Empowering Enterprise: Unleashing Performance with the HPE 800GB LFF MLC SATA SSD for ProLiant Servers

HPE 800GB 3.5in LFF MLC Mainstream Endurance SATA-6Gbps SSD for ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 Servers

The HPE 800GB 3.5-inch Large Form Factor (LFF) Multi-Level Cell (MLC) Mainstream Endurance SATA-6Gbps Smart Carrier (SC) Enterprise Mainstream Solid State Drive (SSD) is a high-performance storage solution designed for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ProLiant Generation 8 (Gen8) and Generation 9 (Gen9) servers. This SSD combines substantial capacity, enterprise-grade reliability, and advanced features to meet the demands of modern data centers. Leveraging MLC NAND flash technology and a SATA-6Gbps interface, it delivers a balance of speed, endurance, and cost-efficiency for workloads requiring high input/output operations per second (IOPS). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the SSD’s specifications, features, benefits, compatibility, and ideal use cases for IT professionals seeking to optimize their server infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

Capacity and Form Factor

The HPE 800GB SSD offers a robust storage capacity of 800GB, making it suitable for enterprise applications that demand significant data storage. Its 3.5-inch Large Form Factor (LFF) design optimizes space in server chassis, particularly for rack and tower servers that accommodate larger drive bays. The LFF form factor is ideal for environments where physical space is less constrained compared to Small Form Factor (SFF) setups, providing a balance between storage density and compatibility.

Interface and Performance

Equipped with a SATA-6Gbps interface, this SSD delivers a maximum data transfer rate of 6 gigabits per second. It achieves impressive performance metrics, including:

Random Read IOPS: Approximately 61,000, enabling rapid data retrieval for applications with frequent access demands.

Random Write IOPS: Approximately 35,000, supporting efficient data writing for mixed workloads.

Sequential Read Throughput: Up to 480 MiB/s, ensuring fast access to large data sets.

Sequential Write Throughput: Up to 450 MiB/s, facilitating quick data writes for enterprise applications.

The SSD’s low latency compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) enhances application responsiveness, making it a compelling choice for performance-critical environments.

NAND Flash Technology

The drive utilizes Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND flash technology, which strikes a balance between performance, endurance, and cost. MLC technology stores multiple bits per cell, offering higher storage density than Single-Level Cell (SLC) SSDs while maintaining better endurance than Triple-Level Cell (TLC) SSDs. This makes the HPE 800GB SSD well-suited for mainstream enterprise workloads that require consistent performance over extended periods.

Endurance and Workload Type

Categorized as a Mainstream Endurance SSD, this drive is optimized for workloads with a balanced mix of read and write operations. It supports enterprise mainstream applications, delivering twice the performance and endurance of previous HPE SATA SSDs. The drive is designed to handle demanding I/O-intensive applications, such as databases, virtualization, and big data analytics, with a focus on reliability and longevity.

Key Features

HPE Smart Carrier

The HPE Smart Carrier (SC) is a standout feature of this SSD, designed to enhance usability and prevent operational errors. The Smart Carrier includes self-describing icons that provide critical status and management information, such as drive activity and health. A “do not remove” button helps prevent accidental removal during operation, reducing the risk of data loss or system downtime. This feature ensures seamless integration into HPE’s server infrastructure and simplifies drive management.

Hot-Swap Capability

The SSD is hot-pluggable, allowing administrators to replace or upgrade drives without powering down the server. This feature is critical for maintaining uptime in enterprise environments where continuous operation is essential. The hot-swap design, combined with the 3.5-inch LFF form factor, ensures flexibility and ease of maintenance in HPE ProLiant server deployments.

SmartSSD Wear Gauge

HPE’s SmartSSD Wear Gauge technology enables proactive monitoring of the SSD’s lifespan. Integrated with HPE’s management tools, this feature provides insights into drive wear and helps prevent data loss by alerting administrators when a drive is nearing the end of its usable life. This capability is particularly valuable in data centers managing large numbers of SSDs, ensuring reliability and minimizing unexpected failures.

Power Efficiency

Compared to traditional HDDs, the HPE 800GB SSD consumes significantly less power, contributing to lower energy costs and a reduced environmental footprint. This is especially beneficial for large-scale data centers aiming to optimize operational efficiency. The SSD’s power-efficient design aligns with modern sustainability goals while maintaining high performance.

Compatibility with HPE ProLiant Servers

Supported Server Models

The HPE 800GB 3.5in LFF SSD is compatible with a wide range of HPE ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 servers, particularly those in the ML (Modular Line) and SL (Scalable Line) series. Supported models include:

HPE ProLiant ML Series: ML110 Gen9, ML310e Gen8, ML310e Gen8 v2, ML350 Gen9, ML350e Gen8, ML350e Gen8 v2, ML350p Gen8 (various configurations).

