6HCMW Dell 3.84TB SAS 12GBPS SSD Mixed Use 3DWPD TLC Hot Plug

Dell 6HCMW 3.84TB Self-Encrypting SSD Overview

The Dell 6HCMW 3.84TB Self-Encrypting Solid State Drive (SSD) is designed for high-performance enterprise environments, offering robust security and impressive endurance. Tailored for Dell PowerEdge servers from 14G to 16G, this drive combines speed, reliability, and advanced encryption to meet demanding data center workloads.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer: Dell
• Part Number / SKU: 6HCMW
• Storage Type: Internal Solid State Drive
• Capacity: 3.84TB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch Hot-Swap SSD
• Interface: SAS 12Gb/s
• Endurance: Mixed Use (3 DWPD)
• NAND Flash Type: V-NAND TLC
• Encryption: Self-Encrypting Drive (SED)

Performance and Endurance

Engineered for both read-intensive and mixed-use workloads, the Dell 6HCMW SSD ensures consistent performance and longevity:

• High-speed SAS 12Gb/s interface for rapid data transfer
• 3 DWPD endurance rating for reliable write cycles
• Mixed-use optimization suitable for virtualized and transactional workloads
• Self-encrypting hardware ensures data protection without performance compromise

Advanced Security Features

• Hardware-based encryption for enhanced data protection
• Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) technology prevents unauthorized access
• Compliance with enterprise-grade security standards

Expansion and Connectivity

This SSD is designed for easy integration and rapid deployment in modern server architectures:

• Single SAS 12Gb/s interface
• Compatible with 2.5-inch hot-swap bays
• Supports tray mounting for effortless replacement or upgrades

Compatible Dell Systems

The 6HCMW SSD is widely compatible with a range of Dell PowerEdge and PowerVault servers, providing maximum flexibility in deployment:

PowerEdge Rack and Tower Servers

• R350, R360, R440, R450, R550
• R640, R650, R650xs, R6515, R6525
• R660, R660xs, R6615, R6625
• R740, R740xd, R750, R750xa, R750xs, R7515, R7525
• R760, R760xa, R760xs, R7615, R7625
• R840, R860, R940, R940xa, R960
• T550, T560, Xe9680, Xr7620

PowerEdge Compute Nodes

• C6420, C6520, C6525, C6615, C6620
• HS5610, HS5620

PowerVault Storage Systems

• MD2424

Benefits of Choosing Dell 6HCMW SSD

• High reliability for mission-critical applications
• Optimized for mixed-use workloads
• Enhanced data security with built-in encryption
• Easy hot-swap installation for minimal downtime
• Broad compatibility with Dell server and storage platforms

Dell 6HCMW 3.84TB Mixed Use 3DWPD TLC SAS 12Gbps 2.5" Hot-Plug SSD

The Dell 6HCMW 3.84TB Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) is a high-performance enterprise solid-state drive engineered for mixed-use workloads in modern data centers. Optimized for Dell PowerEdge 14G, 15G and 16G servers, this 2.5-inch SAS 12Gbps drive combines advanced 3 DWPD endurance, TLC NAND technology, and built-in hardware encryption to deliver a balanced blend of sustained throughput, consistent I/O performance, and robust data security. As a certified, hot-plug capable component with a tray included, the 6HCMW drive is designed for rapid deployment, predictable servicing, and tight integration with Dell server management features and firmware ecosystems.

Key Technical Characteristics and Architecture

NAND Technology and Controller Design

The drive employs triple-level cell (TLC) NAND to provide an optimal compromise between capacity and cost per gigabyte while maintaining endurance suitable for mixed-use scenarios. The SSD’s controller is tuned for SAS 12Gbps connectivity, enabling enterprise-grade queue management, error correction, and wear leveling. Together, controller firmware and TLC NAND reduce latency spikes, improve read/write amplification control, and extend usable life in multi-tenant and transactional environments.

Performance Metrics

Performance is characterized by sustained throughput and consistent IOPS across mixed read/write patterns typical of virtualization, database operations, and application hosting. The 3 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating indicates that the drive can safely sustain writes equivalent to three times its capacity each day for the warranty period without compromising endurance. With SAS 12Gbps bandwidth, sequential transfer rates and random I/O throughput outperform previous-generation SATA and 6Gbps SAS devices, making this SSD appropriate for latency-sensitive workloads and congested backplane topologies.

