P06196-H21 HPE 960GB SATA 6GBPS 2.5" Read Intensive SSD

HPE P06196-H21 960GB SATA 6GBPS 2.5 Inch TLC SSD

Boost your enterprise server's performance and reliability with the HPE P06196-H21 960GB solid state drive. This high-performance storage solution is engineered for read-intensive applications, delivering exceptional speed and efficiency for your data center infrastructure.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• Primary Part Number: P06196-H21
• Alternate Part Code: P06572-001
• Component Category: Hot-Swap Solid State Drive
• Included Accessory: HPE SmartDrive Carrier

Technical Specifications

Discover the detailed engineering specifications that make this SSD an ideal choice for enterprise storage solutions.

Core Storage Attributes

• Total Memory: 960 Gigabytes
• Connection Interface: SATA 6 Gigabits per second
• Physical Dimensions: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor
• NAND Flash Technology: Triple-Level Cell (TLC)
• Insertion Capability: Hot Pluggable
• Application Profile: Read Intensive Workloads
• Enclosure System: Smart Carrier (SC)
• Security Feature: Digitally Signed Firmware

Impressive Performance Metrics

• 30-Day Write Capacity: 1710 Terabytes
• Drive Endurance (DWPD): 1.00
• Maximum Data Transfer Speed: 600 MBps externally
• Peak Sequential Read Speed: 530 MiB/s
• Peak Sequential Write Speed: 480 MiB/s
• Random Read Latency: 120 microseconds (4KiB, Q1)
• Random Write Latency: 65 microseconds (4KiB, Q1)
• Random Read Operations: 58,500 IOPS (4KiB, Q=16)
• Random Write Operations: 36,500 IOPS (4KiB, Q=16)
• Maximum Random Read Performance: 58,500 IOPS @ Q32
• Maximum Random Write Performance: 38,200 IOPS @ Q16

Connectivity and Integration

• Primary Interface: Single SATA 6Gb/s connection
• Compatible Enclosure: 2.5-inch SFF drive bay

Energy Efficiency Ratings

• Standby Power Draw: 0.78 Watts
• Random Read Consumption: 1.61 Watts
• Random Write Consumption: 1.61 Watts
• Sequential Read Usage: 1.69 Watts
• Sequential Write Usage: 2.35 Watts
• Peak Power Demand: 2.43 Watts

Physical Dimensions and Mass

• Vertical Measurement: 5.00 inches (12.70 cm)
• Horizontal Measurement: 7.00 inches (17.78 cm)
• Longitudinal Measurement: 9.00 inches (22.86 cm)
• Unit Mass: 1.10 pounds (0.50 kilograms)

Server Compatibility Guide

This enterprise SSD is specifically validated for seamless integration with numerous HPE server platforms.

Supported HPE Server Platforms

HPE Apollo Systems

• HPE Apollo 4200 Gen10 (2.5inch)

HPE ProLiant DL Rackmount Series

• DL20 Gen10 (2.5inch), DL20 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch), DL20 Gen10 Performance (2.5inch)
• DL325 Gen10 (2.5inch), DL325 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch), DL325 Gen10 Performance (2.5inch)
• DL360 Gen10 (2.5inch), DL360 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch), DL360 Gen10 High Performance (2.5inch)
• DL380 Gen10 (2.5inch), DL380 Gen10 Base (2.5inch), DL380 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch)
• DL385 Gen10 (2.5inch), DL385 Gen10 Base (2.5inch), DL385 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch)
• DL580 Gen10 (2.5inch), DL580 Gen10 Base (2.5inch), DL580 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch)

HPE ProLiant ML Tower Series

• ML30 Gen10 (2.5inch), ML30 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch), ML30 Gen10 Performance (2.5inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Base (2.5inch), ML350 Gen10 Entry (2.5inch), ML350 Gen10 Performance (2.5inch)

HPE ProLiant XL Series

• XL190r Gen10 (2.5inch), XL270d Gen10 (2.5inch)

HPE Synergy Compute Modules

• 480 Gen10 Base Compute Module (2.5inch), 480 Gen10 Compute Module (2.5inch)
• 660 Gen10 Base Compute Module (2.5inch), 660 Gen10 Compute Module (2.5inch)
• 680 Gen9 4S-EX Compute Module (2.5inch)

Enterprise Storage Advantages

This HPE storage device delivers significant benefits for organizations seeking to optimize their data center performance.

