Lenovo 5400 PRO 960GB Read-Intensive 3.5" SATA SSD

Experience enterprise-ready storage that balances performance, reliability, and security with the Lenovo 5400 PRO 960 GB Read-Intensive (RI) SATA SSD. Built on the Micron 5400 PRO platform, this 3.5-inch internal drive is purpose-built for read-heavy workloads common in data centers, virtualization hosts, and ThinkSystem environments. It delivers fast, consistent data access for boot storms, application caches, and frequently accessed datasets while maintaining robust endurance to withstand long-term use. With self-encrypting capabilities integrated into the drive, sensitive information stays protected at rest without impacting system performance. Whether you’re refreshing a legacy server, expanding cache, or accelerating I/O-bound applications, the Lenovo 5400 PRO RI drive is engineered to help you do more with less today and tomorrow.

• High-capacity 960 GB for operating systems, frequently accessed applications, and data caching, enabling faster boot times and smoother application performance with headroom for growth.
• 3.5" internal form factor designed for straightforward installation in standard enterprise drive bays and server trays commonly used in ThinkSystem and data-center deployments.
• SATA 6Gb/s (SATA III) interface delivers reliable, steady throughput for read-intensive workloads, supporting efficient data access without forcing trade-offs between speed and reliability.
• Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with hardware-based encryption protects data at rest, helping meet security policies and regulatory requirements while preserving system responsiveness and performance.
• Engineered for endurance and reliability in enterprise environments, combining Micron 5400 PRO architecture with Lenovo's testing standards to support sustained performance under read-heavy workloads.

Technical Details of Lenovo 5400 PRO 960 GB Solid State Drive

• Capacity: 960 GB
• Form Factor: 3.5-inch internal
• Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA/600)
• Drive Type: Read Intensive (RI)
• Controller/Platform: Micron 5400 PRO platform
• Security: Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) with hardware-based encryption
• Endurance: Enterprise-grade durability designed for sustained read workloads
• Power Management: Energy-efficient operation suitable for data-center environments
• Compatibility: Designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem and other enterprise systems that support 3.5" SATA drives

How to install Lenovo 5400 PRO 960 GB Solid State Drive

Installing the Lenovo 5400 PRO 960 GB RI SATA SSD is a straightforward process that fits typical data-center upgrade workflows. Begin with proper preparation: power down the server or workstation, unplug power cords, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge. Remove the existing drive or open the appropriate 3.5" drive bay in the ThinkSystem or compatible system, ensuring you have a compliant drive tray or sled if required by the chassis. Align the drive to the tray and secure it with screws or the drive retention mechanism specified by your server model. Connect the SATA data cable and the power connector to the drive’s SATA interface. Ensure the cables are neatly routed to avoid obstruction or interference with fans and other components. Reinsert the drive tray into the bay, securing it firmly. Power on the system and enter the BIOS or UEFI to verify the new drive is recognized. In the operating system, initialize and format the drive as needed for your deployment, or configure it as a cache or data-store depending on your storage strategy. If you are enabling the Self-Encrypting Drive features, follow your security policy to establish encryption keys or integrate with your organization’s key management framework. For optimal performance, consider aligning the OS and applications to the new storage tier, update firmware if applicable, and monitor health through your system management tools. Always consult Lenovo ThinkSystem compatibility guides and your server’s service manuals for model-specific installation steps and requirements.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Lenovo 5400 PRO 960 GB SSD best used for? A: It is designed for read-intensive workloads in enterprise environments, delivering fast data access, reliable performance, and secure data at rest. It’s well-suited for boot drives, caching layers, virtualization hosts, and data-center storage extensions where read performance and endurance matter.
• Q: Does this drive support hardware encryption? A: Yes. The Lenovo 5400 PRO 960 GB includes a Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) feature with hardware-based encryption to protect data at rest without impacting normal operation.
• Q: What form factor and interface does it use? A: It uses a 3.5-inch internal form factor and a SATA 6 Gb/s (SATA III) interface, making it compatible with standard enterprise drive bays and a wide range of server platforms, including Lenovo ThinkSystem.
• Q: How does the RI (Read Intensive) classification affect performance and endurance? A: Read-Intensive drives are optimized for workloads with higher read demand and lower write intensity, offering strong read throughput and favorable endurance characteristics suited to data-heavy read operations, caching, and boot activities.
• Q: Is setup and maintenance complicated with this drive? A: Not particularly. Installation follows typical enterprise drive replacement procedures, and ongoing maintenance involves standard health monitoring and firmware updates through your management tools. With encryption enabled, ensure your key management and security policies are in place.