Unveiling the HPE 873010-B21: The Pulsar of Enterprise Storage

Introduction to the HPE 873010-B21 Hard Drive

The HPE 873010-B21 is a high-performance enterprise-grade hard disk drive (HDD) designed specifically for demanding server and storage environments. Manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), this drive is part of the company's robust lineup of storage solutions tailored for ProLiant servers and storage arrays. With its combination of speed, reliability, and advanced features, the 873010-B21 serves as a critical component in data centers, cloud computing setups, and virtualization infrastructures where consistent data access and uptime are paramount.

Released as part of HPE's enterprise storage portfolio, the 873010-B21 addresses the needs of businesses requiring fast, scalable storage without the higher costs associated with solid-state drives (SSDs). It is particularly suited for applications involving large databases, transaction processing, and high-input/output (I/O) workloads. This article delves into the drive's specifications, features, compatibility, and practical applications, providing a comprehensive overview for IT professionals and system administrators.

Product Overview

What is the HPE 873010-B21?

At its core, the HPE 873010-B21 is a 600GB Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) hard drive optimized for enterprise use. It operates at 10,000 RPM (revolutions per minute), delivering rotational speeds that ensure low latency and high throughput for mission-critical operations. The drive employs a 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) design, making it ideal for space-constrained server bays while maintaining the ruggedness required for 24/7 operations.

This model is hot-swappable, meaning it can be replaced without powering down the system, minimizing downtime in production environments. It comes bundled with HPE's Standard Carrier (SC), which includes a tray for easy installation in compatible HPE chassis. The drive is also digitally signed (DS), a security feature that verifies firmware integrity to protect against unauthorized modifications and enhance system security.

Historical Context and Evolution

HPE has a long history of innovating in enterprise storage, evolving from traditional SCSI drives to modern SAS interfaces. The 873010-B21 builds on predecessors like the 785073-B21, incorporating advancements in firmware and sector formatting. Introduced around 2018-2019 as part of the Gen10 ProLiant series support, it remains relevant in 2025 for legacy and hybrid storage systems, even as SSDs gain traction. Its design reflects HPE's commitment to backward compatibility and forward-looking performance metrics.

Key Specifications

Capacity and Performance Metrics

Capacity: 600 GB
This provides ample space for moderately sized datasets, striking a balance between storage density and performance.

Spindle Speed: 10,000 RPM
The high rotational speed contributes to faster data access times compared to 7,200 RPM drives, making it suitable for I/O-intensive tasks.

Average Seek Time: 4.6 ms
This metric indicates the time taken to locate and retrieve data, ensuring responsive performance in multi-user environments.

Data Transfer Rate: Up to 12 Gb/s (SAS 12G interface)
The SAS 12Gb/s interface supports dual-port connectivity, allowing for redundant paths and failover capabilities.

Physical and Interface Details

Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor)
Dimensions: Approximately 3.1 inches (width) x 5.4 inches (depth) x 0.6 inches (height), fitting seamlessly into dense server configurations.

Interface: SAS 12 Gb/s
Serial Attached SCSI ensures reliable, high-speed communication with host bus adapters (HBAs) and RAID controllers.

Sector Size: 512n (Advanced Format)
This native 512-byte emulation improves compatibility with modern operating systems while optimizing storage efficiency.

Port Configuration: Dual Port
Enhances fault tolerance by allowing connection to two controllers simultaneously.

The drive is engineered for hot-swap operations, with features like predictive failure analysis to preemptively alert administrators of potential issues.

Advanced Features

Digitally Signed Firmware (DS)

One of the standout features of the 873010-B21 is its digitally signed firmware. This HPE-exclusive technology embeds cryptographic signatures into the drive's firmware, ensuring that any updates or modifications are authenticated. In an era of increasing cyber threats, DS protects against malware that could target storage devices, maintaining data integrity and system stability. This feature is particularly valuable in regulated industries like finance and healthcare.

Enterprise Reliability Enhancements

Hot-Swap Capability: Allows for seamless drive replacement without interrupting operations, reducing mean time to repair (MTTR).

Error Correction and Recovery: Built-in advanced error-correcting code (ECC) and thermal monitoring to prevent data corruption under heavy loads.

Power Efficiency: Optimized power consumption for its class, typically around 7-9 watts during operation, contributing to lower data center energy costs.

Vibration Tolerance: Rotational vibration sensors help maintain performance in multi-drive arrays where vibrations from adjacent drives could otherwise degrade read/write accuracy.

These features collectively extend the drive's mean time between failures (MTBF) to over 2 million hours, underscoring its enterprise pedigree.

Compatibility and Installation

Supported Systems

The HPE 873010-B21 is compatible with a wide range of HPE ProLiant servers, including:

It integrates with HPE Smart Array controllers (e.g., P408i-a, E208i-a) and supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 for enhanced redundancy and performance.

Installation Guidelines

Installation is straightforward for experienced technicians:

Preparation: Power down the server if not hot-swapping. Locate an available SFF bay in the chassis.

Tray Insertion: Slide the drive into the included Smart Carrier tray, ensuring the LED indicators align properly.

Insertion: Gently push the tray into the bay until it locks. The system should auto-detect the drive via the iLO management interface.

Configuration: Use HPE SSA (Smart Storage Administrator) to configure the drive in a RAID array or as a standalone volume.

Always consult the HPE QuickSpecs for firmware updates to ensure optimal compatibility. Note that third-party drives may not receive full HPE support.

Use Cases and Applications

Ideal Workloads

The 873010-B21 excels in scenarios demanding a mix of capacity, speed, and reliability:

Database Servers: Accelerates query responses in SQL Server or Oracle environments.

Virtualization Hosts: Supports VMware or Hyper-V setups with multiple VMs requiring low-latency storage.

Backup and Archival: As a tier-2 storage option in hybrid arrays, bridging the gap between SSDs and larger HDDs.

High-Performance Computing (HPC): Handles intermediate data processing in scientific simulations.

In contrast, for ultra-high IOPS needs, HPE recommends SSD alternatives like the P18488-B21.

Real-World Benefits

Organizations using the 873010-B21 report up to 20% improvement in transaction processing times compared to slower 7.2K RPM drives, with significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO) due to its durability and energy efficiency.

Conclusion

The HPE 873010-B21 stands as a testament to reliable enterprise storage engineering, offering a compelling blend of performance, security, and compatibility for mid-range server applications. While emerging technologies like SSDs and object storage continue to evolve the landscape, drives like the 873010-B21 ensure that cost-effective, high-speed SAS solutions remain viable for years to come. For IT teams balancing budget and performance, this drive delivers enduring value in the fast-paced world of data management.