TL;DR
- The Dell EMC VxRail E660 remains a core hyper‑converged solution optimized for VMware vSphere and vSAN.
- In 2025, Dell re‑aligns VxRail direction while promoting PowerFlex and PowerStore as broader hybrid‑cloud options (Dell VxRail site).
- E660 delivers dense compute and storage efficiency for mid‑size data centers.
- Integration with VMware Cloud Foundation supports simplified upgrades and lifecycle management.
- Enterprises must weigh Dell’s newer storage incentives versus maintaining proven VxRail clusters.
- Best fit: VMware‑centric shops seeking tightly aligned compute‑storage automation with predictable costs.
What’s New or Important Now (2025)
Dell EMC’s VxRail E660 continues as a reliable hyper‑converged infrastructure (HCI) solution co‑engineered with VMware. While Dell Technologies in 2025 places strategic emphasis on PowerStore and PowerFlex for broader hybrid deployments, VxRail remains in active support and lifecycle extensions. Channel partners note Dell’s push to migrate workloads leveraging native SAN integrations—yet VxRail persists as the simplest route to modernize VMware clusters (VMware Cloud Foundation compatibility confirmed).
Key system enhancements rolled into the E660 series include 3rd‑Gen Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs, higher memory density options with DDR4‑3200, and flexible NVMe storage tiers. Dell continues to deliver integrated LCM (Lifecycle Management) through VxRail Manager—streamlining updates across firmware, ESXi, and vCenter components in lockstep.
Buyer and Architect Guidance
For architects designing VMware‑centric environments, the VxRail E660 targets balanced compute‑to‑storage ratios. Each node supports hybrid or all‑flash configurations, making it suitable for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), database workloads, and edge data centers.
Use Cases
- Core virtualization clusters using VMware Cloud Foundation.
- Remote or branch office deployments requiring quick scalability.
- Backup, disaster recovery, and test/dev workloads needing integrated vSAN capacity.
Sizing Considerations
- Start with a 3‑node cluster minimum for fault tolerance.
- Memory sizing: typical 512GB–1TB per node for mid‑range workloads.
- NVMe drives recommended when sub‑millisecond latency is required.
- Networking: 10GbE for standard virtualization; 25GbE uplinks for high‑I/O workloads.
Trade‑Offs
- Pros: Deep VMware integration, easy lifecycle management.
- Cons: Less flexible than PowerStore for mixed hypervisor environments.
- Considerations: Support longevity may depend on Dell’s changing storage focus.
VxRail E660 vs Alternatives
| Feature | VxRail E660 | PowerStore X | PowerFlex | Generic vSAN Cluster (DIY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integration with VMware | Native, joint engineering | Partial, vSphere supported | Flexible, multi‑hypervisor | Dependent on admin capability |
| Compute Density | 2U chassis, up to 4 nodes | Scale‑out SAN, no compute | Separate compute/storage nodes | Custom hardware defined |
| Lifecycle Management | Fully automated via VxRail Manager | PowerStore Manager (storage only) | Manual orchestration or REST API | Manual patching required |
| Best for | VMware datacenters | Application modernization | Large‑scale hybrid builds | DIY small labs |
| Cost Efficiency | Predictable node pricing | Higher initial investment | High scale, variable ROI | Low cost, higher admin time |
Mini Implementation Guide
Prerequisites
- Validated VMware licensing (vSphere, vSAN, optionally Cloud Foundation).
- Access to Dell support portal for image bundles.
- Network configuration: dual redundant switches per cluster.
- Power and rack space for minimum three nodes.
Steps
- Rack and cable E660 nodes according to Dell deployment guides.
- Use the VxRail Deployment Wizard to set cluster parameters (IP range, VLANs, DNS).
- Integrate with existing vCenter or deploy a fresh vCenter appliance.
- Run validation scripts and finalize cluster creation.
- Activate lifecycle management to synchronize firmware and software updates.
Common Pitfalls
- Incorrect VLAN tagging can disrupt vSAN synchronization.
- Nodes mixed with unmatched firmware versions may fail validation.
- Overlooking DNS resolution for management IPs leads to deployment timeouts.
- Underestimating memory capacity for advanced analytics workloads.
Cost and ROI Considerations
The VxRail E660’s pricing depends on configuration, typically starting around mid‑five‑figures per node. ROI improves with operational efficiency—organizations often report reduced admin time through automated lifecycle management. Compared with manual vSAN clusters, VxRail reduces implementation labor and minimizes human error. However, with Dell’s newer portfolio incentives, long‑term ROI analysis should factor potential trade‑up programs toward PowerStore or PowerFlex in hybrid deployments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is VxRail still actively supported in 2025?
Yes, Dell maintains full support for VxRail, though strategic focus is shifting toward its broader storage solutions.
2. Does VxRail require separate licensing?
No, VMware software is bundled; however, larger clusters or Cloud Foundation add‑ons require standard VMware licenses.
3. What differentiates E660 from previous generations?
Enhanced CPU performance, DDR4‑3200 memory support, and improved NVMe tiers distinguish E660 from the E560 series.
4. Can I mix E660 nodes with earlier models?
Supported with certain firmware parity requirements, but usually best practice is to maintain homogeneous node types.
5. How does VxRail’s lifecycle management compare with competitors?
VxRail’s integrated update bundle remains one of the most coordinated firmware/software orchestration tools in HCI.
6. Is VxRail suited to edge computing?
Yes, the compact footprint and scalable node architecture make it effective for edge and remote site virtualization.
Conclusion
The Dell EMC VxRail E660 continues to define reliability and simplicity in VMware hyper‑converged environments. While Dell’s 2025 strategy broadens toward PowerFlex and PowerStore, E660 remains a proven asset in virtualized infrastructure modernization. IT leaders evaluating continuity and VMware alignment should give VxRail E660 serious consideration for predictable operations and ease of scaling. For deeper guidance, visit LearnDell.online.