Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN655 30.72TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 U.3 Read Intensive SSD

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN655 delivers enterprise-grade NVMe performance and reliability in a high-capacity 30.72 TB drive designed for data centers and demanding workloads. Built for read-intensive operations, this U.3, SFF-15mm form-factor SSD combines PCIe Gen4 speed with dual-port redundancy, ISE features, and a robust feature set that helps data centers optimize throughput, reduce latency, and scale storage capacity without compromising availability. Whether you’re powering large-scale analytics, database caching, virtualized environments, or streaming applications, the Ultrastar SN655 is engineered to handle sustained read-heavy workloads with consistency and efficiency. Its compact 15 mm profile fits into modern storage backplanes and U.3 compatible servers, enabling flexible deployment in dense server racks and enterprise storage arrays while maintaining enterprise-grade data protection and reliability.

• Massive capacity for data-intensive workloads: 30.72 TB of raw NVMe storage supports expansive datasets, large-scale analytics, and memory-resident caches, reducing the need for frequent expansion and enabling longer data retention within a single drive.
• PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance: Built on the PCIe 4.0 interface delivers high throughput and low latency suitable for read-heavy enterprise workloads, accelerating database queries, file services, and real-time analytics pipelines.
• U.3, SFF-15mm internal form factor: Designed for data-center backplanes and U.3 compliant servers, the 15 mm internal height fits into dense storage enclosures, enabling seamless integration into existing infrastructure with minimal footprint.
• Dual-port redundancy for high availability: Dual-port DP support enables failover capabilities and uninterrupted data access, which is vital for mission-critical applications and always-on services.
• Read-Intensive (RI) performance profile with ISE features: Optimized for sustained read workloads with ISE-enhanced data protection and reliability, helping preserve data integrity and operational continuity under heavy read demand.

Technical Details of Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN655

• Capacity: 30.72 TB
• Interface: U.3 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4
• Form factor / Height: Internal SFF-15mm
• Drive type: Read Intensive (RI)
• Ports: Dual-port (DP)
• Backplane compatibility: U.3 compliant, suitable for enterprise backplanes and data-center servers
• Protection / features: ISE and enterprise-grade data protection features (as specified for this model)
• Usage category: Enterprise storage for read-heavy workloads, caching, analytics, and virtualization

How to install Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN655

Installing the Ultrastar DC SN655 is a straightforward process in a compatible data-center server, storage array, or backplane that supports U.3 NVMe drives. Follow these general steps to ensure a smooth, reliable deployment:

• Power down and prepare: Before handling any drive, power down the server or storage enclosure and follow your data-center’s safety procedures. Ground yourself to avoid static discharge.
• Identify a compatible slot: Locate a U.3/NVMe drive slot or backplane bay that supports 15 mm high drives and dual-port NVMe connectivity. Confirm that the chassis provides the appropriate backplane and firmware support for read-intensive SSDs.
• Insert the drive correctly: Align the drive with the slot and carefully slide it into the backplane or drive cage until it seats firmly. Ensure connectors engage fully for reliable operation.
• Power and bootup: Reconnect power and boot the server or enclosure. The system should recognize the new SSD as a NVMe device. If applicable, enter the RAID/BIOS or NVMe backplane configuration utility to verify recognition and slot assignment.
• Format and assign storage: Within the operating system, use your preferred disk management tool to create a volume or file system on the new drive. For best results, align partitions to NVMe block sizes and apply any vendor-recommended firmware or driver updates.
• Monitor health and performance: After installation, monitor SMART attributes, drive health, and performance using your standard monitoring stack. Enable any data-protection features and ensure dual-port paths are correctly configured for failover and load balancing.
• Best practices: Maintain appropriate cooling, ensure firmware is up to date, and stagger firmware updates across your fleet to minimize disruption. Periodically validate endurance, error logs, and backplane compatibility to sustain optimal read performance.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the capacity of the Ultrastar DC SN655?
A: The model is specified with a 30.72 TB capacity, making it suitable for large-scale datasets and read-intensive workloads.

Q: What interface and form factor does this drive use?
A: It uses a U.3 NVMe interface with PCIe 4.0 and an internal SFF-15mm form factor, designed for data-center backplanes and U.3-compliant servers.

Q: Is this drive suitable for read-heavy workloads?
A: Yes. The SN655 is designated as Read Intensive (RI), optimized for high-throughput read operations and caching workloads common in analytics, databases, and virtualized environments.

Q: Does the drive support dual-port operation?
A: Yes. The drive includes dual-port (DP) support, enabling path redundancy and higher availability in mission-critical deployments.

Q: What additional protection features are included?
A: The model notes ISE features for enhanced data protection and reliability, along with enterprise-grade safeguarding typically found in Ultrastar SSDs. For specific protections and firmware details, consult your data-center administrator or vendor documentation.

Q: How should I install and configure this drive in my environment?
A: Install the drive into a compatible U.3/NVMe slot or backplane, power the system, recognize the drive in the BIOS/firmware, format it within the OS, and enable dual-path redirection for high availability. Regular health monitoring and firmware updates help maintain sustained performance.

Q: Is this drive compatible with both Linux and Windows environments?
A: Enterprise NVMe drives like the Ultrastar SN655 are generally supported across major Linux and Windows servers when drivers and firmware are properly maintained, and backplane compatibility is ensured. Verify vendor recommendations for your specific OS and firmware versions.