HPE P04525-K21 400GB SAS 12GBPS SSD Multi-Level Cell for Refurbished

In the ever-evolving world of data storage technology, businesses and data centers continually seek high-performance, reliable, and efficient solutions to meet their storage needs. One such solution that has gained attention is the HPE P04525-K21 400 Gigabytes (GB) 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) Digitally Signed Firmware Multi-Level Cell (MLC) Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS) Smart Carrier (SC) Mixed Solid State Drive (SSD) for servers, manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of this SSD, exploring its features, benefits, and potential use cases.

• Overview of the HPE P04525-K21 SSD
• Key Features of the HPE P04525-K21 SSD
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF)
• Capacity: 400 Gigabytes (GB)
• Flash Memory Type: Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
• Interface: Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS)
• Data Transfer Rate: 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS)
• Firmware Security: Digitally Signed Firmware
• Smart Carrier (SC) Technology
• Performance and Speed
• Reliability and Data Integrity
• Use Cases
• Installation and Compatibility
• Conclusion

The HPE P04525-K21 is a cutting-edge Solid State Drive (SSD) designed specifically for server applications. It belongs to the Small Form Factor (SFF) category, which means it has a compact physical size of 2.5 inches. With a storage capacity of 400 Gigabytes (GB), it strikes a balance between high storage density and performance, making it a suitable choice for various server configurations.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a renowned name in the IT industry, has manufactured this SSD, assuring users of its quality and reliability. One notable feature of this drive is its Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash memory, which we will discuss in detail in the subsequent sections.

The P04525-K21 SSD utilizes the Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) interface, offering impressive data transfer rates of up to 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS). To enhance security and firmware authenticity, it comes with digitally signed firmware. Additionally, it features Smart Carrier (SC) technology, which adds to its overall utility in server environments.

Let's take a closer look at the key features that set the HPE P04525-K21 SSD apart in the world of storage solutions.

• Form Factor: 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF)

The term "2.5-inch Small Form Factor" refers to the physical size and shape of the drive. The 2.5-inch form factor is smaller and more compact compared to larger drives, making it ideal for servers with limited space. This compact size allows for higher storage density within the server, enabling data centers to maximize their storage capacity.

• Capacity: 400 Gigabytes (GB)

Storage capacity is a critical consideration when choosing an SSD. The HPE P04525-K21 offers a substantial capacity of 400 GB. This ample storage space is suitable for a range of applications, from hosting operating systems to storing critical data and applications.

• Flash Memory Type: Multi-Level Cell (MLC)

The type of flash memory used in an SSD significantly affects its performance and durability. The HPE P04525-K21 employs Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash memory. MLC flash memory is known for its balance between performance and endurance. It can store multiple bits of data per cell, which improves storage efficiency. While it may not have the same endurance as Single-Level Cell (SLC) flash memory, MLC strikes a cost-effective balance for many server applications.

• Interface: Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS)

The choice of interface is crucial for data transfer speed and compatibility. The HPE P04525-K21 utilizes the Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) interface. SAS is a high-speed, enterprise-grade interface that provides exceptional data transfer rates. It is well-suited for server environments where speed and reliability are paramount.

• Data Transfer Rate: 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS)

Data transfer speed is a critical performance metric for any storage device. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD offers an impressive data transfer rate of 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS). This rapid transfer speed ensures quick access to data and reduces latency, making it ideal for demanding server workloads.

• Firmware Security: Digitally Signed Firmware

Security is a top priority in server environments. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD features digitally signed firmware, adding an extra layer of security. Digitally signed firmware ensures that the drive's firmware has not been tampered with or compromised, providing peace of mind to system administrators and IT professionals.

• Smart Carrier (SC) Technology

Smart Carrier (SC) technology is a feature that simplifies drive installation and maintenance in server systems. The smart carrier provides essential information about the drive, such as its health status and compatibility, through LED indicators and smart tools. This technology enhances the manageability of the drive within the server environment.

One of the primary reasons for choosing an SSD is its superior performance compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Let's explore the performance aspects of the HPE P04525-K21 SSD in detail.

