What are differences between the Dell Unity XT 380F array and the Dell Unity XT 880F array?

The primary hardware difference between the Dell Unity XT 380F and 880F models lies in their I/O architecture. The Dell Unity XT 380F Storage Processor (SP) is equipped with fixed, onboard 4-port Converged Network Adapters (CNAs) that provide front-end connectivity. In contrast, the higher-end Dell Unity XT 880F model features a more modular design. Each SP on the 880F includes an embedded mezzanine card slot for I/O, along with additional slots for I/O modules. This design provides greater flexibility and scalability for connectivity on the 880F platform compared to the fixed CNA ports on the 380F.

B. Incorrect. Both the Dell Unity XT 380F and 880F models fully support dynamic storage pools, as this feature is available on all Unity XT systems.

C. Incorrect. This option incorrectly reverses the I/O architectures; the 380F has the onboard CNAs, while the 880F utilizes the embedded mezzanine ports.

D. Incorrect. Both the Dell Unity XT 380F and 880F models fully support dynamic storage pools.

1. Dell Unity XT Series Specification Sheet (Document H17943.3)

Page 5, Table "Max I/O Modules per Array": This table details the I/O capabilities. It lists "2 onboard CNA ports" for the Unity XT 380F/380 model and "1 embedded module" for the Unity XT 880F/880 model, clearly distinguishing the base I/O architecture.

2. Dell Unity Family Hardware Information Guide (P/N 302-002-881 REV 12)

Page 29, Figure 10 "Dell Unity 380/380F storage processor (rear view)": This diagram explicitly labels the "Onboard CNA ports" on the 380F Storage Processor.

Page 41, Figure 16 "Dell Unity 880/880F storage processor (rear view)": This diagram shows the rear of the 880F Storage Processor, labeling the "Embedded module" slot, which is distinct from the architecture of the 380F.

3. Dell Unity: Dynamic Pools White Paper (Document H15162.5)

Page 5, Section "Availability": States, "Dynamic pools are supported on all Dell Unity XT and Dell Unity hybrid models running OE version 4.2 or later." This confirms that both the 380F and 880F support dynamic pools, invalidating options B and D.