161-BCCQ Dell 2.4TB 10KRPM SAS-12GBPS 512e SFF Hot-plug HDD

Dell 161-BCCQ 2.4TB SAS Internal Hard Drive

The Dell 161-BCCQ is a high-performance 2.5-inch SAS hard disk drive engineered for enterprise-grade storage needs. With strong reliability, fast data access speeds, and robust caching technologies, it is optimized for demanding workloads in modern data centers.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Dell
• Model Number: 161-BCCQ
• Drive Type: Internal enterprise-class HDD
• Total Capacity: 2.4 Terabytes
• Form Factor: Compact 2.5-inch design
• Interface Protocol: SAS 12Gb/s
• Cache Buffer: 256 MB with multisegmented architecture
• Sector Format: 512e (Advanced Format)

Performance Highlights

Built for speed and efficiency, this drive ensures smooth operation for enterprise applications and high-demand environments.

• Rotational Speed: 10,000 RPM for rapid data access
• Average Latency: 2.9 ms response time
• Transfer Rate (Outer to Inner): 270–117 MB/s
• External Transfer Bandwidth: 1200 Mbps
• Advanced Multi-segmented Cache: 256 MB

Enhanced Caching and Acceleration

Optimized Data Flow

The Dell 161-BCCQ integrates intelligent caching layers to handle heavy workloads with efficiency and stability.

• I/O Acceleration technology for faster responses
• Enhanced latency management reducing bottlenecks
• NAND Flash Cache: 16GB eMLC
• Durability through NAND endurance optimization

Expansion and Connectivity Options

Flexible Deployment

• Interface Support: 1 × SAS 12Gbps
• Hot-Swap Bay Compatibility: 2.5-inch slot
• Seamless integration into Dell enterprise servers

System Compatibility

Supported Dell PowerEdge Servers

This hard drive has been validated to work seamlessly with a broad range of Dell PowerEdge rack, tower, and modular servers, ensuring long-term reliability.

Rack Servers

• PowerEdge R260, R360, R440, R450, R470, R550
• PowerEdge R640, R650, R650xs, R6525, R660, R660xs, R6615, R6625
• PowerEdge R740, R740xd, R750, R750xs, R7515, R7525
• PowerEdge R760, R760xs, R7615, R7625, R770
• PowerEdge R840, R860, R940, R960

Tower Servers

• PowerEdge T550
• PowerEdge T560

Modular & High-Density Systems

• PowerEdge C6420, C6520, C6525
• PowerEdge HS5610, HS5620
• PowerEdge MX760c

Storage Arrays

• PowerVault MD2424

Enterprise-Class 2.5-Inch SAS HDDs for High-Performance Server Storage

The 161-BCCQ Dell 2.4TB 10KRPM SAS-12Gbps 512e 256MB Buffer 2.5-inch Hot-plug Hard Disk Drive represents a premium tier in enterprise-grade rotational storage. Designed for mission-critical workloads, this drive combines high-speed spindle performance with robust SAS interface throughput, making it ideal for data centers, virtualization clusters, and transactional database environments. Its compact 2.5-inch form factor ensures optimal space utilization in dense server chassis, while hot-plug capability streamlines maintenance and scalability.

Advanced SAS-12Gbps Interface: Speed Meets Reliability

The SAS-12Gbps interface on the Dell 161-BCCQ drive delivers exceptional throughput, supporting full-duplex data transfers and dual-port redundancy. This interface is backward compatible with SAS-6Gbps controllers, ensuring seamless integration with legacy infrastructure while unlocking the full performance potential in modern servers. SAS architecture also supports advanced command queuing, error recovery, and multi-initiator configurations, making it superior to SATA in enterprise environments.

Dual-Port Redundancy and Failover

With dual-port SAS connectivity, the 161-BCCQ drive enables path redundancy, allowing uninterrupted access even if one controller path fails. This feature is critical in high-availability clusters and RAID arrays, where uptime and fault tolerance are paramount.

