C8R21A HPE 800GB SAS-6Gbps 2.5inch Mainstrem Enterprise Solid State Drive

High-Performance Storage with HPE 800GB SAS SSD – Model C8R21A

The HPE C8R21A 800GB SAS 6Gbps 2.5" SSD is engineered for enterprise-class storage environments that demand fast data access, reliable operation, and high endurance. Designed for hot-swap integration and internal deployment, this drive delivers superior I/O efficiency for HPE MSA Storage systems. Its compact 2.5-inch SFF (Small Form Factor) footprint and SAS interface make it ideal for business-critical applications.

Key Technical Highlights of the HPE C8R21A 800GB SAS SSD

This enterprise-grade SSD delivers robust storage features tailored for scalable server environments and mission-critical workloads:

• Brand: HPE
• Part Identifier: C8R21A
• Drive Classification: Internal solid-state drive with hot-pluggable functionality
• Total Storage Capacity: 800GB
• Connectivity Standard: SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) at 6 Gigabits per second
• Device Compatibility: Specifically built for HPE MSA Storage Systems

Form Factor and Structural Dimensions

Optimized for high-density data centers, the C8R21A conforms to a 2.5-inch SFF footprint. It fits effortlessly into compact storage bays, delivering maximum performance in minimal space. The drive’s dimensions are calibrated to integrate seamlessly within existing MSA server configurations.

• Form Factor: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF)
• Interface Ports: Single SAS 6 Gb/s connector
• Height: Approximately 15.4 inches
• Width: Around 7.4 inches
• Depth: Roughly 9.4 inches
• Unit Weight: 0.75 lbs (340 grams)

Engineered for Modern Enterprise Applications

Whether you're managing large databases, hosting virtual machines, or streamlining data backup systems, the C8R21A SSD is purpose-built to maintain consistent throughput and reduce I/O latency. Its high-speed SAS interface ensures faster data retrieval, which is essential for real-time analytics and transactional workloads.

Designed for MSA Storage Series

The HPE C8R21A is optimized for use with HPE’s Modular Smart Array (MSA) Storage series. This alignment guarantees compatibility and simplifies firmware integration, allowing IT managers to deploy and maintain infrastructure with ease.

Perfect Match For:

• MSA 2040 Storage Systems
• MSA 2050 and 2052 arrays
• Compatible HPE SAN environments

Reliability and Hot-Swap Functionality

Built with hot-swappable support, this drive allows for on-the-fly replacements and upgrades without requiring system shutdowns. This feature dramatically reduces downtime and makes it easier to scale or maintain storage arrays during live operation.

Resilient Enterprise Data Handling

The enterprise solid-state design of the C8R21A offers outstanding resilience against data corruption, wear-leveling inefficiencies, and power loss events. Featuring advanced error correction protocols, the SSD is built to last in demanding enterprise conditions.

Endurance and Data Protection Features:

• Dynamic Wear-Leveling Technology
• Power-loss Data Safeguard
• Integrated ECC (Error Correction Code)
• SMART monitoring support

SAS 6Gbps Interface – Speed Meets Reliability

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 6Gbps interface delivers high bandwidth and reliable connectivity, outperforming SATA-based drives in IOPS and data integrity. SAS offers dual-port failover support, enhancing fault tolerance in multi-path environments.

Benefits Over SATA Drives:

• Higher sustained data rates
• Improved signal integrity for enterprise use
• Superior command queuing and multitasking
• Ideal for virtual environments and data centers

Efficient Storage for Virtualization & Workload Consolidation

The 800GB capacity strikes a balance between space and performance, making it suitable for virtualization workloads, server consolidation, and cloud-ready deployments. With rapid access times and reduced latency, it helps streamline I/O-intensive operations like VM snapshots and real-time file synchronization.

Workload Applications Ideal for HPE C8R21A:

• ERP and CRM systems
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
• Big Data indexing and processing
• Transaction-heavy database engines

Space Optimization and Power Efficiency

The compact 2.5-inch design offers exceptional storage density without compromising airflow or energy efficiency. The HPE C8R21A SSD runs cooler and draws significantly less power than conventional spinning drives, leading to reduced energy costs and quieter operations.

Advantages in Data Center Infrastructure:

• Lower thermal output minimizes cooling demands
• Ideal for rack-mounted environments with dense configurations
• Enhanced airflow due to SFF layout

Secure Storage That Meets Enterprise Standards

Enterprise-grade SSDs like the C8R21A are built to meet rigorous security and integrity requirements. From controlled firmware to secure erase protocols, HPE ensures that its drives comply with industry-standard best practices for enterprise IT environments.

Compliance and Certification Highlights:

• Firmware authenticated and digitally signed
• Support for secure wipe and sanitization commands
• Meets industry-standard encryption protocols (when supported)

Choose HPE Original Enterprise SSDs

While third-party drives might offer lower upfront pricing, HPE-certified drives like the C8R21A deliver long-term value through guaranteed compatibility, firmware optimization, and streamlined support. Using genuine HPE storage hardware ensures your systems perform as intended and stay within warranty.

Benefits of HPE Genuine Storage Components:

• End-to-end compatibility with HPE systems
• Seamless firmware upgrades via HPE tools
• 24/7 HPE enterprise support eligibility
• Access to HPE Insight diagnostics and predictive failure analysis

Installation Simplicity and Configuration Options

The hot-swappable nature of the drive, combined with standardized SAS connectors, makes installation straightforward in any compatible 2.5-inch drive bay. The C8R21A supports rapid deployment and configuration using HPE storage management interfaces and provisioning tools.