HPE ProLiant SL Series: SL4540 Gen8, SL4545 Gen8, and SL4540 Gen8 Tray 2x Node Server.

This compatibility ensures the SSD can be seamlessly integrated into existing HPE server infrastructure, making it a versatile choice for IT environments running ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 platforms.

Storage Array Support

In addition to ProLiant servers, the SSD is compatible with select HPE storage arrays, including the D3700, D2220sb, StoreEasy 1830, and StoreEasy 1840. IT administrators should verify compatibility with specific server or storage array configurations to ensure optimal performance.

Benefits for Enterprise Workloads

Enhanced Performance for Mixed Workloads

The HPE 800GB SSD is optimized for mixed workloads, such as databases, virtualization, and big data analytics, where both read and write operations are critical. Its high IOPS and low latency enable faster data access and processing, improving overall application performance. This makes the SSD an excellent choice for organizations seeking to enhance their data center efficiency.

Cost-Effective Storage Solution

By leveraging MLC NAND technology and a SATA-6Gbps interface, the SSD offers a cost-effective alternative to SAS-based SSDs while delivering enterprise-grade performance. This balance of cost and capability makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to upgrade their storage infrastructure without significant capital investment.

Reliability and Data Protection

The combination of HPE’s Smart Carrier, SmartSSD Wear Gauge, and robust MLC NAND technology ensures high reliability and data integrity. These features minimize the risk of data loss and extend the drive’s operational life, providing peace of mind for mission-critical applications.

Simplified Maintenance and Scalability

The hot-swap capability and Smart Carrier design simplify drive maintenance, reducing downtime and operational complexity. Additionally, the 800GB capacity and compatibility with a wide range of ProLiant servers make it easy to scale storage as data demands grow.

Ideal Use Cases

Database Applications

The SSD’s high random read and write IOPS make it ideal for database applications, where quick access to data is essential. It can handle transactional workloads, such as those in SQL Server or Oracle databases, with improved responsiveness and reduced latency.

Virtualization Environments

In virtualized environments, the HPE 800GB SSD supports multiple virtual machines by providing the necessary IOPS and storage capacity. Its mainstream endurance ensures reliable performance for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and server virtualization workloads.

Big Data Analytics

For organizations leveraging big data analytics, the SSD’s sequential throughput and high capacity enable efficient processing of large data sets. It supports analytics platforms that require rapid data retrieval and processing, such as Hadoop or Spark.

Cloud Computing and Data Warehousing

The SSD’s power efficiency and performance make it suitable for cloud computing and data warehousing applications. Its ability to handle mixed workloads ensures consistent performance in dynamic cloud environments, while its large capacity supports data-intensive storage needs.

Physical and Environmental Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

The HPE 800GB SSD has the following physical specifications:

Height: 8.63 inches (21.92 cm)

Width: 5.75 inches (14.605 cm)

Depth: 11.00 inches (27.94 cm)

Weight: 1.35 lbs (612.35 gm)

These dimensions ensure compatibility with 3.5-inch LFF drive bays in supported HPE ProLiant servers.

Operating Conditions

The SSD operates reliably within a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C, making it suitable for typical data center environments. Its robust design ensures consistent performance under varying conditions, with a shock tolerance of 1000g at 0.5ms during operation.

Part Numbers and Procurement Options

Available Part Numbers

The HPE 800GB 3.5in LFF SSD is available under multiple part numbers, including:

691860-B21

MK0800GCTZB-SC

691842-004-SC

692163-001

These part numbers may correspond to new, refurbished, or bulk pack configurations, with warranties varying from 30 days to 90 days depending on the supplier.

Procurement Considerations

Organizations can procure this SSD through authorized HPE resellers or distributors, such as StoragePartsDirect.com. Refurbished Grade-A units are often available at a lower cost, offering a budget-friendly option for businesses upgrading their storage infrastructure. Buyers should verify part numbers and compatibility with their specific server models before purchasing.

Conclusion

The HPE 800GB 3.5-inch LFF MLC Mainstream Endurance SATA-6Gbps Smart Carrier SSD is a versatile and reliable storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 servers. Its combination of high capacity, enterprise-grade endurance, and features like the Smart Carrier and SmartSSD Wear Gauge make it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to enhance their data center performance. Ideal for mixed workloads such as databases, virtualization, and big data analytics, this SSD delivers the speed, reliability, and efficiency required for modern enterprise environments. By leveraging HPE’s robust ecosystem and compatibility with a wide range of ProLiant servers, it remains a strategic investment for businesses aiming to optimize their IT infrastructure in 2025 and beyond.