Unleashing Enterprise Power: The HPE 1.6TB SAS SSD Revolution for ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

Exploring the HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF Digitally Signed Firmware SAS-12Gbps Smart Carrier Mixed Use SSD for ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

In the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise computing, storage solutions play a pivotal role in ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability. Among the standout options for modern server environments is the HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF Digitally Signed Firmware SAS-12Gbps Smart Carrier Mixed Use Solid State Drive (SSD), designed specifically for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. This article delves into the key features, technical specifications, benefits, and use cases of this SSD, providing a comprehensive overview for IT professionals and decision-makers.

Overview of the HPE 1.6TB SSD

The HPE 1.6TB SSD is a high-performance storage device engineered to meet the demands of mixed-use workloads in enterprise environments. With its 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) design, SAS-12Gbps interface, and digitally signed firmware, it offers a blend of speed, security, and compatibility tailored for HPE’s ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 server lines. This SSD is part of HPE’s Smart Carrier ecosystem, which enhances ease of use and integration within supported server platforms.

Key Features

- Capacity:

1.6 terabytes, providing ample storage for data-intensive applications.

- Form Factor:

2.5-inch SFF, optimizing space in dense server configurations.

- Interface:

SAS-12Gbps, delivering high-speed data transfer rates.

- Workload Type:

Mixed Use (MU), suitable for a balance of read and write operations.

- Digitally Signed Firmware:

Enhances security and ensures compatibility with HPE systems.

- Smart Carrier:

Simplifies installation and provides status monitoring.

Technical Specifications

Understanding the technical underpinnings of this SSD is essential for assessing its suitability for specific workloads. Below are the core specifications:

- Capacity: 1.6TB
- Interface: Dual-port SAS-12Gbps
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF
- NAND Flash Type: Multi-Level Cell (MLC) or Triple-Level Cell (TLC), depending on the specific model variant
- Endurance: Approximately 3 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) over a 3-year warranty period

- Performance:

- Sequential Read: Up to 1,075 MB/s
- Sequential Write: Up to 1,025 MB/s
- Random Read IOPS: Up to 165,000 (4KiB, Q64)
- Random Write IOPS: Up to 70,000 (4KiB, Q4)

- Power Consumption:

- Idle: ~4.5W
- Active: Up to ~8W (depending on workload)
- Height: 15mm (0.6 inches)
- Carrier Type: HPE Smart Carrier (SC), hot-pluggable

These specifications highlight the SSD’s capability to handle demanding enterprise applications while maintaining energy efficiency and reliability.

Benefits of the HPE 1.6TB SSD

1. High Performance for Mixed Workloads

The SSD’s mixed-use classification means it is optimized for environments requiring a balance of read and write operations. With a SAS-12Gbps interface, it delivers exceptional throughput and low latency, making it ideal for databases, virtualization, and transactional systems.

2. Enhanced Security with Digitally Signed Firmware

Security is a top priority in enterprise storage. The digitally signed firmware ensures that the drive’s software is authentic and tamper-free, reducing the risk of malicious code execution and ensuring seamless integration with HPE ProLiant servers.

3. Compatibility and Ease of Deployment

Designed specifically for ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, this SSD integrates effortlessly into HPE’s ecosystem. The Smart Carrier feature provides LED indicators for drive status and simplifies hot-swap operations, minimizing downtime during maintenance.

4. Durability and Reliability

With an endurance rating of approximately 3 DWPD, the SSD is built to withstand rigorous workloads over its lifespan. This reliability is backed by HPE’s 3-year warranty, offering peace of mind for enterprise deployments.

5. Space Efficiency

The 2.5-inch SFF design allows for higher storage density in server racks, a critical advantage in data centers where space is at a premium.

Use Cases

The versatility of the HPE 1.6TB SSD makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

- Virtualization:

Supports virtual machines with fast I/O performance, reducing latency in VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM environments.

- Database Management:

Handles transactional workloads such as SQL Server or Oracle with consistent read/write performance.

- Cloud Computing:

Provides reliable storage for private or hybrid cloud infrastructures.

- Enterprise Applications:

Powers business-critical applications like ERP or CRM systems that demand high availability and speed.

Compatibility with ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 Servers

The HPE 1.6TB SSD is explicitly engineered for compatibility with HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, including popular models like the DL360, DL380, and ML350. These servers are widely used in enterprise settings for their scalability and robust management features via HPE’s Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) technology. The SSD’s Smart Carrier design ensures it fits seamlessly into these systems’ drive bays, while the SAS-12Gbps interface leverages the full potential of the servers’ storage controllers.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to SATA-based SSDs, the SAS-12Gbps interface of this drive offers superior bandwidth and dual-port redundancy, making it more suitable for mission-critical applications. While NVMe SSDs may provide higher raw performance, the HPE 1.6TB SAS SSD strikes a balance between cost, compatibility, and enterprise-grade features, particularly for organizations already invested in HPE infrastructure.

Conclusion

The HPE 1.6TB 2.5-inch SFF Digitally Signed Firmware SAS-12Gbps Smart Carrier Mixed Use SSD stands out as a reliable, high-performance storage solution for HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers. Its blend of capacity, speed, security, and compatibility makes it an excellent choice for enterprises seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure. Whether powering virtualized environments, databases, or cloud platforms, this SSD delivers the performance and durability needed to meet modern IT demands.

For organizations running HPE ProLiant servers, this SSD represents a strategic investment in storage technology that aligns with both current needs and future growth. As of March 21, 2025, it remains a compelling option in the enterprise SSD market, backed by HPE’s reputation for quality and innovation.