P18438-K21 HPE 3.84TB 2.5in SFF SATA 6GBPS Mixed Use SSD

HPE P18438-K21 3.84TB SSD 

The HPE P18438-K21 represents enterprise-class solid-state storage engineered for demanding data center environments. This 3.84TB SATA SSD delivers the perfect balance of capacity, performance, and endurance for mixed-use workloads where both read and write operations are consistently demanding.

Capacity and Form Factor

With a formatted capacity of 3.84TB in a 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) design, this drive optimizes storage density in constrained rack spaces while providing substantial storage for virtualized environments, databases, and other enterprise applications.

Interface and Protocol

Utilizing the SATA 6Gb/s interface, this SSD maintains compatibility with existing server infrastructure while delivering significantly higher performance than traditional hard disk drives, making it an ideal upgrade path for organizations seeking performance improvements without complete infrastructure overhaul.

Mixed-Use Workload Requirements

Mixed-use workloads represent some of the most demanding storage scenarios in enterprise environments, requiring consistent performance for both read-intensive and write-intensive operations. The HPE P18438-K21 is specifically engineered to handle these challenging conditions without performance degradation.

Workload Endurance Characteristics

This drive is rated for significant daily write workloads, typically supporting multiple drive writes per day depending on the specific mixed-use profile, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance throughout the drive's operational lifespan.

Database Operations

Database systems such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and MySQL benefit tremendously from the balanced read/write performance, handling transaction logs (write-intensive) and query operations (read-intensive) with equal proficiency.

Enterprise Reliability and Data Protection

The 2.5-inch hot-plug capable form factor enables maintenance and replacement without system downtime, critical for 24/7 operational environments. The small form factor allows for higher storage density in HPE ProLiant, HPE Apollo, and other compatible server platforms.

Hot-Pluggable SFF Design

Designed for seamless integration with HPE server backplanes and hot-plug carriers, this P18438-K21 SSD can be safely installed or removed while the system remains operational, following proper hot-plug procedures outlined in HPE documentation.

Firmware and Management

HPE-specific firmware ensures optimal performance and compatibility within HPE server ecosystems, while integration with HPE One View and iLO management systems provides comprehensive monitoring and alerting capabilities.

ProLiant Server Series

DL Series Rack Servers

Compatible with HPE ProLiant DL rack servers including the DL300, DL300, and DL500 series, providing high-performance storage options for general enterprise applications, virtualization hosts, and database servers.

ML Series Tower Servers

Suitable for HPE ProLiant ML tower servers deployed in smaller data centers, branch offices, and environments where rack mounting isn't practical or necessary.

HPE Apollo Systems

Ideal for high-density storage applications in HPE Apollo systems where the 2.5-inch form factor maximizes storage capacity while maintaining high performance for data analytics, content delivery, and other scale-out workloads.

Compatibility

When used in HPE P18438-K21 Modular Smart Array systems, these SSDs can be configured in tiered storage arrangements or all-flash configurations, delivering performance acceleration for specific workloads or applications. Compatible with software-defined storage solutions leveraging HPE Store Virtual technology, providing the performance foundation for highly available, scalable storage environments. When used with HPE Smart Array controllers, these SSDs can leverage additional features such as advanced caching algorithms, optimized performance profiles, and enhanced monitoring capabilities through HPE Systems Insight Manager.

S.M.A.R.T. Attributes

Comprehensive S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) attributes provide visibility into drive health, remaining lifespan, and performance characteristics, enabling proactive maintenance.

HPE Predictive Analytics

When used in HPE servers with iLO Advanced or iLO Amplifier Pack, these drives can participate in HPE's predictive analytics ecosystem, identifying potential issues before they result in downtime or data loss.

Read-Intensive SSDs

While read-intensive SSDs may offer lower cost per gigabyte for predominantly read-oriented workloads, the P18438-K21's mixed-use design provides superior write performance and endurance for balanced workloads, often delivering better total cost of ownership when write operations are significant.

Compared to Write-Intensive SSDs

Write-intensive SSDs typically command a premium for extreme write endurance requirements, making the mixed-use P18438-K21 a cost-effective alternative for workloads that include substantial write components but don't require the maximum write endurance of write-intensive models.