ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Gemini
Meet your local partner
At a glance
- Confirm drive-bay count and hot-plug support before ordering.
- Remote-console features depend on the iDRAC or iLO license level.
- RAID is not a backup.
PowerEdge R360 vs ProLiant DL20 Gen11
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all options.
| Difference | Dell PowerEdge R360 | HPE ProLiant DL20 Gen11 |
|---|---|---|
| Price basis | Fixed CPU, RAM, drives, controller, OS and service SKU | Same fixed configuration basis |
| Rack form | 1U, single-socket | 1U, single-socket |
| Small-business processor scope | Supported Xeon/Pentium options vary by current configuration | Supported processor options vary by current configuration |
| Drive-layout distinction | Up to 4 × 3.5-inch or 8 × 2.5-inch in supported chassis | Up to 2 LFF or 6 SFF with appropriate options |
| Remote-management platform | iDRAC9 | iLO 6 |
| Advanced management | Verify required iDRAC license | Verify required iLO license |
| Storage controller | Select supported PERC/storage configuration | Select supported HPE controller configuration |
| Main limitation / extra cost | Maximum drive count is chassis-dependent; advanced management and OS rights need scope | Six-SFF configuration requires the right options; iLO 6 does not imply every advanced license |
| Best fit (Sigma assessment) | You need the supported eight-SFF layout or already operate iDRAC9 | The supported drive layout fits and your team operates HPE iLO |
| Official sources | Dell: PowerEdge R360 technical guide | HPE: ProLiant DL20 Gen11 QuickSpecs |
Sources: Dell’s R360 technical guide and HPE’s DL20 Gen11 QuickSpecs. Maximum configurations are not necessarily supplied in the base server. Prices depend on the exact configuration, so none is listed here.
Storage layout can decide the shortlist
The drive-bay difference matters when the workload requires a particular number or size of drives. Choose the chassis before assuming extra bays can be added later. Hot-plug and non-hot-plug configurations also have different service implications.
Compare usable capacity after the chosen protection layout, not simply the sum of drive labels. Then compare the required performance and rebuild behavior for the application. RAID is not an independent backup and should not be used to remove backup from the budget.
Management licenses are real line items
iDRAC and iLO provide out-of-band management, but the required remote-console or advanced functions can depend on license level. Demonstrate the function the administrator needs using the proposed entitlement. The controller’s presence does not establish that every premium feature is included.
The complete price
Match processor, memory, storage, operating-system licensing, network connections, power arrangement, rails and support duration. Add backup and implementation separately. A server quote with no operating-system license is not equivalent to one with the required licensed workload already included.
Choose Dell when its supported storage layout or existing management workflow fits better. Choose HPE when its configuration and management environment are the stronger match. If both satisfy the workload, use the complete supported configuration and term cost to decide.
Questions to ask before you buy
- How many drives, in what layout, does the workload need?
- Which iDRAC or iLO license level is included?
- What support level covers parts and on-site service on our island?
- Is the operating-system license in the quote?
What Hawaiʻi businesses should check
For on-site servers in Hawaiʻi, choose a support level whose parts and technician response reach your island, and keep a documented plan for running without the server while parts ship.
Frequently asked questions
Does the bigger maximum drive count mean the server is faster?
No. It describes configuration flexibility. Actual performance depends on the selected drives, controller and workload.
Sources and pricing notes
Prices and specifications checked September 27, 2026 against the providers’ published sources below. Prices are US list or published rates before taxes, fees and equipment unless stated; offers change, so confirm the current terms before you buy.
How Sigma is paid. Sigma is a Hawaiʻi technology advisor. Provider or reseller partners compensate Sigma; product and service prices may include a margin. No procurement fee applies. Standalone consulting is quoted separately.