WD Ultrastar DC SN655 7.68TB NVMe SSD – U.3 PCIe 4.0 Read Intensive Enterprise Drive

Meet a purpose-built data center workhorse designed to transform how cloud and server environments store, access, and protect large datasets. The WD Ultrastar DC SN655 is an enterprise NVMe SSD engineered for read-intensive workloads that power the most demanding data strategies—from fast analytics and metadata-rich databases to high-traffic caching layers and content delivery networks. Built around a modern PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface with U.3 compatibility, this drive pairs exceptional capacity with steady, predictable performance, delivering low latency, high throughput, and sustained IOPS under heavy read workloads. Its 7.68 terabytes of storage capacity helps data centers consolidate hot data and warm data on fewer devices, reducing rack space, cable clutter, and overall cost of ownership while maintaining the reliability and endurance required for 24/7 operations. The SN655 is optimized for cloud platforms, hyperscale deployments, and enterprise servers that demand consistent read performance at scale, making it an attractive option for tiered storage architectures, large-scale data lakes, and virtualization environments where rapid data access is critical. In essence, this drive is not just about storage—it’s a strategic tool for accelerating data-driven decision making, accelerating response times for mission-critical workloads, and delivering a smoother user experience across countless applications and services.

• Optimized for read-intensive workloads, delivering fast, consistent read throughput and low latency to support caching, analytics, and hot data access.
• Massive 7.68 TB capacity enables storage consolidation, reducing the need for frequent expansion and enabling dense, cost-efficient data farms.
• PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface with U.3 compatibility provides high bandwidth and robust performance in modern data centers and backplane environments.
• 15 mm form factor with enterprise-grade reliability supports dense rack installations and hot-swap enclosures in large-scale deployments.
• Premium data-center features such as protective data paths, reliability enhancements, and endurance optimized for read-dominant workloads help protect critical assets.

Technical Details of WD Ultrastar DC SN655

• Capacity: 7.68 TB
• Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe
• Form factor / Height: U.3 backplane-compatible 2.5-inch drive, 15 mm internal height
• Drive type: Read Intensive (RI) enterprise SSD
• Interface standard: U.3 (PCIe NVMe 4.0) for wide compatibility with data-center backplanes and servers
• Target workload: Read-heavy data workflows, caching layers, large-scale analytics, and metadata-driven applications
• Reliability features: Enterprise-grade design with safeguards for data integrity and consistent performance under sustained loads

How to install WD Ultrastar DC SN655

• Confirm compatibility: Ensure your server or storage array supports U.3 NVMe drives and PCIe 4.0 NVMe interfaces, and verify backplane and BIOS support for the SN655.
• Power-down procedure: Perform a controlled shutdown and disconnect power to prevent static discharge and hardware damage.
• Access the drive slot: Open the server chassis or hot-swap enclosure and locate an available U.3 bay designed for 2.5-inch NVMe drives.
• Insert the drive: Align the SN655 with the backplane connector and firmly seat it into the bay, ensuring full engagement with the U.3 interface.
• Secure and route: Secure the drive with the appropriate screws or mounting hardware, and manage cables to promote airflow and cooling.
• Power up and verify: Boot the system and enter the BIOS or UEFI to confirm the drive is recognized; in the operating system, initialize the disk (partition, format, and assign a drive letter or mount point as needed).
• Firmware and health checks: If available, apply the latest firmware revision from WD to ensure optimal performance and reliability; monitor drive health through enterprise management software or SMART attributes.
• Performance tuning: In production environments, configure the OS and storage stack to optimize read caching, alignment, and QoS policies suitable for read-intensive workloads.
• Data protection planning: Plan for data protection policies and replication strategies appropriate for mission-critical data stored on the SN655 to minimize risk during routine maintenance or outages.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the WD Ultrastar DC SN655 best suited for? A: It excels in read-intensive workloads such as caching layers, metadata-heavy databases, large-scale analytics, streaming workflows, and content delivery networks where rapid, consistent read access is essential and write activity is relatively lower.
• Q: Is the SN655 compatible with U.3 NVMe backplanes? A: Yes. The drive is designed for U.3 backplanes and servers that support PCIe 4.0 NVMe interfaces, enabling seamless integration into modern data-center infrastructures.
• Q: What capacity does this drive provide? A: The drive offers 7.68 TB of usable capacity, ideal for expanding cache tiers, consolidating hot data, and enabling larger read-heavy datasets within a single device.
• Q: What is the form factor and height of the SN655? A: It uses a 2.5-inch U.3 form factor with a 15 mm internal height, suitable for dense, multi-drive enclosures in enterprise environments.
• Q: What makes the SN655 different from other Ultrastar NVMe drives? A: The SN655 is optimized for read-intensive workloads with a balance of high-capacity storage, reliability for data centers, and compatibility with backplane ecosystems that prioritize read performance and scalable deployment at scale.