and security, and remote office/branch office (ROBO) environments.

Veeam Ready Repository Certified

The PowerVault ME5284 is Veeam Ready Repository certified (as of July 2025), ensuring verified, seamless integration with Veeam Backup & Replication. Compatible with Commvault and other leading backup platforms via standard iSCSI, FC, and SAS connectivity.

Dell PowerVault ME5284 Request Quote

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Dell PowerVault ME5284

Dell PowerVault ME5284 Specifications

Chassis & Controllers Form Factor:
5U Rack
Chassis Format:
All-in-one: dual-active controllers, internal drive bays, host networking, plus expansion
Controller Type:
2 x hot-swappable (dual-active ONLY — no single-controller option)
Processor:
Intel Xeon Processor
Cache Memory:
8GB per controller + 16GB shared cache = 24GB total

Storage Capacity Internal Drive Bays:
84 x 3.5" LFF (2.5" drive carriers also supported)
Min / Max Drive Count:
28 / 336 (with expansion enclosures)
Max Raw Capacity (ME584 x3):
Up to 7.39PB
Max Raw Capacity (ME584 x2):
Up to 5.54PB
Compatible Expansion:
ME584 (5U, 84-drive) only — ME512 and ME524 not supported behind ME5284
Max Expansion Enclosures:
3x 5U (ME584)

Supported Storage Media NLSAS 7.2K 3.5":
4TB, 8TB, 8TB FIPS, 12TB, 16TB, 16TB FIPS, 20TB, 24TB
SAS 10K 2.5":
1.2TB, 2.4TB, 2.4TB FIPS (in 3.5" hybrid carrier)
SSD
1.6TB MU, 1.92TB RI, 3.84TB RI, 3.2TB FIPS MU, 7.68TB RI (in 3.5" hybrid carrier)
Encryption
FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certified SEDs available in SSD and HDD formats

Host Connectivity Supported Interfaces:
32Gb Fibre Channel | 25Gb iSCSI | 10Gb iSCSI (BaseT) | 12Gb SAS
Max 32Gb FC Ports:
8 per array (auto-negotiates to 16Gb)
Max 25Gb iSCSI Ports:
8 x SFP+ or SFP28 ports per array
Max 10Gb iSCSI Ports:
8 x BaseT ports per array (auto-negotiates to 1Gb)
Max 12Gb SAS Ports:
8 per array
Management Ports:
2 per array (1Gb BASE-T)
Disk Expansion Protocol:
12Gb SAS
Expansion Ports:
2 x 12Gb SAS wide-port (1 per controller)

Environmental Operating Temperature:
5°C – 35°C (41°F – 95°F; derated 1°C per 300m above 900m)
Non-Operating Temperature:
-40°C to 70°C
Operating Humidity:
8% – 85% non-condensing (-12°C dew point minimum)
Non-Operating Humidity:
5% – 100% non-condensing (21°C dew point maximum)

Software — All-Inclusive Array Configurations:
All-flash, hybrid flash, HDD-only
Storage Format:
Native block-level SAN or DAS
RAID Support:
RAID 1, 5, 6, 10, and ADAPT RAID (any combination in single array)
ADAPT RAID:
Distributed erasure coding; dramatically reduces rebuild times vs. traditional RAID
Auto-Tiering:
Up to 3 primary media-based tiers
Thin Provisioning:
Active by default on all volumes; full performance across all features
Snapshots:
Up to 1,024 redirect-on-write snapshots per array
Replication:
Async replication via FC or iSCSI; ME50xx-to-ME52xx cross-series supported
Volume Copy:
Complete standalone volume copies
Business Continuity:
VMware Site Recovery Manager (SRM)
Encryption:
AES-256 FDE via SEDs; internal key mgmt + KMIP (IBM SKLM / Thales KeySecure)

Management GUI:
PowerVault Manager (HTML5 — no client install required)
Enterprise:
OpenManage Enterprise
Virtualization:
VMware vCenter Plugin
APIs:
CLI | Redfish/Swordfish REST API

Supported OS / Hypervisors Windows:
Windows Server 2025 (incl. Hyper-V), Windows Server 2022 (incl. Hyper-V)
Red Hat Linux:
RHEL 9.5, RHEL 8.10
SUSE Linux:
SLES 15, SLES 15 SP6, SLES 12 SP8
VMware:
vSphere (ESXi) 9.0, vSphere 8.0 U3 | vCenter | SRM

Physical Dimensions Rack Size:
5U
Height:
22.23 cm (8.75 inches)
Width:
48.30 cm (19.01 inches)
Depth:
98.1 cm (38.62 inches)
Max Weight (fully loaded):
135.00 kg (298.00 lbs)
Weight (empty, no drives):
64.00 kg (141.00 lbs)

Power Power Supply (AC):
2,200W redundant
Heat Dissipation:
7,507 BTU
Voltage (AC):
200–240 VAC
Frequency:
50/60 Hz
Amperage:
11.07–9.23A (x2)

Services & Warranty Support Options:
Dell ProSupport Enterprise Suite | ProDeploy Enterprise Suite
Optional:
ProSupport Plus — proactive and preventative services
Dell Support URL:
https://dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/powervault-me5284/overview

Dell PowerVault ME5284 Documents

Data Sheet

Dell PowerVault ME5 Storage Data Sheet

Spec Sheets

PowerVault ME5200 Series Spec Sheet (ME52xx)

PowerVault Metro Node Appliance

Solution Briefs

Top Reasons to Choose PowerVault ME5

PowerVault ME5 for HPC

PowerVault ME5 for Virtualization

PowerVault ME5 for Surveillance

PowerVault ME5 at the Edge

PowerVault ME5 Workload Overview

White Papers

PowerVault ME5 Best Practices Guide

PowerVault ME5 ADAPT Software White Paper

Migrate Data to PowerVault ME5 (from ME4)

Extra Links

Drivers, Firmware & Manuals — ME5284

Dell PowerVault InfoHub

PowerVault Manager Live Demo — DemoCenter

ServerMonkey Support

TekShield

Dell PowerVault ME5284

Partner Pricing & Discounts

Dell Certified Engineers

Call for Price and Availability

Dell PowerVault ME5284 — Key Features

Dell PowerVault ME5284 Request Quote

Dell PowerVault ME5284 Specifications

Dell PowerVault ME5284 Documents

Dell PowerVault ME5284

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