Dell 3.84 TB SAS Read Intensive 2.5" Internal SSD with 3.5" Carrier

Upgrade your Dell server or storage solution with the Dell 3.84 TB Solid State Drive, a purpose-built, enterprise-grade 2.5-inch internal SSD designed to deliver exceptional capacity, reliability, and sustained performance. This Read Intensive (RI) drive is engineered to excel in environments with heavy data access patterns—think databases with high-read workloads, virtualization caches, data warehousing front-ends, and boot/staging arrays that demand rapid, predictable read throughput. With a blistering 3.84 terabytes of storage and a 24 Gb/s SAS interface, it unlocks robust scalability for Dell PowerEdge servers and Dell storage backplanes, enabling you to consolidate data, improve response times, and shorten data retrieval cycles across multiple applications. The inclusion of a 3.5" carrier simplifies integration into standard server backplanes, reducing downtime and simplifying replacement in busy data centers. Dell’s engineering targets enterprise-grade endurance and compatibility, ensuring that this SSD works seamlessly within Dell ecosystems, backed by Dell support and a track record of reliability in demanding enterprise environments.

• Massive 3.84 TB capacity designed to store large datasets, intensive read caches, and expansive virtual machine images, enabling data-heavy workloads to run without frequent tiering or expansion pauses. This capacity helps minimize the need for constant data migration while supporting larger databases and analytics workloads in a single drive.
• High-speed SAS interface of up to 24 Gb/s delivers low-latency data access and strong sequential and random read performance, helping reduce bottlenecks in I/O-bound applications and speeding up back-end data retrieval for business-critical processes.
• 2.5" internal form factor with a 3.5" carrier provides flexible deployment across a wide range of Dell servers and storage enclosures, allowing easy replacement in existing bays and smooth integration with backplanes that accept standard enterprise carriers for simplified maintenance and upgrades.
• Read Intensive (RI) design focuses on optimizing endurance and throughput for read-forward workloads, delivering consistent performance over time and supporting fast data reads in databases, file servers, and content delivery paths without sacrificing drive longevity.
• Dell-verified compatibility and reliability mean seamless integration into Dell PowerEdge servers and Dell storage arrays, with test-backed stability and support pathways that help ensure mission-critical operations stay online and efficient during upgrades or expansions.

Technical Details of Dell 3.84 TB SAS Read Intensive SSD

• Capacity: 3.84 TB
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch internal solid-state drive with a 3.5-inch carrier option for flexible installation in server chassis and drive bays
• Interface: SAS 24 Gb/s, enabling high-bandwidth data transfers and superior I/O throughput in enterprise environments
• Drive Type: Read Intensive (RI) optimized for read-heavy workloads, offering steady performance and favorable endurance characteristics for frequent reads
• Compatibility: Designed for Dell ecosystems, including PowerEdge servers and Dell storage backplanes, with plug-and-play alignment to Dell controllers and backplanes
• Reliability: Enterprise-grade SSD architecture intended to deliver robust reliability, consistent latency, and long-term operation under sustained load

how to install Dell 3.84 TB SAS Read Intensive SSD

• Prepare the server: Power down the Dell system, disconnect all power sources, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge before handling drive components.
• Verify compatibility: Confirm that your Dell server or storage enclosure supports a 2.5-inch drive with a 3.5-inch carrier and is capable of recognizing a 3.84 TB SAS RI SSD through the server’s SAS controller and backplane.
• Remove or prepare the drive bay: If replacing an existing drive, remove the failed or older drive according to the server’s maintenance procedure, and ensure the bay is clean and free of obstructions.
• Install into the carrier: If your deployment uses a 3.5" carrier, mount the 2.5" SSD into the carrier securely, aligning connectors and using the carrier’s mounting screws to keep the drive firmly in place.
• Insert into the server: Slide the carrier or the bare 2.5" drive into the appropriate Dell drive bay until it seats with a noticeable click and engages with the backplane or SAS controller.
• Connect and power up: Reconnect power and data cables to the drive backplane or controller, ensuring a secure connection and proper airflow around the drive area for cooling.
• Configure in BIOS/RAID controller: Upon startup, enter the server’s BIOS or RAID controller configuration utility to recognize the new drive, set the desired RAID level if needed, and initialize the drive following the vendor’s guidelines.
• Format and initialize: In the operating system, initialize and format the new SSD according to your workload requirements, choosing an appropriate file system and ensuring alignment with the storage policy for performance and reliability.
• Verify operation: Run a drive health check and a baseline performance test to confirm the drive is delivering expected read throughput and that there are no controller or backplane error messages.
• Document the upgrade: Record the drive’s serial number, capacity, and installation location in your asset management system to streamline future maintenance, warranty, and replacement procedures.

