840987-B21 HPE 480GB SATA 6GBPS RI LFF LPC SSD

Performance characteristics and real-world behavior

The HPE 840987-B21 focuses on predictable read performance. In vendor datasheets and reseller listings the drive is commonly cited with strong 4KB random read throughput (tens of thousands of IOPS), while write IOPS are lower, matching its RI classification. For read-heavy workloads — search indexes, analytics reads, VM boot storms, web content servers — this translates to faster application response times and lower latency compared to spinning media. For write-heavy transactional databases or sustained heavy writes, consider mixed-use or write-intensive SSDs for longer endurance and lower risk of premature wear. 

Measured & quoted metrics

Vendors that list the 840987-B21 regularly display the following ballpark figures: peak sequential transfer rates compatible with SATA 6Gbps, random read IOPS in the tens of thousands, and random write IOPS in the low thousands to ten-thousands depending on workload burst behavior and firmware optimizations. These metrics make the drive well suited for caching and read caching layers where high read concurrency matters more than write endurance. As with any enterprise part, expect modest variance between vendor-substituted OEM parts (HPE sometimes ships multi-vendor internal SSDs under the same part number). 

Latency and QoS

Read-intensive enterprise SSDs prioritize low and consistent read latency. When used in caching or read-offload roles, the 840987-B21 helps maintain QoS by reducing the tail latency experienced by many concurrent server threads. To achieve the best latency profile, pair the SSD with controller firmware that supports enterprise queue management, NCQ, and if available, read-caching policies that avoid unnecessary background garbage-collection during peak read windows. 

Use cases and deployment patterns

Primary use cases

• Boot and OS volumes: replace slower spinning boot disks to speed server startup and OS-level operations.
• VM boot and read cache: host multiple VM images that are read frequently during boot storms, with read-dominant IO.
• Analytics and BI query acceleration: reduce query latency for read-heavy analytic workloads by using SSD tiers.
• Content delivery and web caches: accelerate static content delivery from the server layer.
• Archive staging / active archive: provide faster access to archived datasets that are read repeatedly but seldom rewritten.

Architectural patterns

Typical architecture patterns that benefit most include hybrid arrays where the 840987-B21 forms the SSD tier for read caching, server-side local caching for virtualization hosts, or combined read/write tiers where mixed-use drives are not required for write durability. For small-to-mid enterprises with HPE infrastructure, this part can act as a straightforward upgrade path to move away from HDD bottlenecks without redesigning storage controllers. 

Endurance, reliability, and data integrity features

Although read-intensive SSDs are not optimized for heavy, sustained write workloads, HPE's SSD product family includes enterprise-grade features aimed at protecting data integrity and extending usable life: full data-path protection, firmware-level error detection and correction, TRIM support, and in some vendor variants hardware encryption (self-encrypting drive options). HPE also signs firmware for certain OEM lines to ensure platform compatibility and reduce the risk of unsupported firmware mixes in ProLiant systems. For mission-critical deployments, review the drive's TBW (terabytes written) rating and align it with your expected daily write footprint. 

Comparisons and alternatives

When choosing between drive classes, compare the 840987-B21 (read-intensive) against mixed-use and write-intensive alternatives. Mixed-use drives provide a balance of reads and writes and are typically recommended for general-purpose VM datastores and databases with higher write ratios. Write-intensive SSDs are more expensive per GB but are necessary for heavy transactional workloads. For pure read caching and archival access patterns, the 840987-B21 offers a favorable price/performance ratio. Consider also capacity vs. density tradeoffs — SFF NVMe solutions offer much greater IOPS density but require NVMe-capable backplanes and controllers.

Checklist before ordering

• Confirm server/backplane compatibility (LFF LPC tray vs. SFF bay).
• Request vendor firmware and NAND source details for large orders.
• Verify TBW or DWPD (drive writes per day) if available versus your write workload.
• Check warranty terms and RMA process with the seller.
• Consider spare parts and a small pilot deployment before fleet-wide rollouts. 

Suggested on-page elements to improve rankings

• Comprehensive spec table (capacity, interface, IOPS, form factor, endurance class).
• Compatibility callouts for common server models and controllers.
• Use-case examples with measurable benefits (e.g., % improvement vs HDD for boot times or query latency).
• Link to official HPE datasheets and firmware notices to build authority and trust.