SAS server SSDs are enterprise solid-state drives with a SAS interface, used in rack servers, storage arrays and workstations where uptime matters. Our range covers over 180 models from HP Enterprise, KIOXIA, Samsung, Lenovo and Dell, in capacities from 800 GB to 15 TB.
How to choose a SAS server SSD
Interface speed. SAS drives come in 6, 12 and 24 Gbit/s versions, and our range includes all three. Among models with the speed listed, 24 Gbit/s is the most common. A faster drive generally works with a slower controller, but you only get the full speed if the controller and the server backplane support it too.
Capacity. Sizes in our range include 800 GB, 960 GB, 1.6 TB, 1.92 TB, 3.84 TB and 15 TB. Smaller drives suit boot volumes and databases, while larger ones suit dense storage pools. Remember RAID: usable capacity will be lower, and several mid-size drives often beat one large drive for speed and fault tolerance.
Endurance and workload. Enterprise SSDs are rated by drive writes per day (DWPD), meaning how many times the full capacity can be rewritten daily. Read-intensive models suit file and web serving, while mixed-use or write-intensive drives are better for databases and virtualisation. Check the rating in the manufacturer's datasheet.
Random performance. Random 4K read figures in our range run from 240,000 to 800,000 IOPS. They matter most for databases and virtual machines, and much less for sequential storage of large files.
Compatibility. HP Enterprise, Dell and Lenovo drives are often sold under part numbers and firmware for specific servers. Match the part number or server generation, and the drive size (2.5 or 3.5 inch), to your server's bays. A SAS drive will not work in a SATA-only port.
Brands we carry
- HP Enterprise (HPE) and HP: HP Enterprise is the server and storage company that separated from HP in 2015, best known for ProLiant servers. It is the largest brand in this category in our range.
- KIOXIA and Toshiba: KIOXIA was formed from Toshiba's memory business, and Toshiba is credited with inventing NAND flash memory.
- Samsung: the company designs its own V-NAND flash memory and drive controllers, and V-NAND is the memory type listed for many models in our range.
- Lenovo: drives made for the ThinkSystem server line.
- Dell: drives made for PowerEdge servers.
- IBM: a long-standing maker of enterprise servers and storage systems.
Also in our range: Fujitsu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a SAS SSD and a SATA SSD?
SAS drives are designed for servers and storage systems, while SATA drives are more common in desktop computers. SAS reaches up to 24 Gbit/s, whereas SATA is limited to 6 Gbit/s. Many SAS drives also support dual ports, so data can be reached by two separate paths.
Can I use a SAS SSD in a normal PC?
Usually not, because ordinary motherboards only have SATA and M.2 connections. A SAS drive needs a SAS controller or an HBA card that fits a PCIe slot. Workstations and servers often include such a controller already.
Should I choose a 12 or 24 Gbit/s SAS drive?
If your server's controller and backplane support 24 Gbit/s, the faster drive is worth choosing, especially for databases and virtualisation. In older servers a 12 Gbit/s drive is entirely sufficient, as a 24 Gbit/s model would run at the slower speed anyway. Check the controller specification first.
Can I fit another brand's drive in an HP Enterprise server?
Physically it is often possible, but the server may not recognise the drive or may show warnings. Many server makers publish lists of supported parts. Check your server model and the drive's part number before buying.
