400-ARIW Dell 3.84TB SAS-12GBPS Read Intensive SSD.

Enterprise-Class Storage with SAS-12Gbps Interface

The SAS-12Gbps interface of the Dell Compellent 400-ARIW ensures rapid data transfer speeds and robust connectivity. Unlike SATA drives, SAS interfaces provide dual-port capabilities, higher signal integrity, and better error correction, making them ideal for enterprise-level storage arrays.

Advantages of 12Gbps SAS over SATA

• Double the data rate of traditional 6Gbps interfaces
• Full-duplex operation for simultaneous read/write operations
• Improved command queuing and device failover
• Support for multipath I/O for increased fault tolerance

High-Capacity 3.84TB SSD for Demanding Workloads

With a capacity of 3.84TB, this SSD provides substantial storage space suitable for large databases, analytics platforms, and virtualization environments. The high-density storage reduces the physical footprint while maximizing storage efficiency in enterprise SAN or NAS deployments.

Read Intensive SSD Technology for Optimized Performance

The Dell 400-ARIW uses Read Intensive (RI) SSD technology, which is optimized for applications with a high ratio of read operations versus write operations. These drives are built to deliver fast read access times and higher IOPS for workloads where writes are infrequent.

Common Read-Intensive Application Scenarios

• Data analytics and reporting systems
• Content repositories and static media servers
• Boot drives for enterprise servers
• Web servers and search indexing platforms

TLC NAND Flash and 512e Sector Format

The Dell Compellent 400-ARIW utilizes Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND flash memory, which stores three bits of data per cell, offering a balance between cost, capacity, and endurance. Combined with the 512e (512-byte emulated) format, this SSD ensures backward compatibility with legacy applications while maintaining the benefits of modern storage technology.

Benefits of TLC Flash in Enterprise SSDs

• Lower cost per GB compared to MLC or SLC
• High density and reduced form factor
• Improved endurance through advanced error correction algorithms
• Ideal for cold storage and read-heavy applications

Understanding 512e Format and Compatibility

The 512e format emulates 512-byte sectors while physically storing data in 4KB blocks. This format allows seamless integration into legacy systems without compromising the efficiency of modern storage technologies. The 512e sector size supports broad operating system compatibility and ensures smooth deployment across mixed-architecture data centers.

Compatibility Benefits

• Works with legacy systems expecting 512-byte sectors
• Optimized for modern OS file systems that benefit from 4K alignment
• Enhanced write performance via caching and read-modify-write operations

2.5-Inch Hot Plug Form Factor for Flexible Deployment

Designed in the industry-standard 2.5-inch form factor, the Dell Compellent 400-ARIW supports hot plug functionality, allowing IT administrators to install or replace drives without shutting down systems. This capability is critical for minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance in high-availability environments.

Advantages of Hot Plug Design

• Reduces system downtime during drive maintenance
• Enables scalable growth with zero interruption
• Improves disaster recovery capabilities
• Simplifies storage expansion in live environments

Rack Compatibility and Physical Specifications

This 2.5-inch drive fits into standard SAS drive trays and Dell Compellent storage enclosures. It offers enterprise durability and vibration tolerance, supporting deployment in dense server racks and data center storage arrays.

Dell Compellent Ecosystem Integration

The 400-ARIW is fully compatible with Dell Compellent storage platforms, which offer advanced data management features such as automated tiering, thin provisioning, and replication. Integration with Compellent enhances the SSD’s performance and enables organizations to scale storage intelligently based on real-time usage analytics.

Key Features of Dell Compellent Systems

• Data Progression technology for automated tiering
• Live Volume for non-disruptive workload mobility
• Storage Center OS for centralized management
• Dynamic capacity management with virtual provisioning

Optimized for Virtual Environments

Dell Compellent arrays paired with SSDs like the 400-ARIW offer low-latency access required for virtual workloads, enabling faster VM provisioning and improved application responsiveness. These drives are ideal for VMware, Hyper-V, and other hypervisor platforms.

Benefits in Virtualization Use Cases

• Reduced I/O bottlenecks
• Consistent VM performance during peak usage
• Faster backup and snapshot creation
• Enhanced deduplication and compression efficiency

Reliability, Endurance, and Enterprise Readiness

Enterprise SSDs like the Dell 400-ARIW are engineered for long-term durability under sustained workloads. With enterprise-grade firmware, advanced wear-leveling algorithms, and power-loss data protection, the drive ensures data integrity and extended service life.

Endurance Characteristics of Read Intensive SSDs

While RI SSDs have lower write endurance than mixed-use or write-intensive SSDs, they are specifically optimized for applications where the write workload is minimal. The Dell 400-ARIW supports endurance ratings that meet the requirements of enterprise SLA compliance and long-term TCO reduction.

Key Endurance Technologies

• Static and dynamic wear leveling
• Advanced garbage collection
• Thermal monitoring and throttling
• Redundant NAND arrays for fault tolerance

Power Efficiency and Environmental Footprint

SSDs consume significantly less power than traditional hard disk drives, and the Dell Compellent 400-ARIW is designed with energy efficiency in mind. With lower power draw and no moving parts, it reduces both energy consumption and cooling requirements in the data center.

Environmental Compliance

• RoHS-compliant materials
• Low carbon footprint in operational phases
• Reduced heat output prolongs system life