In practice, this Dell 3.84 TB SAS Read Intensive SSD provides a compelling combination of high capacity, reliable read performance, and straightforward integration into Dell-based environments. Its 24 Gb/s SAS interface ensures rapid data access for read-heavy workloads, while the 3.5" carrier compatibility simplifies physical installation in standard server chassis. Organizations can leverage this drive to consolidate data stores, accelerate boot and cache layers, and improve data retrieval times across databases, analytics platforms, virtualized environments, and content repositories. The read-intensive orientation helps extend drive life under frequent read access scenarios, making it a strong candidate for read-dominant tiers of a hybrid storage strategy. Whether you are upgrading an existing Dell server fleet or expanding a storage pool, this SSD is designed to deliver strong, predictable performance with a focus on durability and enterprise readiness.

Why choose the Dell 3.84 TB SAS Read Intensive SSD for your data center

• Optimized for Dell environments: The drive integrates with Dell PowerEdge servers and Dell storage backplanes for predictable operation and simplified support, reducing deployment complexity and troubleshooting time.
• Balanced performance and endurance: Read-heavy workloads benefit from consistent read throughput and durable operation, enabling lower latency under heavy access patterns and sustained performance over time.
• Scalable capacity in a familiar form factor: A large 3.84 TB capacity in a standard 2.5" drive form factor with a 3.5" carrier supports scalable storage expansion without major redesigns of server racks or chassis layouts.
• Efficient data management: High-capacity RI SSDs help reduce the need for constant data migration across tiers, allowing more efficient data placement, faster retrieval, and improved overall system responsiveness.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and support: Dell’s enterprise-class drive products come with robust warranty options and compatibility guarantees, providing peace of mind for mission-critical deployments.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What workloads is this Dell 3.84 TB SAS RI SSD best suited for?

A: This drive is optimized for read-intensive workloads, including database read caches, virtual machine disk files used for read-heavy access, file servers with heavy read traffic, and workload caching. It delivers strong read performance and reliability for environments that perform a lot of data reads rather than writes.

Q: Does the drive come with a 3.5" carrier included?

A: The specification indicates a 3.5" carrier option is available, designed to simplify installation in servers that support a larger carrier. Check your OEM configuration to confirm whether the carrier is included with your purchase or sold separately.

Q: Is this SSD compatible with all Dell PowerEdge servers?

A: Compatibility is typically ensured for Dell ecosystems, especially PowerEdge servers and Dell storage backplanes. It is important to verify against your specific server model and firmware version to ensure support for a 3.84 TB SAS RI drive and the 24 Gb/s SAS interface.

Q: What is the expected lifespan or warranty?

A: Enterprise SSDs generally come with a robust warranty and endurance ratings aligned with heavy read workloads. Exact warranty terms vary by region and purchase, so consult your Dell sales representative or the product documentation for current warranty details and endurance data associated with this drive.

Q: How do I monitor drive health after installation?

A: Use your Dell server management tools or the RAID/controller software to monitor SMART attributes, drive health, error counters, and temperature. Regular health checks help detect early signs of failure and enable proactive replacement to avoid data loss or downtime.