Performance Benefits

• Exceptional read performance for data-intensive operations
• Low latency response times for improved application responsiveness
• High IOPS capability for demanding workload requirements
• Enhanced data throughput for faster access to critical information

Reliability Features

• Digitally signed firmware for enhanced security protection
• Hot-pluggable design for seamless maintenance and replacement
• Optimized endurance rating for read-centric application profiles
• Enterprise-grade TLC flash memory for consistent performance

Integration Benefits

• Broad compatibility with HPE server infrastructure
• Included SmartDrive carrier for straightforward installation
• Energy-efficient operation for reduced operational costs
• Standard 2.5-inch form factor for easy deployment

HPE P06196-H21 960GB SATA 6GBPS SSD Overview

The HPE P06196-H21 960GB SATA 6GBPS TLC Read Intensive 2.5 Inch SSD is designed to deliver high-speed, reliable storage performance for enterprise-level applications and data-centric workloads. Optimized for read-intensive operations, this SSD ensures consistent performance and low latency across demanding environments. With its 960GB capacity, the HPE P06196-H21 offers a perfect balance between storage space, performance, and endurance, making it suitable for applications such as database management, virtualization, and content delivery systems.The classification of an SSD as read-intensive is a fundamental aspect of its design and intended use case. Unlike write-intensive drives, which are built to handle a constant and heavy stream of data writes, read-intensive drives are optimized for scenarios where data is retrieved far more frequently than it is written or modified. This optimization has significant implications for the internal architecture, the type of NAND flash memory used, and the overall endurance rating of the drive.

NAND Flash Technology in Read-Intensive Drives

At the core of the HPE P06196-H21 is Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND flash memory. TLC technology stores three bits of data per memory cell, which allows for higher storage densities and a lower cost per gigabyte compared to Single-Level Cell (SLC) and Multi-Level Cell (MLC) alternatives. While historically TLC had trade-offs in terms of write endurance and speed, advanced controller technology, sophisticated wear-leveling algorithms, and large SLC caches have made it a viable and highly cost-effective solution for read-centric workloads. The use of TLC is a key differentiator for this category, positioning it as an economical choice for capacity-oriented tasks where the absolute highest write performance is not the primary requirement.

Endurance and Terabytes Written (TBW)

Endurance is a critical specification for any SSD, quantified as the Total Terabytes Written (TBW) over the drive's lifespan. Read-intensive drives like the P06196-H21 have a lower TBW rating compared to their mixed-use or write-intensive counterparts. This is not a flaw but a deliberate design choice that reflects the expected workload. By aligning the drive's endurance with its operational profile, HPE can deliver a product that meets reliability expectations without the cost over-engineering associated with higher-endurance NAND. The drive is engineered to handle its specified workload consistently for the duration of its service life within HPE hardware.

Interface and Form Factor Specifications

The HPE P06196-H21 utilizes the SATA 6Gbps interface and conforms to the 2.5-inch form factor. These specifications place it in a mature and widely adopted category of storage devices, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of integration.

The SATA 6Gbps Interface in Modern Data Centers

The Serial ATA (SATA) interface, with a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 6 gigabits per second, remains a prevalent standard in enterprise storage. While newer interfaces like NVMe over PCIe offer significantly higher throughput, SATA provides a crucial balance of performance, cost, and compatibility. For many read-intensive applications, the sequential read and write speeds achievable with SATA 6Gbps are more than sufficient. This makes drives like the P06196-H21 ideal for populating large storage arrays where the cost per terabyte and density are more critical than the raw speed of individual drives. The SATA interface ensures this drive can be deployed in a vast installed base of HPE ProLiant, Apollo, and Synergy servers, as well as HPE MSA and StoreVirtual storage systems.

The Ubiquitous 2.5-Inch Form Factor

The 2.5-inch small form factor (SFF) drive bay has become the standard in modern server design. The HPE P06196-H21 2.5-inch SSD is designed to slot directly into these bays, allowing for high storage density within a limited rack unit space. This form factor enables IT managers to maximize the storage capacity of their HPE servers without requiring additional physical space. The drive is built to the precise physical specifications required for hot-swap capabilities in HPE chassis, facilitating easy maintenance, upgrades, and replacement without necessitating server downtime.

Integration with HPE Ecosystem and Firmware

A defining characteristic of this category is its deep integration within the Hewlett Packard Enterprise ecosystem. This is not a generic, off-the-shelf SSD that has been rebadged; it is a finely tuned component designed to work seamlessly with HPE hardware and software.

HPE Smart Array Controller Compatibility

The P06196-H21 SSD is tested and certified to work optimally with HPE Smart Array controllers. These controllers manage the RAID functionality for the server's internal storage. The drive's firmware communicates efficiently with the Smart Array controller, ensuring stable performance, predictable behavior during rebuilds, and comprehensive status reporting. This compatibility is vital for maintaining data integrity and availability in configured RAID arrays, which is a common deployment scenario for these drives.

