653964-001 HPE 800GB SAS 6GBPS 2.5" SSD Enterprise Mainstream

Main Details of HPE 653964-001 800GB SAS 6Gbps SSD

• Brand: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
• Model / SKU: 653964-001
• Device Type: Enterprise Solid State Drive
• Subtype: 800GB SAS 6Gbps Mainstream SSD
• Form Factor: 2.5-Inch Internal Hot-Swap

Technical Specifications

Storage and Performance

• Category: ProLiant Hard Drive
• Drive Type: Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Capacity: 800GB
• Interface: Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)
• Data Transfer Rate: 6Gbps
• Usage: Designed for Mixed-Use Workloads

Physical Features

• Form Factor: 2.5-Inch Internal
• Hot-Swap: Supported
• Generation: SAS SC SSD

System Compatibility

ProLiant BL Series

• BL420c (Gen8, Gen9)
• BL460c (Gen8, Gen9)
• BL465c (Gen8, Gen9)
• BL660c (Gen8, Gen9)

ProLiant DL Series

• DL20 (Gen9, Gen10)
• DL60 (Gen9)
• DL80 (Gen9)
• DL120 (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL160 (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL180 (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL320e (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL360 (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL360e (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL360p (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL380 (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL380e (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL380p (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL385p (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL388 (Gen9)
• DL560 (Gen8, Gen9)
• DL580 (Gen8, Gen9)

ProLiant ML Series

• ML110 (Gen8, Gen9)
• ML150 (Gen8, Gen9)
• ML310e (Gen8, Gen9)
• ML350 (Gen8, Gen9)
• ML350e (Gen8, Gen9)
• ML350p (Gen8, Gen9)

ProLiant SL Series

• SL230s (Gen8, Gen9)
• SL250s (Gen8, Gen9)
• SL270s (Gen8, Gen9)

ProLiant XL Series

• XL170r (Gen9)
• XL190r (Gen9)
• XL220a (Gen9)
• XL230a (Gen9)
• XL250a (Gen9)

HPE Storage and Virtual Systems

HPE Storage Arrays

• D3700
• D2220sb
• StoreEasy 1830
• StoreEasy 1840

HPE StoreVirtual (VSA)

• 4130
• 4330 / 4330 (FC)
• 4335 / 4335 Hybrid SAN
• 4530
• 4630
• 4730 / 4730 (FC)

HPE Synergy Systems

• D3940 Storage Module

Apollo Series

• 6500 (Gen9)

HPE 653964-001 800GB SAS 6GBPS Enterprise Mainstream 2.5Inch SSD — product overview and defining characteristics

The HPE 653964-001 800GB SAS 6GBPS Enterprise Mainstream 2.5-inch SSD is designed to bring enterprise-grade flash performance to HPE ProLiant servers and storage enclosures that expect a hot-pluggable SFF (small form factor) SmartCarrier drive. This model is an MLC-based SAS device with a 6 Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI interface and an 800GB usable capacity, offered as a hot-swap SmartDrive to preserve server serviceability and firmware compatibility in mission-critical deployments. The 653964-001 is issued as a spare/assembly part for multiple HPE ProLiant generations and is commonly sold as a genuine HP/HPE-certified drive for G8–G9 platforms.

Enterprise mainstream positioning and intended workloads

Positioned in the enterprise mainstream category, the 653964-001 balances sustained throughput, consistent low latency, and higher endurance than client-class SSDs, making it a practical choice for mixed application environments. It is optimized for server virtualization, database transaction logs, boot and application acceleration, and read/write mixed workloads where low latency and reliability translate directly into improved application performance and consolidated TCO. Its enterprise classification signals HPE's intention for deployment in multi-tenant racks, virtualization hosts, and storage tiers where predictable performance under sustained load is required.

Key technical specifications that matter for procurement and planning

At the heart of purchasing decisions are a handful of measurable attributes: capacity, form factor, interface, flash type and endurance. The HPE 653964-001 provides 800GB of user capacity in a 2.5-inch SFF form factor and connects over a 6Gb/s SAS interface. The drive uses Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND, is supplied with HPE firmware and a SmartDrive carrier, and is identified on HPE parts lists with the spare part number 653964-001. These attributes make it directly compatible with many HPE ProLiant servers and storage arrays that accept enterprise SAS SC (Smart Carrier) SSDs.

Form factor and carrier compatibility

Because the 653964-001 ships in HPE's SmartCarrier (SC) hot-plug tray, it fits into HPE hot-swap bays without modification to the server's drive sleds or backplane. That seamless physical fit ensures that service operations such as hot-swap replacement, fleet firmware updates and inventory management continue to follow established HPE processes, minimizing lift-and-shift friction in data center operations. Administrators therefore gain the operational benefit of being able to swap drives without downtime and leverage HPE management tools for drive health reporting.

