SATA server SSDs are built for servers, workstations and storage systems that need a faster, quieter drive than a traditional hard disk. Our range has over 350 models from 240 GB to 7.68 TB. Most come from HP Enterprise, Samsung, HP, Lenovo and Dell.
How to choose a SATA server SSD
Server compatibility. HP Enterprise, Dell and Lenovo servers often work best with drives from the same manufacturer, because their firmware and management tools recognise them without warnings. Compare your server model with the drive's part number before buying.
Capacity. Our range runs from 240 GB to 7.68 TB, with 480 GB, 960 GB and 1.92 TB among the sizes you will see most often. Smaller drives are enough for an operating system and a few virtual machines, while databases and file storage need larger ones. Leave some free space, because a nearly full SSD wears faster and writes more slowly.
Endurance and memory type. In servers, a drive's lifespan is described by drive writes per day (DWPD) or total terabytes written (TBW). TLC memory dominates our range, including Samsung V-NAND, and some drives use eMLC. For write-heavy workloads choose higher endurance, while mostly read workloads are fine with simpler models.
Data protection. Some drives offer hardware encryption, which matters if you store personal or company data. Server-grade drives usually also have power loss protection, but check this in each model's specification.
Interface and reliability figures. Most of our drives use Serial ATA III, which runs at 6 Gbit/s. The mean time between failures (MTBF) most often listed is 2,000,000 hours, and some models state 3,000,000 hours. It is a statistical figure, so weigh it together with endurance and warranty.
Brands we carry
- HP Enterprise: maker of ProLiant and Apollo servers, so its drives are designed for those systems and their management software. It is the largest part of this category.
- Samsung: known for producing its own V-NAND memory, which is also used in its enterprise SATA drives.
- HP: drives intended for HP servers and workstations.
- Lenovo and Dell: drives matched to ThinkSystem and PowerEdge servers.
- Micron: makes its own NAND memory, and its enterprise SATA drives are used in data centres.
- Kingston: has a dedicated server drive line with power loss protection.
- Solidigm: took over Intel's storage business, so it continues Intel's data centre drive lines.
- Synology: a NAS manufacturer whose SSDs are meant for cache and arrays in its own storage units.
Also in our range: Origin Storage, GOODRAM and Fujitsu Technology Solutions.
Frequently asked questions
How is a server SSD different from a normal PC SSD?
A server SSD is made for continuous operation and heavy writing. It usually has higher endurance, steadier speed under load and extra data protection features. Ordinary PC drives are not designed for that.
Can I use a server SSD in a desktop computer?
Yes, if the computer has a SATA connector, the drive will work. A few models in our range are even listed as suitable for PCs. For home use, though, a server drive rarely pays off, as its advantages only show under heavy workloads.
SATA or NVMe for a server: which should I choose?
SATA suits servers and drive bays that already have SATA connections and where top speed is not the priority. NVMe is faster but needs a compatible motherboard or controller. When upgrading an existing server, a SATA SSD is often the simplest route.
What does MTBF mean in a server SSD specification?
MTBF is the statistical average time between failures, measured in hours. A figure of 2,000,000 hours does not mean one drive will last 228 years. It is a way to compare models, while TBW or DWPD gives a better idea of real lifespan.
