872820-B21 HPE 1.92TB Read Intensive SATA 6GBPS 2.5inch TLC SSD

Typical target workloads

• Read caching layers (e.g., web caching, database read replicas)
• Large object repositories with low update frequency (archive/nearline scenarios)
• Virtual machine boot/storage where reads dominate after provisioning
• Analytics and reporting databases that scan large indexes
• Content delivery platforms and media streaming (read-heavy access patterns)

HPE 872820-B21 1.92TB SATA 6Gb/s Read-Intensive 2.5" SSD

The HPE 872820-B21 is a server-grade 1.92TB solid-state drive supplied as an option/field-replaceable unit for HPE ProLiant systems and other enterprise platforms. It is offered in a 2.5-inch, 7mm small form factor with a SATA III (6.0 Gb/s) interface, and is tailored for read-intensive data center workloads where fast random reads, low latency and long-term reliability matter more than write-heavy endurance. The drive is commonly packaged and sold under HPE option numbers and equivalent OEM part numbers and is widely stocked by enterprise parts resellers.

HPE 1.92TB Read-Intensive SATA SSD

Enterprise SSD selection balances capacity, performance, endurance and cost. The HPE 872820-B21 targets workloads where read performance and capacity per drive are prioritized over extremely high drive write endurance — typical uses include large read caches, content-delivery datasets, analytics indices that are updated periodically, boot volumes, and capacity-optimized tiers in tiered storage architectures. Choosing an RI-class SSD can yield a much lower $/GB than mixed-use or write-intensive enterprise SSDs while still providing low latency and consistent read throughput. 

Detailed technical specifications

Electrical, mechanical and interface characteristics

The drive conforms to the 2.5-inch, 7mm industry mechanical envelope and connects via a standard SATA III data and power interface, making it compatible with many server backplanes and storage bays (non-hot-plug/drive carrier compatibility depends on the specific server chassis and HPE carrier). The SATA interface imposes a theoretical 6.0 Gb/s link rate; real sequential throughput will be constrained by the interface, controller, and internal NAND configuration. HPE part listings and resellers typically document the form factor and interface clearly on the product page.

Capacity tiers and addressing

1.92TB is the common marketed capacity for this SKU. Note that binary and decimal conventions (TiB vs TB) may cause slight variations in reported capacity by OS and management tools. Enterprise controllers and system firmware usually present the drive using decimal gigabytes. When building storage arrays, always confirm reported usable capacity in the target OS or storage controller console.

Endurance, reliability and firmware features

Read-intensive SSDs are specified with endurance ratings appropriate to their class — endurance is typically expressed as TBW (total bytes written) or DWPD (drive writes per day) for a warranty period. HPE and resellers will list the SKU’s workload rating and may include temperature, MTBF and other reliability metrics in official Quick Specs; many resellers will also list alternate internal part numbers and the NAND vendor for a specific batch. Because enterprise SSD internal components (controller and NAND vendor) can change over time, confirm precise endurance figures with the HPE Quick Specs or the specific reseller’s product sheet if endurance is a critical procurement factor.

Compatibility

The HPE 872820-B21 is commonly positioned as an HPE-validated SSD for multiple ProLiant server generations (Gen8/Gen9/Gen10 families as referenced on product pages and Quick Specs). Compatibility with particular drive carriers, caddies, and backplanes can vary — a drive sold as a "kit" may include a carrier or require a specific caddy for hot-swap environments. For non-HPE chassis or custom server builds, the drive’s SATA interface and 2.5" form factor are broadly compatible, but functional behavior (e.g., presence of SMART telemetry in vendor tools) is best verified with the server vendor.

Price considerations and total cost of ownership

RI-class drives typically offer a favorable $/GB when compared to mixed-use or write-intensive enterprise SSDs. Evaluate the overall TCO: initial purchase price, expected lifespan given your write profile, power and cooling implications, and management overhead (firmware updates, monitoring). Resellers list a wide range of pricing depending on new vs refurbished condition, included kit elements, and availability; always factor in support and replacement logistics when calculating lifecycle cost.

Mounting and carrier specifics

In HPE servers, certain drive bays require a specific carrier or sled for hot-swap and to present the drive correctly to the management subsystem. The 872820-B21 is frequently sold as a drive kit intended for ProLiant systems; if you plan to install the drive in a third-party enclosure, ensure the carrier or sled physically secures the 7mm drive and does not interfere with server airflow.

HPE OEM SKUs vs commodity enterprise SSDs

OEM SKUs like the 872820-B21 are validated for HPE systems and may have firmware tuning and support that benefits warranty and platform integration. Commodity enterprise SSDs can offer equivalent raw specs at times but may not be validated with HPE management stacks or covered by HPE warranty — a consideration for mission-critical deployments. When procurement requires HPE support and on-warranty replacement, choose OEM-branded SKUs or confirm cross-ship agreements with your reseller.

Maintenance, lifecycle and disposal

Drive retirement and secure erase

For secure decommissioning, use vendor-recommended secure erase or cryptographic erase procedures. HPE and SSD vendors publish secure erase utilities designed for SSDs to avoid harmful wear patterns and to ensure that data is unrecoverable. Track the drive’s TBW/DWPD and retire based on the vendor’s recommended thresholds and warranty guidance. Always follow your organization’s data sanitation and e-waste policies when disposing of SSDs.

Firmware and patching strategy

Firmware updates can provide reliability and performance fixes, but they also carry risk. Create a controlled firmware update plan: validate on test servers, preserve backups, and confirm rollback procedures. Keep firmware and server platform firmware aligned with HPE recommendations where possible to maintain support entitlements.

Use-case examples & deployment patterns

Example 1 Read cache tier for a hybrid storage array

Deploy HPE 872820-B21 drives as a dedicated read caching tier in front of high-capacity HDDs. Because of the drive’s read-optimized firmware and strong sequential/random read performance, caches populated with RI drives reduce read latency and lower HDD activity, improving application responsiveness while keeping the cost lower than a full mixed-use SSD tier. Monitor cache hit rates and tune eviction policies to maximize ROI.

Content optimization for this category

When publishing this description to a category page, use keyword variations naturally: "HPE 872820-B21 1.92TB SSD", "HPE 1.92TB SATA 6Gb/s 2.5 inch SSD", "HPE read intensive SSD 1.92TB", "ProLiant 1.92TB SATA SSD", and long-tail phrases such as "enterprise read-intensive 2.5 inch SSD for HPE ProLiant". Include technical callouts (capacity, interface, form factor), compatibility badges (ProLiant Gen-X validated) and structured data (product Schema) in the page shell outside this body to improve search result display and product discoverability. Also include clear CTAs and inventory/availability indicators near pricing and add-to-cart elements.

Final technical reminders for site managers

Maintain updated product pages that reflect current firmware, internal NAND vendor changes, and kit vs bare drive distinctions. Where reseller stock photographs are used, label images clearly (drive only vs drive + carrier) and show any included accessories. Because enterprise part makeup can shift over time, add a short “spec variance” note explaining that internal component suppliers and firmware may vary across manufacturing lots and that customers should contact support for batch-specific datasheets when needed.