345-BJNW DELL 7.68TB PCIe Gen 4.0 X4 NVME U.2 SSF 2.5Inch Read-intensive TLC 1DWPD Enterprise Internal SSD

Dell 345-BJNW 7.68TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD — Enterprise Internal Storage

The Dell 345-BJNW is a 7.68TB enterprise-class internal SSD designed for read-intensive workloads. Utilizing PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe technology and a compact 2.5-inch U.2 small form factor, this drive delivers high-speed data access, reliable performance, and seamless integration with Dell PowerEdge 14G–17G servers. Built with TLC NAND, it balances durability, speed, and storage efficiency for modern data center environments.

Key Attributes

• High-capacity storage: 7.68TB internal SSD for dense data consolidation.
• Optimized read performance: Engineered for read-intensive workloads with 1 DWPD endurance.
• PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface: Accelerates data transfer and reduces latency.
• U.2 2.5-inch form factor: Compact SFF design for efficient server deployment.
• Enterprise compatibility: Supports Dell PowerEdge servers from 14G through 17G generations.
• TLC NAND technology: Provides stable performance with cost-effective storage density.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Dell
• Part Number: 345-BJNW
• Product Type: Internal Solid State Drive

Technical Details

• Device Type: Internal SSD
• Capacity: 7.68TB
• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe
• Form Factor: U.2 2.5-inch, 15mm SFF
• Endurance: Read-intensive, 1 DWPD
• Connectivity: 2 x PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe lanes
• Compatible Bay: 1 x internal 2.5-inch slot

Compatibility Overview

Designed to integrate seamlessly with a broad range of Dell PowerEdge servers, the 345-BJNW supports multiple generations for flexible enterprise deployment.

• PowerEdge C6420, C6525, C6620
• PowerEdge R440, R640, R6415, R6515, R6525, R660xs, R6615, R6625, R670
• PowerEdge R740xd, R7415, R7425, R7515, R7525, R760, R760xa, R7615, R7625, R770
• PowerEdge R840, R940, R940xa, R960
• PowerEdge T560, Xe9640, Xe9680, XR7620

Enterprise Benefits

• High-density storage reduces hardware footprint and maximizes rack efficiency.
• Low-latency PCIe Gen4 interface ensures fast data retrieval for critical applications.
• Read-intensive design ideal for virtualization, analytics, content delivery, and archival workloads.
• Seamless deployment in multiple PowerEdge models simplifies IT infrastructure management.
• Durable TLC NAND technology ensures reliable performance over the drive lifecycle.

DELL 345-BJNW 7.68TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2 2.5-Inch Read-Intensive TLC Enterprise SSD Overview

The DELL 345-BJNW 7.68TB PCIe Gen 4.0 X4 NVMe U.2 2.5-inch Read-Intensive TLC Enterprise Internal Solid State Drive is engineered for enterprise data centers, high-performance computing, and mission-critical workloads requiring high throughput and low latency. Optimized for DELL PowerEdge 14G, 15G, 16G, and 17G servers, this SSD delivers reliable, scalable, and high-density storage. Utilizing TLC 3D NAND technology and a read-intensive 1DWPD endurance profile, the drive is ideal for applications that prioritize read operations over continuous write activity, ensuring longevity and predictable performance across varied workloads.

Key Features of the DELL 345-BJNW 7.68TB SSD

The DELL 345-BJNW combines enterprise-class features with cutting-edge NVMe technology to deliver a robust and reliable storage solution:

• High Capacity: 7.68TB storage in a 2.5-inch U.2 SSF form factor
• PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe Interface: Accelerated data transfer rates for both sequential and random I/O operations
• Read-Intensive TLC NAND: Optimized for workloads dominated by read operations with 1DWPD endurance
• Enterprise Reliability: Power-loss protection, advanced error correction, and wear-leveling technology
• Full Compatibility: Seamless integration with DELL PowerEdge 14G–17G servers
• Hot-Swap Ready: U.2 tray ensures simple maintenance and easy replacement without downtime

PCIe Gen4 NVMe Architecture

The DELL 345-BJNW leverages PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe technology to deliver substantial performance improvements over previous generations. NVMe enables low-latency data access and higher parallelism, allowing multiple I/O queues to operate simultaneously. With PCIe Gen4 providing twice the bandwidth of Gen3, enterprises can achieve faster sequential reads and writes, as well as improved random access performance, critical for databases, virtualization, and analytic workloads.

By reducing CPU overhead and increasing throughput, the drive helps optimize server efficiency, especially in multi-threaded, data-intensive environments where consistent I/O performance is essential.

Read-Intensive 1DWPD Optimization

The 1DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) specification indicates that the drive is tailored for workloads where read operations dominate. This endurance rating ensures that under typical enterprise conditions, the drive can reliably perform one full drive write per day without reducing its expected service life. Ideal scenarios include:

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments with frequent profile reads
• Data analytics platforms processing large read-heavy datasets
• Content delivery and web hosting servers requiring predictable high-speed reads
• Archival storage and nearline systems where fast data retrieval is critical
• Database querying and reporting environments with minimal write activity

By aligning deployment to the 1DWPD rating, enterprises can maximize the drive’s lifespan while maintaining cost-effectiveness for read-centric applications.

