345-BGJW Dell 3.84TGB SAS-24Gbps Read Intensive SSD

Dell 345-BGJW 3.84TB SAS 24Gbps SED SSD Overview

The Dell 345-BGJW is a high-performance enterprise-class solid state drive, engineered to deliver exceptional reliability, robust data protection, and rapid transfer speeds for Dell EMC 14G, 15G, and 16G PowerEdge servers. With advanced TLC NAND technology and self-encrypting security features, it ensures optimized workload management for read-intensive applications.

Main Product Highlights

• Manufacturer: Dell
• Part Number / SKU: 345-BGJW
• Mfg Part Number: 4VYKW
• Product Type: Enterprise Solid State Drive
• Capacity: 3.84TB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF, 15mm
• Interface: SAS-4 / 24Gbps

Technical Specifications

Drive Architecture

• Storage Type: Hot-swap SSD
• NAND Flash: BiCS™ TLC technology
• Endurance Rating: Read-intensive (1 DWPD)
• Encryption: FIPS-certified Self-Encrypting Drive (SED)

Interface & Speed

• SAS 24Gbps backward compatibility: 22.5Gbps, 12Gbps, 6Gbps, 3Gbps, 1.5Gbps
• Hot-swap design for quick deployment and replacement

Performance Metrics

Sequential Operations

• Read (128KiB): 4200 MB/s sustained
• Write (128KiB): 3650 MB/s sustained

Random Operations

• Random Read (4KiB): 720,000 IOPS
• Random Write (4KiB): 155,000 IOPS

Reliability & Data Security

• Data Protection: End-to-end data path integrity
• MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): 2.5 million hours
• Endurance: 1 DWPD lifecycle

Connectivity & Expansion

• Interface: 1 x SAS 24Gb/s
• Bay Compatibility: 1 x 2.5-inch hot-swap bay

Dell PowerEdge Server Compatibility

This SSD is fully compatible with a wide selection of Dell EMC PowerEdge rack, tower, and modular systems. Optimized for scalable performance, it supports diverse data center requirements.

Rack Servers

• PowerEdge R350, R440, R450, R550, R640, R650, R650xs
• PowerEdge R6515, R6525, R660, R660xs, R6615, R6625
• PowerEdge R740, R740xd, R750, R750xa, R750xs
• PowerEdge R7515, R7525, R760, R760xa, R760xs
• PowerEdge R7615, R7625, R840, R860, R940, R940xa, R960

Tower Servers

• PowerEdge T550, T560

Modular & High-Performance Systems

• PowerEdge C6420, C6520, C6525, C6620
• PowerEdge HS5610, HS5620
• PowerEdge XE9680, XR7620

Storage Solutions

• Powervault MD2424

Key Benefits of Dell 345-BGJW SSD

• Enterprise-grade reliability for mission-critical workloads
• Optimized for read-intensive applications with 1 DWPD endurance
• Superior encryption security with FIPS-certified SED
• Fast data access and transfer with SAS 24Gbps interface
• Seamless integration with multiple generations of Dell PowerEdge servers

Dell 345-BGJW 3.84TB SAS 24GBPS Enterprise-Class Performance and Security

The Dell 345-BGJW 3.84TB Self Encrypting Drive (SED) represents a targeted solution for enterprise storage tiers that require a blend of secure data-at-rest protection, sustained read-optimized performance, and compatibility across Dell EMC PowerEdge server generations (14G, 15G, 16G). As a 2.5-inch SFF SAS solid state drive rated for 24Gbps SAS signaling and built with TLC NAND in a read-intensive 1 DWPD endurance class, this SSD is engineered for accelerated application responsiveness in read-heavy workloads such as virtualization boot stores, content delivery, database read-replica caches, and dense-scale web services. The integrated hardware-based encryption and security features reduce organizational risk while simplifying compliance for regulated environments.

Key Technical Characteristics and Why They Matter

At the heart of the 345-BGJW is a high-density 3.84TB capacity delivered in a 2.5-inch small form factor (SFF). Using enterprise-grade TLC flash with controller firmware tuned for read-intensive endurance (1 drive write per day), the drive balances cost-per-gigabyte with predictable performance over long duty cycles. The native SAS 24Gbps interface provides dual-port connectivity where supported, enabling higher availability and multi-path I/O configurations that are essential for mission-critical storage infrastructures. Hardware-level Self Encrypting Drive (SED) functionality ensures that all data written to the flash is encrypted transparently using standards-compliant cryptographic modules, allowing secure decommissioning, rapid data sanitization, and simplified key management integration with Dell EMC platforms and third-party KMS solutions.

Controller and NAND Optimization

The SSD’s controller is optimized for sustained read throughput and consistent IOPS under mixed but read-dominant loads. Firmware-level wear leveling, over-provisioning, and background garbage collection routines are calibrated to preserve read latency and reduce performance variance during long-term operation. Enterprise-grade TLC is selected for its favorable balance of capacity and endurance; combined with the drive’s 1 DWPD rating, it is positioned to operate reliably in environments where high read activity dominates and write amplification is minimized by application design.

Interface and Connectivity: SAS 24Gbps

SAS 24Gbps connectivity brings low-latency, high-reliability transport with features not available in consumer interfaces. Dual-port SAS support enables active/passive or active/active multipathing, which is crucial for high-availability clusters and storage arrays. The 24Gbps speed tier reduces I/O bottlenecks when compared to older 12Gbps SAS drives, allowing faster sequential transfers and improved small-block latency for demanding database queries and virtualization workloads. For organizations migrating from SATA or 12Gbps SAS devices, the 345-BGJW delivers a clear performance uplift while maintaining enterprise SAS feature compatibility.

