HPE 728213-B21 480GB 6G 2.5 VE NHP SATA SSD.

Key specifications and technical highlights

Form factor and interface

The drive follows the common 2.5-inch form factor favored in modern servers and storage enclosures, making it suitable for dense rack configurations and blade chassis. It uses the SATA III interface at 6 Gbps (6G), ensuring broad backward and forward compatibility with a wide range of HPE controllers and legacy SATA ports.

Capacity and model identity

With a usable capacity of 480GB, the HPE 728213-B21 sits comfortably in the mid-range capacity tier — large enough for boot volumes, database log volumes, and frequently-accessed application data. The model number ties the product to HPE’s validated parts ecosystem, which helps guarantee firmware compatibility and official support when deployed in HPE servers.

Drive class and endurance

Classified as a VE (Value Enterprise) drive with NHP (Non-Hot-Plug) designation, this SSD is engineered for applications that value enterprise-grade durability and cost-efficiency. Endurance metrics for drives in this class are tuned to handle typical mixed server workloads — write endurance is sufficient for OS disks, caching layers, and moderate write-intensive tasks. Because it’s a VE-class device, it offers an economical alternative to higher-tier write-intensive drives while still meeting enterprise reliability expectations.

Reliability and MTBF

Enterprise HPE SSDs are tested to strict reliability standards. While exact MTBF and DWPD (drive writes per day) figures vary by batch and firmware revisions, VE-class HPE SSDs are produced to minimize unplanned downtime and to operate continuously under server workloads. Buyers should consult official HPE datasheets for precise endurance numbers tied to a particular firmware revision.

Performance characteristics

The HPE 728213-B21 operates over a SATA 6G link which enables strong sequential transfer rates and solid random I/O performance for 4K/8K workflows common to OS and application needs. Its controller and NAND configuration are optimized for consistent low-latency operations with predictable IO response times — a must for database log volumes, virtual machine boot drives, and latency-sensitive services.

Sequential and random throughput

• Sequential read/write: optimized for rapid read throughput and competitive write throughput for its class.
• Random IOPS: tuned to deliver steady random I/O operations per second suitable for mixed-read workloads.
• Latency: designed to maintain low latency under sustained loads to ensure predictable application performance.

Compatibility and platform support

HPE server families and validated configurations

Because this part number is part of HPE’s validated inventory, it is commonly supported in a broad set of HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers as well as HPE storage systems that accept 2.5" SATA drives. Validated compatibility simplifies procurement and reduces integration risk: when you buy HPE-branded parts with matching firmware, you increase the likelihood of smooth firmware upgrades, firmware compatibility with HPE controllers, and official support from HPE.

Controller and firmware considerations

When deploying the 728213-B21 drive, match the drive’s firmware to your server’s controller firmware where possible. HPE often issues firmware bundles to ensure controller and drive firmware play well together; following those bundles avoids incompatibilities and can unlock drive-level optimizations. For heterogeneous environments, ensure the drive is recognized as a SATA device in RAID controllers and that any caching or tiering software is configured to tolerate NHP (non-hot-plug) devices if applicable.

Operating systems and hypervisors

The drive works with mainstream operating systems (Linux distributions, Windows Server) and popular hypervisors (VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V) that support SATA storage. For virtualized environments, use the drive for VM boot volumes, templates, or performance tiers in a hybrid storage architecture. Confirm that the OS/kernel recognizes the drive and that any storage agents or management utilities provided by HPE are installed to monitor drive health.

Use cases and recommended deployments

Boot, system and application volumes

The HPE 728213-B21 is an excellent choice for OS and application root volumes where fast boot times and consistent response are important. The moderate 480GB size is usually ample for system partitions, application binaries, and logs while leaving headroom for growth.

Caching and read-accelerated layers

In multi-tier storage setups, use VE SATA SSDs as read cache devices or as mid-tier accelerators. They can dramatically improve application response times for frequently accessed data while enabling cost-efficient storage tiering: hot data remains on SSDs while colder data is stored on higher-capacity HDD tiers.

Database logs and write-optimized operations

Although write-intensive SSDs may be preferred for heavy database transaction logs, a 480GB VE-class SSD is suitable for smaller or medium-sized database log volumes or for environments where write throughput is moderate. Pair the drive with redundancy and regular backups to mitigate risk for write-heavy workloads.

Edge and branch office servers

Remote offices and edge deployments often require compact, low-power storage devices with enterprise reliability. This 2.5" SATA SSD fits well into constrained form factors and offers predictable operation in distributed infrastructure where local storage must be dependable and simple to manage.

