HPE 734883-001 480GB MLC SATA-6GBPS SFF VE SC SSD

HPE 734883-001 480GB MLC SATA-6GBPS SFF Overview

The HPE 734883-001 is a 480GB Multi-Level Cell (MLC) enterprise-class solid state drive (SSD) engineered for server and storage arrays that require a balance of endurance, predictable write performance, and cost-efficiency. This particular SKU is offered in a 2.5" small form factor (SFF) with a SATA-6Gb/s interface and is commonly marketed under the HPE “Value Endurance” family — a tier designed to deliver longer write life than basic consumer drives while keeping acquisition cost attractive for mixed-use or write-heavy enterprise workloads. The Value Endurance designation indicates firmware, flash selection, and validation targeted at applications with sustained write activity while still using cost-effective MLC flash.

Technical

MLC flash and endurance considerations

The 734883-001 uses MLC (multi-level cell) NAND — a flash technology that stores two bits per cell. Compared with TLC or QLC, MLC typically provides higher endurance and better write performance for enterprise workloads. HPE classifies this drive in a Value Endurance tier: it sits between standard consumer-grade MLC offerings and the highest-endurance enterprise SLC/enterprise TLC variants, offering a deliberate trade-off of cost versus drive write durability. For administrators, the practical implication is that the drive is rated and validated for heavier write workloads than consumer SSDs, and HPE tunes firmware and wear-leveling strategies accordingly.

Write amplification, DWPD and life expectancy

Endurance claims for enterprise drives are typically stated as Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) over a warranty period. While exact DWPD values can vary between different Value Endurance SKUs and firmware revisions, reseller listings and technical suppliers frequently list these HPE 480GB Value Endurance parts with enterprise-class endurance ratings appropriate to mixed-use server roles (some listings reference multi-DWPD numbers for refurbished/resale units). When planning deployment, use conservative endurance estimates, enable TRIM/GC support where available in the host, monitor SMART attributes, and consider overprovisioning if your workload is write-heavy to extend usable life.

Interface and performance characteristics

The drive uses a SATA-III 6 Gb/s interface (commonly advertised as “SATA-6GBPS”), which provides a theoretical link bandwidth of ~600 MB/s. That said, real-world sequential throughput will depend on the server’s SATA controller, cabling, host platform, and whether the drive is presented through an HPE carrier/backplane. HPE’s SKU pages and datasheets for the 480GB SATA portfolio indicate support for SATA 6 Gb/s and enterprise-grade data-path protection features. For workloads that rely on sustained sequential transfers, the SATA-6G link is often sufficient, but for maximum random IOPS or ultra-low latency transactional databases, NVMe drives would offer considerably higher throughput — the Value Endurance SATA SSDs instead focus on consistency and cost-effectiveness.

Smart carrier compatibility and hot-swap support

The “Smart Carrier” or Basic/Smart/Bay Carrier options offered by HPE allow the 2.5" SFF drive to integrate cleanly into HPE Gen8/Gen9/Gen10 server front bays. These carriers provide hot-swap capability, proper mechanical mounting, and often include drive status LEDs. When replacing or upgrading drives in HPE servers, confirm whether the part you purchase is the bare 2.5" SSD or supplied in an HPE-branded carrier/caddy; some marketplace listings sell the drive only, while other SKU numbers include the carrier assembly.

Compatibility

Confirming compatibility with HPE servers

Before purchasing, match the drive’s part number (734883-001) to your server generation and backplane type. HPE’s official product pages and quickspecs contain compatibility matrices and supported carrier options; these pages also explain which firmware versions are recommended for particular server families. If you’re buying from a reseller, check whether the drive is sold as an HPE original, an HPE “substitute” (functionally equivalent OEM part), or a third-party multi-vendor unit — each will have different implications for warranty and firmware support.

Comparisons

Value Endurance vs Read-Intensive vs Mixed-Use HPE SSDs

HPE’s SATA lineup commonly includes Read-Intensive, Mixed-Use (MU), and Value Endurance families. Read-intensive drives prioritize read performance and are cost-efficient when writes are infrequent. Mixed-Use balances read and write capability for general-purpose workloads, while Value Endurance shifts emphasis toward higher write durability than baseline consumer-grade parts without the full premium of top-tier enterprise drives. Choose based on your measured read/write profile; use host metrics to compare daily writes and match the drive class to the workload.