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Dell PowerVault ME5 (ME5) is a next-generation, entry-level block storage array. ME5 storage is purpose-built and optimized for SAN and DAS virtualized workloads. ME5 storage is well suited to support Microsoft workloads including the Hyper-V hypervisor role. ME5 storage arrays are available in a 2U or 5U base system with optional disk expansion by adding additional disk enclosures. ME5 simplifies the challenges of providing storage capacity, performance, expansion, and redundancy for your Microsoft Hyper-V environment.
Dell PowerVault ME5 storage provides the following features:
Ease of Management: PowerVault Manager is an intuitive, all-inclusive HTML5-based management web UI that is integrated on each ME5 array. CLI and REST API are also supported management tools.
Simplicity: It is simple and quick to install and configure ME5 storage in a few minutes.
Performance: Compared to its predecessor PowerVault ME4, ME5 offers increased power and scale with updated Intel processors with double the cores. The ME5 processing power delivers significant performance gains over the ME4. ME5 also delivers increased storage capacity, higher bandwidth, and more throughput.
Connectivity: ME5 storage supports the following front-end connectivity options for presenting block storage to host servers:
Scalability: The PowerVault ME5 base array is 2U or 5U depending on the model. The 2U models (ME5012 and ME5024) support up to 12 or 24 drives respectively in the base system. The 5U model (ME5084) supports up to 84 drives in the base system. ME5 2U and 5U base systems also support adding optional expansion enclosures of 12, 24, and 84 drives, for up to 336 drives total. ME5 supports up to six PB of storage capacity. The firmware will support up to eight PB of storage capacity once higher-capacity drives are available.
All-inclusive software: ME5 supports the following features:
To learn more about specific PowerVault models and features, see the Dell Technologies Data Storage Portfolio.
Note: Most ME5 storage features work seamlessly in the background, regardless of the platform or workload. Usually, the default storage settings for ME5 are optimal for Hyper-V environments. This document provides configuration strategies and configuration options for ME5 and Hyper-V that may enhance usability, performance, and resiliency in your environment.