HPE 1.6TB NVMe U.3 PCIe SSD: Powering ProLiant Gen10 Plus Servers with High Performance and Security

HPE 1.6TB 2.5-Inch SFF NVMe U.3 PCIe Mixed Use SSD for ProLiant Gen10 Plus Servers

Introduction

In the fast-evolving landscape of enterprise computing, storage performance is a critical factor in ensuring data centers meet the demands of modern workloads. The HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF Digitally Signed Firmware NVMe U.3 PCIe High Performance Smart Carrier Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD) is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and security for HPE ProLiant Generation10 Plus Servers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the SSD’s specifications, features, benefits, and applications, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to optimize their server infrastructure.

Overview

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD (part numbers include P16497-X21, P16497-B21, P16497-K21, among others) is a high-performance, hot-swappable, mixed-use (MU) solid-state drive designed specifically for HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus Servers. Leveraging the NVMe U.3 PCIe interface and advanced NAND flash technology, this SSD offers superior speed, low latency, and robust endurance for applications requiring a balance of high read and write performance. Its integration with HPE’s Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN) and Digitally Signed Firmware (DS) ensures seamless compatibility, enhanced security, and ease of management within HPE server ecosystems.

Key Specifications

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is packed with advanced technical features that make it suitable for demanding enterprise environments. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications:

• Device Type: Solid State Drive (SSD) – Hot-Swap
• Capacity: 1.6TB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF)
• Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x4 (NVMe U.3)
• Plug Type: Hot-Pluggable
• Carrier Type: HPE Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)
• Workload Type: Mixed Use (MU)
• NAND Flash Memory Type: Triple-Level Cell (TLC)
• Connectivity: Dual Port
• Features: Digitally Signed Firmware (DS), High Performance
• Height: 15.00 mm (0.60 inch)
• Platform Supported: HPE ProLiant Rack/Tower/BladeSystem Servers, HPE Synergy

Performance Metrics

• Endurance DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day): 3
• 30 Days Writes: 8,560TB
• Max Sequential Read Throughput (MiB/s): 6,300
• Max Sequential Write Throughput (MiB/s): 2,400
• Random Read Avg. Latency (4KiB, Q1): 90 µs
• Random Write Avg. Latency (4KiB, Q1): 41 µs
• Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 150,000
• Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 180,000
• Max Random Read IOPS (4KiB): 600,000 @ Q128
• Max Random Write IOPS (4KiB): 225,000 @ Q64

These specifications highlight the SSD’s ability to handle intensive workloads with high input/output operations per second (IOPS) and low latency, making it ideal for mixed-use applications.

Key Features

1. High Performance with NVMe U.3 PCIe Interface

The SSD utilizes the NVMe U.3 PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, which provides significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to traditional SAS or SATA SSDs. By communicating directly with applications via the PCIe bus, the drive achieves maximum sequential read speeds of 6,300 MiB/s and write speeds of 2,400 MiB/s, making it suitable for data-intensive tasks such as big data analytics, high-performance computing (HPC), and virtualization.

2. Mixed Use (MU) Workload Optimization

Designed for mixed-use workloads, the SSD balances high random read and绝对:1⁊ and write performance. With an endurance rating of 3 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) and a total of 8,560TB written over 30 days, it supports applications requiring a combination of read and write operations, such as transactional databases, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and online transaction processing (OLTP).

3. Digitally Signed Firmware (DS)

Security is paramount in enterprise environments. The HPE 1.6TB SSD features Digitally Signed Firmware, which ensures that the drive’s firmware originates from a trusted source, preventing unauthorized access and protecting against malicious attacks. This feature enhances data integrity and security, a critical requirement for businesses handling sensitive information.

4. HPE Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)

The SSD is equipped with HPE’s Smart Carrier NVMe, which simplifies drive management and maintenance. The carrier includes:

• System Status LED Icons: Provide real-time visual feedback on drive status.
• Spinning Activity Ring: Indicates active data writing processes.
• Do-Not-Remove Button: Prevents accidental removal during operation, reducing the risk of data loss.
• Remote Blue LED: Allows administrators to locate a specific drive tray remotely, streamlining maintenance in large data centers.

5. HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge

The SSD supports HPE’s SmartSSD Wear Gauge, a management tool that monitors the drive’s lifespan and wear levels. This feature enables proactive maintenance, allowing administrators to identify drives at risk of failure and schedule replacements before issues arise, minimizing downtime.