The combination of MLC flash memory and the SAS interface makes this SSD a high-performance storage solution. MLC flash memory allows for faster read and write operations compared to lower-grade NAND technologies. This translates to reduced latency and improved responsiveness, which is particularly critical for server applications.

The 12 GBPS data transfer rate provided by the SAS interface ensures that data can be accessed and transferred quickly. This is especially beneficial for tasks that require high-speed data processing, such as databases, virtualization, and data analysis.

Moreover, the digitally signed firmware adds an extra layer of reliability to the drive's performance. IT professionals can trust that the firmware has not been tampered with, reducing the risk of security breaches and data corruption.

In practical terms, the performance of the HPE P04525-K21 SSD can significantly enhance the overall efficiency of server operations. It can reduce application load times, improve data retrieval, and enhance the user experience for applications hosted on servers utilizing this SSD.

In server environments, reliability and data integrity are paramount. Downtime and data loss can have severe consequences, including financial losses and damage to a company's reputation. Let's examine how the HPE P04525-K21 SSD addresses these concerns.

MLC flash memory, although not as durable as SLC flash memory, provides a good balance between performance and endurance. MLC cells can store multiple bits of data per cell, which increases storage efficiency. HPE designs its SSDs to meet high-quality standards, ensuring that they can withstand the demands of continuous operation in data center environments.

The digitally signed firmware of the HPE P04525-K21 SSD contributes to its reliability and data integrity. This feature ensures that the firmware remains unaltered and secure, preventing unauthorized access or modifications that could compromise the drive's performance or data integrity.

Smart Carrier (SC) technology not only simplifies drive installation but also provides valuable information about the drive's health and compatibility. This proactive approach to drive management allows system administrators to identify potential issues before they escalate, reducing the risk of data loss due to drive failures.

SAS interfaces are known for their data integrity features. They use error-checking mechanisms to ensure that data is transferred without corruption. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD, with its SAS interface, benefits from these data integrity features, making it a reliable choice for critical data storage.

HPE typically offers warranties and support packages for their products. These warranties provide peace of mind to customers, knowing that they can rely on HPE's support in case of any issues. It's essential to check the specific warranty terms and support options available for this SSD.

The HPE P04525-K21 SSD's impressive features and performance make it suitable for a range of server applications. Let's explore some common use cases where this SSD can shine:

• Virtualization

Virtualization technologies rely heavily on fast storage to provide responsive virtual machines. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD's combination of MLC flash memory and the SAS interface ensures that virtual machines can be created, cloned, and operated efficiently. This is crucial for businesses looking to optimize server resources and reduce hardware costs through virtualization.

• Database Servers

Database servers require fast and reliable storage to handle data queries and transactions effectively. The high data transfer rate of the HPE P04525-K21 SSD, coupled with its reliability, makes it an excellent choice for database applications. It can significantly improve database performance and reduce query response times.

• Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud service providers and enterprises building private clouds demand high-performance storage to support the dynamic workloads of cloud computing. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD's speed and SAS interface enable it to meet the storage demands of cloud infrastructure, ensuring that users have seamless access to their cloud-hosted resources.

• Big Data and Analytics

Big data analytics and data-intensive applications require storage solutions that can keep up with the massive amounts of data being processed. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD's rapid data transfer rate and data integrity features make it well-suited for handling the storage needs of big data and analytics workloads.

• Enterprise Applications

Enterprise-level applications, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, benefit from fast storage to deliver optimal user experiences. This SSD can enhance the responsiveness of such applications, ensuring that critical business processes run smoothly.

• Content Delivery

Content delivery networks (CDNs) and media streaming services rely on fast storage to deliver content to users without interruptions. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD's high-speed data transfer rate ensures that content can be delivered quickly and efficiently, improving user satisfaction.

• High-Frequency Trading

In the world of finance, every millisecond counts. High-frequency trading relies on ultra-fast storage to execute trades with minimal latency. The HPE P04525-K21 SSD's performance and reliability make it a suitable choice for high-frequency trading platforms.

