Powering Performance, Security & Efficiency for ProLiant Servers: HPE 1.6TB SAS-12Gbps SSD

Exploring the HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF TLC SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD for ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

In the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise storage solutions, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) continues to deliver high-performance hardware tailored to meet the demands of modern data centers. One such offering is the HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) Triple-Level Cell (TLC) Digitally Signed Firmware (DS) SAS-12Gbps Smart Carrier Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD), designed specifically for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of this SSD, detailing its specifications, features, compatibility, and benefits for enterprise applications.

Overview of the HPE 1.6TB SSD

The HPE 1.6TB SSD is a high-capacity, high-performance storage device engineered to enhance the capabilities of ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. With a 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) design, it fits seamlessly into server configurations that prioritize space efficiency without compromising on storage capacity or speed. The SSD leverages a SAS-12Gbps interface, Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND flash technology, and HPE’s Smart Carrier design, making it a versatile solution for mixed-use workloads.

Features and Technologies

SAS-12Gbps Interface

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) interface operating at 12 gigabits per second provides a significant performance boost over SATA-based SSDs. This high-speed connectivity ensures rapid data transfer rates, making it ideal for environments where low latency and high throughput are critical, such as database management and virtualization.

Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND Flash

The use of TLC NAND flash technology allows the SSD to store three bits of data per cell, striking a balance between cost, capacity, and performance. While TLC SSDs typically have lower endurance compared to Single-Level Cell (SLC) or Multi-Level Cell (MLC) drives, HPE optimizes this SSD for mixed-use scenarios, ensuring it can handle a blend of read and write operations effectively.

Digitally Signed Firmware (DS)

Security is a top priority in enterprise environments, and the HPE 1.6TB SSD addresses this with its Digitally Signed Firmware. This feature ensures that the firmware is authentic and sourced directly from HPE, protecting against unauthorized modifications or malicious code that could compromise data integrity or system performance.

Smart Carrier Design

The HPE Smart Carrier enhances usability by providing a hot-pluggable tray that simplifies installation and replacement. It includes status LEDs and a "Do Not Remove" button to prevent accidental removal during operation, reducing downtime and improving serviceability in ProLiant server deployments.

Mixed Use (MU) Workload Optimization

Designed for mixed-use applications, this SSD is engineered to support workloads with a combination of read-intensive and write-intensive tasks. This versatility makes it suitable for applications like transactional databases, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and business analytics, where balanced performance is essential.

Compatibility with ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

The HPE 1.6TB SSD is specifically tailored for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, two of HPE’s most widely deployed server generations. These servers are known for their scalability, reliability, and performance, and the SSD complements these attributes by providing enhanced storage capabilities.

- ProLiant Gen9:

Launched in 2014, Gen9 servers feature Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4 processors and offer robust options for memory and storage expansion. The 1.6TB SSD integrates seamlessly into these systems, delivering improved I/O performance for legacy deployments.

- ProLiant Gen10:

Introduced in 2017, Gen10 servers support Intel Xeon Scalable processors (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum) and provide advanced features like Intelligent System Tuning (IST) and enhanced security via Silicon Root of Trust. The SSD leverages the Gen10 architecture’s increased memory bandwidth and storage controller advancements for optimal performance.

This compatibility ensures that organizations using either generation can upgrade their storage without needing to overhaul their existing infrastructure.

Benefits for Enterprise Applications

High Performance

With its SAS-12Gbps interface and TLC NAND, the HPE 1.6TB SSD delivers exceptional read and write speeds, enabling faster data access and processing. This is particularly advantageous for latency-sensitive applications, improving overall system responsiveness.

Enhanced Reliability

The combination of Digitally Signed Firmware and HPE’s rigorous testing (over 3.35 million hours for mixed-use SSDs) ensures that the drive is reliable and durable. This reliability is critical for mission-critical workloads where downtime is not an option.

Cost-Effective Capacity

At 1.6TB, the SSD offers substantial storage capacity in a compact form factor, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to maximize storage density without investing in additional hardware.

Simplified Management

The Smart Carrier design and compatibility with HPE’s management tools, such as HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO), streamline deployment and monitoring, reducing the administrative overhead for IT teams.

Use Cases

The HPE 1.6TB SSD is well-suited for a range of enterprise applications, including:

- Database Management:

Supports transactional workloads with balanced read/write performance.

- Virtualization:

Provides the speed and capacity needed for virtual machines and hypervisors.

- Big Data Analytics:

Handles large datasets with efficient data retrieval and processing.

- Cloud Computing:

Enhances storage performance in hybrid or private cloud environments.

Conclusion

The HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF TLC SAS-12Gbps Mixed Use SSD is a powerful and versatile storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. With its high-speed SAS interface, secure Digitally Signed Firmware, and optimized design for mixed-use workloads, it meets the needs of modern enterprises seeking reliable, high-performance storage. Whether deployed in databases, virtualized environments, or analytical platforms, this SSD delivers the performance, security, and compatibility required to drive business success. For organizations looking to enhance their server infrastructure, the HPE 1.6TB SSD stands out as a compelling choice in the competitive world of enterprise storage.