Igniting Data Dynamism for Enterprise Triumph with HPE 800GB SAS-12Gbps SSD

Overview of the HPE 800GB 2.5-Inch SFF MLC SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD

The HPE 800GB 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) Multi-Level Cell (MLC) SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD) is a high-performance storage solution designed for the HPE StoreVirtual 3000 series and compatible with HPE ProLiant Gen8, Gen9, and Gen10 servers, as well as Modular Smart Array (MSA) 1040/2040 SAN storage systems. Engineered to handle mixed-use workloads, this SSD combines speed, durability, and advanced features such as Power Loss Protection (PLP) and Smart Carrier technology, making it ideal for enterprise applications like databases, virtualization, and big data analytics. This article provides a detailed exploration of its specifications, features, benefits, compatibility, and use cases, offering IT professionals valuable insights for optimizing data center performance.

Key Features

The HPE 800GB SSD is packed with enterprise-grade features that enhance its performance, reliability, and manageability:

Capacity: 800GB, providing substantial storage for enterprise datasets while maintaining high performance.

Interface: SAS-12Gbps, delivering high-speed data transfer rates for demanding applications.

Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF, optimized for high-density server and storage configurations.

NAND Flash Type: Multi-Level Cell (MLC), offering a balance of performance, endurance, and cost-effectiveness.

Smart Carrier (SC): Features LED indicators for real-time drive status monitoring and supports hot-swappable functionality, minimizing downtime.

Power Loss Protection (PLP): Safeguards data integrity during unexpected power outages, enhancing reliability.

Workload Type: Mixed Use, designed for applications with balanced read and write requirements.

Endurance: 3.0 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) over 30 days, with a lifetime write capacity of approximately 4500 terabytes written (TBW).

Digitally Signed Firmware: Ensures security by protecting against unauthorized firmware modifications.

Performance Metrics:

Sequential Read Throughput: Up to 1080 MB/s.

Sequential Write Throughput: Up to 580 MB/s.

Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 91,500.

Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 65,500.

Maximum Random Read IOPS (4KiB): 120,000 at Q32.

Maximum Random Write IOPS (4KiB): 67,500 at Q32.

These specifications make the SSD suitable for high-performance, mission-critical enterprise environments.

Technical Specifications

Hardware Specifications

Device Type: Solid State Drive - Hot-Swap.

Capacity: 800GB.

Interface: SAS-12Gbps (Serial Attached SCSI), providing superior data transfer rates and reliability compared to SATA.

Form Factor: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF).

NAND Flash Memory Type: Multi-Level Cell (MLC).

Plug Type: Hot-Pluggable.

Carrier Type: Smart Carrier (SC).

Height: 15 mm (0.6 inches).

Bytes per Sector: 512.

Performance Metrics

Drive Transfer Rate: 12 Gb/s (external).

Sequential Read Throughput: 1080 MB/s.

Sequential Write Throughput: 580 MB/s.

Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 91,500.

Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 65,500.

Maximum Random Read IOPS (4KiB): 120,000 at Q32.

Maximum Random Write IOPS (4KiB): 67,500 at Q32.

Random Read Average Latency: 125 µs.

Random Write Average Latency: 60 µs.

Mixed Workload (70% Read / 30% Write, 4KiB, Q=32): 90,000 IOPS.

Mixed Workload (50% Read / 50% Write, 4KiB, Q=32): 93,000 IOPS.

Power Consumption

Idle: 3 Watts.

Random Read/Write: 5.78 Watts.

Sequential Read: 5.26 Watts.

Sequential Write: 8.76 Watts.

Maximum: 8.76 Watts.

These specifications highlight the SSD’s ability to deliver high performance with low latency, making it suitable for demanding enterprise workloads.

Benefits of the HPE 800GB SSD

Enhanced Performance

The HPE 800GB SSD leverages the SAS-12Gbps interface and MLC NAND flash technology to deliver exceptional performance, significantly reducing data access latency and improving server responsiveness. Its high IOPS and low latency make it ideal for applications requiring rapid read and write operations, such as transactional databases and virtualized environments. Compared to SATA SSDs, the SAS interface provides roughly twice the IOPS, enabling faster data processing and improved workload performance.

Reliability and Durability

With no moving parts, the SSD offers superior reliability compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). It is backed by over 3.35 million hours of testing and qualification, ensuring high endurance and dependability. Features like Power Loss Protection (PLP) prevent data loss during power outages, while Digitally Signed Firmware safeguards against unauthorized access, enhancing data security. The HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge allows administrators to monitor drive lifespan, enabling proactive maintenance to prevent failures.

Energy Efficiency

The SSD’s low power consumption (as low as 3 Watts at idle) reduces operating costs and contributes to a smaller data center footprint. This energy-efficient design is particularly beneficial for large-scale deployments where power savings can lead to significant cost reductions.

