HGST Ultrastar Data102 SE4U102-102 Drive Enclosure: 12Gb/s SAS, Mini-SAS HD, 4U Rack-Mountable

The HGST Ultrastar Data102 SE4U102-102 Drive Enclosure is a flagship component designed for next-generation software-defined storage (SDS) and disaggregated storage architectures. Built to maximize density, reliability, and flexibility, this 4U rack-mountable chassis enables data centers to scale their storage infrastructure without compromising performance or efficiency. Engineered for modern enterprise workloads, it seamlessly integrates with SAS-based ecosystems and supports the high-speed demands of contemporary data-intensive applications. If you’re deploying SDS, hyper-converged storage, or large-scale archiving, the Ultrastar Data102 enclosure is engineered to deliver robust, scalable storage that grows with your business needs.

• High-density, scalable design: A purpose-built 4U enclosure that maximizes rack space while delivering substantial storage capacity for disaggregated storage or software-defined storage deployments. Ideal for data centers seeking to consolidate drives and reduce footprint without sacrificing performance.
• 12Gb/s SAS performance: The enclosure features a 12Gb/s SAS backplane, delivering rapid data transfer rates and efficient I/O handling for demanding workloads such as database operations, virtualized environments, and large-scale backups.
• Flexible connectivity with Mini-SAS HD: The Mini-SAS HD host interface provides a compact, scalable connection path to SAS controllers and storage networks, enabling streamlined integration into diverse enterprise environments and simplifying cabling in dense rack layouts.
• Designed for SDS and disaggregated storage: As a critical element of software-defined storage ecosystems, the Ultrastar Data102 supports disaggregation, enabling independent scaling of compute and storage resources while preserving performance, reliability, and data protection features.
• Reliability and enterprise-ready components: Built to meet data center demands, the enclosure emphasizes robust build quality, consistent airflow in 4U form factor, and compatibility with Ultrastar Data102 family components, making it a trusted foundation for mission-critical storage infrastructures.

Technical Details of HGST Ultrastar Data102 SE4U102-102 Drive Enclosure

• Interface: 12Gb/s SAS backplane designed for high-speed data transfer and low-latency I/O operations.
• Host interface: Mini-SAS HD, delivering flexible, space-saving cabling and scalable external connectivity to SAS controllers and storage networks.
• Form factor: 4U rack-mountable chassis, optimized for dense data-center deployments and streamlined rack integration.
• Product family: Ultrastar Data102 series, engineered for software-defined storage, disaggregated storage architectures, and enterprise-grade reliability.
• Designed for SDS and data-center workloads: Built to support software-defined storage environments with performance, density, and compatibility that align with modern enterprise requirements.

How to Install HGST Ultrastar Data102 SE4U102-102 Drive Enclosure

Step 1: Prepare the rack – Verify that the rack is rated for 4U devices and has adequate cooling and power provisioning. Ensure the rack space is clear for safe installation and that cable routing paths won’t impede airflow.

Step 2: Mount the enclosure – Slide the Ultrastar Data102 enclosure into an available 4U rack position. Secure front and rear mounting points per your data-center standards to ensure stability under load and during operation.

Step 3: Connect the host interface – Route and connect the Mini-SAS HD cable from your SAS/SATA controller or switch to the enclosure’s host interface. Use quality cables and verify that connectors are firmly seated to prevent intermittent connectivity.

Step 4: Connect power and verify power redundancy – Attach the power supply(s) according to the enclosure’s power requirements. If your data center supports redundant power, configure the enclosure to utilize dual feeds where available to maximize uptime.

Step 5: Initialize and configure – Power on the enclosure and verify that the system is detected by your storage controllers. Configure your SDS or storage management software to recognize the new resource, and proceed with formatting, provisioning, and policies as dictated by your workload, data protection strategy, and performance goals.

Step 6: Firmware and health monitoring – Ensure the enclosure runs the latest recommended firmware for optimal reliability and performance. Set up health monitoring and alerting through your management stack so you can track temperature, I/O, and drive status in real time.

Step 7: Integration and testing – Integrate the enclosure with your software-defined storage framework, perform benchmarking, and validate performance under expected workloads. Document any configuration profiles or data-protection policies for consistent operations across your storage fleet.

Following these steps helps you leverage the full benefits of the Ultrastar Data102 SE4U102-102 enclosure: scalable density, fast SAS performance, and smooth integration into SDS environments. The 4U form factor is ideal for data centers aiming to maximize rack efficiency, while the 12Gb/s SAS interface ensures the high data throughput required by contemporary enterprise applications. This enclosure is designed to grow with your workflow, enabling future expansion, modular upgrades, and flexible storage provisioning as your SDS strategy evolves.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the primary interface on the HGST Ultrastar Data102 SE4U102-102 Drive Enclosure? A: It uses a 12Gb/s SAS backplane with a Mini-SAS HD host interface for flexible, high-speed connectivity to SAS controllers and storage networks.
• Q: What is the form factor of this enclosure? A: It is a 4U rack-mountable chassis designed for high-density data-center deployments.
• Q: Is this enclosure suitable for software-defined storage (SDS) workloads? A: Yes. The Ultrastar Data102 line is specifically designed for SDS and disaggregated storage architectures, offering the density and performance needed for software-centric storage solutions.
• Q: Can it integrate with the Ultrastar Data102 family? A: Yes. The SE4U102-102 is part of the Ultrastar Data102 series and is designed to work with related data-center storage components within the family, ensuring compatibility and a coherent management experience.
• Q: What kind of environments is this enclosure best suited for? A: It is ideal for enterprise data centers and cloud-scale storage environments that require high density, scalable capacity, and solid I/O performance to support database workloads, backups, virtualization, and large-scale data archiving.