345-BKSV Dell 480GB PCIE Gen4 NVME Read Intensive TLC M.2 SSD

Details of Dell 345-BKSV 480GB SED SSD

The Dell 345-BKSV 480GB Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) M.2 (2280) PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD is engineered for enterprise-grade workloads. Designed with read-intensive 176-layer 3D TLC NAND, it delivers secure, reliable, and high-speed storage performance for professional environments.

Main Specifications

• Manufacturer: Dell
• Part Number: 345-BKSV
• Product Type: Internal Solid State Drive

Technical Highlights

• Storage Capacity: 480GB
• NAND Technology: 176-layer 3D TLC flash
• Form Factor: M.2 (2280)
• Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4 (NVMe protocol)

Performance Details

Endurance & Reliability

• Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD): 1
• Total Bytes Written (TBW): 800TB

Sequential Operations

• Sequential Read Speed: 5000 MB/s
• Sequential Write Speed: 700 MB/s

Random Operations

• Random Read: 280,000 IOPS
• Random Write: 40,000 IOPS
• 70/30 Mixed Read/Write: 50,000 IOPS

Latency

• Read Latency: 80 µs (typical)
• Write Latency: 30 µs (typical)

Expansion & Connectivity

Interface Options

• Connector: PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
• Supported Bay: M.2 (2280)

Overview of Dell 480GB Self-Encrypting SED M.2 NVMe SSD

The Dell 480GB Self-Encrypting SED M.2 (2280) PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe Read Intensive TLC Enterprise Class Solid State Drive category represents a specialized class of enterprise-grade storage solutions designed for modern data centers, edge deployments, and professional IT infrastructures. This category focuses on compact yet powerful NVMe solid state drives that combine advanced PCIe Gen4 performance, integrated hardware-based encryption, and read-optimized endurance characteristics. Products in this category are engineered to meet the growing demands of secure, high-speed data access while maintaining reliability, efficiency, and compliance with enterprise security standards.

Within enterprise environments, storage performance and data protection are no longer optional enhancements but fundamental requirements. The Dell 480GB SED M.2 NVMe SSD category addresses these requirements by delivering consistent throughput, low latency, and built-in self-encrypting drive technology. These drives are tailored for workloads where read operations dominate, such as virtualization boot volumes, cloud infrastructure, analytics dashboards, and frequently accessed databases. The category balances performance density and security in a small M.2 2280 form factor, making it ideal for space-constrained servers and high-density platforms.

Enterprise-Class NVMe Architecture

The defining characteristic of this category is the use of PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe architecture. PCIe Gen4 effectively doubles the bandwidth of previous PCIe Gen3 interfaces, enabling significantly higher data transfer rates and improved responsiveness. In enterprise settings, this translates to faster application launches, reduced I/O bottlenecks, and smoother handling of simultaneous workloads. The Dell 480GB NVMe SSD category leverages this architecture to ensure that storage performance keeps pace with modern multi-core processors and high-speed memory subsystems.

NVMe protocol support further enhances performance by reducing command overhead and enabling parallel command execution. Compared to legacy SATA or SAS-based storage categories, NVMe SSDs operate with lower latency and higher queue depths. This architectural advantage is particularly relevant for enterprise read-intensive workloads that rely on rapid data retrieval rather than frequent write operations. The category is therefore optimized to deliver predictable and sustained performance under continuous demand.

Optimized Data Path and Low Latency Characteristics

Low latency is a critical metric in enterprise storage categories, especially for applications that depend on real-time data access. The Dell 480GB SED M.2 NVMe SSD category is engineered to minimize latency across the entire data path, from the PCIe interface to the NAND flash layers. This ensures that read requests are processed quickly, supporting use cases such as virtual desktop infrastructure, transaction-heavy applications, and content delivery platforms.

By combining PCIe Gen4 bandwidth with NVMe command efficiency, drives in this category reduce wait times for critical operations. This improvement in responsiveness enhances overall system performance and helps IT teams meet service level agreements in demanding environments.

Read Intensive TLC NAND Design Philosophy

This category is defined by its read intensive design, utilizing Triple-Level Cell NAND flash memory. TLC NAND offers an optimal balance between storage density, performance, and cost efficiency, making it a preferred choice for enterprise read-focused workloads. In the Dell 480GB SED M.2 NVMe SSD category, TLC NAND is carefully selected and managed to ensure reliability and endurance aligned with read-heavy usage patterns.

Read intensive drives are engineered to handle a high volume of read operations with moderate write activity. This makes the category suitable for scenarios where data is frequently accessed but infrequently modified. Examples include operating system images, reference databases, reporting systems, and archival data that must remain readily available. The TLC architecture allows these drives to provide consistent read throughput while maintaining acceptable write endurance for their intended applications.

Endurance Ratings and Workload Alignment

Enterprise storage categories must clearly define endurance characteristics to ensure suitability for specific workloads. The Dell 480GB read intensive SSD category is designed with endurance ratings that align with predictable, steady-state read workloads. This ensures long operational life when deployed in recommended use cases, reducing the risk of premature wear and unexpected downtime.

Advanced wear leveling algorithms and error correction mechanisms are employed to distribute data evenly across NAND cells. These features help maintain performance consistency over time while extending the usable lifespan of the drive within enterprise environments.

Self-Encrypting Drive Security and Data Protection

Security is a core attribute of the Dell 480GB Self-Encrypting SED M.2 NVMe SSD category. Self-encrypting drive technology provides hardware-based encryption that automatically secures data at rest without impacting performance. Encryption and decryption processes are handled by the drive controller, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected even if the physical drive is removed or compromised.

This category supports industry-recognized encryption standards, making it suitable for organizations that must comply with data protection regulations and internal security policies. By integrating encryption directly into the storage hardware, the category eliminates the need for software-based encryption layers that can introduce latency and management complexity.

Key Management and Secure Data Lifecycle

Self-encrypting drives in this category manage encryption keys internally, simplifying deployment and ongoing administration. When combined with compatible system firmware and management tools, secure erase and cryptographic erase functions can be performed quickly, enabling safe decommissioning or repurposing of drives. This capability is particularly valuable in enterprise environments where hardware assets are frequently redeployed.

The integration of encryption at the hardware level ensures that data remains protected throughout its lifecycle, from initial deployment to eventual retirement. This approach aligns with best practices for enterprise data governance and risk management.

M.2 2280 Form Factor for High-Density Enterprise Systems

The M.2 2280 form factor defines the physical dimensions of this category, offering a compact and efficient storage solution for modern servers and appliances. Unlike traditional 2.5-inch drives, M.2 SSDs require minimal space and power, allowing system designers to maximize storage density without compromising airflow or thermal performance.

In enterprise platforms where space efficiency is critical, the Dell 480GB SED M.2 NVMe SSD category enables higher storage counts within a given chassis. This is particularly advantageous for edge computing, hyper-converged infrastructure, and micro data centers where physical constraints are a primary consideration.

Thermal Efficiency and Power Optimization

Despite their compact size, drives in this category are engineered to manage heat effectively under sustained workloads. Power-efficient controllers and optimized firmware contribute to stable operation within enterprise thermal envelopes. This ensures that performance remains consistent even in densely populated systems with limited cooling capacity.

Lower power consumption also translates to reduced operational costs and improved energy efficiency, supporting sustainability goals in large-scale IT deployments.

Enterprise Reliability and Optimization

Reliability is a defining attribute of enterprise storage categories, and the Dell 480GB SED M.2 NVMe SSD category is no exception. These drives are validated through rigorous testing to ensure compatibility, stability, and performance within supported Dell server platforms. Firmware is optimized for enterprise workloads, prioritizing data integrity and predictable behavior under load.

Advanced error detection and correction technologies are integrated to safeguard data accuracy. These mechanisms continuously monitor drive health and proactively address potential issues, reducing the likelihood of data loss or performance degradation.

Predictable Performance and Quality Assurance

Unlike consumer-grade SSDs, enterprise-class drives in this category are designed to deliver consistent performance throughout their lifespan. This predictability is essential for mission-critical applications that rely on steady response times. Quality assurance processes ensure that each drive meets strict specifications before deployment.

The combination of enterprise firmware, validated components, and comprehensive testing distinguishes this category from lower-tier storage solutions, making it suitable for professional and industrial use cases.

Use Case Alignment in Modern IT Environments

The Dell 480GB Self-Encrypting SED M.2 NVMe SSD category is aligned with a wide range of enterprise use cases. Its read intensive design and high-speed interface make it ideal for boot drives in virtualization hosts, where rapid startup and reliable access to system files are essential. It also serves effectively in cloud infrastructure, supporting frequently accessed data layers with minimal latency.

Analytics platforms, content repositories, and web services benefit from the fast read performance offered by this category. By ensuring quick data retrieval, these drives contribute to improved user experiences and efficient application performance.

Scalability and Infrastructure Integration

Scalability is a key consideration in enterprise storage planning. The compact M.2 form factor and standardized NVMe interface allow this category to scale easily within supported systems. As workloads grow, additional drives can be deployed without significant changes to infrastructure design.

Integration with Dell enterprise platforms ensures seamless compatibility and simplified management, enabling IT teams to deploy and maintain storage resources with confidence.

Compatibility and Future-Ready Design

Future readiness is an important aspect of enterprise storage investments. The use of PCIe Gen4 and NVMe standards ensures that drives in this category remain relevant as system architectures evolve. Backward compatibility and standardized interfaces provide flexibility in deployment across multiple generations of enterprise hardware.

This forward-looking design approach allows organizations to adopt new technologies without abandoning existing investments, supporting gradual and cost-effective infrastructure upgrades.

Enterprise Storage Category Differentiation

What sets the Dell 480GB Self-Encrypting SED M.2 NVMe SSD category apart is its balanced combination of performance, security, and form factor efficiency. While many storage categories focus on either capacity or raw speed, this category emphasizes practical enterprise requirements such as data protection, predictable performance, and system compatibility.

The integration of self-encrypting capabilities directly into the drive hardware further differentiates this category, making it especially attractive to organizations with strict security mandates.