Key Deployment Tools and Platforms:

• HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA)
• HPE MSA Storage Management Utility (SMU)
• Remote provisioning via HPE OneView

HPE C8R21A 800GB SAS-6Gbps 2.5-Inch SSD – High-Performance Storage for Enterprise Demands

The HPE C8R21A 800GB SAS-6Gbps 2.5-Inch Mainstream Enterprise Solid State Drive (SSD) is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and endurance for enterprise-level storage needs. This drive is a top-tier choice for businesses seeking powerful, energy-efficient, and high-capacity storage solutions in a compact 2.5-inch form factor. This specific model is available as a refurbished unit in excellent condition, backed by a 1 year replacement warranty—ideal for budget-conscious IT environments that don’t want to compromise on quality.

Core Benefits of the HPE C8R21A Mainstream Enterprise SSD

• Optimized for high-performance enterprise applications
• 800GB capacity for balanced speed and storage
• 6Gbps SAS interface for reliable data throughput
• 2.5-inch form factor compatible with a broad range of servers
• Excellent refurbished condition with a 1 year replacement warranty

Designed for Modern Data Center Infrastructures

The HPE C8R21A is part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Mainstream SSD lineup, tailored specifically for mainstream workloads in modern data centers. These drives are optimized to handle read-intensive and mixed-use applications with efficiency and durability. Common deployment environments include database servers, virtualized infrastructure, and content delivery networks.

Compatibility with HPE ProLiant and BladeSystems

The C8R21A SSD is tested and certified for compatibility across a wide range of HPE ProLiant Gen8 and Gen9 servers, as well as HPE BladeSystem c-Class environments. Whether used in rackmount servers or blade configurations, this drive provides seamless integration and consistent performance.

Compatible HPE Server Models

• HPE ProLiant DL380p Gen8
• HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen9
• HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen9
• HPE BladeSystem c7000
• HPE ProLiant DL580 Gen8

Choose Refurbished Enterprise SSDs

Refurbished enterprise-grade storage devices like the HPE C8R21A SSD offer a cost-effective way to upgrade server infrastructure without sacrificing performance or reliability. These drives undergo rigorous testing and quality checks to ensure operational excellence, making them suitable for mission-critical environments.

Advantages of Refurbished Drives

• Significantly lower cost compared to new drives
• Environmentally friendly by extending product lifecycle
• Tested and certified for enterprise-level use
• Backed by warranty for peace of mind

Quality Assurance Process

Every refurbished HPE C8R21A unit is thoroughly inspected, sanitized, and benchmark-tested by qualified technicians. Firmware is updated to the latest supported versions, and the drives are evaluated for wear-level indicators, reallocated sector counts, and I/O performance benchmarks before being approved for resale.

Environmentally Conscious IT Solutions

Choosing refurbished IT hardware reduces e-waste and contributes to sustainable practices in technology procurement. Companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint can benefit from integrating refurbished components like the C8R21A into their infrastructure.

Mainstream vs. Performance SSDs – What’s the Difference

Mainstream SSDs such as the HPE C8R21A are engineered for balanced workloads and cost-efficiency. While they do not match the ultra-high endurance of performance-class SSDs, they offer more than adequate speed and reliability for general-purpose enterprise applications. Their endurance is well-suited for environments with moderate to heavy read operations and periodic writes.

Use Mainstream Enterprise SSDs

• Virtual machine hosting
• Email and file servers
• Database applications with moderate transaction volumes
• ERP and CRM systems
• Enterprise-level backup and recovery solutions

SAS 6Gbps Interface Explained

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 6Gbps interface provides faster and more reliable communication between the drive and the host system compared to traditional SATA drives. SAS also supports dual-port connectivity, making it ideal for enterprise RAID configurations and fault-tolerant systems.

Key Benefits of SAS Over SATA

• Higher data integrity and error correction
• Improved scalability for enterprise systems
• Better queue depth and command prioritization
• Support for dual-port redundancy

Use Cases and Applications for HPE C8R21A SSDs

The C8R21A 800GB SAS SSD can be deployed in various environments that require high reliability and consistent IOPS delivery. These include cloud infrastructure, transactional databases, VDI environments, and enterprise-level content delivery networks. IT managers frequently choose this model for its ability to handle sustained workloads without performance degradation.

Industry Verticals That Benefit

• Healthcare – for patient data access and EMR systems
• Financial services – for transactional speed and security
• Retail – for inventory and POS data processing
• Education – for virtual learning infrastructure
• Media & Entertainment – for fast content streaming and archiving

Performance Metrics of the HPE C8R21A

While exact IOPS and throughput may vary by workload and environment, the C8R21A SSD is built to deliver high sequential and random read/write speeds typical of enterprise-class SAS drives. Designed to minimize latency and maximize data throughput, it provides the responsiveness needed in demanding scenarios.

Typical Performance Characteristics

• Sequential read speeds up to 500 MB/s
• Sequential write speeds up to 450 MB/s
• Random read IOPS up to 80,000
• Random write IOPS up to 30,000
• Latency under 1ms for high responsiveness

Form Factor and Storage Density Considerations

The 2.5-inch small form factor (SFF) allows for high storage density in rack servers, blade systems, and storage enclosures. This is ideal for organizations looking to optimize space while maximizing performance and capacity in their server rooms or data centers.

Mounting Options and Drive Bays

This drive fits standard SFF drive bays and can be used with HPE's drive trays or caddies for proper installation. Depending on your server chassis, you may be able to install up to 24 or more 2.5" drives in a single unit, significantly expanding available storage without increasing rack footprint.