HPE 731043-001 480GB MLC SATA-6GBPS VE SFF NHP SSD

HPE 731043-001 480GB MLC SATA-6GBPS SSD Overview

The HPE 731043-001 480GB MLC SATA-6GBPS Value Endurance SFF Non Hot-Plug Internal Solid State Drive represents a purpose-built storage option for environments that demand predictable endurance, consistent SATA 6 Gb/s performance, and compact Small Form Factor (SFF) integration. This category description focuses on the drives, subcategories, and practical decision factors that guide IT buyers, systems administrators, and procurement teams seeking reliable internal SSDs for HPE platforms and compatible enterprise servers.

Key technical

Form factor and interface

The HPE 731043-001 is a Small Form Factor (SFF) 2.5-inch drive designed to fit modern rack servers, dense storage shelves, and many HPE branded server sleds. The interface is SATA 6 Gb/s (often denoted SATA-III), providing wide compatibility with HPE ProLiant and many whitebox motherboards. SATA 6 Gb/s remains a common enterprise interface when PCIe/NVMe is not required or supported.

Storage capacity and NAND technology

This product line's typical capacity is 480GB, making it well suited for OS volumes, caching tiers, database log partitions, and other high-write or mixed-I/O workloads. It uses MLC (Multi-Level Cell) NAND flash, which delivers higher program/erase endurance than TLC or QLC NAND at comparable cost. That makes this SSD a strong candidate where endurance (drive writes per day, or TBW) matters more than ultra-high capacity.

Compatibility

Server compatibility and validation

HPE-branded parts (such as the 731043-001) are typically validated against a range of ProLiant servers and storage enclosures. That validation covers:

• Mechanical fit in HPE drive sleds and carriers;
• Firmware interaction with HPE Smart Array controllers and BIOS/UEFI; and
• Power/thermals consistent with HPE chassis cooling profiles.

If you are deploying these drives in non-HPE hardware, verify mechanical mounting, SATA connector alignment, and controller compatibility before mass deployment.

Non hot-plug considerations

The "Non Hot-Plug" designation means the drive is not designed to be removed or inserted while the system is powered and operating. Use cases include:

• Internal embedded storage bays where drives are replaced during scheduled maintenance windows;
• Systems with limited physical access where hot-swap is not needed;

For hot-swappable environments, choose a hot-plug rated SSD or install this drive in a slot that will be serviced with the server powered down.

Comparisons

MLC SATA vs TLC/QLC SATA

Durability: MLC > TLC > QLC. MLC drives deliver higher write endurance, making them a safer choice for write-heavy workloads even if capacity per dollar is higher for TLC/QLC.
Cost: MLC is more costly than TLC/QLC but often cheaper than SLC; it strikes a balance for enterprise teams that need endurance without premium pricing.
Performance stability: MLC often sustains consistent write performance longer under continuous workloads because of more headroom for wear leveling and fewer refresh cycles.

MLC SATA vs NVMe SSDs

NVMe drives (PCIe) generally far outpace SATA in latency and random IOPS. Choose SATA MLC drives when:

• Platform lacks NVMe capability;
• Cost constraints favor SATA per-GB cost;
• Workloads do not demand extremely high IOPS or the lowest possible latency.