[
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "i%20know%20dell%20precision%207960%20has%20idrac.%20any%20other%20precision%20or%20pro%20max%20workstations%20with%20idrac%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found: the Dell Precision/Pro Max line *does* include multiple models beyond the 7960 with iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller). I'll list confirmed ones, with key details to help you distinguish which Precision or Pro Max workstations support iDRAC and which don\u2019t.\n\n---\n\n## \u2705 Confirmed Precision/Pro Max Models with iDRAC\n\n| Model | Form Factor | iDRAC Details / Evidence |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Precision 7960 Rack (R7960)** | 2U rack workstation | Includes a **dedicated iDRAC9 Enterprise network connector**, also iDRAC Direct (USB micro) on front; documented in specs. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/precision-7960-rack/spd/precision-r7960-workstation?msockid=3499d390569c6f061df4c57f578d6e43&utm_source=openai)) |\n| **Precision 7920 Rack** | 2U rack workstation | Spec sheet shows iDRAC9 Basic by default, with Express & Enterprise variants; includes a dedicated network connector for iDRAC, USB management port, VGA for iDRAC, etc. ([i.dell.com](https://i.dell.com/sites/csdocuments/Shared-Content_data-Sheets_Documents/en/us/precision_7920_rack_spec_sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\n## \u26a0 Models That **Do Not** or Are Not Confirmed to Have iDRAC\n\n- **Precision 7865 Tower**: no evidence in the official spec sheet or setup guide that it includes iDRAC. The documentation does *not* list remote management features like iDRAC among its components. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/precision-7865-workstation/precision_7865_tower_ss/operating-and-storage-environment?guid=guid-66716c57-d0fe-4f69-ab0b-1ed03be929ae&lang=en-us&utm_source=openai))  \n- Many older Precision tower/workstation models (non-\u201cRack\u201d/non \u201cR\u201d models) generally *don\u2019t* include iDRAC. Users on tech forums confirm that iDRAC is typically found only on rack or \u201cR\u201d versions of these Precision workstations. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/15z4egr?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udccb Summary & Tips\n\n- If the Precision/Pro Max model says **\u201cRack\u201d** or has an \u201cR\u201d designation (e.g. R7960, 7920 Rack), it's very likely to include iDRAC.  \n- Tower or fixed workstations without \u201cRack\u201d/\u201cR\u201d in the name normally *do not* include iDRAC.\n- In cases where iDRAC is present, different versions are available (Basic, Express, Enterprise), often depending on configuration or license. Always check the spec sheet/manual for \u201cRemote Management\u201d or \u201ciDRAC\u201d sections.  \n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can pull up a complete list of all current Precision / Pro Max models and mark which ones support iDRAC, so you can see all possibilities. Would that be helpful?"
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "how%20about%207960%20tower%20or%207920%20tower%20(if%20there%20is%20one)"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "I searched Dell\u2019s latest documentation and community sources\u2014here\u2019s what I found on whether the *7960 Tower* or *7920 Tower* include iDRAC (or equivalent remote out-of-band management).\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0d What I Found\n\n### 7920 Tower\n\n- The **spec sheet** for the Dell Precision 7920 Tower *does not list* iDRAC, iDRAC Direct, or any dedicated out-of-band management controller like iDRAC in its I/O ports section. ([i.dell.com](https://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/documents/precision-7920-tower-spec-sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- The documentation includes network ports (2 \u00d7 RJ45), USB ports, etc., but nothing about a management network port or iDRAC-specific ports. ([i.dell.com](https://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/documents/precision-7920-tower-spec-sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai))  \n- In user forums (like Reddit), users explicitly say that the 7920 Tower does **not** have \"IPMI / iDRAC enterprise\"; it has only what they describe as \"basic out-of-band\" or \u201cDell BMC\u201d features, which are weaker than full iDRAC. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/1t1ufmu/shall_i_get_dell_precision_t7920_as_my_main_server/?utm_source=openai))  \n\n**Conclusion for 7920 Tower**: It does *not* appear to include iDRAC functionality. It instead offers more basic management features, but not the fully featured iDRAC that you find in Dell\u2019s server or rack-based models.\n\n---\n\n### 7960 Tower\n\n- The 7960 Tower's **Service Manual** and **Setup & Specifications** documentation do *not* show any mention of iDRAC or a dedicated iDRAC management port. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/precision-t7960-workstation/resources/manuals?utm_source=openai))  \n- A press release noted that Dell\u2019s 7960 is offered in both tower **and** rack versions, and that the rack version includes iDRAC. The same statement *does not* claim that the tower version includes iDRAC. ([postmagazine.com](https://www.postmagazine.com/Press-Center/Daily-News/2023/Dells-flagship-7960-designed-for-post-VR-and-AI.aspx?utm_source=openai))  \n\n**Conclusion for 7960 Tower**: The available documentation shows no inclusion of iDRAC or equivalent remote management controller for this model.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udccb Summary\n\n| Model | iDRAC Present? | Source / Evidence |\n|---|---|---|\n| 7920 Tower | No | Spec sheet *no iDRAC ports*, community confirmations ([i.dell.com](https://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/documents/precision-7920-tower-spec-sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai)) |\n| 7960 Tower | No | Service manual and setup docs lack any iDRAC mention, press release specifies iDRAC for rack version only ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/precision-t7960-workstation/resources/manuals?utm_source=openai)) |\n\n---\n\nIf you're trying to choose a workstation with remote management built in, the recommendation would be to go for the **Rack** versions of the Precision/Pro Max line \u2014 e.g. *7960 Rack*, *7920 Rack*, etc. Those are the ones formally documented to include iDRAC.\n\nIf you want, I can compare the management feature breakdown between Dell\u2019s tower vs rack Precision machines to show exactly **what\u2019s missing** in the towers."