Compatibility Across Dell PowerEdge Generations

This drive is validated for use across multiple Dell PowerEdge platforms, including R640, R740xd, R7525, and legacy models like R730 and R720. Its firmware is tuned for Dell's PERC RAID controllers, ensuring optimal performance, SMART monitoring, and seamless integration with Dell OpenManage tools.

10K RPM Performance: Balancing Speed and Endurance

The 10,000 RPM spindle speed offers a compelling balance between performance and power efficiency. Compared to 7.2K drives, the 161-BCCQ delivers significantly lower seek times and higher IOPS, making it suitable for workloads that demand rapid access to structured data—such as OLTP databases, ERP systems, and virtual machine storage.

Latency and Throughput Advantages

With average latency around 3ms and sustained throughput exceeding 200MB/s, this drive outperforms traditional SATA HDDs while maintaining lower power draw than 15K RPM models. Its 256MB buffer further accelerates burst operations and caching efficiency.

Workload Optimization

The 161-BCCQ excels in mixed-use environments where read/write ratios vary. Its firmware is optimized for enterprise workloads, supporting features like rotational vibration compensation (RVC), error correction code (ECC), and thermal throttling to maintain consistent performance under stress.

512e Sector Format: Compatibility with Modern Storage Architectures

The 512e (512-byte emulation) format bridges legacy compatibility with advanced formatting standards. While the physical sectors are 4K, the drive emulates 512-byte logical sectors, ensuring compatibility with older operating systems and RAID controllers while benefiting from improved error correction and storage efficiency.

Advanced Format Benefits

Drives with 512e formatting offer enhanced data integrity, reduced overhead, and better alignment with modern file systems. This format also improves ECC capabilities, reducing the risk of silent data corruption in long-term archival scenarios.

Hot-Plug Functionality: Streamlined Maintenance and Scalability

The hot-plug feature allows IT administrators to replace or add drives without powering down the server. This capability is essential in environments requiring 24/7 uptime, such as financial institutions, healthcare data centers, and e-commerce platforms.

Tool-less Tray Compatibility

The 161-BCCQ is compatible with Dell’s tool-less drive trays, enabling quick installation and removal. Its standardized mounting points and firmware support ensure plug-and-play operation across Dell’s 13th, 14th, and 15th generation servers.

Use Cases for the Dell 2.4TB 10K SAS HDD

• Database Storage: Ideal for transactional databases requiring fast access and reliability
• Virtualization: Supports high VM density with consistent IOPS delivery
• RAID Arrays: Optimized for RAID 10 and RAID 5 configurations in enterprise servers
• Tiered Storage: Serves as a mid-tier between SSDs and archival HDDs
• Backup and Recovery: Reliable medium for snapshot storage and restore operations

Reliability and Endurance Metrics

The Dell 161-BCCQ drive is engineered for 24x7 operation with a mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeding 2 million hours. Its workload rating supports up to 550TB/year, making it suitable for intensive enterprise applications. Features like dynamic fly height adjustment, head load/unload ramp technology, and multi-axis shock sensors contribute to its durability.

SMART Monitoring and Predictive Failure Analysis

Integrated SMART diagnostics allow real-time health monitoring, enabling predictive alerts for potential failures. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and supports automated maintenance workflows in enterprise environments.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Management

Despite its high performance, the 161-BCCQ maintains a modest power profile. Idle power consumption averages around 4.5W, while active read/write operations peak near 6.8W. Its firmware includes thermal throttling algorithms to prevent overheating, and the drive is validated for operation in ambient temperatures up to 60°C.

Rotational Vibration Compensation (RVC)

RVC technology mitigates performance degradation caused by adjacent drive vibrations in dense enclosures. This feature ensures consistent throughput even in multi-drive arrays, enhancing overall system stability.

Security and Data Protection Features

While the 161-BCCQ does not include native SED (Self-Encrypting Drive) functionality, it supports controller-based encryption via Dell PERC RAID cards. This allows secure data-at-rest protection when paired with TCG-compliant RAID controllers and firmware.

Firmware-Level Protections

The drive includes firmware-level safeguards such as write cache protection, power loss data recovery, and ECC algorithms. These features ensure data integrity during unexpected shutdowns or power fluctuations.