2DK7C Dell SAS-24GBPS 1.6TB SED Mixed Use 3DWPD SFF Hot-Plug SSD

Dell 2DK7C 1.6TB SAS Enterprise Solid State Drive

2DK7C enterprise-class SSD is designed for high-performance environments, offering reliable storage with advanced encryption and exceptional speed. Built for mission-critical applications, it combines endurance with cutting-edge SAS 24Gbps technology.

Manufacturer Information

• Sequential Read: Up to 4,200 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 3,400 MB/s
• Random Read: 420,000 IOPS
• Random Write: 195,000 IOPS

Technical Specifications

• NAND Flash Memory: BiCS Flash™ TLC
• Interface: SAS-4, 24Gb/s
• Endurance Rating: Mixed Use, 3 DWPD
• Encryption: Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with FIPS-140 compliance

Expansion & Connectivity

• Compatible Bay: 2.5-inch hot-swap slot
• Interface Connection: Single SAS 24Gb/s

Server Compatibility

• This SSD is validated and optimized for multiple generations of Dell EMC PowerEdge servers, ensuring seamless integration and dependable storage performance.

Supported Rack Servers

• PowerEdge R250, R350, R440, R450
• PowerEdge R540, R550, R640, R650, R650xs
• PowerEdge R6515, R6525, R660, R6615, R6625
• PowerEdge R740, R740xd, R740xd2
• PowerEdge R750, R750xa, R750xs, R7515, R7525
• PowerEdge R760, R7615, R7625

Supported Tower Servers

• PowerEdge T350
• PowerEdge T550

Supported Modular & Cloud Servers

• PowerEdge C6420, C6520, C6525, C6600, C6620
• PowerEdge MX760c

Storage System Compatibility

• Power Vault ME5012

2DK7C Dell SAS-24Gbps 1.6TB SED Mixed Use 3DWPD SFF Hot-Plug SSD Overview

The 2DK7C Dell SAS-24Gbps 1.6TB SED Mixed Use 3DWPD SFF Hot-Plug SSD represents a new generation of enterprise-grade solid-state storage designed to meet the rigorous performance, reliability, and security needs of modern data centers. With its 24Gbps SAS interface, 1.6TB storage capacity, and self-encrypting drive (SED) capabilities, this SSD is built to support mixed-use workloads that demand both speed and endurance. The 3DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating further ensures dependable performance under high-volume read/write operations, while the hot-plug design makes deployment and replacement efficient for IT administrators.

Key Specifications and Features

SAS 24Gbps Interface

The transition from older SAS generations to 24Gbps SAS technology marks a major leap in enterprise storage bandwidth. This interface doubles the throughput of 12Gbps SAS, offering reduced latency, faster transaction times, and better scalability for future workloads. Data centers can leverage this speed for high-performance databases, virtualization environments, and mission-critical applications.

1.6TB Storage Capacity

The 1.6TB capacity is optimized for mixed-use workloads that balance performance with storage efficiency. This size allows enterprises to deploy these drives in RAID configurations or standalone arrays where moderate-to-large capacity is required without compromising speed. For environments that run transactional workloads, database queries, or cloud applications, 1.6TB provides an ideal balance between density and affordability.

SED (Self-Encrypting Drive) Security

One of the most critical features of the 2DK7C Dell SSD is its integrated self-encrypting drive technology. SED ensures that data is automatically encrypted at the hardware level, reducing CPU overhead and ensuring compliance with security standards. This feature is invaluable for industries that handle sensitive information such as finance, healthcare, or government sectors, where safeguarding data from unauthorized access is non-negotiable.

3DWPD Endurance

With a 3 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) endurance rating, this SSD is engineered for mixed-use workloads. It can withstand writing up to three times its entire capacity every day over its warranty period. This endurance rating makes it suitable for environments with frequent and intensive read/write cycles, such as database management systems, real-time analytics platforms, and virtualization clusters.

SFF Hot-Plug Form Factor

The Small Form Factor (SFF) hot-plug design streamlines installation and replacement in enterprise servers and storage arrays. Hot-plug capability allows administrators to replace drives without powering down the system, minimizing downtime and improving serviceability. The compact 2.5-inch form factor also enables higher-density storage configurations, making it ideal for rack-mounted enterprise systems.

Enterprise Benefits of the Dell 2DK7C SAS SSD

Performance for Mixed-Use Workloads

Mixed-use workloads are characterized by a blend of read- and write-intensive operations. The 2DK7C excels in such environments by offering balanced performance metrics that serve a wide range of enterprise applications. From ERP systems to customer-facing web applications, this SSD can handle fluctuating demands without compromising stability or speed.

High Reliability in Mission-Critical Systems

Reliability is paramount in enterprise storage, and the Dell 2DK7C drive delivers through its robust design, error-correction algorithms, and wear-leveling mechanisms. Enterprises deploying this SSD can expect consistent uptime and fewer drive failures, even under stress-heavy workloads. These features minimize risks associated with downtime, ensuring continuity for mission-critical business operations.

Improved Scalability

With its 24Gbps SAS interface and hot-plug capability, the 2DK7C facilitates seamless scalability for growing data centers. Adding or replacing drives can be accomplished quickly, allowing IT teams to expand storage infrastructure without disruptions. Whether scaling vertically in servers or horizontally across storage arrays, this SSD enables flexible growth.