• Manufacturer: HPE
• Part Number or SKU: P04525-K21
• Type: Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
• SSD Type: SAS 12GBPS
• Spare Part Number: P06576-001
• Model Number: MO000400JWTBQ
• Assembly Number: P04174-001

• Capacity: 400 GB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch SFF
• NAND Flash Type: MLC (Multi-Level Cell)
• Byte per Sector: 512
• Carrier Type: Smart Carrier (SC)
• Plug Type: Hot Pluggable
• Workload Type: Mixed Use
• Features: Digitally Signed Firmware (DS)
• Bundled with: HPE SmartDrive Carrier
• Height: 15 mm (0.6 inch)

• Lifetime Writes: 2190
• Endurance DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day): 3
• Drive Transfer Rate: 12 Gb/sec (external)
• Random Read IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 95000
• Max Random Read IOPS (4KiB): 165000@Q64
• Random Write IOPS (4KiB, Q=16): 70000
• Max Random Write IOPS (4KiB): 70000@4
• MAX Seq. Reads Throughput (MiB/s): 1075
• MAX Seq. Writes Throughput (MiB/s): 1025
• Random Read Average Latency uSec (4KiB, Q1): 120
• Random Write Average Latency uSec (4KiB, Q1): 48
• 4KiB Random 70% Read / 30% Write, Queue 32 Performance (IOPS) VI-1: 105000
• 4KiB Random 50% Read / 50% Write, Queue 32 Performance (IOPS) VI-2: 87500

• Idle Time: 4.20 Watt
• Random Read: 4.82 Watt
• Random Write: 4.82 Watt
• Sequential Read: 6.21 Watt
• Sequential Write: 5.75 Watt
• Random Read/Write: 4.82 Watt
• Power MAX: 6.21 Watt

This SSD is compatible with a wide range of HPE servers, including:

HPE ProLiant DL Series:

• DL160 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL160 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• DL160 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL180 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL180 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• DL180 Gen10 SMB (2.5 inch)
• DL325 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL325 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• DL325 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL325 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL325 Gen10 SMB Solution (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 High Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 Low (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 Network Choice (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 SMB (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 SMB Network Choice (2.5 inch)
• DL360 Gen10 Solution (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 Entry SMB (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 for Cohesity DataPlatform (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 High Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 Network Choice (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 SMB (2.5 inch)
• DL380 Gen10 Solution (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 High-Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 Plus (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 Plus Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL385 Gen10 Solution (2.5 inch)
• DL560 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• DL560 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• DL580 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• DL580 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• DL580 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• DL580 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)

HPE ProLiant ML Series:

• ML110 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• ML110 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• ML110 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• ML110 Gen10 Solution (2.5 inch)
• ML30 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• ML30 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• ML30 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• ML30 Gen10 Solution (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Base (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Entry (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 High Performance (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Performance (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Solution (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Special Server (2.5 inch)
• ML350 Gen10 Sub-Entry (2.5 inch)

HPE Synergy:

• 660 Gen10 Base Compute Module (2.5 inch)
• 660 Gen10 Compute Module (2.5 inch)
• 660 Gen10 Entry Compute Module (2.5 inch)
• 660 Gen10 Performance Compute Module (2.5 inch)
• 660 Gen10 Premium Compute Module (2.5 inch)
• 680 Gen9 4S-EX Compute Module (2.5 inch)

In summary, the HPE P04525-K21 400 Gigabytes (GB) 2.5-inch Small Form Factor (SFF) Digitally Signed Firmware Multi-Level Cell (MLC) Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS) Smart Carrier (SC) Mixed Solid State Drive (SSD) is a high-performance storage solution designed to meet the demanding needs of modern server environments. Its combination of advanced features, such as MLC flash memory, SAS interface, digitally signed firmware, and Smart Carrier technology, positions it as a reliable and efficient choice for various server applications.

Whether you are running virtualization workloads, managing databases, operating in the cloud, or handling big data analytics, the HPE P04525-K21 SSD can deliver the speed, reliability, and data integrity required to optimize your server infrastructure.

• When considering a storage upgrade for your server infrastructure, the HPE P04525-K21 SSD deserves serious consideration, given its impressive performance and reliability features. It represents a robust investment in improving the efficiency and responsiveness of your server applications, ultimately contributing to the success of your business or organization.