HPE P50220-B21 7.68TB Read Intensive NVMe High Refurbished

Product Snapshot — HPE P50220-B21 7.68TB NVMe U.3 SSD

The HPE P50220-B21 is a high-density, read-intensive NVMe solid-state drive engineered for enterprise storage environments. Delivering 7.68 TB of capacity in a compact SFF U.3 package, this TLC NAND SSD combines ultra-low latency with sustained throughput for mission-critical applications.

Main Specification about this HPE P50220-B21

Model: P50220-B21
Brand: HPE
Type: Enterprise NVMe solid-state drive
Capacity: 7.68 TB (user-addressable)
Form factor: SFF U.3 (Small Form Factor)
Flash: TLC NAND
Interface: NVMe over PCIe
Ports: Dual
Plug: Hot-pluggable
Carrier: SCN

Technical Specifications

Physical & Mechanical Details

Height: 15 mm
Package: SFF U.3 compatible
Carrier Type: SCN
Hot Swap: Supported (hot plug)

Interface & Connectivity

Protocol: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)
Porting: Dual-port capable for redundancy and high availability
Connector Type: U.3 (backplane-friendly)

Core Benefits & Use Cases

Optimized for read-heavy workloads such as databases, analytics, and caching.
High IOPS and low latency for virtualization and cloud platforms.
Hot-pluggable design for easy serviceability in data center racks.
U.3 form factor provides compatibility with modern server backplanes.

Performance Metrics

IOPS & Latency

Random Read IOPS: Up to 200,000 IOPS
Random Write IOPS: Up to 175,000 IOPS

Sequential Throughput

Sequential Read: Up to 7,100 MiB/s
Sequential Write: Up to 4,200 MiB/s

Performance Summary

These metrics make the P50220-B21 ideal for high-bandwidth tasks and demanding read-dominant workloads where predictable latency and high sustained throughput are critical.

Compatibility & Deployment

Suitable Environments

Enterprise servers and blade systems
Software-defined storage platforms
High-density storage arrays
Virtualized data centers and cloud infrastructure

HPE P50220-B21 7.68TB SSD: Enterprise Storage Redefined

The HPE P50220-B21 represents the pinnacle of enterprise-grade NVMe storage technology, specifically engineered for read-intensive applications that demand exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency. This 7.68TB U.3 form factor drive combines cutting-edge TLC NAND with HPE's robust firmware to deliver a storage solution that accelerates data access while maintaining optimal total cost of ownership.

Unparalleled Performance for Data-Intensive Workloads

Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern data centers, the P50220-B21 delivers consistent high performance with low latency, making it ideal for applications where rapid data retrieval is critical. With sequential read speeds reaching up to 3,500 MB/s and random read performance of up to 800,000 IOPS, this drive significantly reduces application response times and improves overall system throughput.

Key Performance Specifications

The drive's architecture is optimized for maximum efficiency, featuring advanced power management capabilities that reduce energy consumption without compromising performance. The NVMe 1.3c interface ensures compatibility with the latest server platforms while providing the bandwidth necessary to handle the most demanding workloads.

Comprehensive Technical Specifications

The HPE P50220-B21 incorporates sophisticated engineering and quality components to deliver enterprise-class reliability and performance. Understanding its technical specifications helps in making informed decisions for your storage infrastructure.

Form Factor and Interface Details

The drive utilizes the 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) with U.3 connector interface, providing universal compatibility with both NVMe and SATA backplanes. This versatility allows for seamless integration into existing infrastructure while preparing for future technology transitions.

Physical Dimensions

Measuring 70mm x 100mm x 15mm, the P50220-B21 conforms to enterprise standard dimensions, ensuring proper fit in mainstream server bays and storage enclosures. The U.3 interface supports NVMe over PCIe, delivering the full performance benefits of the NVMe protocol while maintaining backward compatibility considerations.

Detailed Interface Specifications

The U.3 interface represents a significant advancement in storage connectivity, combining SAS, SATA, and NVMe support into a single connector. This multi-protocol capability eliminates the need for specific drive slots, simplifying storage deployment and management in heterogeneous environments.

