Unleashing Performance: The HPE 3.2TB SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD for MSA 1040/2040 SAN Storage

HPE 3.2TB 2.5-Inch SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD for Modular Smart Array 1040/2040 SAN Storage: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

The rapid evolution of data storage demands high-performance, reliable, and scalable solutions to meet the needs of modern enterprises. The HPE 3.2TB 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD) (Part Number: N9X92A) is a cornerstone of HPE’s storage portfolio, specifically designed for the Modular Smart Array (MSA) 1040 and 2040 SAN Storage systems. This SSD delivers exceptional performance for mixed-use workloads, combining high input/output operations per second (IOPS), low latency, and robust endurance. This article delves into the technical specifications, features, compatibility, benefits, and practical applications of this SSD, providing a comprehensive guide for IT professionals and businesses seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

The HPE 3.2TB SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD is engineered to deliver enterprise-grade performance and reliability. Below are its key technical specifications:

Device Type: Solid State Drive (SSD) - Hot-Swap

Capacity: 3.2TB

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

Interface: SAS-12Gbps (Serial Attached SCSI, 12 Gigabits per second)

Workload Type: Mixed Use (MU)

Endurance: Typically between <1 and <10 drive writes per day (DWPD)

Carrier Type: HPE Standard MSA Carrier

Dimensions:

Height: 5.00 inches (12.70 cm)

Width: 7.00 inches (17.78 cm)

Depth: 9.00 inches (22.86 cm)

Weight: 1.016 lbs (0.46 kg)

Part Numbers: N9X92A, 841501-001, MO003200JWDLB, MO003200JWTBU, MO3200JFFCL

Features: Digitally Signed Firmware, HPE Smart Carrier with status indicators, "Do Not Remove" button to prevent accidental data loss

The SAS-12Gbps interface ensures high-speed data transfer, while the mixed-use workload profile supports applications requiring a balance of read and write operations, such as databases, virtualization, and transactional workloads.

Compatibility with HPE MSA 1040/2040 SAN Storage

The HPE 3.2TB SSD is purpose-built for the HPE Modular Smart Array 1040 and 2040 SAN Storage Arrays, which are entry-level and mid-range storage solutions designed for SMBs and remote office deployments. These arrays support a variety of connectivity options, including Fibre Channel (FC), iSCSI, and SAS, and are compatible with both small form factor (SFF) and large form factor (LFF) drives. Key compatibility details include:

HPE MSA 1040: An entry-level SAN storage solution ideal for small businesses or branch offices with basic storage needs. It features dual-controller options for high availability, supports SSDs and HDDs, and can accommodate up to three additional drive enclosures.

HPE MSA 2040: A mid-range storage array designed for growing businesses requiring higher performance and scalability. It offers dual-controller configurations with advanced features like tiering and replication, delivering up to four times the performance of competing entry-level SAN arrays at the time of its release. It supports up to seven additional drive enclosures.

Supported Configurations: The SSD is compatible with various MSA 1040/2040 bundles, including:

1040 Dual Controller SFF Bundle

2040 10Gb iSCSI Dual Controller SFF Bundle

2040 FC Dual Controller SFF Bundle

2040 SAN Dual Controller SFF Bundle

2040 SAS Dual Controller SFF Bundle

2040 SFF Chassis and DC-power Chassis

The MSA 2040 supports up to 199 2.5-inch SFF drives, with a raw capacity of 288TB out of the box and an optional expansion of up to 576TB using additional disk enclosures. The 3.2TB SSD integrates seamlessly into these systems, enhancing performance for demanding applications.

Key Features

The HPE 3.2TB SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD incorporates several advanced features that enhance its performance, reliability, and ease of use:

High Performance and Endurance: HPE Mixed Use SSDs are designed for applications requiring a balance of high random read and write IOPS. They offer roughly twice the IOPS of SATA SSDs, making them ideal for transactional database workloads and virtualization environments.

Digitally Signed Firmware: This feature ensures that the drive’s firmware comes from a trusted source, preventing unauthorized access and enhancing data security.

