161-BCNR Dell 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS-12GBPS 512e SFF Hot-plug HDD

Dell 161-BCNR 2.4TB SAS Internal Hard Drive Highlights

The Dell 161-BCNR internal hard disk drive is engineered for enterprise-class performance, combining secure storage with fast data access. With a 2.4TB capacity and advanced SAS 12Gb/s interface, it provides a dependable solution for demanding workloads.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Dell
• Model Number: 161-BCNR
• Drive Type: Enterprise-grade internal hard disk
• Capacity: 2.4 Terabytes
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch small form factor
• Interface: SAS 12Gb/s connectivity
• Cache Memory: 256MB multisegmented
• Sector Format: Advanced 512e
• Encryption: FIPS 140 self-encrypting technology

Performance Details

Rotational Speed & Latency

• High-speed 10,000 RPM spindle rotation
• Average latency as low as 2.9 milliseconds

Transfer Rates

• Sustained transfer rates ranging from 270 MB/s at outer to 117 MB/s at inner diameter
• External throughput of up to 1200 Mbps

Advanced Caching & Optimization

• Enhanced I/O acceleration for faster response times
• 256MB segmented cache for improved workload balancing
• Equipped with 16GB eMLC NAND flash for cache support
• Smart NAND endurance management for extended durability

Connectivity & Expansion

Interface Options

• 1 x SAS 12Gb/s connection for reliable data transfer
• Hot-swappable 2.5-inch bay compatibility

Supported Server Platforms

Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers

• R260, R350, R360, R440, R450, R550
• R640, R6415, R650, R650xs, R6515, R6525
• R6625, R740, R740xd, R7415, R7425
• R750, R750xs, R7515, R7525, R760, R760xs
• R7725, R840, R940, R940xa

Dell PowerEdge C-Series

• C6420, C6525, C6615, C6620

Tower Servers

• Dell PowerEdge T550

Storage Systems

• BSN Services Node
• Dell PowerVault MD2424
• Dell PowerVault NX3240

Key Benefits

• Enterprise-grade reliability with self-encrypting drive technology
• Optimized for high-performance workloads requiring rapid data access
• Broad compatibility across Dell PowerEdge and PowerVault systems
• Improved data security with built-in FIPS 140 hardware encryption
• Designed to deliver consistent throughput under heavy workloads

Dell 161-BCNR 2.4TB 10K RPM 2.5-Inch HDD Overview

The Dell 161-BCNR 2.4TB 10K RPM SAS-12Gbps 2.5-inch Hot-Plug Hard Disk Drive is engineered for enterprise-grade performance, reliability, and scalability. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern data centers, this high-capacity HDD combines rotational speed, advanced SAS interface, and robust buffer architecture to deliver consistent throughput and low latency across mission-critical workloads. With a compact 2.5-inch form factor and hot-plug capability, it supports seamless integration into Dell PowerEdge servers and storage arrays, optimizing uptime and serviceability.

Key Specifications and Performance Attributes

• Capacity: 2.4TB formatted capacity for high-density storage environments
• Spindle Speed: 10,000 RPM for reduced seek times and faster data access
• Interface: SAS-12Gbps (Serial Attached SCSI) for dual-port redundancy and high-speed data transfer
• Sector Format: 512e (Advanced Format) for compatibility with legacy systems and optimized storage efficiency
• Buffer Size: 256MB cache for enhanced read/write performance
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor) for space-constrained server deployments
• Hot-Plug Support: Enables drive replacement without system shutdown

Enterprise SAS HDD Technology Explained

SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) drives like the Dell 161-BCNR offer superior reliability and performance compared to SATA alternatives. The 12Gbps SAS interface supports full-duplex communication, allowing simultaneous read and write operations. This dual-port architecture ensures failover protection and multipath I/O, critical for enterprise environments requiring high availability. The 10K RPM spindle speed strikes a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it ideal for transactional databases, virtualization platforms, and tiered storage systems.

Advanced Format 512e Sector Benefits

The 512e (512-byte emulation) sector format enhances storage efficiency by aligning physical sectors to 4K boundaries while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy systems. This hybrid formatting reduces overhead and improves error correction capabilities, especially in RAID configurations. For IT administrators managing mixed-generation infrastructure, 512e drives offer a seamless upgrade path without compromising data integrity or performance.

Compatibility with Dell PowerEdge Server Generations

The Dell 161-BCNR HDD is validated for use across multiple generations of Dell PowerEdge servers, including the R640, R740xd, R540, and T640 platforms. Its hot-plug functionality and standardized 2.5-inch tray design ensure tool-less installation and rapid deployment. Whether used in standalone configurations or within RAID arrays, this drive supports Dell’s OpenManage systems for real-time monitoring, predictive failure analysis, and firmware updates.