Ease of Management

The Smart Carrier (SC) includes LED indicators for real-time drive status monitoring and supports hot-swappable functionality, allowing for seamless drive replacement without powering down the server. Integration with HPE iLO and Systems Insight Manager provides advanced health monitoring and predictive analytics, simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime.

Compatibility

The HPE 800GB SSD is specifically designed for the HPE StoreVirtual 3000 series, including models such as the StoreVirtual 3200 and its various configurations (e.g., 3200 400GB SFF, 3200 600GB SFF, 3200 900GB SFF, 3200 1.2TB SFF). It is also compatible with a wide range of HPE ProLiant servers, including:

ProLiant DL Series: DL20 (G9, G10), DL60 (G9), DL80 (G9), DL120 (G8, G9), DL160 (G8, G9), DL180 (G8, G9), DL320e (G8, G9), DL360 (G8, G9), DL360e (G8, G9), DL360p (G8, G9), DL380 (G8, G9), DL380e (G8, G9), DL380p (G8, G9), DL385p (G8, G9), DL388 (G9), DL560 (G8, G9), DL580 (G8, G9).

ProLiant ML Series: ML110 (G8, G9), ML150 (G8, G9), ML310e (G8, G9), ML350 (G8, G9), ML350e (G8, G9), ML350p (G8, G9).

ProLiant SL Series: SL230s (G8, G9), SL250s (G8, G9), SL270s (G8, G9).

ProLiant XL Series: XL170r (G9), XL190r (G9), XL220a (G9), XL230a (G9), XL250a (G9).

Storage Arrays: D3700, D2220sb, StoreEasy 1830, 1840.

StoreVirtual VSA: 4130, 4330, 4330(FC), 4335, 4335 (Hybrid SAN), 4530, 4630, 4730, 4730(FC).

Modular Smart Array (MSA): 1040/2040 SAN Storage.

To ensure compatibility, IT administrators should verify the part number (e.g., N9X85A, 834292-001, 873363-B21) and update the server’s RAID controller firmware to support the SAS-12Gbps interface.

Ideal Use Cases

The HPE 800GB SSD is optimized for mixed-use workloads, making it suitable for a variety of enterprise applications:

Transactional Databases

The SSD’s high IOPS and low latency make it ideal for transactional databases, where rapid read and write operations are critical for maintaining performance. It can handle intensive database operations efficiently, improving application responsiveness.

Virtualization

Virtualized environments require high-speed storage to deliver seamless user experiences. The SSD’s SAS-12Gbps interface and robust IOPS performance ensure low latency and high transaction rates, making it perfect for virtualization workloads.

Big Data Analytics

For organizations processing large datasets, the SSD provides the performance and capacity needed to handle data-intensive analytics tasks, enabling faster insights and decision-making.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

The SSD’s high throughput and reliability make it suitable for HPC applications, where rapid data access and processing are essential for complex computations.

Cloud Computing

In cloud environments, the SSD’s energy efficiency, reliability, and performance support scalable, high-performance storage solutions for cloud-based applications.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

To maximize the performance and longevity of the HPE 800GB SSD, consider the following best practices:

Verify Compatibility: Confirm the SSD’s part number and compatibility with your server or storage array before purchasing. Contact trusted vendors like StoragePartsDirect or HPE-authorized resellers for authenticity.

Update Firmware: Ensure the server’s RAID controller firmware is updated to support the SAS-12Gbps interface for optimal performance.

Monitor Health: Use HPE iLO and Smart Carrier indicators to monitor drive health and performance in real time.

Proactive Maintenance: Leverage HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge and predictive analytics to schedule drive replacements before failures occur, minimizing disruptions.

Proper Installation: The Smart Carrier ensures proper alignment and secure connection during installation. Follow HPE’s guidelines for hot-swap procedures to avoid errors.

Comparison with Alternatives

For organizations considering alternatives, the HPE 800GB SSD offers a balanced solution for mixed-use workloads. For write-intensive applications, the HPE 800GB SAS-12Gbps Write Intensive SSD (e.g., EO0800JEFPF) provides higher endurance but at a higher cost. For read-intensive workloads, the HPE 800GB SAS-12Gbps Read Intensive SSD (e.g., 750222-002-SC) may be more cost-effective but less suited for write-heavy tasks. The HPE 800GB Mixed Use SSD strikes a balance between performance, endurance, and cost, making it a versatile choice for most enterprise applications.

Conclusion

The HPE 800GB 2.5-inch SFF MLC SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD is a powerful and reliable storage solution for the HPE StoreVirtual 3000 series and compatible HPE ProLiant servers and MSA storage systems. With its high performance, robust reliability, and advanced features like Power Loss Protection, Digitally Signed Firmware, and Smart Carrier technology, it excels in mixed-use workloads such as transactional databases, virtualization, big data analytics, and HPC. Its energy-efficient design and broad compatibility make it a cost-effective choice for modern data centers. By following best practices for installation and maintenance, IT administrators can leverage this SSD to enhance data center performance and efficiency, making it a strategic investment for enterprise storage needs.