Cisco DC SN640 6.40 TB NVMe SSD – 2.5" U.2 (SFF-8639) Enterprise Storage Performance

Overview: The Cisco DC SN640 6.40 TB Solid State Drive is a purpose-built, high-capacity NVMe storage solution designed for demanding data centers and enterprise environments. Engineered for reliability, endurance, and steady, low-latency performance, this 2.5" internal drive fits seamlessly into servers and storage arrays that rely on fast, consistent access to data. With a generous 6.40 TB capacity and a compact U.2 (SFF-8639) form factor, the DC SN640 is ideal for workloads that demand dense storage, accelerated databases, virtualized environments, and modern analytics pipelines. This drive combines enterprise-grade features with efficient power usage to help data centers scale while maintaining cost-effective operation.

• High-capacity 6.40 TB NVMe storage delivers ample space for databases, log streams, virtual machines, and data-heavy workloads without compromising performance.
• 2.5" internal form factor (U.2, SFF-8639) enables easy integration into standard enterprise servers and storage platforms with hot-swappable drive bays for optimized maintenance windows.
• Enterprise-grade reliability designed with durability and data integrity in mind, including advanced error correction, robust wear leveling, and protective features that reduce the risk of data loss during peak operations.
• Low latency, high IOPS capabilities support high-throughput data access patterns, accelerating databases, transactional workloads, virtualization, and analytics pipelines.
• Efficient power and thermal management helps data centers maintain cooling and power efficiency while delivering sustained performance under load.

Technical Details of Cisco DC SN640 6.40 TB NVMe SSD

• Model: Cisco DC SN640
• Capacity: 6.40 TB
• Form Factor: 2.5" internal
• Interface: NVMe over PCIe, U.2 (SFF-8639)
• Drive Type: Solid State Drive (SSD)
• NVMe Standard: NVMe compatible (enterprise-grade protocol for low latency and high IOPS)
• Endurance: Enterprise endurance designed for write-intensive workloads (TBW rating and MTBF align to data center expectations)
• Sequential Throughput (typical): High sequential read/write capabilities suitable for database and virtualization workloads
• Random IOPS: Optimized for random I/O to accelerate small, random access patterns common in enterprise apps
• Power Loss Protection: Built-in safeguards to preserve data integrity during abrupt power events
• Operating Temperature: Designed for data center environments with reliable thermal performance

how to install Cisco DC SN640 6.40 TB NVMe SSD

Installing the Cisco DC SN640 NVMe SSD is straightforward in any compatible 2.5" U.2 server or storage array. Follow these general steps to ensure a proper, secure installation and optimal performance:

• Power down the server or storage array and unplug it from power sources.
• Identify an available 2.5" U.2 drive bay that supports NVMe drives (SFF-8639 interface).
• Remove the drive tray or caddy from the chassis if required, ensuring the tray aligns with the backplane connectors.
• Insert the Cisco DC SN640 into the drive bay or backplane, ensuring the U.2 connector engages firmly and the drive is seated securely in the tray.
• Secure the drive with the retention screws or latches provided by the chassis. Reconnect any cables or backplane connections as directed by the server’s documentation.
• Close the chassis, reattach power, and power on the system. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI or storage controller interface to detect the new NVMe drive.
• Initialize and format the drive as part of your storage pool or RAID/erasure coding configuration, following your organization’s provisioning procedures.
• Update firmware if a newer version is available from Cisco or the storage controller vendor to ensure compatibility and best performance.

Tips for best results: Ensure your server’s backplane and cabling support NVMe U.2 drives and that your storage controller has knobs for optimal NVMe performance, such as queue depth, namespace configuration, and TEID (targeted I/O) tuning. Regular firmware updates help maintain reliability and introduce enhancements for data protection and efficiency.

Why Choose the Cisco DC SN640 for Enterprise Storage

The Cisco DC SN640 is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern data centers. Key selling points include:

• Scalability: With a high-capacity 6.40 TB footprint in a compact 2.5" form factor, the SN640 enables dense storage arrays and flexible deployment across converged and hyper-converged infrastructure.
• Performance under load: NVMe over PCIe delivers low-latency access and sustained throughput, which translates into faster database transactions, quicker VM boot times, and smoother analytics workloads.
• Reliability: Enterprise-grade reliability features help reduce downtime and protect critical workloads, including data integrity mechanisms and robust wear management.
• Cost-efficiency: Higher capacity per drive reduces rack space and management overhead while delivering the performance required for contemporary workloads.
• Compatibility: The 2.5" U.2 (SFF-8639) interface is widely supported in data center servers and storage arrays, ensuring straightforward integration into existing infrastructure.

Whether you’re modernizing a database cluster, expanding a virtualization environment, or building out a high-performance analytics platform, the Cisco DC SN640 6.40 TB NVMe SSD provides the blend of capacity, speed, and reliability that enterprise workloads demand. Its design prioritizes durability, data integrity, and power efficiency, making it a compelling choice for data centers aiming to maximize performance per rack unit while maintaining rigorous service levels.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the capacity of the Cisco DC SN640? The drive offers 6.40 TB of storage capacity in a 2.5" internal form factor with a U.2 (SFF-8639) interface.
• What workloads is this drive best suited for? It is well-suited for enterprise databases, virtualization, big data analytics, and other I/O-intensive workloads that benefit from high throughput and low latency.
• Is this drive compatible with My existing data center hardware? Yes, the drive uses a standard 2.5" U.2 NVMe interface common in many servers and storage arrays. Always verify backplane, controller, and firmware compatibility with Cisco guidance.
• Does the drive support power loss protection? Enterprise NVMe SSDs typically include power loss protection features to safeguard data integrity during unexpected power events; refer to the product’s firmware documentation for specifics.
• What maintenance is required after installation? Regular firmware updates, monitoring of health indicators via your storage controller, and periodic performance assessments help maximize reliability and longevity.
• How do I maximize performance? Use appropriate NVMe-aware storage controllers, configure sufficient queue depths, and align namespaces and RAID settings with your workload profile to achieve optimal throughput and latency.