Unleashing Data Velocity: HPE 1.6TB NVMe U.3 SSD Fuels ProLiant Gen10 Innovation

HPE 1.6TB 2.5-Inch SFF NVMe U.3 PCIe x4 Mixed Use SSD for ProLiant Gen10 Servers: A Comprehensive Overview

The HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) Digitally Signed Firmware NVMe U.3 PCIe x4 Mainstream Performance SCN Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD) is a high-performance storage solution designed specifically for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. Engineered to handle mixed-use workloads, this SSD offers a balance of speed, endurance, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for enterprise environments requiring robust data storage and processing capabilities. This article provides a detailed exploration of the SSD’s specifications, features, performance metrics, compatibility, and use cases, offering insights into why it stands out in the competitive landscape of enterprise storage.

Overview

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has a long-standing reputation for delivering reliable and innovative server and storage solutions. The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is part of their extensive portfolio of solid-state drives tailored for ProLiant Gen10 servers, which are widely used in data centers for their versatility and scalability. This SSD leverages Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) technology over a PCIe x4 interface, providing faster data transfer rates and lower latency compared to traditional SAS or SATA SSDs. Its mixed-use designation indicates suitability for applications with a balanced mix of read and write operations, such as databases, virtualization, and cloud computing.

Key highlights of the SSD include:

- Capacity: 1.6TB
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Interface: NVMe U.3 PCIe 4.0 x4
- Workload Type: Mixed Use (MU)
- Carrier Type: Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)
- Features: Digitally Signed Firmware (DS) for enhanced security
- Platform: Optimized for HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers

Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics

- Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF
- Height: 15.00 mm (0.60 inches)
- Carrier: HPE Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN), designed for easy status monitoring and hot-plug functionality
- Plug Type: Hot-pluggable, allowing for seamless installation and removal without powering down the server

The compact 2.5-inch form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of HPE ProLiant Gen10 server configurations, including rack, tower, and blade systems. The Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN) includes status LEDs and a "do not remove" button to prevent accidental data loss during operation.

Storage and Memory

- Capacity: 1.6TB
- NAND Flash Memory Type: Triple-Level Cell (TLC)
- Connectivity: Single Port

The use of TLC NAND flash memory strikes a balance between cost, performance, and endurance, making it suitable for mixed-use applications. The single-port connectivity is optimized for mainstream performance, ensuring reliable data access in enterprise environments.

Performance Metrics

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is engineered for high performance, with specifications that cater to demanding workloads:
- Sequential Read Throughput (Max): 6,200 MiB/s
- Sequential Write Throughput (Max): 2,800 MiB/s
- Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 210,000
- Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 270,000
- Max Random Read IOPS (4KiB): 870,000 @ Q256
- Max Random Write IOPS (4KiB): 275,000 @ Q256
- Random Read Latency (4KiB, Q1): 77 µs
- Random Write Latency (4KiB, Q1): 24 µs

These metrics highlight the SSD’s ability to handle high-throughput and low-latency operations, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid data access and processing.

Endurance and Reliability

- 30 Days Writes: 11,512 TB
- Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD): 3.80
- Endurance: Rated for 3.80 DWPD over its lifespan, ensuring durability for mixed-use workloads
- Features: Digitally Signed Firmware (DS) to protect against unauthorized access and firmware tampering

The endurance rating of 3.80 DWPD indicates that the drive can withstand significant write operations, making it suitable for environments with frequent data updates. The inclusion of Digitally Signed Firmware enhances security by ensuring that only trusted firmware updates are applied, reducing the risk of malicious attacks.

Interface and Compatibility

- Interface: U.3 PCIe 4.0 (NVMe)
- Compatible Bay: 2.5-inch SFF
- Platform Supported: HPE ProLiant Rack/Tower/BladeSystem Servers and HPE Synergy

The U.3 interface offers backward compatibility with U.2 backplanes on HPE Gen10 servers, providing flexibility for deployment across various server configurations. The PCIe 4.0 x4 interface delivers high bandwidth, enabling the SSD to fully utilize the server’s processing capabilities.

Key Features

1. High Performance for Mixed-Use Workloads

The SSD is optimized for mixed-use applications, delivering a balanced performance for both read and write operations. Its high IOPS and low latency make it suitable for workloads such as:
- Transactional databases
- Virtualization environments
- Cloud computing platforms
- Big Data analytics
- Business intelligence applications

2. NVMe Technology

By leveraging NVMe over PCIe 4.0, the SSD bypasses the limitations of traditional storage interfaces like SAS and SATA. This results in:
- Higher bandwidth for faster data transfers
- Lower latency for quicker response times
- Improved scalability for growing workloads

3. Digitally Signed Firmware

Security is a critical concern in enterprise environments. The SSD’s Digitally Signed Firmware ensures that firmware updates are verified and sourced from HPE, protecting against unauthorized modifications that could compromise data integrity or system stability.

4. Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)

The HPE Smart Carrier enhances usability with:
- Status LEDs: Indicate drive activity and health at a glance
- Do Not Remove Button: Prevents accidental removal during operation, safeguarding data
- Remote Activation: Allows administrators to locate specific drives in large server arrays

5. Hot-Plug Support

The hot-pluggable design enables maintenance and upgrades without downtime, a crucial feature for data centers requiring continuous operation.

6. HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge

Integrated monitoring tools allow administrators to track the SSD’s lifespan and predict potential failures, enabling proactive maintenance to avoid disruptions.

Compatibility with HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is designed for seamless integration with HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers, including:
- DL Series: DL325, DL360, DL380, DL385, DL560, and more
- ML Series: ML350 Gen10
- Synergy: 480 Gen10, 660 Gen10 Compute Modules

Specific models include:

- DL360 Gen10 for high-density computing
- DL380 Gen10 for versatile workloads
- Synergy systems for composable infrastructure

The SSD’s U.3 interface ensures compatibility with Gen10 servers equipped with NVMe backplanes, while its Smart Carrier design aligns with HPE’s standardized drive bays.

Use Cases

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD excels in a variety of enterprise applications due to its balanced performance and robust endurance. Common use cases include:

Database Management

Transactional databases require fast read and write operations to handle queries and updates. The SSD’s high IOPS and low latency ensure quick data retrieval and storage, improving database performance.

Virtualization

Virtualized environments, such as VMware or Hyper-V, benefit from the SSD’s ability to handle multiple virtual machines simultaneously. Its mixed-use profile supports the diverse I/O patterns of virtualized workloads.

Cloud Computing

Cloud platforms demand scalable and reliable storage. The SSD’s high throughput and endurance make it suitable for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) deployments.

Big Data Analytics

Analytics workloads involve processing large datasets with frequent read and write operations. The SSD’s performance metrics enable faster data processing, reducing time-to-insight.

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

CDNs require rapid data access to serve content to users. The SSD’s sequential read performance ensures quick delivery of media and web content.

Benefits for Enterprises

Adopting the HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD offers several advantages for businesses:

Enhanced Performance:

Accelerates data-intensive applications, improving user experience and operational efficiency.

Cost-Effective Design:

Provides high performance at a competitive price point, ideal for mainstream enterprise needs.

Reliability:

Backed by HPE’s rigorous testing (over 3.35 million hours) and a 1-year warranty for new sealed spares.

Security:

Digitally Signed Firmware protects against firmware-based attacks, ensuring data integrity.

Flexibility:

Compatible with a wide range of ProLiant Gen10 servers, supporting diverse deployment scenarios.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to SATA or SAS SSDs, the HPE NVMe SSD offers:

Higher Bandwidth:

PCIe 4.0 x4 delivers significantly faster data transfer rates than SATA (6 Gb/s) or SAS (12 Gb/s).

Lower Latency:

NVMe reduces overhead, providing quicker access to data.

Better Scalability:

Supports modern workloads with growing I/O demands.

When compared to other NVMe SSDs, HPE’s offering stands out due to:

HPE Ecosystem Integration:

Optimized for ProLiant Gen10 servers with Smart Carrier and monitoring tools.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability:

Extensive testing and Digitally Signed Firmware ensure dependability.

Balanced Performance:

Mainstream performance tier offers a cost-effective solution without sacrificing speed or endurance.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing the HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD is straightforward, thanks to its hot-pluggable design and Smart Carrier. Steps include:

Verify Compatibility:

Ensure the target server supports NVMe U.3 drives.

Power Down (if necessary):

For non-hot-plug installations, power down the server.

Insert the Drive:

Slide the SSD into a 2.5-inch SFF bay until it locks into place.

Monitor Status:

Use the Smart Carrier LEDs to confirm proper operation.

Configure:

Update firmware and configure the drive using HPE’s management tools, such as iLO or Smart Storage Administrator.

Maintenance is simplified by the HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge, which monitors drive health, and the hot-plug feature, which allows replacements without downtime.

Conclusion

The HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF NVMe U.3 PCIe x4 Mainstream Performance SCN Mixed Use SSD is a versatile and powerful storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. Its combination of high performance, robust endurance, and enterprise-grade features makes it an excellent choice for organizations seeking to optimize their data center operations. Whether powering databases, virtualization, or cloud services, this SSD delivers the speed, reliability, and security required to meet modern enterprise demands. By integrating seamlessly with HPE’s ecosystem and offering advanced management tools, it empowers businesses to achieve faster results and maintain a competitive edge in today’s data-driven world.