Performance characteristics and real-world throughput

While peak performance depends on the controller, backplane and workload characteristics, published specifications for drives of this family indicate strong random I/O capability and healthy sequential throughput for its class. Typical published figures for similar 800GB MLC SAS enterprise mainstream drives show random read IOPS reaching tens of thousands, random write IOPS sufficient for transactional loads, and sequential reads/writes in the hundreds of MB/s range. Those metrics translate into faster VM boot storms, improved database query response, and reduced latency for latency-sensitive services when compared to traditional spinning media. Use-case testing in your environment is recommended to map these theoretical numbers to your actual stack.

Endurance and reliability considerations

Endurance for enterprise mainstream MLC drives is typically measured in Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) across a multi-year warranty window; several sources for comparable models show conservative ratings designed to meet data center expectations. HPE drives are distributed with firmware tuned for endurance and long-term reliability, and the SmartCarrier design helps monitor drive health through HPE management utilities. For customers planning heavy sustained writes—such as log-intensive databases or write caching—verify the endurance rating and ensure it aligns with the intended write profile to avoid premature wear-related replacement.

Compatibility matrix: servers, enclosures and HPE ecosystems

One of the core advantages of choosing the genuine HPE 653964-001 SKU is cross-compatibility with HPE server families. HPE documents and parts listings explicitly reference the 800GB hot-plug SAS SSD in the context of ProLiant server component lists for several Gen8 and Gen9 models. Because firmware, part numbering and drive trays are matched to HPE service channels, these drives are frequently the preferred option for enterprises that prioritize predictable behavior with HPE service packs, Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) monitoring and Smart Storage Controllers. Checking your server’s parts compatibility matrix and firmware revision notes will ensure the drive is recognized optimally by the platform.

Firmware and lifecycle management

Firmware matters in enterprise SSD deployment: HPE-supplied firmware improves compatibility with controllers, implements power-loss protection behavior consistent with HPE power and enclosure design, and exposes health telemetry to HPE management tools. When procuring 653964-001 drives for fleet deployments, align drive firmware versions with HPE-released updates to maintain predictable performance and to take advantage of any bug fixes or performance improvements. HPE's support site lists components and their recommended firmware bundles for different ProLiant models; follow HPE guidance for updates and test firmware in a staging environment before mass rollout.

Operational benefits: serviceability, monitoring and integration

Operationally, the SmartDrive carrier and HPE part certification provide benefits beyond raw speed. The 653964-001 integrates with HPE health monitoring, enabling early-warning alerts for metrics like spare block counts, temperature anomalies, and predictive failures. Hot-plug capability preserves uptime by allowing field replacement without powering down hosts. In managed environments, this combination reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) and simplifies lifecycle operations such as spare provisioning, firmware rollouts and warranty claims through HPE channels.

Deployment guidance: staging, testing and integration practices

Deploying fleet SSDs is best done with a methodical plan that includes staging, standardized firmware, and a testing script that captures both synthetic and real-world workload results. Before mass deployment of the HPE 653964-001, run a small validation cluster through representative workloads: boot storms, synthetic random read/write tests that mirror your VM densities, and real application tests that include peak usage patterns. Monitor metrics like IOPS, average latency, host CPU wait percentages, and drive health telemetry. Compare baseline HDD or existing SSD performance to quantify uplift and to justify TCO assumptions. Test power-loss and controller-failure scenarios as well to ensure your environment’s persistence and recovery behaviors match expectations.

Rack-level considerations and thermal management

While SSDs consume far less power than spinning disks under sustained throughput, enterprise drives still produce heat when stressed. Plan drive bay cooling and rack airflow to account for increased throughput in consolidated arrays. HPE enclosures and ProLiant chassis specify fan profiles and thermal targets; aligning drive placement with those recommendations ensures sustained performance without thermal throttling. Thermal telemetry, available through HPE iLO and storage controllers, should be part of the monitoring baseline.

Purchasing, warranty and aftermarket considerations

When purchasing the HPE 653964-001, buyers typically decide between new genuine HPE units and remanufactured or refurbished alternatives. Genuine HPE units often ship with HPE warranty and have firmware assurance and stock-keeping advantages, while refurbished drives can provide cost savings for non-critical environments. Verify the seller’s warranty terms, return policy, and any included drive trays or caddies. Several reputable resellers list the 653964-001 as in-stock with HPE spare part identification and one-year limited warranty as part of their offerings; however, commercial terms can vary and should be read carefully at the time of purchase.