6. Hot-Swap Capability

The hot-swap design enables the SSD to be replaced without powering down the server, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance-related disruptions. This is particularly valuable in mission-critical environments where uptime is essential.

7. Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND Flash

The use of TLC NAND flash memory provides a cost-effective balance between performance, capacity, and endurance. TLC technology allows for higher storage density, enabling the 1.6TB capacity while maintaining robust performance for mixed-use workloads.

Benefits

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for enterprise storage solutions:

• Enhanced Performance: With high IOPS and low latency, the SSD accelerates application performance, improving response times for databases, virtualization, and analytics workloads.
• Improved Reliability: Backed by over 3.35 million hours of testing and qualification, the SSD ensures dependable operation in demanding environments.
• Energy Efficiency: NVMe SSDs consume less power compared to traditional rotating media, reducing data center cooling costs and improving IOPS per watt.
• Scalability: The 1.6TB capacity, combined with HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus Servers’ support for multiple SSDs, allows businesses to scale storage as needed.
• Simplified Management: Features like the Smart Carrier and SmartSSD Wear Gauge streamline drive monitoring and maintenance, reducing administrative overhead.
• Robust Security: Digitally Signed Firmware protects against unauthorized firmware modifications, ensuring data integrity and compliance with security standards.

Applications

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is optimized for a wide range of enterprise applications, including:

• Transactional Databases: High IOPS and low latency support rapid query processing in databases like SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL.
• Virtualization: Accelerates virtual machine performance, enabling efficient resource allocation in VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM environments.
• Big Data Analytics: Provides fast data access for real-time analytics platforms like Hadoop, Spark, or SAP HANA.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Supports compute-intensive tasks in scientific research, financial modeling, and simulations.
• Online Transaction Processing (OLTP): Ensures quick response times for e-commerce, banking, and reservation systems.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): Delivers fast boot times and application loading for virtual desktops, enhancing user experience.

Compatibility

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is designed for seamless integration with HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus Servers, including rack, tower, and blade systems, as well as HPE Synergy platforms. Specific compatible models include:

• HPE ProLiant DL Series: DL360 Gen10 Plus, DL380 Gen10 Plus, DL385 Gen10 Plus
• HPE ProLiant ML Series: ML350 Gen10
• HPE Synergy: 480 Gen10 Compute Module, 660 Gen10 Compute Module

The SSD is also compatible with HPE Nimble Storage dHCI solutions and other HPE storage platforms that support NVMe U.3 drives. For precise compatibility verification, contact HPE support or consult the HPE server configuration guide.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation

1. Verify Compatibility: Ensure the SSD is compatible with your HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus Server model.
2. Power Down (if not hot-swapping): For non-hot-swap installations, shut down the server and disconnect power.
3. Insert SSD: Slide the SSD into an available 2.5-inch SFF drive bay until it clicks into place.
4. Secure Carrier: Ensure the Smart Carrier is properly seated and the latch is closed.
5. Power On: Restart the server and verify SSD recognition in the BIOS or HPE iLO management interface.

Maintenance

• Monitor Wear Levels: Use HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge to track SSD health and plan replacements.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates via HPE’s support portal to maintain security and performance.
• Hot-Swap Replacement: For hot-swap replacements, press the “Do-Not-Remove” button to ensure safe removal, then insert the new SSD.
• Remote Management: Leverage HPE iLO for remote drive status monitoring and LED activation for easy identification.

Pricing and Availability

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is available through authorized HPE resellers, distributors, and online marketplaces like StoragePartsDirect, Cloud Ninjas, and ServerShop24. Pricing varies based on region, reseller, and warranty options (typically 1-year or 3-year warranties). For accurate pricing, visit HPE’s official store (buy.hpe.com) or contact a reseller for a quote. Note that pricing does not include applicable taxes or shipping costs.

Conclusion

The HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF Digitally Signed Firmware NVMe U.3 PCIe High Performance Smart Carrier Mixed Use SSD is a powerful and versatile storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus Servers. Its combination of high performance, robust endurance, advanced security features, and intelligent management capabilities makes it an excellent choice for enterprises tackling demanding mixed-use workloads. Whether powering transactional databases, virtualization environments, or big data analytics, this SSD delivers the speed, reliability, and scalability needed to drive business success.

For organizations looking to enhance their data center performance while maintaining security and manageability, the HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD stands out as a trusted, high-value investment. To learn more or place an order, visit HPE’s official website or contact an authorized HPE partner today.