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A used enterprise server can make a capable Proxmox VE host if its processor supports Intel VT or AMD-V, its memory suits the guests you plan to run, and its storage controller matches your intended setup. The Dell PowerEdge R730 is one platform to evaluate, not a guaranteed bargain: check the exact parts, condition, power and noise constraints, and local asking price before buying.
Start with the workload and storage design
Before comparing server listings, decide what the host will run and how you want to manage its disks. A small single-host lab may have different memory and networking needs from a production VM host or a cluster. Storage architecture is especially important because it can determine which controller configuration you need.
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- List the virtual machines and containers you expect to run, and estimate their memory needs under normal and peak use.
- Choose whether you plan to use ZFS, Ceph, or hardware RAID for local storage before buying drives or a controller.
- Identify required networking, expansion cards, and drive capacity based on your actual workload rather than a server’s maximum specifications.
Check virtualization support and memory
CPU and firmware
Proxmox VE’s x86 KVM guidance calls for an Intel VT- or AMD-V-capable processor and motherboard. Confirm that virtualization extensions are enabled in the machine’s BIOS or UEFI. If you intend to use PCIe passthrough, also verify IOMMU support. Ask for the exact processor model or the server’s service-tag configuration; a vague listing title is not enough to establish what is installed. Proxmox VE hardware requirements
RAM for guests and storage
Proxmox lists 2 GB for the host operating system and services, plus memory for guest workloads. Its guidance estimates approximately 1 GB of additional memory per TB of used storage for ZFS or Ceph. That figure is not a complete RAM target: size the system for your VMs or containers and their workload peaks. On an R730, confirm the installed DIMMs are compatible with the processors and configuration. Dell lists up to 24 DIMM slots and 3 TB of memory for the platform, but those are supported maxima, not a practical target for every budget build. Dell PowerEdge R730 technical specification
#1 Best Overall
- Dell PowerEdge R620 8 Bay 2.5” Server
- 2x Intel Xeon E5-2660 8-Core 2.20GHz (16 Cores / 32 Threads total)
- 128GB DDR3 – 4x 600GB 10K 2.5” SAS – H710 RAID
- iDRAC7 Express - 4 Port 1GbE NIC
- 2x 750W Redundant Power Supplies
Choose the storage controller before you buy
Proxmox allows local storage with hardware RAID that has battery-backed write cache, or with non-RAID disk access for ZFS. Its documentation explicitly says, “Neither ZFS nor Ceph are compatible with a hardware RAID controller.” If you want ZFS, make sure the server can expose disks directly through a suitable supported configuration rather than letting a hardware RAID controller manage them. Lenovo’s Proxmox deployment guide gives the same practical direction: do not put ZFS behind a hardware RAID controller that manages its own cache. Proxmox VE hardware requirements; Lenovo ThinkSystem Proxmox VE deployment guide
Ask the seller for the exact controller model and mode. Check that the backplane, cables, drive interface, and caddies are present and match your plan. Proxmox recommends fast storage, noting SSDs offer the best results in its guidance; it recommends SSDs with power-loss protection for good performance and discourages consumer SSDs. Do not assume a consumer drive is equivalent to an enterprise SSD. Proxmox VE hardware requirements
Rank #2
- Dell PowerEdge R730xd 24B SFF 2U Server
- 2x Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 2.6Ghz 14-Core (28-cores Total)
- 256GB DDR4 RAM – 10x 1.2TB 10K SAS 2.5” 12Gb/s
- Dell H730P mini 2GB 12Gb/s RAID – Rails Included
- 2x 750W PSU - 2x 10Gb + 2x 1Gb (RJ45) NIC – Windows Server 2019
Evaluate the PowerEdge R730 as a specific configuration
Dell’s specification describes the R730 as a 2U rack server that supports two Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4 processors and up to 24 DIMMs / 3 TB of memory. Depending on chassis and options, it can have up to 16 2.5-inch drives or 8 3.5-inch drives. Dell lists multiple PERC RAID controllers, a non-RAID SAS HBA option, embedded networking choices, and iDRAC8 remote management. Those are platform options, not features guaranteed in any particular used unit. Check the service tag and the seller’s parts list. Dell PowerEdge R730 technical specification
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The model name alone does not establish whether a listing is suitable or inexpensive. Its value depends on the installed CPUs and memory, drive-bay and controller configuration, condition, and what is included. The available specification does not establish current firmware-support status for a particular used unit, its power draw under your workload, or whether it is the cheapest or most efficient choice.
Rank #3
- 2x Intel Xeon E5-2650 V3 - 2.30GHz 10 Core
- 32GB - 2x16GB PC4-1700R DDR4 Registered
- HPE Flexible Smart Array P440ar/2G FIO Controller
- 2x 800W PSU for G9
- 4x Enterprise 600GB 10k 2.5" SAS Hard Drive
Compare complete listings, not headline prices
How much does a used server for Proxmox cost? There is no reliable single figure here: prices depend on region and configuration, and current used-market listing prices have not been established. Compare the full acquisition cost and the machine’s fit, not just the seller’s headline price.
| What to compare | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Total acquisition cost | Server price, shipping, taxes, rails, drive caddies, missing power supplies, and any memory, controller, or drive upgrades. |
| CPU fit | Exact processor model, virtualization support, core count, and generation relative to your guest workloads. |
| Memory fit | Installed capacity, compatible populated DIMMs, and the cost of expanding it. |
| Storage architecture | Drive bays and interfaces, included drives, controller model and mode, and whether your plan is ZFS or hardware RAID. |
| Power and noise | Measured or credibly specified draw for the intended configuration, plus whether the server’s size and noise suit its location. |
| Manageability and condition | Remote-management access or licensing, firmware state, seller testing, warranty and return terms, and the age and condition of included drives. |
| Networking and expansion | Included port speeds and available PCIe slots for future NICs or HBAs. |
Proxmox recommends redundant multi-gigabit networking; the number and speed you need depend on your storage and cluster design. A single-host lab may have different requirements. Check the listing’s actual embedded ports and available PCIe slots rather than assuming the platform’s options are installed. Proxmox VE hardware requirements; Dell PowerEdge R730 technical specification
Rank #4
- Manufacturer- HP
- HP part Number- 653746-001
- Product Type- network servers
Account for the room and the installation
A 2U rack server needs suitable space and may require rails, caddies, compatible drives, or other parts that are not included in a listing. Noise and electricity use also matter if the machine will run at home. The platform specification does not provide a power figure for your proposed configuration, so do not infer operating cost from the model name; seek a credible measurement or specification for the actual build.
Proxmox VE is installed as a bare-metal operating system. Its getting-started guidance warns that data on the selected installation disks will be removed. Back up anything you need, identify the target disks carefully, and verify the selection before proceeding. Proxmox VE getting started
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HP Proliant DL380P G8 8 Bays 2.5 Server
- 2x Intel Xeon E5-2650 2.0GHz 8 Core
- 64GB DDR3 REG MEMORY
- HP P420i 512MB Raid Controller
- 600GB (2x 300GB 10K SAS HDD)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