Hot-Plug Architecture and Serviceability

Hot-plug support is a critical feature for minimizing downtime in enterprise environments. The Dell 161-BCNR allows technicians to replace or upgrade drives without powering down the server, preserving business continuity. This feature is particularly valuable in clustered environments, where storage nodes must remain online during maintenance windows. Combined with Dell’s carrier trays and intuitive drive bays, hot-plug architecture streamlines service workflows and reduces operational overhead.

Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

• Virtualization: Supports high IOPS workloads in VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM environments
• Database Hosting: Optimized for OLTP and OLAP workloads requiring fast access times
• Tiered Storage: Ideal for mid-tier storage layers balancing performance and cost
• Backup and Archiving: Reliable long-term storage with enterprise-grade endurance
• High-Availability Clusters: Dual-port SAS ensures redundancy and failover protection

Reliability, Endurance, and MTBF Ratings

Enterprise SAS drives like the Dell 161-BCNR are built for 24x7 operation with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) exceeding 2 million hours. The drive’s firmware includes advanced error recovery algorithms, rotational vibration sensors, and thermal throttling mechanisms to maintain optimal performance under heavy workloads. Its 256MB buffer reduces latency spikes during peak I/O operations, while the drive’s SMART diagnostics enable proactive health monitoring.

Vibration and Thermal Management

In dense server environments, vibration and heat can degrade drive performance. The Dell 161-BCNR incorporates rotational vibration compensation and dynamic thermal management to mitigate these risks. These features ensure consistent throughput even in multi-drive enclosures, preserving data integrity and extending drive lifespan. The drive’s firmware dynamically adjusts seek algorithms based on environmental conditions, optimizing performance in real time.

Data Integrity and Error Correction

The 512e format, combined with SAS protocol-level error handling, provides robust data integrity. ECC (Error Correction Code) mechanisms detect and correct bit-level errors, while CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) ensures end-to-end data validation. These features are essential for RAID arrays, where parity calculations depend on accurate data blocks. The Dell 161-BCNR also supports DIF (Data Integrity Field) for T10 PI compliance, adding an extra layer of protection in enterprise SAN environments.

Comparative Advantage Over SATA and NVMe Alternatives

While SATA drives offer cost-effective storage, they lack the dual-port redundancy and command queuing efficiency of SAS. NVMe SSDs deliver superior performance but at a higher cost per GB and lower endurance in write-intensive workloads. The Dell 161-BCNR strikes a balance by offering high-capacity rotational storage with enterprise-grade reliability and SAS-level performance. For applications where consistent throughput and long-term durability are paramount, this drive outperforms SATA and complements NVMe in hybrid storage architectures.

Cost-Performance Optimization

The 2.4TB capacity of the Dell 161-BCNR enables high-density deployments without sacrificing performance. Its 10K RPM speed delivers faster access times than 7.2K drives, while maintaining lower power consumption than 15K alternatives. This makes it ideal for organizations seeking to optimize TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) across storage tiers. The drive’s compatibility with existing Dell infrastructure further reduces integration costs and accelerates ROI.

Lifecycle Management and Firmware Updates

Dell’s OpenManage suite supports firmware versioning, drive health analytics, and predictive failure alerts. The 161-BCNR integrates seamlessly with these tools, allowing IT teams to manage drive lifecycles proactively. Firmware updates can be deployed remotely, minimizing maintenance windows and ensuring compliance with security standards. The drive’s SMART attributes provide granular insights into wear levels, reallocated sectors, and temperature thresholds.

Environmental Compliance and Certifications

The Dell 161-BCNR HDD meets global environmental standards including RoHS, REACH, and WEEE. Its low power idle mode and adaptive seek algorithms contribute to energy efficiency in large-scale deployments. The drive is manufactured using conflict-free materials and adheres to Dell’s sustainability initiatives. For organizations pursuing green IT strategies, this drive supports compliance without compromising performance.

Power Consumption and Efficiency Metrics

Operating at 10K RPM, the Dell 161-BCNR consumes less power than traditional 15K drives while delivering comparable performance. Its idle power draw is optimized for energy-conscious data centers, and its active seek profile balances speed with thermal output. These efficiency metrics contribute to lower cooling requirements and reduced electricity costs over the drive’s operational lifespan.

Noise and Acoustic Management

Acoustic output is a critical consideration in high-density server environments. The Dell 161-BCNR incorporates noise-dampening firmware and precision spindle balancing to minimize acoustic emissions. This ensures quieter operation in rack-mounted systems, contributing to a more manageable data center environment. The drive’s firmware also supports acoustic tuning for specific deployment scenarios