Capacity and Form Factor

At 3.84TB usable capacity in a 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor) package, the 6HCMW model enables high-density storage configurations in blade, rack, and tower PowerEdge systems. The 2.5-inch format allows for greater drive densities per chassis and better thermal management when combined with Dell’s validated trays and drive carriers. The tray included ensures compatibility with Dell rails and backplane connectors, enabling tool-less hot-swapping during live maintenance operations.

Endurance and Reliability

Endurance is a critical metric for enterprise SSDs, and the 6HCMW’s 3 DWPD rating signals confidence for sustained mixed reads and writes typical in transactional databases, mail servers, and virtual machine hosts. The drive implements robust error correction codes (ECC), background media management, and power loss protection algorithms in firmware to preserve data integrity in the event of unexpected shutdowns. These reliability features, combined with Dell certification testing, reduce the likelihood of unplanned downtime and data loss.

Security and Self-Encryption Features

Hardware-Based Self-Encrypting Drive (SED)

Security is embedded at the hardware layer. The 6HCMW supports SED functionality, enabling full-drive encryption with minimal performance overhead. Because encryption occurs within the drive controller, CPU cycles and host resources remain available for application workloads. The drive’s SED implementation supports enterprise key management workflows and can be integrated with industry-standard management tools to enforce data-at-rest protection policies across an entire server fleet.

Compliance and Key Management Integration

Self-encryption on the 6HCMW drive aligns with common regulatory and compliance frameworks that require data protection for sensitive information. Enterprises can integrate the SED with Dell OpenManage, common KMS (Key Management System) platforms, and existing directory services to automate key provisioning, rotation, and escrow. The drive’s SED capability simplifies secure decommissioning processes by allowing cryptographic erase rather than physical media destruction, streamlining asset disposal and compliance workflows.

Compatibility with Dell PowerEdge Servers

Built for Dell 14G, 15G, and 16G PowerEdge Platforms

One of the principal benefits of the 6HCMW drive is its certification for use in Dell PowerEdge 14G, 15G, and 16G servers. Certification means the drive has been validated against Dell’s interoperability tests for firmware, thermal profiles, error reporting, and iDRAC/OpenManage management functions. As a certified component, the drive integrates with Dell system BIOS settings, RAID controllers, and Dell’s lifecycle controller to enable firmware updates, monitoring, and warranty support consistent with OEM standards.

Hot-Plug and Tray Integration

The drive’s hot-plug capability allows for safe insertion and removal from powered systems that support hot-swap operations. The included tray is engineered for secure seating in Dell drive bays and proper alignment with SAS connectors. Hot-plug support reduces maintenance windows and enables non-disruptive drive replacement for redundant RAID arrays or clustered storage pools, which is essential for high-availability environments and 24/7 operations.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

Virtualization and Hyperconverged Infrastructure

In virtualized environments where multiple virtual machines generate unpredictable random I/O and bursty writes, the 6HCMW SSD’s mixed-use profile and 3 DWPD endurance make it a practical choice. Its performance characteristics help reduce VM boot storms, accelerate storage-backed caching layers, and improve consolidation ratios. For hyperconverged infrastructures that leverage server-local storage, the drive’s combination of capacity and endurance allows administrators to balance cost-efficiency with consistent performance across compute and storage tiers.

Databases and Transactional Applications

Transactional databases such as SQL, NoSQL engines, and caching layers demand low latency and stable write endurance. The drive’s enterprise-grade controller logic and SED support provide both the performance and security necessary for handling sensitive transactional data. Use in primary database nodes, analytics nodes where mixed I/O patterns are common, or as hot tiers in tiered storage architectures are natural fits for this drive.

Backup, Cache, and Tiering Use Cases

While high-endurance drives are preferred for intensive write workloads, the 6HCMW is well suited as a cache or read-accelerator in hybrid storage arrays and backup staging areas. Its TLC NAND and 3.84TB capacity allow organizations to deploy more capacity in cache tiers without a steep cost premium. For backup applications where large sequential writes are common during backup windows, the drive provides predictable throughput and quick restore times when used as a performance tier.