Hot-swap server drives are hard drives built to be fitted or replaced while a server is running, for IT managers, small businesses and home lab users who maintain rack or tower servers. Our range covers drives from Lenovo, HP, Seagate and IBM, so you can match a replacement or upgrade to the server you already run.
How to choose a hot-swap server drive
Server compatibility. Start with the exact server model and its drive bays. Many manufacturers sell drives under their own part numbers, so check the part number or compatibility list in the product listing against your server documentation before ordering.
Interface. SAS and SATA are the two common interfaces for hot-swap hard drives. SAS drives are built for enterprise duty and suit controllers that support them, while SATA drives are usually simpler and can work in many SAS backplanes. Your server's backplane and RAID controller decide which you can use.
Form factor and caddy. Hot-swap drives are normally 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch, and most are fitted in a tray or caddy that slides into the bay. Confirm the bay size first, and check whether the drive comes with its caddy or whether you need to buy one separately.
Capacity and speed. Pick the capacity from the data you need to store now, with room to grow. Rotational speed matters for responsiveness: 7,200 rpm drives generally suit bulk storage and backups, while 10,000 rpm and 15,000 rpm drives suit busier workloads such as databases.
Matching drives in an array. When adding to a RAID array, use drives of the same interface, speed and capacity as the existing ones. Mixing them can limit the array to the slowest or smallest drive.
Hot-swap drive brands we carry
- Lenovo: a server maker that sells drives matched to its ThinkSystem and System x servers, and it took over IBM's x86 server business in 2014.
- HP: its server drives are typically sold under part numbers tied to ProLiant servers, which makes the part number the key detail to check.
- Seagate: a hard drive manufacturer known for its Exos range of enterprise drives, designed for continuous operation in data centres.
- IBM: drives made for IBM System x servers, useful when you are maintaining older machines that are still in service.
Because the range is small and focused, each model is listed with its own details, so check these against your server before ordering.
Hot-swap server drives: frequently asked questions
What is a hot-swap server drive?
A hot-swap server drive is a drive that can be removed and replaced while the server stays powered on. It sits in a caddy in a front-loading bay connected to a backplane. This lets you replace a failed drive in a RAID array without shutting the server down.
Can I use a hot-swap drive in a desktop PC?
Yes, in many cases, but only if the interface matches. A SATA hot-swap drive can usually connect to a standard desktop SATA port, though you will not get the benefit of the caddy. SAS drives need a SAS controller, which most desktop PCs do not have.
Should I choose SAS or SATA for a server?
It depends on your controller and workload. SAS drives are designed for heavy, continuous use and are common in business servers. SATA drives are a simpler option for bulk storage and backups, provided the server's backplane supports them.
Do I need a drive from the same brand as my server?
Not always, but it is the safest choice. Some servers only recognise drives with the manufacturer's own firmware or part number, and they may show warnings with others. Check your server's compatibility list, then match the part number where the manufacturer requires it.
