HPE 741163-001 400GB SAS-12GBPS ME SC SFF Hot-Swap SSD

HPE 741163-001 Overview

The HPE 741163-001 is a 400GB, 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) enterprise-grade solid state drive designed for server and storage arrays that require a balance of high throughput, low latency and enterprise-class endurance. This SKU is commonly described as a Mainstream Endurance SAS drive, delivered with a Smart/SmartCarrier tray for hot-swap insertion into ProLiant and other enterprise servers. The drive uses a 12 Gb/s SAS interface, supports hot-plug operation in supported trays, and targets mixed read/write workloads where both durability and predictable performance are required.

Category context

Within the HPE SSD portfolio the 741163-001 sits in the Mainstream Endurance tier — a segment optimized for application workloads that require a significant amount of host writes each day while still prioritizing cost- and capacity-efficiency over ultra-high write endurance class drives. Mainstream Endurance drives are a middle ground between Read-Intensive (lower DWPD) and Write-Intensive (very high DWPD) classes, delivering a reliable option for virtual machines, databases with moderate update patterns, and tiered storage pools. This makes the SKU a frequent selection for Gen8/Gen9-era servers and compatible SAS backplanes in data centers.

Interface and protocol details

The 12 Gb/s SAS interface supports enterprise features such as full-duplex operation, dual-port redundancy (on dual-ported variants), and advanced command set features for power and error management. SAS delivers stronger enterprise controls than consumer SATA and is typically used behind SAS HBAs or RAID controllers in server-class systems. The SAS 12G link also ensures backward compatibility with 6G SAS systems (when used with compatible backplanes and controllers), while providing headroom for bursty workloads and higher sustained throughput.

Performance characteristics

IOPS and throughput expectations

Mainstream Endurance SSDs in the HPE family deliver high random IOPS and strong sequential throughput for enterprise workloads. Typical read IOPS figures for comparable 400GB mainstream drives fall in a high tens of thousands (e.g., 60–70k IOPS under Q-depth conditions used in vendor testing), while write IOPS vary with queue depth, provisioning, and firmware optimizations. These drives excel in I/O-intensive mixed-read/write environments, including virtualization, database caching layers and frequently updated index stores. Exact IOPS and MB/s numbers should be taken from the product's specific datasheet and validated in the target controller/backplane configuration.

Latency and consistency

Enterprise-class SSDs prioritize low and consistent latency over raw peak throughput. The 741163-001 is tuned to reduce latency spikes that can hurt database response times and virtualization hosts. When combined with proper queueing and host-side tuning (aligned IO, appropriate block sizes, and well-configured RAID/host adapters), these SSDs keep tail latencies within predictable bounds — crucial for SLA-driven applications. Vendor whitepapers and controller firmware release notes provide the best source for latency characteristics under specific workloads.

Endurance, write lifetime and DWPD explained

One of the defining attributes of the Mainstream Endurance category is its endurance rating, typically expressed as Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) across a warranty period (commonly 3–5 years depending on SKU). HPE categorizes SSDs into Read-Intensive, Mixed-Use and Write-Intensive classes; Mainstream Endurance sits above Read-Intensive but below the highest Write-Intensive tiers. For administrators planning allocation, understanding DWPD helps match an SSD to a workload's daily write volume and expected lifetime. Always consult the SKU data sheet for the certified DWPD for the exact drive model.

Comparisons and alternatives

Compared with Read-Intensive drives, the 741163-001’s Mainstream Endurance design offers a higher DWPD and better sustained write performance, making it a more suitable choice for write-heavy virtualized workloads. Against Write-Intensive drives, it normally offers a lower DWPD and better cost-per-GB, so if your workload requires extreme write endurance (very high daily rewrite rates), consider a WI-class SSD instead. Choosing the correct class balances cost, endurance and capacity.

HPE parts to evaluate

When designing storage tiers, evaluate adjacent part numbers in the HPE catalog (e.g., other 400GB offerings, NVMe alternatives, or different endurance classes) to understand trade-offs in latency, endurance and price. For higher throughput or lower latency, consider NVMe options where the server platform supports them; for higher endurance, inspect HPE Write-Intensive parts. Always confirm compatibility with your controllers and HCL.