Use Cases and Applications

Database Management Systems

Database workloads often require sustained write endurance and high throughput. The 2DK7C Dell SAS SSD supports transactional databases, data warehousing, and analytics platforms with its 3DWPD endurance and high-bandwidth SAS interface. Query performance improves significantly due to reduced latency and faster data retrieval times.

Virtualization Environments

In virtualization environments, where multiple virtual machines (VMs) compete for resources, storage I/O performance becomes a bottleneck. The 2DK7C eliminates this challenge by delivering fast, predictable performance across virtualized workloads. Whether used in VMware, Hyper-V, or other virtualization platforms, this SSD ensures smooth and responsive operation.

Cloud and Hosting Services

Cloud service providers benefit from the 2DK7C’s balance of endurance and performance. Multi-tenant hosting environments demand storage solutions that can handle diverse workloads from different clients simultaneously. The drive’s SED functionality also supports data security, ensuring compliance with customer confidentiality and regulatory requirements.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

HPC environments rely on fast storage to keep pace with compute-intensive tasks. The Dell SAS-24Gbps SSD delivers the performance and endurance necessary to support scientific modeling, simulations, and real-time data analysis. Its hot-plug capability also simplifies system maintenance in clustered environments.

Advantages of SAS 24Gbps Technology

Comparison with 12Gbps SAS

Compared to the older 12Gbps SAS standard, 24Gbps SAS doubles the available bandwidth, enabling faster data transfers and improved I/O operations. This leap is particularly beneficial for workloads requiring consistent low latency and high throughput. For enterprises planning infrastructure refresh cycles, upgrading to 24Gbps SAS ensures future-ready deployments.

Backward Compatibility

Despite its advanced performance, 24Gbps SAS maintains backward compatibility with 12Gbps infrastructure. This means the 2DK7C SSD can be deployed in mixed environments, easing the transition to newer technologies while preserving existing investments.

Data Protection and Security Features

Hardware-Based Encryption

The self-encrypting drive architecture ensures that all stored data is protected at rest. Encryption is handled at the hardware level, eliminating performance bottlenecks and providing seamless protection without requiring host system resources.

Secure Erase Capability

SED functionality includes secure erase capabilities, allowing enterprises to sanitize drives quickly when retiring or repurposing storage. This ensures that sensitive data is permanently removed, reducing the risk of breaches.

Deployment Scenarios

RAID Configurations

The 2DK7C SSD integrates seamlessly into RAID arrays, whether for redundancy, performance, or a combination of both. RAID 10 and RAID 5 configurations benefit from the drive’s endurance and bandwidth, ensuring balanced performance and data protection.

Tiered Storage Solutions

Enterprises adopting tiered storage benefit from deploying the Dell 2DK7C SSD in the performance tier, where frequently accessed data resides. Less frequently accessed data can then be offloaded to lower-cost, higher-capacity drives, optimizing costs while maintaining high responsiveness.

Vendor Validation

Dell enterprise SSDs undergo rigorous validation to ensure compatibility and stability in Dell PowerEdge servers and storage arrays. Customers can deploy these drives with confidence, knowing they are backed by Dell’s enterprise support ecosystem.

Extended Technical Details

Power Efficiency

Power efficiency is a key consideration in modern data centers. The 2DK7C Dell SSD is designed to deliver high performance while optimizing power consumption. Reduced energy usage translates to lower operating costs and minimized environmental impact.

Firmware Optimization

Proprietary Dell firmware optimizations enhance compatibility and reliability in enterprise deployments. These optimizations include advanced wear-leveling, thermal monitoring, and error correction techniques.

Industry Relevance

Financial Services

Financial organizations processing large volumes of transactions require secure, reliable storage. The encryption, endurance, and speed of the 2DK7C make it ideal for high-frequency trading systems, payment processing platforms, and financial analytics.

Healthcare Applications

Healthcare systems generate vast amounts of sensitive patient data. The SED functionality of this Dell SSD ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, while its performance supports electronic health record (EHR) systems and imaging applications.

Government and Defense

Government agencies demand both high security and durability. The Dell SAS SSD provides encryption at rest, secure erase, and robust endurance, making it suitable for defense and public sector deployments where both compliance and mission continuity are vital.

Future-Proofing with Dell SAS SSDs

As workloads evolve, enterprises require storage solutions that can keep pace with growing demands. The 24Gbps SAS interface, endurance, and security features of the 2DK7C Dell 1.6TB SSD ensure that organizations are equipped to handle both current and future requirements. Whether for hybrid cloud adoption, edge computing, or next-generation AI workloads, this SSD delivers a reliable foundation.

Comparison with Other Drive Types

SAS vs SATA SSDs

While SATA SSDs are commonly used in entry-level enterprise systems, SAS SSDs like the 2DK7C offer higher reliability, dual-port capability, and superior performance. For mission-critical workloads, SAS remains the standard due to its advanced error recovery and scalability.

SAS vs NVMe SSDs

NVMe SSDs provide extremely low latency and higher peak performance, but SAS SSDs maintain advantages in scalability, compatibility, and proven enterprise reliability. Many enterprises adopt a hybrid approach, deploying SAS SSDs for broad workloads and NVMe SSDs for ultra-high-performance tiers.