HPE Smart Carrier: The SSD is bundled with an HPE Standard MSA Carrier featuring self-describing icons that display the drive’s status, reducing the risk of errors. A “Do Not Remove” button prevents accidental removal, safeguarding data integrity.

SmartSSD Wear Gauge: HPE’s management tools allow users to monitor the lifespan of the SSD, providing insights into wear levels and enabling proactive replacement to avoid potential failures.

Hot-Swap Capability: The drive supports hot-swapping, allowing for replacement or upgrades without downtime, which is critical for maintaining high availability in enterprise environments.

Extensive Testing: HPE SSDs undergo over 3.35 million hours of testing and qualification, ensuring reliability and consistent performance under demanding conditions.

Benefits for Businesses

The HPE 3.2TB SSD offers numerous benefits for organizations leveraging the MSA 1040/2040 SAN Storage systems:

Enhanced Performance: The SAS-12Gbps interface and mixed-use workload profile deliver low latency and high IOPS, significantly improving the performance of applications such as databases, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and online transaction processing (OLTP).

Scalability: With a 3.2TB capacity, the SSD provides substantial storage for growing businesses, supporting the expansion needs of the MSA 2040, which can scale up to 576TB with additional enclosures.

Cost Efficiency: HPE SSDs reduce power consumption compared to traditional HDDs, lowering data center cooling costs and improving IOPS per watt, which translates to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Reliability and Data Protection: Features like Digitally Signed Firmware and the SmartSSD Wear Gauge enhance data security and drive longevity, reducing the risk of data loss and unplanned downtime.

Simplified Management: The HPE Smart Carrier and compatibility with HPE management tools streamline drive monitoring and maintenance, reducing administrative overhead.

Applications

The HPE 3.2TB SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD is versatile, supporting a wide range of enterprise applications, including:

Virtualization: The high IOPS and low latency make it ideal for virtualized environments, such as VMware or Microsoft Hyper-V, where rapid data access is critical.

Databases: Transactional databases, such as those used in e-commerce or financial services, benefit from the SSD’s balanced read/write performance.

Disaster Recovery: The reliability and scalability of the SSD, combined with the MSA 2040’s replication features, make it suitable for disaster recovery solutions.

High-Performance Computing: The drive supports compute-intensive workloads, such as data analytics and scientific simulations, where speed and endurance are paramount.

Cloud and Hybrid IT: SMBs and enterprises deploying cloud or hybrid IT solutions can leverage the SSD’s performance to meet dynamic storage demands.

Comparison with Other HPE SSDs

The HPE 3.2TB SSD is part of a broader portfolio of HPE Mixed Use SSDs for the MSA 1040/2040, which also includes capacities like 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB. Compared to these options:

Capacity: The 3.2TB SSD offers the highest capacity among HPE’s SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSDs, making it ideal for applications requiring large storage volumes.

Performance: While all HPE Mixed Use SSDs deliver high IOPS, the 3.2TB model provides a balance of capacity and performance, suitable for workloads that demand both.

Cost: Higher-capacity drives like the 3.2TB model may have a higher upfront cost but offer better cost-per-terabyte value for large-scale deployments.

For organizations prioritizing read-intensive workloads, HPE also offers Read Intensive (RI) SSDs, such as the 1.92TB SAS-12Gbps model (Part Number: R0Q37A). However, the 3.2TB Mixed Use SSD is better suited for applications requiring balanced read/write performance.

Conclusion

The HPE 3.2TB 2.5-inch SFF SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD is a powerful and versatile storage solution for the MSA 1040 and 2040 SAN Storage Arrays. Its combination of high capacity, performance, and reliability makes it an excellent choice for businesses seeking to enhance their storage infrastructure without compromising on cost or scalability. Whether deployed for virtualization, databases, or disaster recovery, this SSD delivers the speed and durability needed to support modern workloads. As of May 21, 2025, it remains a relevant and robust option for organizations leveraging HPE’s proven MSA platform, ensuring they can meet evolving storage demands with confidence.

For IT managers and decision-makers, the HPE 3.2TB SSD offers a compelling blend of enterprise-grade features, ease of management, and compatibility with HPE’s modular storage systems. To ensure compatibility with your specific MSA configuration, contact HPE or an authorized reseller for verification.