TLC NAND Technology for Enterprise Reliability

The 345-BJNW uses Triple-Level Cell (TLC) 3D NAND flash, balancing storage density, performance, and cost-efficiency. TLC NAND is well-suited for read-intensive workloads, offering higher storage density per chip and optimized cost-performance ratios for large-scale data centers.

Enterprise-grade features integrated into the SSD include:

• Advanced Error Correction Code (ECC) to ensure data integrity
• Power-loss protection to secure in-flight data during unexpected outages
• Wear-leveling algorithms to evenly distribute write cycles across the NAND
• End-to-end data integrity monitoring to prevent corruption in critical workloads

Form Factor and Server Compatibility

The U.2 2.5-inch small form factor (SSF) design ensures compatibility with a wide range of DELL PowerEdge servers from 14G through 17G generations. Hot-swap trays allow easy installation and maintenance without powering down the server, significantly reducing operational downtime. The compact form factor also enables high-density storage in server chassis, optimizing rack space usage and improving data center efficiency.

Performance Metrics and Applications

The DELL 345-BJNW is designed to excel in read-intensive environments, delivering high sequential read and write speeds along with strong random read performance. Key applications include:

• Virtualized workloads and VDI environments
• Data analytics and business intelligence platforms
• Content delivery networks and media streaming servers
• Database and reporting systems
• Nearline storage and backup solutions with rapid restore requirements

These metrics ensure that enterprises can handle multiple parallel workloads efficiently, reduce latency, and maintain high throughput for mission-critical operations.

Thermal and Power Management

Efficient thermal and power management is essential for high-density enterprise deployments. The DELL 345-BJNW is designed to operate reliably under sustained loads, with thermal throttling mechanisms to prevent overheating and maintain consistent performance. Ensuring adequate airflow within server chassis, using blanking panels, and implementing optimized fan speeds contribute to stable operating temperatures and prolong the lifespan of the drives.

Power efficiency also reduces operational costs, particularly in large-scale deployments, by lowering energy consumption compared to traditional HDD arrays.

Deployment Patterns and Best Practices

To maximize performance and endurance, enterprises should consider deployment best practices:

• Hybrid storage tiers: Combine 7.68TB read-intensive drives with high-endurance NVMe caches to absorb write bursts
• RAID and redundancy: Use RAID 5/6 or distributed replication to maintain data resilience and protect against failures
• Workload alignment: Assign read-intensive applications to the 345-BJNW to optimize lifespan and cost-efficiency
• Firmware management: Apply DELL-approved firmware updates regularly to ensure optimal performance and reliability

Security and Data Management

Security is a critical aspect of enterprise storage. The 345-BJNW supports hardware encryption and can integrate with centralized key management systems. Secure erase and crypto-erase functions allow safe disposal or repurposing of drives in compliance with regulatory standards. Maintaining logs and audit trails ensures data integrity and regulatory compliance throughout the drive's lifecycle.

Enterprise Use Cases

The DELL 345-BJNW SSD is suited for various enterprise scenarios:

• Virtual desktop infrastructure and profile storage
• Data analytics and business intelligence applications
• High-performance content delivery networks
• Database and reporting servers
• Nearline storage with rapid retrieval requirements

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other enterprise SSDs, the 7.68TB DELL 345-BJNW provides a cost-effective balance of read-intensive optimization, TLC NAND endurance, and PCIe Gen4 throughput. While higher-endurance drives are preferable for write-heavy workloads, the 345-BJNW is ideal for applications dominated by reads, offering consistent performance, reliability, and long-term value.

Its U.2 form factor ensures compatibility across multiple server generations, providing flexibility and standardization for enterprise storage strategies.

Procurement and Deployment Considerations

• Confirm PowerEdge server generation and backplane support for U.2 NVMe drives
• Ensure tray and sled compatibility for hot-swap installation
• Verify firmware versions and warranty coverage
• Plan for lifecycle management including monitoring, replacement, and firmware updates
• Integrate drives into hybrid storage tiers to optimize performance and endurance

Recommended Configurations

• Analytics Node: Multiple 7.68TB drives combined with a high-endurance cache tier to accelerate read-heavy operations.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure: Store user profiles on 345-BJNW drives while leveraging TLC caches for write bursts.
• Nearline Storage: Use in distributed storage clusters with replication for rapid access to large datasets.
• Content Delivery: Serve media content and files with high sequential read performance.

Enterprise Value Proposition

The DELL 345-BJNW 7.68TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2 2.5-inch Read-Intensive TLC SSD offers enterprises high-density, high-performance, and reliable storage optimized for read-heavy workloads. With its advanced features, compatibility across multiple server generations, and scalable design, it is ideal for VDI, analytics, content delivery, nearline storage, and database applications. Enterprises can maximize uptime, optimize performance, and ensure predictable lifecycle management, all while maintaining cost efficiency in modern data center environments.