Dell 345-BLBB 960GB Read-Intensive SAS-12GBPS 1DWPD 2.5-Inch Hot Plug SSD

Dell 960GB SAS 12Gbps Self-Encrypting Enterprise SSD

Product Overview

• Brand: Dell
• Model Number: 345-BLBB
• Drive Class: Internal Solid State Drive
• Capacity: 960GB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch hot-plug with tray
• Flash Type: V-NAND TLC
• Interface: SAS-3 (12Gb/s)
• Encryption: Hardware-based Self-Encrypting Drive (SED)
• Workload Endurance: 1 DWPD, optimized for read-intensive data processing

Enterprise-Level Performance

• Sequential Read Speed: Up to 4150 MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: Up to 1450 MB/s
• Random Read: 595,000 IOPS
• Random Write: 75,000 IOPS
• Primary Use Case: High-speed data access and consistent enterprise workloads

Core Technical Highlights

• Connectivity: Single SAS 12Gb/s port
• Bay Support: 2.5-inch hot-plug slot compatibility
• Security: Self-encrypting SED architecture for data protection
• Flash Design: Advanced V-NAND TLC for durability and efficiency
• Reliability: Optimized for Dell PowerEdge systems

Physical Measurements

• Height: 15 mm (+0 / -0.5 mm)
• Width: 69.85 mm (+0.25 / -0.25 mm)
• Length: 100.45 mm maximum

Supported Dell PowerEdge Servers

• PowerEdge C6420, C6525, C6620
• PowerEdge HS5610
• PowerEdge R340, R440, R450, R550
• PowerEdge R640, R650xs, R6515, R6525
• PowerEdge R660, R6615, R6625
• PowerEdge R740, R740xd, R7425
• PowerEdge R750xs, R7515, R7525
• PowerEdge R760, R760xs, R7615, R7625
• PowerEdge R840, R940, R940xa
• PowerEdge T550

Advantages of Choosing Dell Certified SSDs

• Data Safety: Built-in SED technology safeguards sensitive workloads
• High Reliability: Designed for read-intensive workloads with 1 DWPD rating
• Server Optimization: Tuned firmware for seamless integration with Dell PowerEdge
• Hot-Swap Ready: Replace or upgrade storage drives without downtime
• Enterprise Performance: Delivers fast, consistent results across demanding applications

Best-Fit Use Cases

• Virtualized environments
• Business analytics and reporting
• Database and application hosting
• Private cloud infrastructure
• High-speed read-centric storage operations

Quick Specification Snapshot

• Part Number: 345-BLBB
• Capacity: 960GB
• Interface: SAS-3 (12Gb/s)
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch hot-plug
• Flash Memory: V-NAND TLC
• Encryption: Self-Encrypting Drive
• DWPD: 1 (Read Intensive)
• Read Speed: 4150 MB/s
• Write Speed: 1450 MB/s

Keyword-Rich Variations

• Dell 960GB SAS SSD 345-BLBB
• Dell Certified 960GB PowerEdge Hot Plug Drive
• Dell Enterprise 2.5-inch SAS SED SSD
• Dell 12Gb/s 960GB Read Intensive Solid State Drive
• Dell Secure 960GB Self-Encrypting Server SSD

Dell 345-BLBB 960GB SAS SSD: Enterprise-Class Read-Intensive Storage

The Dell 345-BLBB 960GB Read-Intensive SAS-12Gbps 1DWPD 2.5-Inch Hot Plug SSD is a high-performance solid-state drive tailored for enterprise environments that prioritize fast data access, reliability, and scalability. Designed for read-intensive workloads, this SSD is optimized for applications such as boot volumes, media streaming, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and web hosting. Its SAS-12Gbps interface ensures superior throughput and dual-port redundancy, while the 1DWPD endurance rating guarantees long-term reliability in environments with minimal write operations.

Technical Specifications and Performance Profile

Engineered for data center deployment, the Dell 345-BLBB SSD combines robust performance with enterprise-grade durability. Its 2.5-inch hot-plug form factor allows seamless integration into Dell PowerEdge servers and storage arrays, while the SAS-12Gbps interface delivers high-speed data transfer and enhanced fault tolerance.

Core Specifications

• Model Number: Dell 345-BLBB
• Capacity: 960GB
• Interface: SAS 12Gbps
• Form Factor: 2.5-Inch Hot Plug
• Endurance: 1DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day)
• Performance Tier: Read-Intensive
• MTBF: >2 million hours
• Power Consumption: <5W active, <1W idle
• Hot-Plug Support: Yes

Performance Metrics

The Dell 345-BLBB SSD offers sequential read speeds up to 1,100MB/s and random read IOPS exceeding 95,000. Sequential write speeds typically reach 550MB/s, while random write IOPS average around 18,000. These performance figures make it ideal for read-heavy workloads where latency and throughput are critical.

