XH2N4 Dell 16TB 7.2K RPM SAS-12GBPS Hot Plug Hard Drive with Tray

Overview of Dell XH2N4 16TB Nearline Hard Drive

Built for high-capacity enterprise storage, the Dell XH2N4 16TB hard disk drive delivers a powerful combination of scalability, reliability, and efficient throughput. Designed for modern data centers and server infrastructures, this nearline SAS drive is ideal for handling large volumes of data with consistent performance.

Product Identification

• Brand: Dell
• Model Number: XH2N4
• Drive Type: Hard Disk Drive with Tray

Technical Specifications

• Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
• Average Delay: 4.16 Milliseconds
• Peak Data Transfer Rate: Up to 261,249 Mbps
• External Transfer Speed: 1200 Mbps
• Cache Memory: 256 Megabytes

• Massive 16TB storage capacity for data-intensive applications
• 3.5-inch large form factor suited for enterprise drive bays
• 512e sector format ensures broad system compatibility

Interface & Technology

• SAS 12Gbps interface for high-speed and reliable data transfer
• Nearline SAS architecture optimized for bulk storage and archival tasks
• Single SAS port for stable connectivity

Performance Specifications

• 7200 RPM spindle speed for steady and reliable performance
• Average latency of approximately 4.16 ms for quicker data access
• External transfer rate up to 1200 Mbps
• Maximum sustained data transfer reaching high throughput levels
• 256MB cache buffer enhances read/write efficiency

Expansion & Deployment

• Hot-plug capability allows replacement without powering down systems
• Designed for 3.5-inch hot-swap drive bays
• Quick integration into enterprise storage environments

Key Advantages

• Ultra-high capacity for enterprise storage expansion
• Reliable nearline performance for backup and archival workloads
• Efficient caching for improved system responsiveness
• Designed for scalability in cloud and data center environments

Server Compatibility

• Supports Dell PowerEdge servers including R230, R330, R430, R530, and R730
• Compatible with tower servers such as T330, T430, T440, and T640
• Works with advanced configurations like R730xd XL
• Suitable for PowerVault storage arrays including ME4012, ME412, and ME5012

Details of Dell XH2N4 16TB 7.2K RPM Near Line HDD

The Dell XH2N4 16TB nearline hard drive is purpose-built for enterprise environments that demand massive storage capacity, reliable performance, and seamless integration with server infrastructure such as PowerEdge and PowerVault systems. Featuring a large 16TB capacity, 7,200 RPM rotational speed, and SAS 12Gbps interface, this hard drive is optimized for data-intensive applications, long-term storage, and scalable IT ecosystems. Its inclusion of Instant Secure Erase (ISE) technology and hot-plug capability further enhances its value in modern data centers where security, uptime, and operational efficiency are critical.

Storage Capacity

With an impressive 16TB capacity, this nearline hard drive addresses the growing need for high-density storage in enterprise environments. Organizations generating vast amounts of structured and unstructured data can rely on this drive to store everything from business-critical databases to multimedia archives and backup repositories. The large capacity reduces the need for multiple drives, simplifying storage architecture and minimizing hardware overhead.

This makes it especially suitable for applications such as cloud storage platforms, big data analytics, surveillance storage, and enterprise backup solutions. By consolidating large volumes of data onto fewer drives, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and optimize rack space utilization.

Performance 

The 7,200 RPM rotational speed ensures a balanced approach to performance and energy efficiency. While not as fast as high-RPM enterprise drives, it provides sufficient speed for nearline storage applications where capacity and reliability are prioritized over ultra-low latency. This makes it ideal for sequential data access, bulk storage, and archival workloads.

The consistent performance of the drive supports a wide range of enterprise tasks, including data backups, file sharing, and content delivery. Its ability to handle continuous workloads without significant performance degradation ensures dependable operation in demanding environments.

SAS 12Gbps Interface

The SAS 12Gbps interface delivers high-speed data transfer and robust connectivity, making it a preferred choice for enterprise storage systems. This interface supports dual-port functionality, enabling redundancy and failover capabilities that are essential for maintaining uptime in mission-critical applications.

Compared to SATA interfaces, SAS offers superior performance, reliability, and scalability. It allows for faster communication between the drive and the host system, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring efficient data processing. This makes the drive well-suited for integration into high-performance storage arrays and server environments.

Instant Secure Erase (ISE) for Data Security

One of the standout features of this hard drive is its support for Instant Secure Erase (ISE) technology. This feature enables rapid and secure deletion of data by rendering it permanently inaccessible, which is particularly important when repurposing or decommissioning drives.

ISE ensures compliance with data protection regulations and helps organizations safeguard sensitive information. By eliminating the need for time-consuming data wiping processes, it enhances operational efficiency while maintaining high security standards.

Hot Plug Capability

The hot-plug functionality allows the drive to be added or removed from a system without shutting it down. This feature is critical in enterprise environments downtime can have significant operational and financial consequences. IT administrators can replace or upgrade drives without interrupting system operations.

This capability enhances system availability and simplifies maintenance, making it easier to manage large-scale storage infrastructures. It is particularly beneficial in data centers and server farms continuous operation is essential.

Nearline Storage Optimization

As a nearline hard drive, this model is designed for applications that require a balance between accessibility and cost efficiency. Nearline storage is ideal for data that is not accessed frequently but still needs to be readily available. This includes backup data, archives, and secondary storage tiers.

By leveraging nearline storage, organizations can optimize their storage strategy, allocating high-performance drives for critical workloads while using high-capacity drives like this one for less frequently accessed data. This approach improves overall efficiency and reduces costs.

Reliability and Durability

Built to withstand the demands of enterprise environments, this hard drive offers exceptional reliability and durability. It is designed for continuous operation, with components that can handle  working hours and challenging conditions.

The drive undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance and data integrity. Its design protects against vibration,variations, and mechanical stress, making it suitable for use in densely populated server racks.