Dell PM6 1.92 TB SAS 12Gb/s Read Intensive 2.5" SSD

Introducing the Dell PM6 1.92 TB Solid State Drive, a purpose-built 2.5" internal SAS SSD designed for high-demand servers and workstations. Built for Read Intensive workloads, this enterprise-grade drive blends dependable performance with energy efficiency to maximize uptime, reduce total cost of ownership, and keep storage-intensive environments running smoothly. With a 12Gb/s SAS interface and a compact 2.5" form factor, the Dell PM6 delivers the reliability, compatibility, and speed you need for fast data access, seamless virtualization, and resilient data processing in modern data centers.

• Optimized for Read-Heavy Workloads: The Dell PM6 Read Intensive (RI) drive is engineered to excel in environments where reads dominate, such as database lookups, OS and hypervisor disk I/O, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), content streaming, and large-scale analytics. By prioritizing read throughput and low-latency response, it minimizes bottlenecks and accelerates common server tasks.
• Enterprise-Class Reliability and Endurance: Built to endure continuous operation in server and workstation deployments, the PM6 delivers consistent performance under steady-state workloads. Its enterprise-grade architecture emphasizes long-term reliability, steady I/O distribution, and robust error correction to protect critical data and ensure dependable uptime across maintenance windows and peak cycles.
• Energy-Efficient Operation for Lower TCO: In data centers, power and cooling are pivotal. The PM6 SSD is designed to be power-conscious, delivering efficient idle and active power profiles that help reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining peak throughput when it matters most. This makes it an excellent choice for dense server racks and large storage pools where energy costs matter.
• 2.5" Form Factor with 12Gb/s SAS Interface: The 2.5" drive form factor is a standard for enterprise servers and workstation systems, enabling seamless hot-swap integration, easy replacement, and compatibility with a wide range of Dell PowerEdge and other SAS-capable servers. The 12Gb/s SAS interface ensures fast, reliable data transfer with low CPU overhead, supporting high-bandwidth workloads and multi-user access scenarios.
• 512e Format for Broad Compatibility: The PM6 uses 512e emulation, which provides compatibility with legacy operating systems and software ecosystems while delivering modern SSD performance. This format supports efficient data alignment and integration across mixed storage environments, simplifying upgrades and mixed-workload deployments.

Technical Details of Dell PM6 1.92 TB SSD

• Capacity: 1.92 terabytes of usable storage for large datasets, catalogs, and databases, enabling substantial storage pools without frequent expansion.
• Form Factor: 2.5-inch internal drive designed for standard enterprise drive bays and hot-swap sleds, ideal for Dell PowerEdge servers and compatible systems.
• Interface: SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) 12Gb/s, delivering high-throughput data transfer with reliable error-correction and strong sequential/random I/O performance.
• Drive Type: Read Intensive (RI) solid state drive, optimized for workloads with strong read activity and lower write endurance requirements compared to Write-Intensive variants.
• Format: 512e emulation to maximize compatibility with diverse operating systems and virtualization platforms while providing the advantages of SSD performance.
• Compatibility: Engineered for server and workstation deployment, supporting enterprise-grade data access patterns, virtualization, and data-intensive applications.

How to Install Dell PM6 1.92 TB SAS SSD

• Power down the server or workstation and follow proper ESD precautions before handling any internal components.
• Identify an available 2.5" drive bay or hot-swap sled compatible with your Dell server or workstation chassis and SAS controller configuration.
• Remove the drive sled or blank, aligning the PM6 with the connector orientation to ensure proper seating of the SAS interface and power pins.
• Insert the PM6 into the drive bay or sled and secure it with the appropriate screws or latching mechanism, ensuring the drive sits firmly in place.
• Connect the SAS data and power cables (or re-insert the hot-swap sled) according to your server’s backplane or controller instructions. Ensure the SAS controller recognizes the new drive.
• Power on the system and enter the server’s BIOS/RAID controller interface to verify the PM6 is detected. If using RAID, configure the appropriate array; if using pass-through or a non-RAID mode, confirm drive visibility by the operating system.
• Install or update the operating system storage drivers if needed, and format the drive according to your data plan (partition scheme, file system, and performance considerations).
• Run a quick health check or diagnostic utility to confirm SMART health, temperature readings, and stable I/O performance after installation.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the Dell PM6 Read Intensive SSD best suited for?
  A: It is optimized for read-heavy server tasks such as database read operations, OS and hypervisor data access, virtualization caching, content streaming, and other workloads where read performance and low latency are critical.
• Q: Is the PM6 compatible with Dell PowerEdge servers?
  A: Yes. The PM6 is designed for enterprise use in server environments, including Dell PowerEdge systems, and fits standard 2.5" drive bays with SAS backplanes and hot-swap options.
• Q: What is the advantage of the 12Gb/s SAS interface?
  A: The 12Gb/s SAS interface provides high-bandwidth data transfer with robust error correction, low latency, and efficient CPU utilization, which translates into faster data access for read-intensive workloads and improved overall system throughput.
• Q: What does 512e format mean for this drive?
  A: 512e emulation means the drive uses 512-byte sector emulation to maintain compatibility with older operating systems and software environments while delivering modern SSD performance and reliability.
• Q: How should I plan capacity and redundancy for a 1.92 TB PM6 in a server array?
  A: Consider your workload mix, read/write ratio, and redundancy goals. For read-intensive workloads, you can leverage larger read caches and RAID configurations that balance performance and protection. Always monitor wear, health, and firmware updates from Dell to maximize drive longevity and data integrity.