SAS SSD Subcategory: Enterprise Storage Architecture

SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) SSDs are built for enterprise-grade reliability and performance. The SAS-12Gbps interface provides double the bandwidth of SATA-6Gbps, enabling faster data access and improved scalability. SAS SSDs like the Dell 345-BLBB are commonly deployed in mission-critical applications such as database servers, virtualization platforms, and high-performance computing clusters.

Advantages of SAS over SATA

• Higher bandwidth (12Gbps vs 6Gbps)
• Dual-port support for failover and multipathing
• Improved command queuing and error recovery
• Enhanced compatibility with enterprise RAID controllers
• Superior scalability for large storage arrays

Use Cases for SAS SSDs

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
• Database query acceleration
• Media streaming and content delivery
• Boot volumes for virtual machines
• High-availability web hosting

Hot-Plug Functionality: Operational Efficiency

The hot-plug capability of the Dell 345-BLBB SSD allows IT administrators to replace or upgrade drives without shutting down the server. This feature is essential in high-availability environments where downtime can impact service delivery and operational continuity.

Hot-Plug Architecture

Dell’s hot-plug architecture includes firmware-level support for drive detection, power sequencing, and error handling. When a drive is inserted or removed, the system automatically recognizes the change and adjusts I/O operations accordingly. This ensures data continuity and minimizes the risk of corruption.

Benefits of Hot-Plug SSDs

• Zero-downtime maintenance
• Scalable storage expansion
• Rapid replacement of failed drives
• Improved serviceability in rack-mounted systems

1DWPD Endurance Rating: Reliability for Read-Intensive Workloads

The 1DWPD rating indicates that the Dell 345-BLBB SSD can safely handle one full drive write per day over its warranty period, typically five years. For a 960GB SSD, this equates to approximately 960GB of data written daily without exceeding the endurance threshold. This rating is ideal for read-intensive workloads where write operations are minimal.

DWPD vs TBW Metrics

DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) provides a daily usage estimate, while TBW (Total Bytes Written) offers a cumulative endurance metric. The Dell 345-BLBB SSD typically supports a TBW of over 1,700TB, ensuring long-term reliability even in moderately write-heavy scenarios.

Endurance Optimization Techniques

• Wear leveling algorithms to distribute writes evenly
• Over-provisioning for spare block allocation
• Advanced ECC (Error Correction Code) for data integrity
• Thermal management to reduce NAND degradation

Compatibility with Dell PowerEdge Servers

The Dell 345-BLBB SSD is validated for use with a wide range of Dell PowerEdge servers, including R640, R740, and R840 models. Its firmware is tuned for optimal performance within Dell’s RAID configurations and storage controllers, ensuring seamless integration and management via Dell OpenManage tools.

Certified Compatibility Matrix

• Dell PowerEdge R640
• Dell PowerEdge R740
• Dell PowerEdge R840
• Dell PowerEdge T640
• Dell PowerEdge MX740c

Benefits of OEM-Certified Drives

• Firmware compatibility with Dell RAID controllers
• Support for Dell diagnostics and lifecycle management
• Warranty alignment with Dell service contracts
• Reduced risk of firmware conflicts or performance bottlenecks

Thermal and Power Efficiency

The Dell 345-BLBB SSD is engineered for low power consumption and efficient thermal dissipation. Its active power draw remains below 5W during peak read operations, while idle power consumption is typically under 1W. This efficiency contributes to lower overall data center energy costs and improved airflow management.

Thermal Design Features

• Aluminum casing for passive heat dissipation
• Temperature sensors for dynamic throttling
• Firmware-controlled thermal limits
• Compatibility with Dell airflow-optimized drive bays

Power Management Benefits

• Reduced operational costs
• Lower heat output for dense server environments
• Improved reliability through thermal regulation
• Support for power-capped deployments

Data Protection and Reliability Features

Enterprise-grade SSDs like the Dell 345-BLBB incorporate multiple layers of data protection to ensure integrity and availability. These include ECC, end-to-end data path protection, and power-loss protection capacitors that safeguard in-flight data during unexpected shutdowns.

Advanced ECC and SMART Monitoring

• Multi-bit error correction algorithms
• SMART attributes for predictive failure analysis
• Bad block management and reallocation
• Firmware updates for security and performance enhancements

Power-Loss Protection Mechanism

The SSD includes onboard capacitors that provide enough energy to flush volatile data to NAND in the event of sudden power loss. This feature is critical in transactional environments where data consistency is paramount.

Deployment Scenarios and Scalability

The Dell 345-BLBB SSD is suitable for deployment in both standalone and clustered environments. Its hot-plug capability and standardized form factor make it easy to scale storage capacity across multiple nodes without disrupting service.