Unleashing Enterprise Speed: The HPE 1.6TB NVMe SSD Powerhouse for ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

Introduction

In the fast-evolving landscape of enterprise computing, storage performance is a critical factor in ensuring efficient data processing and seamless application performance. The HPE 1.6TB 2.5inch Small Form Factor (SFF) NVMe PCIe Mainstream Endurance SCN Write Intensive Solid State Drive (SSD) is a high-performance storage solution designed specifically for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. This SSD leverages the Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) protocol and Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface to deliver exceptional speed, reliability, and endurance for write-intensive workloads. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the drive’s specifications, features, benefits, and compatibility, making it an essential resource for IT professionals and businesses seeking to optimize their server infrastructure.

Product Overview

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD (part numbers include 765061-001, 764891-003, 764892-B21, and MO1600KEFHQ) is engineered to meet the demands of enterprise applications requiring high random read and write Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS). With a capacity of 1.6 terabytes and a 2.5-inch Small Form Factor, this SSD is optimized for space-constrained server environments while delivering robust performance. It is classified as a Write Intensive (WI) drive, meaning it is designed to handle workloads with a high volume of write operations, such as database management, virtualization, and online transaction processing (OLTP).

This SSD is part of HPE’s portfolio of solid-state drives, which are rigorously tested and qualified to ensure reliability and compatibility with HPE ProLiant servers and Synergy compute modules. It features a Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN) design, which simplifies drive status monitoring and prevents data loss through human error.

Key Specifications

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD is packed with advanced technical features that make it a standout choice for enterprise storage. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications:

Device Type: Solid State Drive - Hot-Swap

Capacity: 1.6 TB

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

Interface: PCIe NVMe (PCI Express 3.0 x4)

Plug Type: Hot Pluggable

Carrier Type: Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)

Workload Type: Write Intensive (WI)

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

Features: Power Loss Protection

Height: 15.00 mm (0.60 inch)

Platform Supported: HPE ProLiant Rack/Tower/BladeSystem Servers and Synergy

Performance Metrics:

Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 142,000

Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 150,000

Max Sequential Read Throughput (MiB/s): Not specified in available data, but typically high for NVMe drives

Max Sequential Write Throughput (MiB/s): Not specified, but optimized for write-intensive tasks

Power Consumption:

Idle: 4.00 Watt

Random Read: 11.04 Watt

Random Write: 9.69 Watt

Sequential Read: 13.57 Watt

Sequential Write: 8.80 Watt

Random Read/Write: 20.10 Watt

Maximum: 20.10 Watt

Endurance: Designed for high write endurance, typically ≥10 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD)

These specifications highlight the drive’s ability to deliver high performance and reliability for demanding enterprise applications.

Features and Technologies

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD incorporates several advanced features that enhance its performance, reliability, and ease of use:

1. NVMe Protocol and PCIe Interface

The NVMe protocol, combined with a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, minimizes latency and maximizes bandwidth compared to traditional SATA-based SSDs. This results in faster data access and transfer rates, making the drive ideal for high-performance computing tasks such as real-time analytics and virtualized environments.

2. Write Intensive Optimization

As a Write Intensive SSD, the drive is engineered to handle workloads with a high proportion of write operations. With an endurance rating of ≥10 DWPD, it can sustain heavy write activity over its lifespan, making it suitable for applications like transactional databases and content management systems.

3. Smart Carrier NVMe (SCN)

The Smart Carrier NVMe design includes self-describing icons that provide clear visual indicators of the drive’s status. A “do not remove” button prevents accidental removal during operation, reducing the risk of data loss due to human error.

4. Power Loss Protection

This feature ensures data integrity by safeguarding in-flight data during unexpected power outages, a critical capability for enterprise environments where data reliability is paramount.

5. Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND

The use of MLC NAND flash memory strikes a balance between performance, endurance, and cost, offering higher write endurance than Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND while maintaining competitive pricing.

6. HPE Digitally Signed Firmware

HPE’s Digitally Signed Firmware protects against unauthorized access by ensuring that the drive’s firmware originates from a trusted source, enhancing security in enterprise deployments.

7. SmartSSD Wear Gauge

The drive supports HPE’s SmartSSD Wear Gauge, a management tool that monitors the drive’s lifespan and alerts administrators if the SSD is at risk of failure, enabling proactive maintenance.

Benefits for Enterprise Applications

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD offers numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their server performance:

High Performance:

With 142,000 random read IOPS and 150,000 random write IOPS, the drive accelerates data access for write-intensive applications, reducing latency and improving response times.

Scalability:

The 1.6TB capacity provides ample storage for large datasets, while the NVMe interface supports high-speed data transfers, enabling businesses to scale their infrastructure efficiently.

Reliability:

Backed by over 3.35 million hours of HPE testing and qualification, the SSD ensures consistent performance and durability in demanding environments.

Energy Efficiency:

With power consumption as low as 4.00 watts at idle and a maximum of 20.10 watts, the drive reduces energy costs compared to traditional spinning media.

