345-BLNB Dell 7.68TB 2.5Inch Read Intensive SSD.

Dell 345-BLNB 7.68TB Enterprise NVMe SSD

The Dell 345-BLNB represents the pinnacle of enterprise storage technology, delivering exceptional performance and reliability for demanding server environments. This 7.68TB NVMe SSD leverages PCIe 4.0 interface technology to provide unprecedented data transfer speeds while maintaining the endurance expected from enterprise-class storage solutions.

Key Specifications

Interface and Form Factor

Utilizing the PCI Express 4.0 x4 interface, the Dell 345-BLNB achieves maximum theoretical bandwidth of up to 7.88 GB/s, significantly outperforming previous generation PCIe 3.0 solutions. The U.2 (2.5-inch) form factor ensures compatibility with modern enterprise server chassis while providing optimal space efficiency and thermal management characteristics.

PCIe Generation 4.0 Advantages

PCIe 4.0 technology doubles the bandwidth per lane compared to PCIe 3.0, enabling this SSD to achieve sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,800 MB/s. The increased bandwidth reduces I/O bottlenecks in data-intensive applications, making it ideal for virtualization, database operations, and high-performance computing workloads.

U.2 Form Factor Benefits

The 2.5-inch U.2 form factor provides enterprise-grade reliability features including robust connector design, superior thermal dissipation compared to M.2 alternatives, and hot-swap capability. This design ensures maximum uptime and serviceability in mission-critical environments where system availability is paramount.

Capacity and NAND Technology

With a formatted capacity of 7.68TB, this SSD offers substantial storage space for enterprise applications while maintaining consistent performance across the entire capacity range. The drive employs TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash technology optimized for read-intensive workloads, balancing cost-effectiveness with performance requirements.

TLC NAND for Enterprise Applications

The use of enterprise-grade TLC NAND provides an optimal balance between cost, endurance, and performance. Unlike consumer-grade TLC, this enterprise variant incorporates advanced error correction, wear-leveling algorithms, and over-provisioning to ensure data integrity and extended lifespan under continuous operation.

Capacity Optimization

The 7.68TB capacity point is strategically designed to provide optimal performance characteristics while maximizing available storage. This capacity ensures sufficient over-provisioning for maintaining consistent write performance and extending the drive's operational lifespan under heavy workload conditions.

Endurance and Reliability 

Workload Optimization

Optimized specifically for read-intensive workloads typically found in database query operations, content delivery networks, boot drives, and application hosting where read operations significantly outnumber write operations. The drive maintains consistent performance even during sustained read activity.

Enterprise Reliability Features

The Dell 345-BLNB incorporates multiple enterprise-focused reliability features including end-to-end data protection, power loss protection, advanced error correction codes, and sophisticated bad block management. These features ensure data integrity and prevent corruption during unexpected power events or system failures.

Data Integrity Mechanisms

Advanced ECC (Error Correction Code) capabilities correct multiple bit errors per page, while RAID protection within the drive architecture provides additional data security. The drive also features TCG Opal 2.01 security compliance for enhanced data protection in multi-tenant environments.

Power Loss Protection Circuitry

Integrated power loss protection circuits ensure that in-flight data is safely written to persistent storage during unexpected power interruptions. This prevents data corruption and maintains filesystem integrity, critical for always-on enterprise applications.

Dell PowerEdge Server 

The Dell 345-BLNB is specifically validated and optimized for Dell PowerEdge 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th generation servers. This ensures seamless integration, firmware compatibility, and optimal performance when deployed in supported PowerEdge platforms.

PowerEdge 14th Generation Server

Compatible with PowerEdge R740xd, R740, R740xd2, R640, and other 14th generation platforms when configured with appropriate NVMe backplanes and controllers. Full compatibility with Dell OpenManage systems management for comprehensive monitoring and maintenance.

PowerEdge 15th Generation Server

Validated for R750, R750xa, R650, and other 15th generation servers featuring native PCIe 4.0 support. Takes full advantage of the increased bandwidth available in these platforms for maximum performance in virtualized and software-defined storage environments.

PowerEdge 16th Generation Server

Optimized for R760, R660, and other 16th generation platforms with enhanced NVMe capabilities. Supports newer management features including telemetry monitoring and predictive failure analysis through Dell CloudIQ integration.

PowerEdge 17th Generation Server

Designed for compatibility with the latest PowerEdge servers, ensuring future-proof investment protection. Supports advanced NVMe features including NVMe-MI management and multi-namespace capabilities available in newest generation platforms.

Performance Metrics

Sequential and Random Performance

The Dell 345-BLNB delivers exceptional performance metrics with sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 3,800 MB/s. Random performance reaches up to 1,000,000 IOPS for read operations and 130,000 IOPS for write operations at queue depth 256.

Latency Specifications

Consistently low latency with typical read latency under 100 microseconds and write latency under 15 microseconds, ensuring responsive performance for latency-sensitive applications and database operations.

Sustained Performance Characteristics

Unlike consumer SSDs that may throttle under sustained workloads, the Dell 345-BLNB maintains consistent performance through advanced thermal management and workload optimization. The drive is designed to deliver predictable performance even during extended periods of heavy utilization.

Performance Consistency

Minimal performance degradation over the drive's lifespan thanks to sophisticated garbage collection, static and dynamic wear leveling, and ample over-provisioning. Performance remains predictable throughout the warranty period.

Use Cases and Application Scenarios

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

Ideal for hypervisor boot volumes, virtual machine storage, and container orchestration platforms where high random read performance accelerates virtual machine deployment and operation. The high IOPS capability supports dense virtualization environments with numerous concurrent virtual machines.

Database and Transaction Processing

Optimized for database applications where fast read operations are critical for query performance, reporting, and analytics. The low latency ensures rapid transaction processing in OLTP environments while the high endurance handles write-ahead logs and temporary workspace requirements.

Data Warehousing

Sufficient capacity and performance for data warehouse applications where large datasets require rapid access for business intelligence and analytics processing. The sequential read performance accelerates data scanning and aggregation operations.