HPE iLO and System Management

Full integration with HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) management is a significant value-add. Through iLO, system administrators can monitor the health, temperature, and status of each P06196-H21 SSD in the system remotely. They can receive proactive alerts for predictive drive failures based on HPE's analytics, often before a catastrophic failure occurs. This capability transforms the drive from a simple storage component into an intelligent, manageable asset within the HPE infrastructure, reducing operational overhead and mitigating risk.

HPE Firmware and Solid State Drive Toolbox

HPE provides specialized firmware for the P06196-H21 that includes enhancements and optimizations not found on consumer-grade SSDs. This firmware manages features like advanced wear leveling, garbage collection, and bad block management, all tailored for an enterprise environment. The HPE Solid State Drive Toolbox offers a suite of utilities for updating firmware, running diagnostics, and monitoring drive health, ensuring the drive operates at its best throughout its lifecycle.

Capacity Tier for HCI and VDI

In Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments, storage is often tiered. The P06196-H21 is perfectly suited for the capacity tier, where it can store operating system images, application binaries, and user data that is frequently read but infrequently updated. For VDI in particular, during a "boot storm" when hundreds of virtual desktops are starting up simultaneously, the high read performance of these drives ensures a smooth user experience.

Content Delivery and Media Streaming

Web servers, content delivery networks (CDNs), and media streaming platforms serve vast amounts of static content. This workload is almost exclusively read-oriented. The 960GB capacity and consistent read performance of the P06196-H21 make it an excellent choice for caching frequently accessed web pages, images, videos, and software downloads, thereby reducing latency and improving end-user experience.

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

In analytics workloads, large datasets are often loaded into a staging area or data warehouse where they are queried extensively. The write activity is typically a bulk load operation, after which the data is read repeatedly for reporting, dashboards, and analytical queries. The read-optimized nature of this SSD accelerates these query operations compared to traditional hard drives, leading to faster insights and decision-making.

Performance Characteristics and Reliability Metrics

Evaluating the performance and reliability of the HPE P06196-H21 requires looking beyond peak specifications to understand its consistent, real-world behavior under load.

Sustained Read and Write Performance

While the SATA 6Gbps interface has a bandwidth limit, the drive is engineered to deliver high and consistent sequential and random read speeds that saturate this interface for extended periods. The write performance is also robust, though it is designed for the lower write demands of its target workloads. The drive's controller and firmware work in concert to manage the SLC cache, which absorbs burst write operations, ensuring responsive performance during unexpected write activity.

Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Warranty

HPE rates the P06196-H21 with a high Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), a statistical reflection of its reliability. This high MTBF is achieved through rigorous component selection, comprehensive testing, and the advanced error correction code (ECC) capabilities of the drive controller. Furthermore, the drive is backed by a standard HPE warranty, which includes advanced replacement options, providing peace of mind and protecting the investment in IT infrastructure.

Power Loss Protection and Data Integrity

In an enterprise setting, protection against data corruption during an unexpected power loss is non-negotiable. The HPE P06196-H21 incorporates advanced power loss protection mechanisms. This typically involves a combination of onboard capacitors that provide enough hold-up power to complete any in-progress writes and flush the volatile cache to the non-volatile NAND memory, ensuring data integrity is maintained even in the event of a sudden power failure.

Comparing to Other Storage Tiers

To fully appreciate the role of the HPE P06196-H21, it must be viewed within the context of a broader storage strategy that includes other tiers of storage media.

Versus HPE Mixed-Use SSDs

HPE's mixed-use SSDs are designed for workloads with a more balanced ratio of read and write operations, such as database transaction logs or general-purpose server applications. These drives often use more enduring MLC or eMLC NAND and have a significantly higher TBW rating. The P06196-H21 read-intensive drive offers a lower cost per gigabyte and is the correct choice when the workload analysis confirms a strong read bias.

Versus HPE Write-Intensive SSDs

Write-intensive SSDs are built for the most demanding write workloads, including high-frequency transaction processing, write caching, and logging. They use the most durable NAND types, like SLC, and command a premium price. Deploying a write-intensive drive for a read-heavy application represents a significant and unnecessary capital expenditure, whereas using a read-intensive drive for a write-heavy workload would lead to premature wear-out.

Versus HPE Entry SAS and SATA HDDs

Compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), the P06196-H21 SSD provides orders of magnitude higher IOPS, significantly lower latency, and better power efficiency. While HDDs may offer a lower upfront cost for bulk storage, the performance and operational benefits of SSDs for active workloads are substantial. The P06196-H21 serves as a perfect bridge, offering SSD performance for capacity-sensitive, read-centric applications at a more accessible price point than high-end SSDs.