Dell 400-BMTM 960GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Read Intensive U2 2.5inch SSD 16G Poweredge Server.

High-Performance Enterprise SSD for PowerEdge Servers

Exceptional Storage Solution for Data Centers

This cutting-edge Dell U2 NVMe SSD delivers outstanding read-intensive performance, specifically engineered for enterprise environments. With a substantial 960GB capacity, this drive accelerates data processing while ensuring reliability.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Manufacturer: Dell 
• Part Number: 400-BMTM
• Storage Classification: Data center-grade flash storage
• Physical Dimensions: 2.5-inch compact form factor

Advanced Interface and Connectivity

PCIe Gen4 NVMe Architecture

• Featuring dual PCI Express 4.0 x4 lanes, this storage device achieves remarkable transfer speeds. The NVMe protocol significantly reduces latency compared to traditional storage solutions.

Server Integration Capabilities

• Designed for seamless installation in 2.5-inch internal bays
• Includes carrier for simplified mounting in compatible systems
• Optimized for read-heavy workloads in virtualized environments

Comprehensive System Compatibility

• This enterprise SSD is validated for numerous Dell PowerEdge generations, including:

Rack Server Series

• PowerEdge R440 through R960 models
• R650xs, R660xs, and R760xa rack servers
• R7425, R7525, and R7625 AMD-based systems

Tower and Specialized Server Options

• T550 and T560 tower configurations
• XE9640 and XE9680 for extreme workloads
• XR7620 rugged edge computing solution

Enterprise-Grade Features

• Engineered for 24/7 data center operation
• Enhanced endurance for read-intensive applications
• Superior power efficiency for reduced TCO
• Advanced error correction and data protection

Optimal Use Cases

• Ideal for database applications, content delivery networks, and cloud infrastructure where rapid data access is critical. Perfect for virtualization hosts and high-frequency transaction processing.

400-BMTM Dell 960GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Read Intensive U.2 2.5-Inch SSD for PowerEdge Servers

The 400-BMTM Dell 960GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe Read Intensive U.2 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive is a specialized enterprise-grade storage solution designed to deliver high performance, low latency, and efficient data access in demanding PowerEdge server environments. Tailored for read-intensive workloads, this drive offers optimized throughput, consistent IOPS, and extended endurance within data centers, enterprise servers, and virtualized infrastructures. It is an ideal solution for workloads that require fast data retrieval with minimal write operations, such as online transaction processing (OLTP), media streaming, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and content delivery networks (CDNs).

Form Factor and Interface: Built for Compatibility and Scalability

U.2 2.5-Inch Form Factor for Enterprise Deployment

The Dell 400-BMTM SSD features a U.2 (SFF-8639) interface in a 2.5-inch form factor, ensuring seamless compatibility with modern PowerEdge servers and backplane configurations. The U.2 form factor supports hot-pluggable connections, enabling quick drive swaps without service interruption. This makes it an excellent choice for scalable enterprise storage configurations that demand uptime and minimal service windows.

PCIe Gen4 NVMe Interface for Maximum Throughput

Leveraging PCIe Gen4 NVMe technology, the 400-BMTM SSD significantly outpaces SATA and SAS counterparts in terms of data transfer speed and command processing. With up to 2x the bandwidth of PCIe Gen3, Gen4 enables ultra-fast data access and reduced latency. NVMe's parallel command architecture and streamlined protocol further enhance its ability to handle high IOPS with minimal overhead, which is essential for modern workloads and applications.

Benefits of PCIe Gen4 in Read-Intensive Environments

• Improved read bandwidth and reduced latency for data-heavy tasks
• Greater parallelism for handling simultaneous data requests
• Lower CPU overhead and better efficiency for compute resources
• Future-proof infrastructure investment supporting next-gen workloads

Performance Specifications and Workload Optimization

Designed for Read-Intensive Applications

The "Read Intensive" classification of the 400-BMTM SSD means it is built to deliver high read performance with endurance tuned for read-heavy workloads. These include applications such as web servers, database query retrieval, media playback, and analytics platforms that perform frequent read operations with a relatively low write demand. This optimization extends the drive’s usable life and ensures predictable performance under sustained load.

Performance Metrics

Key performance characteristics include:

• Sequential Read Speeds: Up to 6,800 MB/s
• Sequential Write Speeds: Up to 3,500 MB/s (write-optimized for read-heavy workloads)
• Random Read IOPS: Up to 1,000,000
• Latency: < 100 µs typical read latency
• Endurance: Optimized for 0.5 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day)

Ideal Use Cases

Industries and services that benefit most from this SSD include:

• Cloud-based hosting providers and IaaS platforms
• Financial services handling large-scale read queries
• Streaming media companies serving high-definition content
• Educational institutions and research organizations processing static data sets

Compatibility with Dell PowerEdge Server Families

Seamless Integration with 16G PowerEdge Servers

The 400-BMTM is fully qualified and validated for use with Dell's 16th Generation (16G) PowerEdge server platforms. These systems support NVMe storage natively, offer redundant U.2 backplanes, and include firmware integration for Dell Enterprise SSDs, enabling enhanced diagnostics and SMART monitoring through iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller).