Security and Compliance: Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) Capabilities

Security is a core differentiator for the Dell 345-BGJW. The drive’s SED functionality performs full-disk encryption in hardware, encrypting data at the NAND level without imposing CPU overhead on host systems. This capability supports secure key management workflows that meet regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and industry-specific standards, enabling rapid cryptographic erase operations for secure decommissioning, and giving operators the ability to enforce data protection policies centrally. Administrators can integrate SEDs into existing enterprise key management solutions or leverage Dell EMC’s native tooling for key lifecycle operations.

Cryptographic Erase and Data Lifecycle

Cryptographic erase, enabled by drive-level key destruction, shortens the time and complexity required to sanitize drives before reuse or disposal. For enterprises with aggressive asset lifecycle policies, the ability to irreversibly erase cryptographic keys rather than performing time-consuming physical shredding or multi-pass overwrites streamlines operations and mitigates environmental impact. The 345-BGJW supports NIST-aligned practices for decommissioning when used alongside documented key-management procedures.

Compatibility with Dell EMC PowerEdge 14G, 15G, 16G Servers

The 345-BGJW is purpose-built and validated for Dell EMC PowerEdge server families spanning 14th, 15th, and 16th generations, enabling predictable integration into existing server inventories. Certified firmware profiles and drive behavior ensure compatibility with server storage backplanes, RAID controllers, and Dell management ecosystems. This reduces integration friction and supports rapid deployment in homogeneous PowerEdge environments. For administrators, this means out-of-the-box interoperability with Dell iDRAC, OpenManage, and other Dell EMC lifecycle tools for firmware updates, health monitoring, and predictive failure analytics.

Firmware Management and Lifecycle Updates

Firmware management is an essential part of enterprise SSD stewardship. Dell provides firmware revision tracking and update mechanisms that allow IT teams to maintain consistent firmware baselines across fleets. Firmware updates for the 345-BGJW are delivered with vendor-provided release notes that document performance optimizations, interoperability fixes, and any security-related updates. Following a controlled update process minimizes disruption and leverages improvements in drive behavior and stability.

Performance Profile: Read-Optimized Throughput and Latency

The read-intensive characterization of this SSD makes it ideal where random read IOPS and low latency are the dominant performance metrics. Use cases that derive the most benefit include read-mostly database replicas, virtual machine boot stores, content caching layers, and analytics indexes. The 24Gbps SAS interface reduces I/O queuing effects and enables higher sustained throughput for sequential operations. The drive’s firmware ensures consistent read latency, which is particularly valuable for latency-sensitive services and real-time query workloads. Performance testing in representative environments should be conducted to gauge expected IOPS and throughput under the application-specific I/O mix, including queue depths and block sizes.

Endurance Considerations: 1 DWPD and Workload Fit

An endurance rating of 1 drive write per day indicates the device is optimized for scenarios where writes are relatively modest compared to reads. Applications suited to this endurance level include read-heavy virtualization environments, secondary databases, and archival or nearline workloads where the bulk of I/O traffic is reading data. For write-intensive transactional databases or heavy log-intensive workloads, IT teams should evaluate higher-DWPD models to ensure longevity and predictable performance. Proper capacity planning, including write amplification and over-provisioning strategies, extends drive lifespan and maintains performance over time.

Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability (RAS) Features

Enterprise-class SSDs like the 345-BGJW incorporate features designed to increase uptime and simplify service. Error Correction Code (ECC) algorithms, power-loss protection mechanisms, and robust SMART reporting reduce the likelihood of silent data corruption and support proactive maintenance. The device includes telemetry outputs compatible with Dell EMC monitoring tools, enabling early detection of wear indicators, temperature anomalies, or other health metrics. When deployed in RAID configurations, the drive’s consistent error handling and rebuild characteristics help minimize the impact of device replacement on array performance.

Power-loss Protection and Data Integrity

Power-loss protection is crucial in enterprise deployments where unexpected interruptions can cause incomplete writes and potential data inconsistency. The 345-BGJW incorporates capacitive or firmware-backed mechanisms to complete pending operations and protect metadata during abrupt power events, preserving data integrity. This feature is particularly important in clustered environments and storage arrays where multiple components rely on consistent on-disk state during failover and rebuild procedures.

Deployment Strategies and Best Practices

When integrating the Dell 345-BGJW into a storage architecture, several deployment strategies maximize the value of the drive. For tiered storage designs, the drive can serve as an intermediate tier between high-performance NVMe or write-intensive SSDs and lower-cost HDD capacity tiers, offering cost-efficient read acceleration. In hyperconverged and SAN environments, pairing the 345-BGJW with intelligent caching layers and multipathing enhances both resilience and throughput. It is recommended to align RAID levels based on read/write balance, and to configure over-provisioning and monitoring to extend endurance for long service life.

Multipath and RAID Considerations

Leveraging SAS multi-pathing provides fault tolerance and load balancing between controller paths. For RAID, read-intensive scenarios frequently benefit from RAID levels that optimize read throughput such as RAID10 for mixed workloads or RAID6 for capacity-efficient redundancy with fault tolerance. The drive’s predictable read characteristics can reduce rebuild times compared to spinning media, though rebuild times will still depend on array size and system load. Administrators should consider rebuild priority settings and scheduled maintenance windows to minimize performance impacts.