Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN861 7.68 TB NVMe U.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 SSD

The Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN861 is a high-performance, enterprise-grade solid-state drive purpose-built for data centers, hyperscale environments, and mission-critical applications. With an impressive 7.68 TB of dense capacity, this 2.5-inch U.2 drive delivers the speed, reliability, and endurance that modern workloads demand—from database acceleration and virtualization to AI analytics and large-scale data processing. Built to withstand continuous operation, the SN861 leverages PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe technology to provide fast, consistent throughput, low latency, and exceptional input/output operations per second (IOPS) for sustained performance under heavy load. Designed for easy integration into existing server backplanes and storage arrays, this drive combines a compact form factor with enterprise features that protect data, extend endurance, and minimize downtime.

• Dense capacity for scalable storage. The 7.68 TB capacity enables you to consolidate databases, big data workloads, and mixed-use storage in fewer drives, reducing footprint and total cost of ownership while preserving performance.
• Blazing PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe performance. Harness the bandwidth of PCIe 5.0 to deliver fast sequential performance and high IOPS, enabling rapid data access for demanding workloads and immersive virtualization environments.
• 2.5-inch U.2 form factor for flexible deployment. Designed for modern blade servers, rackmounts, and backplanes that support U.2, the Ultrastar SN861 fits into standard enterprise storage trays and hot-swap designs for easy maintenance and scalability.
• Enterprise-grade durability and data protection. Engineered for 24x7 operation, it includes robust error detection and correction, wear leveling, power loss protection, and end-to-end data integrity features to safeguard critical information.
• Efficient thermal management and reliability. Built to manage heat in dense data-center footprints, the SN861 emphasizes power efficiency and thermal stability to maintain performance while reducing cooling and energy costs.

Technical Details of Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN861 7.68 TB NVMe U.2 SSD

• Capacity: 7.68 TB
• Form Factor: 2.5" U.2 (SFF-15mm)
• Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe protocol
• Type: Enterprise-class solid-state drive (SSD) designed for data centers
• Endurance and Reliability: Built for high-endurance workloads with enterprise-grade protection features to sustain long-term operation
• Warranty: Typically a 5-year limited warranty with enterprise support options

how to install Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN861

Installing the Ultrastar SN861 is straightforward in servers and storage systems that support U.2 drives. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth deployment and optimal performance:

Step 1: Verify compatibility and prerequisites. Confirm that your server or storage chassis supports U.2 drives in the intended backplane or hot-swap tray, and that the system can accommodate PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe devices. Check for the latest firmware and drivers for your server’s motherboard or PCIe controller to maximize compatibility and performance.

Step 2: Prepare the server. Power down the host and unplug all power sources. If you are upgrading an existing drive, remove the old drive from its tray or backplane slot according to the system’s maintenance procedures. If you are adding a new drive, identify an available U.2 slot or hot-swap bay and prepare the drive tray for installation.

Step 3: Install the drive into a U.2 slot or hot-swap tray. Slide the Ultrastar SN861 into the backplane or drive tray with the connector aligned to the U.2 interface. Secure the drive with the appropriate screws or latch from the tray. Ensure solid seating and proper cable routing if your backplane requires separate data and power connections.

Step 4: Power up and recognize the drive. Reassemble the chassis and power on the server. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI or storage controller utility to confirm that the new U.2 SSD is detected. If necessary, enable the NVMe controller and verify there are no slot conflicts or firmware warnings.

Step 5: Initialize and format the drive in the operating system. In Windows, use Disk Management or Storage Spaces to initialize the disk and create volumes. In Linux, use tools like fdisk, parted, or nvme-cli to partition and format the drive. Be mindful of alignment and optimal block size for large data workloads to maximize performance and endurance.

Step 6: Update firmware and apply best practices. After installation, check for any available firmware updates for the SN861 and the host NVMe controller. Follow vendor recommendations for firmware flashing, and configure monitoring for SMART attributes, wear leveling, and temperature. Set up monitoring and alerting to track drive health and ensure proactive maintenance.

Step 7: Optimize workloads and serviceability. Plan for telemetry collection, capacity planning, and backup strategies. Leverage the SN861’s enterprise features such as error correction, power loss protection, and data integrity checks to maintain uptime. Document the deployment for future maintenance and scalability.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the capacity of the Western Digital Ultrastar DC SN861?
  A: It is a 7.68 TB enterprise-class NVMe SSD in a 2.5-inch U.2 form factor, suitable for dense storage and data-intensive workloads.
• Q: What interface does the SN861 use?
  A: The drive uses PCIe 5.0 x4 with NVMe, delivering high bandwidth and low latency for demanding data-center applications.
• Q: Is this drive compatible with my data center backplane?
  A: The SN861 is designed for servers and storage systems with U.2 slots or backplanes that support PCIe NVMe U.2 drives. Check your chassis specifications and vendor compatibility lists for confirmation.
• Q: What kind of warranty does this drive include?
  A: Western Digital Ultrastar enterprise SSDs typically come with a 5-year limited warranty, depending on region and distributor policies. Confirm local terms at purchase.
• Q: Can I use this drive for boot purposes or only for data storage?
  A: While the SN861 is designed for data-center workloads and sustained storage performance, many systems can boot from NVMe U.2 drives when properly configured in the OS and firmware. Consult your server’s documentation for boot support and best practices.
• Q: What workloads is the SN861 best suited for?
  A: The SN861 excels in data-intensive, latency-sensitive workloads such as database acceleration, virtualized environments, analytics, AI/ML workloads, high-transaction applications, and large-scale storage arrays requiring reliable endurance and consistent performance.