U717K Dell 500GB 7.2K RPM 3.5inch SAS 6GBPS Internal HDD.

Product Features

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer: Dell
• Part Number: U717K

Hard Drive Details

• Capacity: 500GB
• Interface: SAS 6Gbps (Serial Attached SCSI 2)
• Enclosure Type: Internal
• Drive Speed: 7200 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
• Form Factor: 3.5-inch
• Buffer Size: 16MB
• Hot-Swap: Yes

Dell U717K 500GB 7.2K 3.5-Inch SAS 6Gbps Internal HDD 

The Dell U717K 500GB 7.2K 3.5-Inch SAS 6Gbps Internal HDD is a versatile and reliable hard drive designed for enterprises seeking dependable storage solutions. As part of Dell’s extensive range of storage drives, the U717K model strikes a balance between capacity, performance, and durability. This drive supports SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface with a speed of 6Gbps, making it suitable for applications that require swift data transfers and large-scale data storage, such as server environments, data centers, and enterprise-grade storage systems.

Key Features of Dell U717K 500GB 7.2K 3.5-Inch SAS Internal HDD

The Dell U717K hard drive offers several important features that make it a popular choice for businesses and organizations that need to handle heavy workloads with consistent reliability.

1. 500GB Storage Capacity

With 500GB of storage capacity, this hard drive is suitable for storing extensive amounts of data, such as databases, virtual machine images, backups, and more. Although it may not compete with larger drives in terms of sheer capacity, the 500GB size is still highly effective for many types of enterprise applications where data redundancy and speed are more critical than raw capacity.

2. 7,200 RPM Spindle Speed

The 7,200 RPM spindle speed allows for fast data access and transfer rates, making the Dell U717K ideal for read/write-intensive applications. This speed provides a good balance between performance and energy efficiency, especially when handling sequential read/write operations common in business environments.

3. 3.5-Inch Form Factor

The 3.5-inch form factor is standard for most enterprise-grade internal hard drives. It ensures compatibility with a wide range of Dell PowerEdge servers and other storage systems that use 3.5-inch drive bays. The larger size allows the drive to house robust internal components that contribute to its durability and efficiency.

4. SAS 6Gbps Interface

One of the defining features of the Dell U717K is its SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface. With a 6Gbps transfer rate, this interface delivers faster data transfer speeds compared to SATA drives. SAS is also known for its better error correction, scalability, and full-duplex communication, which makes it highly suitable for environments that require data integrity and high availability.

Why Choose SAS Over SATA?

While SATA drives are common in consumer applications, SAS drives like the U717K are more appropriate for enterprise environments. SAS drives offer better performance, longer MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), and higher reliability. These advantages make SAS the preferred choice for high-performance servers and storage solutions.

Performance and Reliability

Performance and reliability are critical factors in choosing an enterprise-grade hard drive, and the Dell U717K excels in both areas.

High MTBF and Enterprise-Grade Reliability

The Dell U717K boasts a high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), which means it is designed for continuous operation in demanding environments. This drive is built to handle the rigors of 24/7 operations, withstanding constant workloads without compromising data integrity. The use of enterprise-grade components ensures that this hard drive delivers consistent performance and reliability over its lifetime.

7200 RPM for Improved Read/Write Operations

The 7,200 RPM rotational speed, combined with the 6Gbps SAS interface, ensures that this hard drive can manage multiple simultaneous read and write operations with ease. Whether it's used for database storage, virtualization, or large file transfers, the Dell U717K provides a seamless experience with minimal lag and latency.

Cache Size and Data Buffering

Although not equipped with large caches like SSDs, the Dell U717K's internal buffering mechanisms are optimized to handle sequential read and write operations efficiently. This makes it an excellent choice for tasks such as large file archiving, backups, and transactional databases.

Use Cases for Dell U717K 500GB SAS HDD

The Dell U717K is designed for a wide range of enterprise applications, offering flexibility across different IT environments.

1. Ideal for Enterprise Servers

This hard drive is primarily used in enterprise-grade servers such as Dell PowerEdge systems. The combination of 500GB capacity, SAS interface, and 7,200 RPM speed makes it ideal for handling large data workloads, database management, and hosting multiple virtual machines.

