MZILT3T8HALS-00AHI Samsung PM1643 SAS 12GBPS SFF 3.84TB SSD

Samsung PM1643 3.84TB SAS Enterprise SSD

The Samsung MZILT3T8HALS-00AHI, commercially known as the PM1643 model, represents a high-performance enterprise solid state drive engineered for demanding data center applications. This 3.84TB capacity drive utilizes the 2.5-inch form factor with a dual-port SAS 12Gb/s interface, delivering exceptional reliability, consistent performance, and enterprise-grade features tailored for read-intensive workloads in server and storage environments.

Enterprise 3.84TB Storage

As part of Samsung's enterprise SSD portfolio, the PM1643 is specifically optimized for read-centric applications where high random read performance and consistent low latency are critical. This drive occupies the performance-optimized tier in enterprise storage hierarchies, bridging the gap between cost-effective high-capacity drives and ultra-high-performance write-intensive solutions.

Key Specifications

Capacity and Form Factor Details

The drive offers a formatted capacity of 3.84 terabytes, presented in the standard 2.5-inch form factor with a height of 15mm. This physical dimension makes it compatible with most enterprise servers and storage arrays designed for 2.5-inch drive bays. The capacity point of 3.84TB represents an optimal balance between storage density and performance characteristics for enterprise deployment scenarios.

NAND Flash Technology Implementation

Samsung employs vertically integrated 3D V-NAND MLC (Multi-Level Cell) technology in the PM1643, providing enhanced endurance and performance consistency compared to conventional planar NAND. The MLC architecture stores two bits per cell, striking an optimal balance between write endurance, performance characteristics, and cost-effectiveness for enterprise read-intensive workloads.

Interface and Protocol Specifications

The drive features a SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) 12Gb/s interface, which represents the high-performance enterprise storage interconnect standard. This dual-ported interface provides redundant pathways for data access, ensuring continuous availability in mission-critical environments. The SAS interface maintains full backward compatibility with 6Gb/s SAS infrastructures while delivering enhanced bandwidth for improved performance in multi-drive configurations.

SAS Dual-Port Architecture Benefits

The dual-port capability of the SAS interface enables multipath I/O connectivity, allowing the drive to be connected to two separate host controllers simultaneously. This architecture provides high availability and failover protection, as the drive remains accessible through the secondary port if the primary connection fails. This feature is essential for enterprise storage systems requiring maximum uptime and reliability.

Performance Characteristics and Capabilities

Sequential Performance Metrics

The Samsung MZILT3T8HALS-00AHI PM1643 delivers impressive sequential transfer rates with read speeds up to 1,100 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s. These performance characteristics ensure rapid data transfer for large file operations, database backups, and other sequential workload patterns commonly encountered in enterprise environments.

Random I/O Performance Specifications

For random access patterns, which dominate most enterprise applications, the drive achieves up to 180,000 random read IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) and up to 40,000 random write IOPS at a queue depth of 128. This high random read performance makes the PM1643 particularly well-suited for read-heavy applications such as database query processing, web serving, and virtual desktop infrastructure.

Endurance, Reliability, and Data Integrity Features

Advanced Error Correction and Protection

The drive incorporates sophisticated error correction capabilities including Samsung's proprietary ECC (Error Correcting Code) algorithm, specifically tuned for 3D V-NAND characteristics. This advanced error correction ensures data integrity even as NAND flash cells approach their endurance limits, providing an additional layer of protection against data corruption.

Power-Loss Protection Implementation

Comprehensive power-loss protection circuitry safeguards data in transit during unexpected power interruptions. The PM1643 includes both planar and tantalum capacitors that provide sufficient hold-up time to complete pending write operations and commit data from volatile buffers to non-volatile NAND flash memory, preventing data loss during power failure events.

Enterprise Features and Management Capabilities

Security and Encryption Capabilities

The MZILT3T8HALS-00AHI PM1643 incorporates hardware-based encryption compliant with TCG Enterprise security specifications. The drive supports cryptographic erasure for rapid data sanitization and secure decommissioning, completing the process in seconds compared to hours required for traditional overwrite methods. This capability is essential for data center security compliance and end-of-life asset management.

Sanitize Instant Erase (SIE) Functionality

The Sanitize Instant Erase feature provides cryptographically secure data erasure by invalidating the data encryption key, rendering all stored data permanently inaccessible. This method complies with NIST 800-88 guidelines for media sanitization and provides a secure, instantaneous method for data destruction when repurposing or decommissioning storage assets.

Compatibility

Server and Storage System Compatibility

The drive is compatible with major enterprise server and storage platforms from vendors including Dell EMC, HPE, IBM/Lenovo, Cisco, and Supermicro. The standard 2.5-inch form factor with SAS 12Gb/s interface ensures broad interoperability with existing enterprise infrastructure, facilitating straightforward integration and replacement in supported systems.

Application Workload Suitability

Read-Intensive Workload Optimization

With its high random read performance and optimized read latency, the MZILT3T8HALS-00AHI PM1643 excels in read-dominated applications including database query processing, content delivery networks, virtual desktop infrastructure boot volumes, and data analytics platforms. The drive's architecture prioritizes read performance while maintaining sufficient write capability for mixed workload environments.

Database and Transaction Processing Applications

The consistent low latency and high IOPS characteristics make the drive well-suited for online transaction processing (OLTP) systems, NoSQL databases, and data warehousing applications where rapid data access directly impacts application performance and user experience. The dual-port SAS connectivity provides the high availability required for business-critical database systems.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

In virtualized environments, the PM1643 provides excellent performance for hypervisor boot images, virtual machine templates, and read-intensive virtual machine workloads. The high random read performance accelerates virtual machine deployment and operation, while the endurance characteristics support the write amplification inherent in virtualized storage environments.