345-BLMX Dell 15.36TB 2.5-Inch-SFF NVMe PCI-E SSD

Dell 345-BLMX Read Intensive 15.36TB SSD 

Enterprise-Grade Storage 

The Dell 345-BLMX represents the pinnacle of enterprise storage technology, specifically engineered for read-intensive workloads in demanding data center environments. This 15.36TB U.2 form factor SSD leverages the latest Gen4 NVMe PCIe interface to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency for modern enterprise applications.

Capacity and Form Factor Specifications

Physical Dimensions and Interface

Designed with the standardized 2.5-inch U.2 form factor, the Dell 345-BLMX ensures broad compatibility with enterprise servers and storage systems. The drive measures 100.5mm x 69.85mm x 15mm, conforming to industry standards for easy integration into existing infrastructure. The U.2 (SFF-8639) connector provides both power and data connectivity through a single interface.

Storage Capacity 

With a massive 15.36TB of NAND flash storage, this drive offers one of the highest capacities available in the 2.5-inch form factor. The optimized flash management algorithms ensure consistent performance across the entire capacity range, making it ideal for applications requiring substantial read-oriented storage.

Performance Characteristics

NVMe Gen4 PCIe Interface

Utilizing PCI Express 4.0 x4 interface, the Dell 345-BLMX delivers double the bandwidth of previous generation PCIe 3.0 solutions. This advanced interface supports up to 64,000 command queues with 64,000 commands per queue, significantly reducing I/O latency and improving overall system responsiveness for enterprise workloads.

Data Transfer Rates

The drive achieves exceptional sequential read speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s. Random read performance reaches up to 1,000,000 IOPS while random write performance delivers up to 180,000 IOPS, ensuring smooth operation under heavy multi-threaded workloads.

Read-Intensive Workload Optimization

Workload Endurance Rating

Specifically designed for read-intensive applications, the Dell 345-BLMX features a workload endurance rating of 1 drive write per day (DWPD) over its 5-year warranty period. This translates to approximately 28,032 terabytes written (TBW), ensuring long-term reliability for environments where read operations dominate the workload profile.

NAND Flash Technology

3D NAND Structure

The drive employs advanced 3D TLC NAND flash memory organized in a multi-layer cell structure. This technology provides an optimal balance between cost, performance, and endurance. The vertical stacking of memory cells enables higher densities while maintaining excellent reliability characteristics.

Error Correction and Protection

Advanced low-density parity-check (LDPC) error correction code ensures data integrity and extends the lifespan of the NAND flash. The sophisticated error correction algorithms can correct multiple bit errors per page, providing robust protection against data corruption.

Reliability and Endurance Features

Power Loss Protection

Integrated power loss protection circuits ensure data integrity during unexpected power failures. The system includes both immediate power loss protection for in-flight commands and extended power hold-up for completing critical operations, safeguarding data against corruption.

End-to-End Data Protection

Comprehensive end-to-end data protection mechanisms verify data integrity throughout the entire data path from host interface to NAND flash memory. This includes protection for metadata, user data, and all internal data structures.

NVMe Management Interface

The drive supports the full NVMe 1.4 specification management interface, including admin commands for device management, firmware updates, and health monitoring. The standardized interface ensures compatibility with enterprise management software and monitoring tools.

Power Metrics

Power Consumption Profiles

Typical active power consumption ranges from 12-15 watts during normal operation, with peak power not exceeding 25 watts. Multiple power states including operational, idle, and sleep modes optimize energy efficiency based on workload demands.

Security Capabilities

Comprehensive security features include TCG Opal 2.0 compliance for self-encrypting drive functionality, secure erase capabilities, and sanitize commands. These features ensure data security throughout the drive lifecycle and at end-of-life.

Use Cases and Applications

Database Storage

Ideal for database workloads where read performance is critical, including data warehousing, business intelligence, and online transaction processing systems. The high capacity and excellent read performance support large database instances with demanding access patterns.

Big Data and Analytics

Optimal for big data analytics platforms, scientific computing, and research applications where large datasets require rapid access for processing and analysis. The high capacity reduces the storage footprint for large datasets.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Well-suited for VDI implementations where multiple virtual desktops share common read-intensive base images. The high random read performance supports rapid boot storms and concurrent user operations.