8WK55 Dell 30.72TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.2 RI TLC SSD

High-Capacity NVMe U.2 SSDs for Enterprise Workloads

The Dell 8WK55 30.72TB PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe U.2 2.5-inch Read Intensive TLC SSD represents a cutting-edge solution in the category of ultra-high-capacity NVMe drives tailored for enterprise-grade read-intensive applications. Designed to meet the demands of hyperscale data centers, cloud infrastructure, and virtualized environments, this SSD leverages the full bandwidth of PCIe Gen4.0 and the efficiency of TLC NAND to deliver exceptional throughput, reliability, and scalability.

PCIe Gen4.0 x4 Interface: Accelerated Data Transfer

With support for the PCIe Gen4.0 x4 interface, the 8WK55 SSD achieves significantly higher data transfer rates compared to Gen3 predecessors. This interface enables up to double the bandwidth, reducing latency and improving IOPS performance across read-intensive workloads such as content delivery networks (CDNs), AI inference engines, and real-time analytics platforms.

Benefits of PCIe Gen4.0 in Enterprise Storage

• Up to 16 GT/s per lane, enabling faster access to large datasets
• Improved queue depth handling for concurrent read operations
• Enhanced compatibility with Gen4-enabled Dell PowerEdge servers
• Reduced bottlenecks in virtualized storage environments

U.2 2.5-Inch Form Factor: Hot-Swap Ready and Scalable

The U.2 2.5-inch form factor ensures seamless integration into existing enterprise chassis, supporting hot-swap capabilities for minimal downtime during maintenance or upgrades. This form factor is ideal for rack-dense deployments where space optimization and serviceability are critical.

Advantages of U.2 in Data Center Deployments

• Tool-less drive replacement in Dell server bays
• Standardized interface across NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives
• Thermal and mechanical robustness for 24/7 operation
• Supports up to 30.72TB in a single drive slot

Read Intensive TLC NAND: Optimized for Throughput

Built with Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND, the 8WK55 SSD is engineered for read-centric workloads where endurance is balanced with cost-efficiency and performance. TLC NAND allows for higher density per die, enabling massive capacity scaling without compromising reliability for read-heavy applications.

Use Cases for Read Intensive SSDs

• Media streaming platforms requiring high sequential read speeds
• Database query acceleration in OLAP systems
• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) boot storms
• Machine learning inference with large model datasets

Endurance and Reliability Metrics

Despite being read-intensive, the 8WK55 SSD maintains enterprise-grade endurance ratings, typically measured in Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD). For read-intensive TLC drives, DWPD values range from 0.2 to 1, which is sufficient for workloads with minimal write amplification.

Key Reliability Features

• Advanced ECC (Error Correction Code) for data integrity
• Power-loss protection capacitors
• SMART monitoring and thermal throttling
• MTBF exceeding 2 million hours

Massive 30.72TB Capacity: Consolidation and Efficiency

With a staggering 30.72 terabytes of raw capacity, the Dell 8WK55 SSD enables unprecedented storage consolidation. This reduces the number of drives required per server, lowering power consumption, cooling requirements, and overall TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

Capacity Benefits in Enterprise Environments

• Fewer drives per rack for the same storage footprint
• Reduced RAID complexity and rebuild times
• Improved storage density in edge and core deployments
• Ideal for archival and cold data tiering with fast access

Compatibility with Dell PowerEdge Servers

The 8WK55 SSD is validated for use in multiple generations of Dell PowerEdge servers, including R750, R760, and R660 models. These platforms support PCIe Gen4 and U.2 NVMe backplanes, ensuring full performance utilization and firmware-level integration for SMART diagnostics and lifecycle management.

Firmware and Management Integration

• Support for Dell iDRAC storage health monitoring
• NVMe-MI (Management Interface) for remote provisioning
• Secure firmware updates via Dell Lifecycle Controller
• Compatibility with Dell OpenManage Enterprise

Security Features: Data Protection and Compliance

Enterprise SSDs like the 8WK55 incorporate robust security features to meet compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO/IEC 27001. These include AES 256-bit hardware encryption, secure erase commands, and support for TCG Opal and IEEE 1667 protocols.

Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) Capabilities

• Instant data sanitization via crypto erase
• Hardware-based encryption with zero performance impact
• Support for secure boot and trusted platform modules (TPM)
• Integration with enterprise key management systems (KMS)

Compliance and Certifications

The 8WK55 SSD meets stringent enterprise standards for data protection and environmental compliance:

• RoHS and REACH certified
• UL and CE safety approvals
• FIPS 140-2 validated encryption modules
• ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 manufacturing standards

Thermal Management and Power Efficiency

High-capacity NVMe SSDs generate significant heat under sustained workloads. The 8WK55 incorporates advanced thermal throttling algorithms and power-efficient controller architecture to maintain optimal operating temperatures and reduce energy consumption.

Power Consumption Metrics

• Active read power: ~12W
• Idle power: ~4W
• Power states: PS0 to PS4 for dynamic scaling
• Support for NVMe Autonomous Power State Transition (APST)

Thermal Design Features

• Integrated heat spreaders for uniform dissipation
• Temperature sensors for real-time monitoring
• Firmware-controlled throttling to prevent overheating
• Optimized airflow design for rack-mounted servers

Performance Benchmarks and Latency Characteristics

The Dell 8WK55 SSD delivers exceptional performance across sequential and random read operations. With PCIe Gen4 bandwidth and optimized firmware, it achieves:

Key Performance Metrics

• Sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s
• Random read IOPS exceeding 1 million
• Latency under 100 microseconds for read operations
• Consistent QoS across mixed workloads

Latency Optimization Techniques

• NVMe command set with reduced overhead
• Parallel NAND access via multi-channel architecture
• Low-latency DRAM cache for metadata acceleration
• Firmware-level queue depth tuning