HPE 840990-B21 800GB SATA 6GBPS Read Intensive LFF LPC Refurbished

HPE 840990-B21 — 800GB SATA Read-Intensive LFF (3.5") Solid State Drive

Product overview and core specifications

The HPE 840990-B21 is an enterprise-grade 800GB solid state drive (SSD) engineered for read-intensive workloads. Designed in a Large Form Factor (LFF) 3.5-inch chassis and using a SATA 6Gb/s interface, this internal drive delivers dependable performance, high reliability and consistent throughput for caching, read-heavy databases and scale-out storage systems.

Key attributes

Manufacturer: HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)
Model / SKU: 840990-B21
Capacity: 800GB
Interface: SATA (6 Gb/s)
Form factor: 3.5" LFF (Large Form Factor)
Workload profile: Read-intensive (optimized for high read IOPS)
Drive type: Internal enterprise SSD

Performance characteristics

Optimized for sustained read operations, the HPE 840990-B21 provides low latency and steady throughput for workloads that require rapid data retrieval. While tailored for reads, its firmware also supports efficient background management to maintain endurance and predictable service levels.

Performance highlights

Interface throughput up to 6 Gb/s via SATA specification
Consistent read performance across mixed I/O patterns
Firmware tuned for enterprise reliability and data integrity

Durability & endurance

Classified as a read-intensive SSD, this unit is ideal for applications where read operations dominate, such as content delivery, web servers, analytics nodes and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) read caches. Read-intensive endurance class provides a balance between cost and lifetime suitable for many production environments.

Endurance & reliability features

Endurance rating optimized for read-heavy workloads
Internal wear-leveling and error correction to extend usable life
Enterprise-grade power-loss protection and data integrity checks

Compatibility & integration

The HPE 840990-B21 is broadly compatible with HPE ProLiant servers, storage arrays and JBOD enclosures that accept 3.5" SATA drives. Its SATA 6 Gb/s interface ensures backward compatibility with 3 Gb/s ports while delivering improved throughput when connected to modern SATA controllers.

Supported environments

HPE ProLiant rack and tower servers (with 3.5" drive bays)
HPE storage enclosures and third-party chassis supporting 3.5" SATA SSDs
Hybrid arrays and caching tiers where read performance is prioritized

HPE 840990-B21 800GB SATA SSD: Enterprise-Grade Storage Solution

HPE Read Intensive Solid State Drives

The HPE 840990-B21 represents the pinnacle of read-intensive solid state storage technology within Hewlett Packard Enterprise's comprehensive storage portfolio. As part of HPE's mission-critical server components, this 800GB SATA SSD is engineered specifically for data centers and enterprise environments where reliability, performance, and efficiency are non-negotiable. Designed to handle workloads with predominantly read operations, this drive delivers exceptional performance for applications requiring frequent data access without the premium cost of write-intensive alternatives.

Key Technical Specifications

Capacity and Form Factor Details

Featuring an 800GB storage capacity in a 3.5-inch LFF (Large Form Factor) design, the HPE 840990-B21 provides substantial storage space while maintaining compatibility with enterprise server configurations. The LPC (Low Profile Card) design ensures seamless integration into HPE ProLiant and similar server platforms without requiring additional mounting hardware or special configurations.

Storage Architecture

Built with multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash technology, this SSD strikes the perfect balance between performance, endurance, and cost-effectiveness. The 800GB capacity is optimized for enterprise workloads, providing ample space for operating systems, applications, and frequently accessed data while maintaining consistent performance across the entire storage volume.

Interface and Performance Metrics

With SATA 6Gbps interface compatibility, this drive delivers maximum sequential read speeds of up to 560MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 510MB/s. The SATA interface ensures broad compatibility with existing server infrastructure while providing more than sufficient bandwidth for read-intensive applications. The drive's advanced controller optimizes data flow and reduces latency to under 100 microseconds for read operations.

Endurance and Reliability Specifications

The HPE 840990-B21 is rated for 1.3 full drive writes per day (DWPD) over its 5-year warranty period, translating to approximately 2.3 petabytes written (PBW) throughout its lifespan. This endurance rating makes it suitable for read-centric workloads with moderate write requirements. With an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 2 million hours and advanced error correction capabilities, this drive ensures data integrity and continuous operation in demanding environments.

Advanced Technology Features

NAND Flash Technology

Utilizing enterprise-grade MLC NAND flash memory, the HPE 840990-B21 delivers superior performance and reliability compared to consumer-grade SSDs. The memory cells are designed for extended lifespan and consistent performance under continuous operation. Advanced wear-leveling algorithms distribute write operations evenly across all memory cells, preventing premature wear on specific sectors and extending the drive's usable life.

Power Loss Protection

Enterprise-class power loss protection circuits ensure data integrity during unexpected power failures. The drive includes onboard capacitors that provide sufficient power to complete pending write operations and flush the write cache to non-volatile memory, preventing data corruption and maintaining file system consistency.

Thermal Management

Sophisticated thermal monitoring and throttling mechanisms prevent overheating during extended operation. The drive dynamically adjusts performance based on temperature readings to maintain optimal operating conditions without compromising data integrity. This feature is particularly crucial in densely populated server environments where airflow may be restricted.

Use Cases and Application Scenarios

Data Center Deployment

The HPE 840990-B21 excels in data center environments where read performance is prioritized. Its combination of high capacity and consistent low-latency performance makes it ideal for hosting virtual machines, databases, and application servers that require rapid access to stored information. The drive's reliability ensures minimal downtime and maintenance requirements in 24/7 operational scenarios.

Virtualization Infrastructure

In virtualized environments, this SSD significantly improves VM boot times, application responsiveness, and overall host performance. The read-intensive nature of most virtualization workloads aligns perfectly with the drive's design characteristics, making it an excellent choice for VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), server virtualization, and cloud computing platforms.

Database Applications

Database servers handling primarily read queries, such as reporting databases, data warehouses, and business intelligence systems, benefit tremendously from the HPE 840990-B21's performance characteristics. The low latency and high read throughput accelerate query processing and improve overall system responsiveness.

Content Delivery and Web Serving

Web servers, content delivery nodes, and media streaming applications require fast access to static content and frequently requested data. This drive's optimized read performance ensures quick content delivery and reduced page load times, enhancing user experience and supporting higher concurrent user loads.

Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability

Enterprise-Class Endurance

With a 5-year limited warranty and endurance rating of 1.3 DWPD, the HPE 840990-B21 is designed for continuous operation in demanding environments. The drive's wear-leveling algorithms, over-provisioning, and advanced error correction work in concert to maximize lifespan and maintain performance throughout the warranty period.

Data Integrity Features

Advanced data protection mechanisms include end-to-end data path protection, power loss protection, and sophisticated error correction codes. These features work together to prevent data corruption and ensure information integrity from the host interface through to the NAND flash memory cells.

Serviceability and Maintenance

As a genuine HPE component, the 840990-B21 includes comprehensive monitoring capabilities through HPE's management ecosystem. Drive health, temperature, remaining lifespan, and performance metrics are readily available through integrated management tools, enabling proactive maintenance and simplified troubleshooting.

Alternative Storage Solutions

Write-Intensive SSDs

Compared to write-intensive SSDs, the HPE 840990-B21 offers a more cost-effective solution for workloads dominated by read operations. While write-intensive drives provide higher endurance for write-heavy applications, they come at a significant premium. For many enterprise scenarios where writes represent less than 30% of total operations, read-intensive drives deliver optimal value without compromising performance.

Mixed-Use SSDs

Mixed-use SSDs balance read and write capabilities but typically at higher cost points than read-intensive models. The HPE 840990-B21 provides superior read performance at a lower cost per gigabyte, making it the preferred choice when workload characteristics are clearly understood and predominantly read-oriented.

Traditional Hard Disk Drives

The performance advantage of the HPE 840990-B21 over traditional hard disk drives is substantial, with orders of magnitude improvement in latency and IOPS. While HDDs offer lower cost per gigabyte for bulk storage, their mechanical nature makes them unsuitable for performance-sensitive applications. The SSD provides the reliability of solid-state technology with no moving parts, reducing failure rates and improving overall system stability.