345-BHTX Dell 960GB SAS-12GBPS RI SFF Hot-Plug SSD

345-BHTX Dell 960GB SAS 12Gbps Read Intensive SSD – Enterprise-Class Storage Performance

The Dell 345-BHTX 960GB SAS 12Gbps Read Intensive 2.5in Hot-Plug SSD is engineered for high-throughput, low-latency environments where read-heavy workloads dominate. Designed for compatibility with Dell PowerEdge servers, this enterprise-grade SSD delivers exceptional reliability, endurance, and scalability for data centers, virtualization clusters, and cloud infrastructures.

Key Features of the Dell 345-BHTX 960GB SAS SSD

• Interface: SAS-12Gbps for dual-port redundancy and high-speed data transfer
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch Hot-Plug with carrier tray for tool-less installation
• Capacity: 960GB optimized for read-intensive applications
• Endurance: Tailored for workloads with high read-to-write ratios
• Compatibility: Certified for Dell PowerEdge servers across multiple generations
• Encryption: Optional SED (Self-Encrypting Drive) variants available for data protection

Understanding SAS 12Gbps Interface Advantages

The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) 12Gbps interface offers significant advantages over SATA and legacy SAS 6Gbps connections. With dual-port architecture, SAS drives like the 345-BHTX ensure fault tolerance and multipath I/O, critical for enterprise-grade storage arrays. The 12Gbps bandwidth supports faster queue depths, lower latency, and improved throughput for concurrent read operations.

Dual-Port Redundancy

Unlike SATA SSDs, SAS drives feature dual-port connectivity, allowing simultaneous access paths to the drive. This enhances failover capabilities and ensures uninterrupted data access during controller or path failures.

Backward Compatibility

The 345-BHTX SSD maintains backward compatibility with SAS 6Gbps controllers, ensuring seamless integration into legacy infrastructures while unlocking full performance on modern 12Gbps backplanes.

Read Intensive Workload Optimization

Read Intensive SSDs are ideal for environments where data is frequently accessed but infrequently modified. The 345-BHTX is optimized for applications such as:

• Boot volumes and operating system hosting
• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
• Media streaming and content delivery networks
• Web servers and front-end application layers
• Data warehousing and analytics platforms

Endurance Ratings and DWPD Metrics

With endurance ratings typically around 0.5 to 1 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD), read-intensive SSDs like the 345-BHTX offer a cost-effective balance between performance and longevity. The NAND architecture is tuned for high read cycles, reducing wear and extending operational lifespan in read-dominant scenarios.

Compatibility Across Dell PowerEdge Server Generations

The 345-BHTX SSD is validated for use in a wide range of Dell PowerEdge servers, including:

• 14th Generation: R740, R640, T640, and more
• 13th Generation: R730, R630, T630, and others
• 12th Generation: R720, R620, T620, with firmware updates

Hot-plug capability ensures minimal downtime during drive replacement or upgrades, supporting mission-critical uptime requirements.

Carrier Tray Integration

Each 345-BHTX SSD ships with a Dell-certified carrier tray, enabling tool-less installation into 2.5-inch drive bays. This simplifies deployment and ensures proper airflow and thermal management within the chassis.

Advanced NAND Architecture and Controller Technology

The 345-BHTX leverages enterprise-grade NAND flash, typically Multi-Level Cell (MLC) or Triple-Level Cell (TLC) depending on the production batch. Combined with a robust controller, the SSD delivers consistent IOPS performance and low latency under sustained workloads.

Power Loss Protection

Integrated capacitors provide power loss protection, safeguarding in-flight data during unexpected shutdowns. This feature is essential for maintaining data integrity in enterprise environments.

Thermal Throttling and SMART Monitoring

Advanced thermal throttling algorithms prevent overheating, while SMART attributes allow proactive health monitoring and predictive failure analysis.

Security and Data Protection Features

While the 345-BHTX is primarily a non-SED variant, Dell offers optional Self-Encrypting Drive models for environments requiring hardware-level encryption. These drives support TCG Enterprise standards and instant secure erase functionality.

Secure Erase and Sanitization

For compliance with data privacy regulations, the SSD supports secure erase commands, enabling rapid sanitization before decommissioning or repurposing.

Performance Benchmarks and IOPS Metrics

Typical performance benchmarks for the 345-BHTX include:

• Sequential Read: Up to 550 MB/s
• Sequential Write: Up to 500 MB/s
• Random Read IOPS: Up to 95,000
• Random Write IOPS: Up to 20,000

These metrics make the drive suitable for latency-sensitive applications and high-volume read operations.

Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases

The 345-BHTX SSD is ideal for deployment in:

• Tiered storage architectures with read-intensive caching layers
• Database query acceleration for read-heavy SQL workloads
• Virtual machine boot volumes in VMware and Hyper-V environments
• Content delivery nodes for media and web hosting

RAID Configurations

Supports integration into RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 arrays for redundancy and performance. SAS interface ensures compatibility with Dell PERC RAID controllers.

Environmental Specifications and Reliability Metrics

Enterprise SSDs like the 345-BHTX are built to withstand rigorous operating conditions:

• MTBF: Over 2 million hours
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Shock Resistance: Up to 1500G
• Vibration: 2.17 GRMS (operating)