161-BCDG Dell 2.4TB 10KRPM SAS-12GBPS 512e SFF Hot-plug HDD

Dell 161-BCDG 2.4TB SAS Internal HDD Specifications

The Dell 161-BCDG internal hard disk drive delivers enterprise-grade reliability, high transfer rates, and efficient storage management for demanding workloads. Designed with a 2.5-inch form factor, this HDD integrates seamlessly into PowerEdge and PowerVault environments, supporting mission-critical operations.

Key Technical Information

• Brand: Dell
• Part Number: 161-BCDG
• Product Type: Internal Hard Disk Drive
• Storage Capacity: 2.4TB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch
• Interface: SAS 12Gb/s
• Cache Memory: 256MB multisegmented
• Sector Size: 512e

Performance Attributes

Speed and Latency

This model operates at 10,000 RPM, ensuring fast read/write cycles. With an average latency of 2.9 milliseconds, it supports real-time processing requirements.

Data Transfer Rates

• Sustained Transfer Rate: 270 MB/s (outer) to 117 MB/s (inner)
• External Transfer Rate: 1200 Mbps
• Cache Size: 256MB segmented for optimized throughput

Advanced Caching & Acceleration

Optimized Data Handling

The Dell 161-BCDG is equipped with intelligent caching mechanisms designed to accelerate I/O operations. Features include:

• I/O acceleration and faster response optimization enabled
• 16GB eMLC NAND Flash memory for enhanced performance
• Durability and longevity through NAND endurance management

Connectivity and Expansion

Interface & Bay Support

Compatible with SAS 12Gbps connectivity, the drive integrates into enterprise storage arrays and servers with ease. It supports:

• 1 x SAS 12Gbps interface
• 1 x hot-swap 2.5-inch drive bay

System Compatibility

Server Integration

This hard drive ensures seamless integration with a wide selection of Dell PowerEdge servers:

• PowerEdge R630, R730, R430
• PowerEdge T430, R230, R330
• PowerEdge R730xd XL, R830
• PowerEdge T640, T440

Storage Array Support

For enterprises requiring robust data storage arrays, this model also works efficiently with:

• PowerVault ME4024
• PowerVault ME424
• PowerVault ME5012
• PowerVault ME5024

Highlighted Benefits

• Enterprise-grade storage reliability for continuous workloads
• High-speed SAS interface for demanding data environments
• Efficient caching technology to minimize latency
• Hot-swap support for simplified drive replacement
• Broad compatibility with Dell PowerEdge and PowerVault systems

Choose Dell 161-BCDG

With its balance of performance, durability, and integration, the Dell 161-BCDG 2.4TB SAS HDD stands as a robust choice for enterprises seeking reliable storage scalability. The combination of high spindle speed, intelligent caching, and SAS interface support makes it suitable for virtualization, database management, and intensive data workloads.

Enterprise-Class 2.5-Inch SAS Hard Drives for High-Performance Storage

The Dell 161-BCDG 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS-12Gbps 512e Hot-Plug HDD represents a premium tier of enterprise-grade storage solutions designed for mission-critical applications. With a compact 2.5-inch form factor, blazing-fast 12Gbps SAS interface, and a robust 256MB cache buffer, this drive is engineered to deliver consistent throughput, low latency, and high reliability in demanding server environments. Ideal for data centers, virtualization clusters, and transactional databases, this category of drives balances rotational speed, capacity, and interface bandwidth to meet the rigorous demands of enterprise workloads.

Features of Dell 161-BCDG SAS HDDs

These drives are optimized for performance, endurance, and compatibility across Dell PowerEdge servers and other enterprise platforms. The following attributes define the category:

High-Speed 10K RPM Rotational Performance

With a spindle speed of 10,000 revolutions per minute, the Dell 161-BCDG drive ensures rapid access times and reduced latency. This rotational velocity is ideal for workloads requiring frequent read/write operations, such as OLTP databases, ERP systems, and virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI).