2. Suitable for RAID Configurations

The SAS interface on the Dell U717K makes it well-suited for RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) setups. Whether you're using RAID 0 for enhanced performance, RAID 1 for mirroring, or more complex RAID levels such as RAID 5 and RAID 10, this drive is capable of delivering the necessary performance and redundancy for business-critical applications.

3. Data Centers and Virtualization

Data centers that require high availability and performance often rely on SAS drives like the Dell U717K for efficient virtualization and high-speed data access. This drive is compatible with server setups that run virtual machines, cloud-based services, and database-driven applications, making it a cost-effective solution for modern data center needs.

4. Backup and Archival Storage

With 500GB of capacity, the Dell U717K is also well-suited for backup and archival purposes. Enterprises that need reliable and consistent performance for routine backups, snapshots, or data archiving will find this drive to be a reliable choice. Its performance characteristics ensure that backups are completed quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to ongoing business operations.

Data Integrity and Redundancy

The SAS interface, combined with Dell’s stringent quality control standards, ensures that data integrity is maintained throughout the backup process. For businesses that prioritize data security and redundancy, the U717K offers peace of mind with its high level of reliability and consistent performance in RAID configurations.

Technical Specifications

Here’s a closer look at the technical specifications that define the Dell U717K 500GB 7.2K 3.5-inch SAS 6Gbps Internal HDD.

Form Factor and Compatibility

The Dell U717K has a 3.5-inch form factor, making it compatible with a wide range of Dell PowerEdge servers and other systems that support 3.5-inch SAS drives. This makes integration seamless for enterprise environments already using Dell systems, allowing easy installation and hot-swapping as needed.

Thermal Management

The Dell U717K is designed with thermal efficiency in mind. Its 3.5-inch form factor includes advanced heat dissipation features that help maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring long-term reliability even in high-performance data centers.

Durability and Longevity

Durability and longevity are vital for enterprise hard drives, and the Dell U717K is built to last.

Enterprise-Grade Components

The use of enterprise-grade components ensures that this drive can withstand the stresses of constant use. Whether it’s handling a database with thousands of transactions per second or storing vast amounts of multimedia content, the Dell U717K is designed to deliver consistent performance without failure.

Extended Lifespan

The high MTBF rating of 1.2 million hours means that the Dell U717K can be trusted for long-term deployments. Its design focuses on minimizing wear and tear, ensuring that it can handle both read and write-heavy applications over extended periods.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation and maintenance are straightforward with the Dell U717K, particularly in environments that use Dell’s PowerEdge servers and storage solutions.

Hot-Swap Capability

The Dell U717K supports hot-swapping when used in compatible systems. This means you can replace or add drives without shutting down your system, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency. This feature is particularly useful in data centers where continuous uptime is critical.

Simple Installation Process

The 3.5-inch form factor and standard SAS interface make installation straightforward in any compatible server or storage device. Whether you’re upgrading your existing storage or deploying a new system, the Dell U717K can be integrated seamlessly with minimal setup time.

Firmware and Monitoring Tools

Dell provides firmware updates and monitoring tools to ensure optimal performance throughout the lifecycle of the drive. These updates help improve security, performance, and compatibility with evolving enterprise technologies.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

In addition to performance, the Dell U717K is designed with energy efficiency in mind, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Low Power Consumption

Despite its powerful performance capabilities, the Dell U717K is relatively energy-efficient. With an idle power consumption of just 7.2W and operating power of 9.8W, it balances high performance with low energy use, making it a cost-effective solution for large-scale deployments.

Environmentally Friendly Design

The drive is designed to meet RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance, ensuring that it is manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner. This reduces the environmental impact of the drive and supports corporate sustainability initiatives.

Power Management Features

The U717K includes advanced power management features, such as adaptive power settings, which automatically adjust the drive’s power usage based on workload demand. This not only reduces energy consumption but also extends the lifespan of the drive by minimizing unnecessary wear and tear.