64GB and 512GB 1.8- and 2.5-Inch SSDs for IBM System x

64 GB and 512 GB solid-state drives offered by IBM Corp. employ MLC NAND technology to bring an affordable, but performance-driven solution for read-intensive applications.

The SSDs will be available in both 1.8-inch options, as well as 2.5-inch simple-swap and hot-swap options.

They use a single-chip controller with a SATA interface on the system side and n-channels of Micron NAND Flash internally. Packaged in an HDD replacement enclosure, these SSDs integrate in existing storage infrastructures. They are targeted at applications that require high I/O performance in random read operations.

Unlike client drives, these 2.5-inch hot swap (HS) and simple swap (SS) SSDs for IBM System x are equipped with a suite of enterprise features, including SMART attributes, hot-plug support, and uCode. They also leverage enterprise data path protection to verify data to and from NAND at every possible location and protect the integrity of the data. The NAND flash in these SSDs is screened and then tested for enterprise customer use. Overall, these SSDs provide excellent IOPs-per-watt and cost-per-IOP for enterprise solutions and are a choice for read-intensive applications like web serving, content delivery, and streaming video.

64 GB and 512 GB MLC SSDs are covered under IBM warranty. These drives carry a one-year limited warranty or, when installed in a System x Server, assume your system’s base warranty.

Solid-state memory cells have an intrinsic, finite number of program/erase cycles that each cell can incur. As a result, solid-state storage has a maximum amount of program/erase cycles to which it can be subjected. IBM’s warranty for the solid-state storage is limited to devices that have not reached the maximum guaranteed number of program/erase cycles, as documented in the Official Published Specifications for the product. Solid-state storage that reaches this limit may fail to operate according to its specifications.

Features and functions:

• 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch industry-standard form factors
• 25nm MLC
• MLC NAND technology with high read performance
• MLC SATA drives designed to fulfill client needs in the enterprise value space
• Enterprise data path protection
• Energy saving with as little as 2.5- to 3.5-watt power consumption per drive
• Absence of moving parts, which reduces potential failure points in the server

Warranty
One year limited

Key prerequisites
IBM System x or BladeCenter system with SATA capability

Planned availability date
July 31, 2012