Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array
Brand: Dell EMC | Category: Storage Systems
SKU: DELL-PVME5124001 | Part #: PVME5124-001 | MPN: PVME5124-001
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About the Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array
The Dell EMC PowerVault ME5124 is a 2U rack-mounted hybrid storage array purpose-built for mid-market enterprise SAN environments that demand predictable performance without the complexity of all-flash platforms. Launched in Q1 2025, the ME5124 accommodates up to 24 drives in a dense 2U form factor, supporting a mix of NVMe SSDs configured as an intelligent cache tier alongside high-capacity SAS HDDs, enabling workload-adaptive tiering that automatically promotes frequently accessed data to flash for accelerated response times. Dual 32Gb Fibre Channel host ports per controller provide ample bandwidth for latency-sensitive block-storage applications, ensuring that the array can sustain throughput even under concurrent multi-host workloads typical of virtualized data centers.
Architecturally, the ME5124 is built on Dell EMC's proven ME5 controller platform, featuring active-active dual-controller redundancy for continuous availability and non-disruptive firmware updates. The embedded PowerVault Manager graphical interface and RESTful API allow seamless integration with VMware vCenter, Microsoft Windows Admin Center, and infrastructure automation toolchains. Volume-level thin provisioning, snapshot scheduling, and asynchronous replication round out the data services portfolio, giving IT teams enterprise-grade data protection without requiring additional software licenses for core functions.
The ME5124 is positioned as a cost-efficient entry point into structured SAN storage for organizations running SQL Server, Oracle Database, VDI deployments, and backup-to-disk targets. Its scalable architecture supports expansion shelves, allowing raw capacity to grow alongside business demands. The combination of NVMe cache tiering, high-density 24-drive capacity, and 32Gb FC host connectivity makes the ME5124 a compelling refresh option for organizations replacing aging Fibre Channel SANs or consolidating workloads from direct-attached storage silos.
Ideal for
- Virtualized server environments running VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V requiring consistent low-latency block storage with multipathing support across dual 32Gb FC fabrics
- Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database deployments where NVMe cache tiering accelerates OLTP read/write workloads without requiring full all-flash investment
- Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) consolidation projects needing high IOPS during boot storms and steady-state desktop sessions across hundreds of concurrent users
- Backup-to-disk and data protection targets leveraging the array's high drive density and thin provisioning to maximize usable capacity for backup repositories
- Hybrid cloud on-ramp scenarios where the ME5124 serves as primary on-premises block storage integrated with Dell APEX or cloud-based replication targets for disaster recovery
- Mid-market enterprise SAN refresh programs replacing end-of-life legacy FC arrays with a modern 32Gb FC platform that scales incrementally through supported expansion enclosures
Technical specifications
| Manufacturer | Dell EMC |
| Product Line | PowerVault ME5 Series |
| Model | ME5124 |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack-Mount |
| Drive Bays | 24 x 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor) |
| Supported Drive Types | NVMe SSD (cache tier), SAS SSD, SAS HDD (7.2K / 10K / 15K RPM) |
| Host Interface Ports | 4 x 32Gb Fibre Channel (2 per controller, dual-port SFP+) |
| Controller Architecture | Dual Active-Active Controllers with Automatic Failover |
| Cache Tiering | NVMe SSD Read/Write Cache Tier with automated data placement |
| Maximum Raw Capacity | Up to 184.8 TB (with 24 x 7.68 TB SAS SSDs) |
| Expansion Scalability | Supports additional ME5 expansion enclosures via SAS interconnect |
| Data Services | Thin Provisioning, Snapshots, Volume Copy, Async Replication, SSD Cache Tiering |
| Host Connectivity Protocols | Fibre Channel (FC), iSCSI (via optional controller configuration) |
| Management Interface | Dell PowerVault Manager GUI, RESTful API, CLI |
| Ecosystem Integration | VMware vCenter Plugin, Microsoft Windows Admin Center, OpenManage Integration |
| Redundancy | Dual redundant controllers, redundant power supplies, redundant fans |
| Power Supplies | 2 x Hot-Swap Redundant PSUs (1+1) |
| Drive Hot-Swap | Yes – all 24 drive bays support hot-swap replacement |
| RAID Levels Supported | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Operating Temperature | 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) |
| Rack Units | 2U |
| Launch Quarter | Q1 2025 |
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Technical Specifications
| Brand | Dell EMC |
| Category | Storage Systems |
| SKU | DELL-PVME5124001 |
| Part Number | PVME5124-001 |
| Condition | New |
| Product Line | PowerVault ME5 Series |
| Model | ME5124 |
| Form Factor | 2U Rack-Mount |
| Drive Bays | 24 x 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor) |
| Supported Drive Types | NVMe SSD (cache tier), SAS SSD, SAS HDD (7.2K / 10K / 15K RPM) |
| Host Interface Ports | 4 x 32Gb Fibre Channel (2 per controller, dual-port SFP+) |
| Controller Architecture | Dual Active-Active Controllers with Automatic Failover |
| Cache Tiering | NVMe SSD Read/Write Cache Tier with automated data placement |
| Maximum Raw Capacity | Up to 184.8 TB (with 24 x 7.68 TB SAS SSDs) |
| Expansion Scalability | Supports additional ME5 expansion enclosures via SAS interconnect |
| Data Services | Thin Provisioning, Snapshots, Volume Copy, Async Replication, SSD Cache Tiering |
| Host Connectivity Protocols | Fibre Channel (FC), iSCSI (via optional controller configuration) |
| Management Interface | Dell PowerVault Manager GUI, RESTful API, CLI |
| Ecosystem Integration | VMware vCenter Plugin, Microsoft Windows Admin Center, OpenManage Integration |
| Redundancy | Dual redundant controllers, redundant power supplies, redundant fans |
| Power Supplies | 2 x Hot-Swap Redundant PSUs (1+1) |
| Drive Hot-Swap | Yes – all 24 drive bays support hot-swap replacement |
| RAID Levels Supported | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Operating Temperature | 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) |
| Rack Units | 2U |
| Launch Quarter | Q1 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array
What does the Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array do?
the Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array suits enterprise data-center storage tiers — all-flash arrays, hyperconverged storage pools (vSAN, Ceph), database backends, and high-throughput backup repositories. It is supported by major server platforms.
What are the headline specs of the Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array?
Key specifications for the Dell PowerVault ME5124 Storage Array: new condition; manufacturer Dell EMC; product line PowerVault ME5 Series; model ME5124; form factor 2U Rack-Mount; drive bays 24 x 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor); supported drive types NVMe SSD (cache tier), SAS SSD, SAS HDD (7.2K / 10K / 15K RPM). Manufacturer part number PVME5124-001. For the full datasheet with electrical, environmental, and compliance details, contact our pre-sales engineering team.