Compatibility:

Designed for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, as well as Synergy compute modules, the SSD integrates seamlessly into existing HPE infrastructure.

Cost-Effectiveness:

The MLC NAND and mainstream endurance rating provide a balance of performance and affordability, making the drive a cost-effective solution for write-intensive workloads.

Compatibility with HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD is compatible with a wide range of HPE ProLiant servers and Synergy compute modules, ensuring flexibility for various enterprise deployments. Supported server models include:

HPE ProLiant DL Series:

DL360 Gen10 (Base, Entry, High Performance, Low, Performance, SMB, Solution)

DL380 Gen10 (Base, Entry, High Performance, Network Choice, Performance, SMB, Solution, for Cohesity DataPlatform, for SAP HANA Compute Block)

DL388 Gen9 and Gen10

DL580 Gen9 (Database, SAP HANA Scale-out, SAP HANA Scale-up)

HPE Synergy:

480 Gen10 (Base, Entry, Performance, Premium Backplane, Standard Backplane, w/o Drives Compute Module)

For optimal performance, HPE recommends using a single type of SSD (e.g., NVMe, SAS, or SATA) within a server to maintain consistent drive speeds. The maximum SSD capacity for ProLiant servers like the DL360 Gen10 and DL380 Gen10 can reach up to 15.36TB per drive, with configurations supporting up to 307.2TB using 20 NVMe drives in certain chassis.

To verify compatibility with specific server models or storage arrays, businesses should consult with HPE or authorized resellers, as configurations may vary based on chassis type (e.g., 8 Bay SFF, 10 Bay SFF NVMe, 24 Bay SFF).

Use Cases

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD is ideal for a variety of enterprise applications, particularly those requiring high write performance and low latency. Common use cases include:

Database Management:

Supports high-transaction databases with frequent write operations, such as those used in financial services and e-commerce.

Virtualization:

Enhances virtual machine performance by providing fast storage for virtualized workloads.

Online Transaction Processing (OLTP):

Accelerates transaction-heavy applications like order processing and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

Big Data Analytics:

Enables rapid data processing for analytics platforms, ensuring quick insights from large datasets.

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs):

Improves content caching and delivery for media streaming and web services.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD is hot-pluggable, allowing for easy installation or replacement without powering down the server. The Smart Carrier NVMe ensures proper alignment and secure connection within the 2.5-inch SFF drive bay. Businesses should ensure that the server’s firmware and drivers are up to date to support NVMe drives and maximize performance.

Maintenance

The SmartSSD Wear Gauge and HPE management tools provide real-time monitoring of the drive’s health and lifespan. Regular firmware updates from HPE can enhance performance and security. The 90-day warranty (for new bulk pack units) provides assurance, though warranty terms may vary by supplier.

Comparison with Other HPE SSDs

To provide context, the HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD can be compared to other HPE SSDs in the same family:

HPE 400GB NVMe PCIe SCN Write Intensive SSD (e.g., 736936-B21):

Offers lower capacity (400GB) but similar write-intensive performance, suitable for smaller datasets.

HPE 800GB NVMe PCIe SCN Write Intensive SSD (e.g., 765060-001):

Provides half the capacity (800GB) but comparable IOPS, ideal for mid-sized workloads.

HPE 2TB NVMe PCIe SCN Read Intensive SSD (e.g., 764908-B21):

Optimized for read-heavy workloads with higher capacity but lower write endurance (<1 DWPD).

HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SCN Mixed Use SSD (e.g., 765038-B21):

Designed for balanced read/write workloads with lower write endurance than the Write Intensive model.

The 1.6TB Write Intensive SSD is the preferred choice for applications requiring high write performance and moderate capacity, while read-intensive or mixed-use SSDs may be better suited for other workloads.

Availability and Purchasing

The HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD is available through authorized HPE resellers and distributors, such as StoragePartsDirect and Cloud Ninjas. It is typically sold in New Bulk Pack with a 90-day warranty, though some suppliers may offer extended warranties (e.g., 1 year). Pricing varies based on the part number and supplier, so businesses should request quotes to ensure competitive pricing. For example, part numbers like 764892-B21 and MO1600KEFHQ are commonly listed on wholesale platforms.

Conclusion

The HPE 1.6TB 2.5inch Small Form Factor NVMe PCIe Mainstream Endurance SCN Write Intensive Solid State Drive is a powerful and reliable storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. With its high write performance, robust endurance, and advanced features like Power Loss Protection and Smart Carrier NVMe, this SSD is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications. Its compatibility with a wide range of HPE servers and Synergy modules, combined with energy-efficient operation and HPE’s rigorous testing, makes it an excellent choice for businesses seeking to enhance their IT infrastructure.

By investing in this SSD, organizations can achieve faster data access, improved application performance, and greater operational efficiency, positioning themselves for success in a data-driven world. For IT professionals and decision-makers, the HPE 1.6TB NVMe PCIe SSD represents a strategic upgrade that delivers both immediate performance gains and long-term reliability.