12Gbps SAS Interface for Superior Bandwidth

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 12Gbps interface provides dual-port connectivity, full-duplex data transmission, and enhanced signal integrity. Compared to SATA, SAS offers better error correction, higher reliability, and improved scalability for multi-drive configurations. This makes the 161-BCDG drive suitable for RAID arrays, SAN deployments, and tiered storage architectures.

Advanced 512e Sector Format

Utilizing the 512e (512-byte emulation) format, this drive bridges legacy compatibility with modern storage efficiency. It emulates traditional 512-byte sectors while physically writing data in 4K blocks, optimizing performance and aligning with contemporary operating systems and file systems.

Generous 256MB Cache Buffer

The onboard 256MB cache accelerates data access by preloading frequently accessed blocks and smoothing out I/O bursts. This buffer is especially beneficial in multi-user environments and during peak transactional loads, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall system responsiveness.

Hot-Plug Capability for Seamless Maintenance

Hot-plug support allows administrators to replace or upgrade drives without powering down the server. This feature is critical for maintaining uptime in enterprise environments, enabling non-disruptive serviceability and minimizing operational impact during maintenance windows.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

The Dell 161-BCDG 2.4TB SAS HDD is tailored for high-availability systems where performance and reliability are paramount. Common deployment scenarios include:

Transactional Databases

With its high IOPS and low latency, this drive excels in database environments such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL. It supports rapid query execution, fast indexing, and efficient data retrieval for real-time analytics and reporting.

Virtualization Hosts

In VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM environments, the 161-BCDG drive provides the throughput necessary to support multiple virtual machines concurrently. Its SAS interface ensures consistent performance across virtual workloads, reducing contention and improving VM density.

Enterprise File Servers

For organizations managing large volumes of structured and unstructured data, this drive offers the capacity and speed needed for efficient file access, sharing, and backup. Its reliability ensures data integrity across distributed teams and remote access scenarios.

Tiered Storage Solutions

As part of a hybrid storage strategy, the 161-BCDG drive can serve as a mid-tier between SSDs and archival HDDs. It balances cost and performance, making it ideal for frequently accessed data that doesn’t require flash-level speeds.

Compatibility Across Dell PowerEdge Generations

This drive is validated for use across multiple Dell PowerEdge server families, including R740, R640, R540, and T440 models. Its hot-plug design and SAS interface ensure seamless integration into existing storage backplanes and RAID controllers.

RAID Controller Support

Compatible with Dell PERC H730, H740P, and HBA330 controllers, the 161-BCDG drive supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows administrators to tailor redundancy and performance to specific workload requirements.

Backplane and Tray Compatibility

Designed for 2.5-inch SAS drive trays, this HDD fits standard Dell caddies and backplanes. Its hot-plug interface ensures tool-less installation and removal, streamlining deployment and maintenance workflows.

Reliability and Endurance Metrics

Enterprise SAS drives like the 161-BCDG are built to withstand rigorous duty cycles and continuous operation. Key reliability metrics include:

MTBF Rating

With a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) exceeding 2 million hours, this drive offers exceptional durability for 24/7 environments. It is engineered for high duty cycles and sustained performance under heavy workloads.

Workload Rating

Rated for up to 550TB/year workload, the 161-BCDG drive supports intensive read/write operations without degradation. This makes it suitable for enterprise applications with high data throughput and frequent access patterns.

Rotational Vibration Tolerance

Equipped with RV sensors, the drive maintains performance in multi-drive enclosures by compensating for vibration-induced latency. This feature is critical in dense server configurations and rack-mounted deployments.

Security and Data Protection Features

While not a Self-Encrypting Drive (SED), the 161-BCDG supports host-level encryption and secure erase protocols. These features help organizations comply with data protection regulations and ensure secure decommissioning.

Secure Erase Support

Using SAS command sets, administrators can perform secure erasure of data prior to drive retirement or repurposing. This ensures sensitive information is irrecoverable, aligning with compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA.