345-BKFT Dell PCI-E Gen 5.0 X4 NVMe E3.S Read Intensive SFF 1.92TB SSD

Dell 345-BKFT 1.92TB Enterprise SSD

The Dell 345-BKFT represents a significant leap forward in enterprise storage technology, delivering unprecedented performance for demanding server environments. This 1.92TB PCIe Gen 5.0 NVMe SSD is specifically engineered for Dell PowerEdge 16G and 17G servers, providing the storage foundation for modern data-intensive applications and workloads. With its E3.S 2.5-inch form factor and cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 interface, this drive offers twice the bandwidth of previous generation PCIe 4.0 solutions while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability and endurance characteristics.

PCIe Gen 5.0 Interface Technology

The implementation of PCI Express 5.0 technology enables the Dell 345-BKFT to achieve remarkable data transfer speeds, supporting up to 32 GT/s (gigatransfers per second) per lane. With its x4 lane configuration, the drive delivers maximum theoretical bandwidth of approximately 16 GB/s, though real-world performance is optimized for sustained enterprise workloads. This advanced interface ensures compatibility with current and future PowerEdge server platforms while providing ample headroom for the most demanding storage applications.

NVMe 2.0 Protocol Implementation

Built on the NVMe 2.0 enterprise protocol, the 345-BKFT leverages command set enhancements and improved queue management to maximize I/O efficiency. The drive supports deep queue depths of up to 64K commands, enabling exceptional performance under heavy multi-threaded workloads. Advanced features including multi-stream write technology, end-to-end data protection, and enhanced power management ensure optimal operation in 24/7 enterprise environments.

Key Specifications

Capacity

The 1.92TB capacity point represents an optimal balance between storage density and performance characteristics for read-intensive applications. This capacity provides substantial space for operating systems, applications, and frequently accessed data while maintaining consistent performance across the entire storage volume. The drive utilizes advanced NAND management techniques to ensure reliable operation throughout its specified lifespan.

E3.S 2.5-inch Form Factor

The E3.S (Enterprise and Datacenter Standard Form Factor) 2.5-inch design represents the latest evolution in enterprise storage form factors. This compact yet robust enclosure measures 2.5 inches in width and incorporates the thermal management and signal integrity requirements necessary for high-performance PCIe 5.0 operation. The included tray ensures proper mounting and alignment within Dell PowerEdge server drive bays.

Performance Characteristics

Sequential Read and Write Performance

The Dell 345-BKFT delivers exceptional sequential performance with read speeds reaching up to 14,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 7,000 MB/s under optimal conditions. These performance metrics represent significant improvements over previous generation SSDs, enabling faster data access, reduced application latency, and improved overall system responsiveness for enterprise workloads.

Random I/O Performance Metrics

For random access patterns common in database and virtualization environments, the drive achieves up to 1,800,000 IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) for random reads and up to 600,000 IOPS for random writes. These impressive random I/O capabilities ensure smooth operation under mixed workload conditions and high concurrent user environments.

Enterprise Features and Reliability

TLC NAND Technology

The utilization of 3D TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory provides an optimal balance between cost, capacity, and endurance for read-intensive applications. Each memory cell stores three bits of data, enabling higher storage densities while maintaining enterprise-grade reliability. Advanced error correction and wear-leveling algorithms ensure data integrity throughout the drive's operational lifespan.

Read-Intensive Workload Optimization

Specifically engineered for read-centric applications, the 345-BKFT is optimized for workloads where read operations constitute the majority of I/O activity. This includes database query processing, web serving, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and content delivery networks. The drive's architecture prioritizes read performance while maintaining sufficient write endurance for typical enterprise mixed-use patterns.

Advanced Data Protection Mechanisms

Comprehensive data protection is implemented throughout the data path, from host interface to NAND flash memory. This includes cyclic redundancy check (CRC) protection for PCIe transactions, parity protection for DRAM data, and advanced error correction for NAND flash. These multiple layers of protection ensure data integrity even in the event of component failures or transmission errors.

Power Loss Protection

Enterprise-grade power loss protection circuits safeguard data in progress during unexpected power interruptions. The drive incorporates capacitors that provide sufficient backup power to complete in-progress writes and commit data from volatile buffers to non-volatile storage, preventing data corruption and maintaining filesystem consistency.

Dell PowerEdge Server Integration

16G and 17G PowerEdge Server

The 345-BKFT is specifically validated and certified for use with Dell PowerEdge 16th generation (16G) and 17th generation (17G) servers, including R750, R750xa, R760, and similar models. This ensures optimal performance, thermal management, and reliability when deployed in supported PowerEdge configurations. The drive is recognized and managed through Dell's integrated system management tools.

Hot-Pluggable Deployment

Designed for enterprise environments requiring maximum uptime, the drive supports hot-plug capability in compatible PowerEdge servers. This enables drive replacement and expansion without system shutdown, maintaining continuous operation for critical business applications. The included tray ensures proper alignment and connection during hot-plug operations.

Use Cases and Application Scenarios

Enterprise Workload Optimization

The exceptional random read performance and low latency of the 345-BKFT make it ideally suited for database servers running Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, MySQL, and other relational database management systems. The drive accelerates query processing, index operations, and transaction logging, improving overall application responsiveness and user experience.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

In virtualized environments using VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, or other hypervisors, the drive provides the high IOPS density necessary to support multiple virtual machines concurrently. The consistent low latency ensures smooth operation for virtual desktops, application servers, and infrastructure services running on PowerEdge virtualization hosts.

Specialized Enterprise Applications

For web servers, content management systems, and content delivery network edge nodes, the drive's high sequential read performance enables fast delivery of static and dynamic content. The read-intensive optimization aligns perfectly with the predominantly read-oriented nature of web serving workloads, ensuring rapid response times for end users.

Power Consumption

Active and Idle Power States

The drive implements advanced power management features to optimize energy efficiency across different workload conditions. Typical active power consumption during read operations ranges from 12-15 watts, while idle power can drop to under 5 watts when utilizing power management states. These efficiency characteristics help reduce overall data center power consumption and operating costs.

Power Management Features

Support for NVMe power states including PS0 (maximum performance) through PS4 (lowest power) enables dynamic power management based on workload demands. The drive can transition between power states rapidly, balancing performance requirements with energy efficiency in response to changing I/O patterns.