A practical overview of the Dell PowerEdge R740 and R730 to help you choose the refurbished server that suits your requirements.
Dell R740 vs R730: key differences UK buyers should know
Businesses across the UK often compare the Dell PowerEdge R740 and PowerEdge R730 when they want strong performance without paying for brand-new infrastructure. Both are widely used on the refurbished market and continue to provide the level of reliability expected from Dell. However, each model supports different priorities.
The R740 is the newer platform, offering broader GPU support and higher memory potential. The R730 remains a dependable and cost-efficient choice for organisations that need solid compute power without stretching their budget. At Renewtech, we see consistent demand for both models in London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK regions because they fit different use cases.
This comparison outlines the meaningful differences between the two systems, the specifications that influence performance, and the types of workloads that typically suit each model. If you’re planning where to allocate your IT budget, the table and breakdown below will help you choose the server that fits your performance requirements, long-term plans, and cost expectations.
This Dell R740 vs R730 comparison focuses on the practical distinctions UK businesses care about when selecting refurbished hardware.
Technical comparison: Dell PowerEdge R740 and R730
This comparison highlights the hardware differences UK buyers look at most.
| Specification | Dell PowerEdge R740 | Dell PowerEdge R730 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2× Intel Xeon Scalable (1st/2nd Gen depend. config) | 2× Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4 |
| Max Cores | Up to 56 cores | Up to 44 cores |
| Memory | 24 DIMM slots | 24 DIMM slots |
| Max RAM | 3TB DDR4 | 1.5TB DDR4 |
| Storage Bays | Up to 16× 2.5" / 8× 3.5" | Up to 16× 2.5" / 8× 3.5" |
| RAID | PERC H740P / H730P | PERC H730 / H730P |
| GPU Support | Up to 3× 300W GPUs | Limited (1× mid-range GPU) |
| PCIe | PCIe 3.0 (more lanes) | PCIe 3.0 |
| PSU | 495W / 750W / 1100W / 1600W | 495W / 750W / 1100W |
| Ideal Use | Virtualisation, AI, GPU workloads, databases | Virtualisation, general compute, file/print, small databases |
Key Differences Explained
Performance & CPUs
The R740 benefits from the newer Intel Xeon Scalable architecture, giving it noticeable gains in raw performance and efficiency. It supports higher core counts, more modern instruction sets, and offers longer viability for demanding workloads.
The R730 still performs well, particularly with v4 processors, but cannot match the scalability or efficiency of the newer platform.
Bottom line: for growing workloads or heavier compute tasks, the R740 is the stronger option.
Memory Capacity
Both servers feature 24 DIMM slots, but the R740 allows twice the maximum RAM. This matters for larger virtualisation clusters, database environments or memory-heavy applications.
R740: up to 3TB RAM
R730: up to 1.5TB RAM
For many UK SMEs, 1.5TB is more than sufficient. But for data-intensive workloads, the R740 provides more headroom.
GPU & Accelerator Support
The R740 was built with GPU expansion in mind — supporting up to 3× 300W GPUs such as the NVIDIA Tesla range. This makes it suitable for AI, ML, rendering, analytics and VDI environments.
The R730 supports only a single mid-range GPU, limiting its use for GPU-driven workloads.
If GPU performance matters, the R740 is the clear choice.
Cost & Value
On the refurbished market in the UK, the R730 is significantly cheaper — often 50–60% less than a comparable R740 build. For organisations prioritising value and reliability, the R730 remains one of the best price-to-performance options available.
The R740 comes at a higher cost but provides newer hardware, increased memory capacity, and substantially better GPU support.
Which model should you choose?
Choose Dell R740 if you need:
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Heavy virtualisation capacity
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GPU compute or AI workloads
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Higher maximum RAM
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A longer hardware lifecycle
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Better performance-per-watt
Choose Dell R730 if you need:
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Reliable performance at the best price
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A general-purpose server for everyday workloads
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Virtual machines without large memory demands
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Excellent value for UK SMEs
Build your R740 or R730 with refurbished components
Start by configuring your system with refurbished parts tested by certified technicians. Choose CPUs, RAM, storage, GPUs and networking options based on your workload and build a system that delivers strong performance without the cost of new hardware.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re unsure which platform suits your performance requirements or long-term plans, our team can guide you. Select a base system, customise the configuration and get a solution that fits your budget and future needs.
Start Building Your Server
Use the server configurator to compare options for the Dell R740 and R730. You can scale, upgrade, or add components as needed — all tested, all refurbished, shipped quickly across the UK.
FAQ
1. Is the Dell R740 a major upgrade over the R730?
Yes. The R740 supports newer Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs, larger RAM capacity, and stronger GPU options. It also provides better performance-per-watt for demanding workloads.
2. Can both servers handle virtualisation?
Yes. Both models are suitable for virtualisation, but the R740 is better for larger clusters or memory-heavy VM environments. The R730 is ideal for general virtualisation where 1.5TB RAM is enough.
3. Which model offers the best value when refurbished?
The R730 usually offers the strongest value because it costs less while still supporting a broad range of workloads. The R740 is more expensive but offers more compute power and GPU flexibility.