HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD: Powering ProLiant Gen10 Servers with Unmatched Speed and Security

Introduction

The HPE 3.2TB 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) Digitally Signed Firmware NVMe U.3 PCIe x4 High Performance SCN Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD) is a high-performance storage solution tailored for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. Designed to meet the needs of data-intensive applications, this SSD delivers exceptional speed, reliability, and security for mixed-use workloads. It is ideal for enterprises running databases, virtualization, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. This article provides a detailed overview of the SSD’s specifications, features, benefits, compatibility, and use cases, offering valuable insights for IT administrators and decision-makers aiming to enhance their data center infrastructure.

Key Features

The HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD is equipped with advanced features that cater to modern enterprise storage requirements. Below are its standout characteristics:

High Capacity

With a 3.2TB storage capacity, this SSD supports large datasets and accommodates growing enterprise storage demands.

NVMe U.3 Interface

The SSD utilizes a high-speed PCIe Gen3 x4 interface, delivering superior data transfer rates compared to traditional SAS or SATA SSDs.

Mixed Use Workload Optimization

Designed for balanced read and write performance, it is ideal for applications requiring high input/output operations per second (IOPS).

Digitally Signed Firmware (DS)

The firmware is digitally signed to ensure authenticity, protecting against unauthorized modifications and enhancing data security.

Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)

Features HPE’s Smart Carrier technology with status indicators and a “do not remove” button to prevent data loss due to human error.

Hot-Pluggable Design

Enables seamless drive replacement without powering down the server, minimizing downtime in critical environments.

Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND Flash

Offers a balance of performance, endurance, and cost-effectiveness for enterprise applications.

HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge

Provides proactive monitoring of the drive’s lifespan, helping administrators plan replacements to avoid failures.

Technical Specifications

The HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD is engineered for high performance and reliability. Below is a detailed breakdown of its technical specifications:

Device Type

Solid State Drive (SSD) - Hot-Swap

Capacity

3.2TB

Form Factor

2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF)

Interface

PCI Express 3.0 x4 (NVMe)

Plug Type

Hot-Pluggable

Carrier Type

Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)

Workload Type

Mixed Use

NAND Flash Memory Type

Triple-Level Cell (TLC)

Connectivity

Dual Port

Height

15.00 mm (0.ेह

Endurance

30 Days Writes: 17,121 TB

Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD): 3

Performance

Max Sequential Read Throughput: 7,000 MiB/s

Max Sequential Write Throughput: 3,900 MiB/s

Random Read Average Latency (4KiB, Q=1): 82 µs

Random Write Average Latency (4KiB, Q=1): 26 µs

Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 200,000

Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 270,000

Max Random Read IOPS (4KiB): 960,000 @ Q256

Max Random Write IOPS (4KiB): 300,000 @ Q256

Platform Supported

HPE ProLiant Rack/Tower/BladeSystem Servers and Synergy

Compatible Bay

2.5-inch SFF

These specifications demonstrate the SSD’s capability to handle high-performance workloads with low latency and high throughput, making it suitable for demanding enterprise applications.

Benefits

The HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD provides several advantages, making it a strategic choice for enterprises using HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers:

Superior Performance

The NVMe PCIe x4 interface offers up to 7,000 MiB/s sequential read and 3,900 MiB/s sequential write throughput, reducing application latency and improving system responsiveness.

High Endurance

With a DWPD rating of 3 and lifetime writes of 17,121 TB, the SSD is built for frequent read and write operations, ensuring long-term reliability.

Enhanced Security

Digitally signed firmware protects against firmware-based attacks, ensuring data integrity and compliance with stringent security standards.

Space Efficiency

The 2.5-inch SFF design enables high-density storage configurations, maximizing capacity within existing server chassis.

Simplified Management

The Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN) includes status indicators and a “do not remove” button, while the HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge supports proactive drive health monitoring.

Hot-Pluggable Functionality

Drive replacement without server downtime ensures continuous operation in mission-critical environments.

Backward Compatibility

The NVMe U.3 SSD is 100% backward compatible with NVMe U.2 backplanes, offering flexibility for mixed server generations.

Compatibility

The HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD is designed for seamless integration with HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers and Synergy platforms. Below is a partial list of compatible server models:

HPE ProLiant DL Series

DL360 Gen10 (Base, Entry, High Performance, Performance, Solution, etc.)

DL380 Gen10 (Base, Entry, High Performance, SMB, Solution, etc.)

DL560 Gen10 (Base, Entry, Performance, etc.)

DL580 Gen10 (Base, Entry, Performance, etc.)

HPE Synergy

480 Gen10 Compute Module

660 Gen10 Compute Module

680 Gen9 4S-EX Compute Module

For optimal performance, update server firmware and drivers to the latest version. Verify compatibility with specific server models, as configurations may vary. HPE advises against mixing SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives in the same server to ensure consistent performance. Contact HPE or authorized resellers for detailed compatibility information.

Ideal Use Cases

The HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD is optimized for mixed-use workloads, offering balanced read and write performance. It is well-suited for various enterprise applications, including:

Transactional Databases

Delivers high IOPS and low latency for databases like SQL Server and Oracle, ensuring rapid query processing and data retrieval.

Virtualized Environments

Supports platforms like VMware and Hyper-V, providing fast data access and high throughput for virtual machines.

Big Data Analytics

Enables efficient processing of large datasets, ideal for analytics and business intelligence applications.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Meets the demands of compute-intensive workloads, such as scientific simulations and financial modeling.

Cloud Computing

Enhances performance for cloud-based applications requiring high I/O bandwidth and low latency.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Improves performance for business-critical applications with mixed read/write operations.

Comparison with Other SSD Types

To understand the value of the HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD, it’s helpful to compare it with other SSD types supported by HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers:

SATA SSDs

While cost-effective, SATA SSDs are limited to 6GB/s speeds and lower IOPS. The NVMe SSD offers significantly higher throughput and lower latency.

SAS SSDs

SAS SSDs provide better performance than SATA SSDs (up to 12GB/s), but the NVMe U.3 SSD surpasses them in sequential throughput (7,000 MiB/s vs. 1,095 MiB/s) and random IOPS.

NVMe U.2 SSDs

The NVMe U.3 SSD is backward compatible with U.2 backplanes and supports dual-port connectivity for high-availability environments.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing the HPE 3.2TB NVMe U.3 SSD is straightforward, thanks to its hot-pluggable design and Smart Carrier technology. Follow these steps:

Verify Compatibility

Confirm that the server supports NVMe U.3 SSDs and has available 2.5-inch SFF drive bays.

Update Firmware

Ensure the server’s firmware and drivers are updated to maximize performance and compatibility.

Insert the Drive

Use the Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN) to securely insert the SSD into the drive bay. Status indicators will confirm proper installation.

Configure RAID

If using a RAID controller, configure the SSD according to workload requirements. Avoid mixing NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives.

Monitor Drive Health

Use HPE’s SmartSSD Wear Gauge and management tools like HPE iLO to track drive health and plan replacements.

Conclusion

The HPE 3.2TB 2.5-inch SFF NVMe U.3 PCIe x4 High Performance SCN Mixed Use SSD is a powerful and secure storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. With its high capacity, fast NVMe performance, and features like digitally signed firmware and Smart Carrier technology, it meets the demands of modern data centers. Ideal for transactional databases, virtualization, and big data analytics, this SSD delivers the speed, endurance, and scalability needed for business success. For enterprises optimizing their HPE ProLiant Gen10 infrastructure, this SSD is a strategic investment in performance and reliability.