NAND Technology and Endurance Characteristics

Utilizing high-quality 3D TLC NAND flash memory, the P50220-B21 strikes an optimal balance between performance, endurance, and cost-effectiveness. The drive is rated for 1 drive write per day (DWPD) over its 5-year warranty period, making it suitable for read-intensive applications that require consistent performance over time.

Advanced Wear-Leveling Algorithms

HPE's proprietary wear-leveling technology distributes write operations evenly across all available memory cells, preventing premature wear on specific sectors and extending the drive's operational lifespan. This sophisticated algorithm works in conjunction with advanced error correction to maintain data integrity throughout the drive's lifecycle.

NAND Architecture Benefits

The 96-layer 3D TLC NAND architecture provides higher density and improved performance compared to previous generations. This vertical stacking technology increases storage capacity while reducing the physical footprint, contributing to better power efficiency and thermal characteristics.

Enterprise Applications and Optimal Use Cases

The HPE P50220-B21 is specifically designed for read-intensive enterprise environments where fast data access and reliability are paramount. Its performance characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.

Database and Transaction Processing Systems

In database environments, the P50220-B21 excels at handling read queries, reporting workloads, and data analytics operations. The low latency and high IOPS capabilities significantly reduce query response times, improving application performance and user experience.

OLTP and OLAP Workload Optimization

For Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) systems, the drive provides consistent performance for mixed workloads, while in Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) environments, it accelerates data retrieval for complex queries and business intelligence applications.

Database Server Configuration Recommendations

When deploying the P50220-B21 in database servers, we recommend configuring multiple drives in RAID arrays to ensure data protection and maximize performance. The drive's power-loss protection features guarantee data integrity during unexpected power events, crucial for maintaining database consistency.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

In virtualized environments, the P50220-B21 supports high VM density with fast provisioning and rapid deployment capabilities. The drive's consistent performance profile ensures that noisy neighbor effects are minimized, providing predictable performance across all virtual machines.

Hypervisor and VDI Performance

For Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) implementations, the drive handles boot storms and login events efficiently, delivering responsive user experiences. In server virtualization scenarios, it accelerates VM operations and reduces storage-related bottlenecks.

Cloud Storage Tier Optimization

The P50220-B21 serves as an ideal performance tier in multi-tier storage architectures, complementing higher-capacity but slower storage solutions. This tiered approach optimizes cost while maintaining performance for active datasets.

Content Delivery and Web Serving

For content delivery networks and web serving applications, the drive's high read performance ensures fast content delivery and reduced page load times. The large 7.68TB capacity allows for substantial content caching, reducing backend storage load and improving overall system efficiency.

Media Streaming and Static Content Acceleration

In media streaming applications, the P50220-B21 provides the consistent read performance necessary for smooth video playback and rapid content access. For static content hosting, it dramatically improves response times and supports higher concurrent user connections.

Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Data Protection

The HPE P50220-B21 is engineered with comprehensive data protection features and reliability mechanisms that ensure data integrity and continuous operation in demanding enterprise environments.

Advanced Error Correction and Data Integrity

Incorporating sophisticated LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) error correction technology, the drive can detect and correct more errors than conventional ECC methods. This advanced error correction is crucial for maintaining data integrity as NAND cells age and become more prone to bit errors.

End-to-End Data Protection

The drive implements end-to-end data path protection, safeguarding data from the host interface through all internal components to the NAND media. This comprehensive protection scheme prevents data corruption at every stage of the data transfer process.

Power-Loss Protection Mechanism

Enterprise-class power-loss protection ensures that in-flight data is safely written to the NAND in the event of unexpected power failure. This feature includes both immediate power-loss protection for data in the DRAM cache and extended protection for completing ongoing write operations.

Thermal Management and Environmental Specifications

The P50220-B21 incorporates advanced thermal monitoring and throttling mechanisms to maintain optimal operating temperatures. These features prevent performance degradation due to overheating and ensure long-term reliability under varying environmental conditions.

Operating Temperature Ranges

Rated for operation in standard enterprise environments from 0°C to 70°C, the drive maintains consistent performance across its specified temperature range. Intelligent thermal management automatically adjusts performance characteristics to prevent overheating while minimizing impact on application performance.

Cooling and Airflow Requirements

Proper cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance and reliability. We recommend following HPE's guidelines for server airflow and cooling configuration to ensure the drive operates within its specified thermal envelope, particularly in high-density storage deployments.