Deployment tips and best practices

Pre-install checks

• Confirm physical fit: ensure the server bay or caddy supports 2.5" SATA drives and NHP designation matches the enclosure expectations.
• Verify firmware: check HPE support pages for recommended firmware bundles and apply controller firmware updates first if required.
• Back up data: always back up critical data before replacing or adding drives to an array, especially when integrating firmware-updated components.

RAID and redundancy planning

For critical applications, deploy the drive in redundant RAID configurations (RAID 1, RAID 5/6, or RAID 10 depending on capacity and performance requirements). Combining multiple 480GB drives in RAID provides both capacity and fault tolerance. When mixing different drive classes, avoid placing drives with markedly different performance or endurance in the same RAID volume to maintain predictable behavior.

Monitoring and health checks

Use HPE system management tools (such as Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) and HPE Smart Storage Administrator) to monitor SMART attributes, drive temperature, and predicted remaining life. Regular monitoring enables preemptive replacements before failures occur, reducing unplanned downtime.

Firmware maintenance

Adopt a controlled firmware update policy. Keep a record of current firmware versions and follow HPE-released update instructions. When updating drive firmware, do so during maintenance windows and ensure backups exist; some controllers may require specific sequences (controller first, then drives) to avoid transient incompatibilities.

Comparisons and alternatives

Value Enterprise (VE) vs. Read-Intensive (RI) and Write-Intensive (WI)

The VE designation positions the 728213-B21 between consumer-grade SATA SSDs and higher-end write-intensive enterprise drives. If your workload is predominantly read-heavy, consider an RI-class drive for better read optimization. For heavy write workloads (large-scale databases, log-heavy transaction systems), a WI-class drive or an NVMe write-optimized SSD may be a better fit. VE drives strike a balance — they are cost-effective for mixed workloads and common enterprise roles.

SATA vs. NVMe

SATA 6G SSDs remain popular due to broad compatibility, lower cost per GB for some capacity points, and wide support in existing server fleets. NVMe SSDs offer significantly higher IOPS and lower latency for demanding applications. When upgrading from SATA to NVMe, evaluate whether your workload will meaningfully benefit from NVMe’s performance gains and whether your servers/controllers support NVMe drives. The HPE 728213-B21 is ideal where SATA compatibility is a priority.

Capacity-tier alternatives

If 480GB is insufficient, HPE and other vendors offer larger capacities in similar form factors and compatible firmware families. Conversely, if you only need a boot or small application drive, smaller capacities will reduce cost while delivering the same form-factor advantages.

Benefits for procurement teams and IT managers

Cost-effectiveness and lifecycle value

By selecting a VE-class HPE SSD, procurement teams can optimize capital outlay without sacrificing the enterprise-level reliability required for production servers. The drive’s balance of capacity, endurance and validated compatibility reduces integration risk and total cost of ownership.

Vendor support and warranty advantages

Buying an HPE-branded, HPE-part-numbered SSD simplifies support interactions and warranty claims. HPE support can correlate part numbers to validated firmware and replacement modules, streamlining RMAs and onsite assistance when needed.

Inventory and spares management

For large fleets, standardizing on a part number such as 728213-B21 simplifies spare parts inventory. Fewer SKUs translate to lower stocking complexity and faster hardware swaps in the field.

Installation, serviceability and physical considerations

Drive handling and ESD precautions

Handle SSDs with ESD-safe procedures and avoid touching connector pins. While SSDs are more shock-resistant than HDDs, protect the device from extreme mechanical shocks and follow HPE’s recommended handling guidelines.

Hot-swap vs. non-hot-plug (NHP)

The NHP designation indicates the drive is not intended to be removed or replaced while the chassis is powered and operating. Ensure your server’s bays and enclosures align with that expectation. When hot-swap capability is required, select a hot-pluggable HPE drive variant; mixing hot-pluggable and NHP drives in the same array can complicate service procedures.

Cooling and thermal management

Place the SSD where it benefits from airflow provided by server fans. Monitor temperatures through management tools; while SSDs tolerate higher temperatures better than HDDs in many cases, sustained high temperature can affect longevity and performance.

Support, resources and further reading

Documentation

Direct buyers and technical teams to HPE product manuals, firmware release notes, and compatibility matrices. Datasheets will contain precise endurance, electrical and thermal specifications necessary for formal procurement and QA checks.

Installation guides

Create or link to step-by-step install guides covering drive handling, insertion in the specific HPE caddy, controller configuration for SATA drives, and RAID setup best practices. Video walk-throughs or illustrated PDFs improve adoption and reduce installation errors.

Troubleshooting tips

• If the drive is not detected, verify the SATA port mode in BIOS and confirm controller compatibility.
• Check iLO and HPE tools for SMART warnings before proceeding with firmware updates or replacements.
• For degraded RAID arrays, follow HPE’s rebuild recommendations and only mix drives of similar characteristics.