    },
    {
        "role": "user",
        "content": "what%20out%20of%20band%20management%20is%20used%20on%207920%20instead%20of%20idrac%3F"
    },
    {
        "role": "assistant",
        "content": "Here\u2019s what I found about what \u201cout-of-band management\u201d the Dell Precision 7920 Tower *does* or *doesn\u2019t* include, since it lacks full iDRAC capabilities. There\u2019s no definitive statement from Dell that the 7920 Tower has a full remote management BMC like iDRAC; instead, it includes more limited or basic features via other components.\n\n---\n\n## \ud83d\udd0e What the official documentation says\n\n1. **Spec Sheet \u2014 No iDRAC**  \n   The official Precision 7920 Tower technical specifications list all the major hardware and management features. There is **no mention** of iDRAC or a dedicated management network port anywhere in that document. ([i.dell.com](https://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/documents/precision-7920-tower-spec-sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n2. **Owner\u2019s Manual / System Configuration**  \n   The system configuration options (in BIOS/UEFI) allow settings like enabling/disabling integrated NICs (network cards), UEFI Network Stack, serial ports, SATA modes (RAID/AHCI), etc. However, there is *no option* that controls a dedicated remote controller like iDRAC. ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-lc/oth-xlt7920/precision_7920_om_pub/system-configuration?guid=guid-7868902a-878f-40a3-b8e7-55598f6f6a36&lang=en-us&utm_source=openai))\n\n3. **Whitepapers / Statement of Volatility**  \n   In whitepapers associated with the 7920 Tower, Dell mentions various hardware features like the Chip Logic Device (CPLD) on CPU riser and backplanes, but nothing that functions as a full out-of-band management controller. ([downloads.dell.com](https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_workstations/esuprt_precision_fixed_workstations/precision-7920-workstation_white-papers100_en-us.pdf?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \ud83e\uddf0 What users and community sources describe (tilted towards basic BMC / Intel AMT-like functionality)\n\n- Users on forums (e.g. Reddit) indicate that the Tower 7920 has some **basic Dell BMC** (Baseboard Management Controller) or \u201cDell BMC / Intel AMT\u201d but not full iDRAC with enterprise features. For example, remote power control might work, but remote video console, full virtual media mounting, or remote boot/BIOS access (via network when off) are *not* available. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/1t1ufmu/shall_i_get_dell_precision_t7920_as_my_main_server/?utm_source=openai))\n\n- Some clarify that while there is a BMC for monitoring, it's more limited in terms of sensor logging, automation, and Redfish compatibility compared to iDRAC. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/1t1ufmu/shall_i_get_dell_precision_t7920_as_my_main_server/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u2699 Likely Out-of-Band / Basic Remote Capabilities on the 7920 Tower\n\nPutting the above together, here are the likely remote or out-of-band functionality pieces the 7920 Tower *does* have:\n\n- Basic network interface toggling via BIOS/UEFI (NIC enable/disable, PXE boot, UEFI Network Stack) ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-lc/oth-xlt7920/precision_7920_om_pub/system-configuration?guid=guid-7868902a-878f-40a3-b8e7-55598f6f6a36&lang=en-us&utm_source=openai))  \n- Serial port options for remote console (if you have a serial-over-LAN infrastructure; though no evidence for full remote console via network) ([dell.com](https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-lc/oth-xlt7920/precision_7920_om_pub/system-configuration?guid=guid-7868902a-878f-40a3-b8e7-55598f6f6a36&lang=en-us&utm_source=openai))  \n- Standard IPMI-like monitoring via a BMC\u2014to read hardware sensors, get telltales like CPUs, fans, temps etc. (though not advertised clearly) \u2014 this BMC *does not* appear to include dedicated port or full-feature iDRAC functionality. In user discussions, it's referred to simply as \u201cDell BMC / Intel AMT or similar basic management\u201d. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/1t1ufmu/shall_i_get_dell_precision_t7920_as_my_main_server/?utm_source=openai))  \n- Wake-on-LAN, power control over OS-level or BIOS-level network stack (if powered with standby), etc. (these are \u201cin-band\u201d vs true out-of-band for some functions, but can help in remote power-on situations). Mentioned in user forums. ([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/homelab/comments/1t1ufmu/shall_i_get_dell_precision_t7920_as_my_main_server/?utm_source=openai))\n\n---\n\n## \u2757 What the 7920 Tower lacks compared to full iDRAC\n\nHere are features you *don\u2019t get* on the 7920 Tower that full iDRAC (especially Express/Enterprise) or server-class PowerEdge systems provide:\n\n- Dedicated management network port for BMC (i.e. a separate NIC that stays active regardless of host state) \u2014 appears **missing**.  \n- Virtual console access over IP (KVM-over-IP) \u2014 BIOS/boot remote control, virtual media mounting remotely \u2014 these are iDRAC-only.  \n- Lifecycle Controller or agentless firmware/BIOS updates via out-of-band tools.  \n- Remote BIOS configuration or OS mount via the BMC itself when OS not running or host powered off.  \n- Stronger automation support (Redfish API, remote scripting) built into hardware\u2014these are often features of iDRAC Enterprise tiers.\n\n---\n\nIf you like, I can look up exactly what model of BMC is on the 7920 Tower (chipset, firmware version) and compare it feature-by-feature with iDRAC9 so you can see exactly which parts are missing. Would you prefer that?"
    }
]