Backward Compatibility and Versatility

While optimized for PCIe Gen4 interfaces, the drive is backward-compatible with Gen3 slots, allowing it to operate in earlier generation PowerEdge servers (e.g., 14G and 15G), albeit at reduced bandwidth. This ensures flexibility during infrastructure upgrades and mixed-environment deployments.

PowerEdge Compatibility Examples

• PowerEdge R650, R750, R760, R660, and R750xs
• PowerEdge T550 tower servers
• PowerEdge MX modular systems and FX2 blade platforms (with U.2 support)

Reliability, Endurance, and Data Protection Features

Enterprise-Grade Reliability

The 400-BMTM SSD is engineered to deliver consistent performance across enterprise workloads, with robust features that prevent data corruption, sudden failure, and inconsistent performance. The drive undergoes rigorous validation testing under Dell’s enterprise qualification standards to ensure thermal, electrical, and mechanical reliability across 24x7 operating environments.

Endurance Ratings and Drive Writes Per Day

Rated at approximately 0.5 DWPD over a 5-year period, this SSD provides sufficient endurance for workloads with high read-to-write ratios. This balance offers an optimal mix of capacity, speed, and longevity while maintaining cost-efficiency in large deployments.

Wear-Leveling and Thermal Throttling

• Dynamic wear-leveling extends NAND lifespan by evenly distributing write/erase cycles
• Thermal throttling mechanisms protect drive health during heavy usage by managing temperatures proactively

Power Loss Protection and Error Correction

Integrated power-loss protection ensures that in the event of sudden power failure, data in-flight is safely written to non-volatile storage, preventing corruption. Advanced ECC (Error Correction Code) and end-to-end data path protection guard against data loss due to bit errors and NAND failures.

Advanced Management and Monitoring Capabilities

SMART Monitoring and Predictive Failure Alerts

Dell’s firmware and PowerEdge server management tools allow detailed SSD health and status reporting. Attributes such as temperature, remaining life, power-on hours, and read/write counters can be monitored remotely, reducing unplanned downtime and facilitating predictive maintenance strategies.

Integration with Dell OpenManage and iDRAC

OpenManage integration allows IT administrators to track storage performance and receive proactive alerts in multi-node server environments. When used with iDRAC, these drives provide granular insight into drive health, usage patterns, and potential failure points, enabling faster diagnostics and streamlined support from Dell EMC.

Thermal and Power Efficiency Profile

Optimized for Power-Efficient Data Centers

With lower active power draw compared to traditional SAS drives and rotational media, this SSD helps reduce overall data center power consumption. Less heat generation also contributes to reduced cooling costs, making it ideal for hyperscale environments and environmentally conscious operations.

Security and Firmware Management

Firmware Authentication and Secure Boot

Support for digitally signed firmware and secure boot processes help ensure that only authorized firmware runs on the device, defending against firmware-based attacks. This is critical in multi-tenant and cloud-based environments.

Optional Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) Capabilities

Certain SKUs of the 400-BMTM may include self-encrypting drive technology supporting TCG Opal or IEEE 1667 standards. This allows for native hardware encryption and secure drive erasure features, useful in industries handling sensitive or regulated data.

Deployment and Scalability Considerations

High-Density Deployment in PowerEdge Systems

Thanks to its 2.5-inch U.2 design and NVMe architecture, the drive supports high-density server configurations with reduced cable clutter. Many PowerEdge platforms can host multiple U.2 NVMe drives, creating opportunities for scalable, high-throughput storage arrays within a single chassis.

RAID Compatibility and Performance Scaling

Compatible with both software RAID and Dell PERC controllers that support NVMe configurations, the 400-BMTM can participate in RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays, balancing performance with redundancy. Multiple drives in a RAID 0 stripe can drastically improve throughput for applications needing rapid sequential access.

Horizontal Scaling Benefits

• Fast rebuild times in RAID 1 for data protection
• Increased performance with minimal CPU overhead in NVMe RAID
• Improved workload distribution across multiple drives

Cost Efficiency and TCO Optimization

Lower Total Cost of Ownership for Read-Heavy Workloads

By focusing on read-intensive endurance ratings and PCIe Gen4 throughput, this drive offers a compelling cost-per-IOPS and cost-per-GB profile. Enterprises can optimize hardware spend while maximizing access speed for read-dominant applications. Its reduced power and cooling needs further lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) over its lifecycle.

Comparison with Write-Intensive and Mixed-Use SSDs

While write-intensive and mixed-use SSDs are suited for high write volumes, they often come at a higher cost. The 400-BMTM strikes a balance between speed and cost, making it ideal where high read performance is crucial but constant writing is not required.

Environmental Compliance

Green Technology and Compliance Standards

This SSD is RoHS compliant and meets international standards for electronic waste reduction and recyclable materials. Its power-efficient design aligns with data center sustainability goals, helping enterprises reduce carbon footprints.