SAS hard drives are enterprise-class disks for servers, storage arrays and workstations with a SAS controller, aimed at IT teams that need to replace failed drives or expand storage. Our range includes 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch models from HPE, IBM, Toshiba, Seagate and Dell, with over 120 models in total.
How to choose a SAS hard drive
Server compatibility. Check the exact server or array model first. Many drives here are sold under the server maker's own part number, and these are normally matched to that vendor's caddies and firmware. Compare the part number on your existing drive with the listing.
Form factor. SAS drives come as 2.5-inch small form factor and 3.5-inch large form factor. The bay and caddy in your server decide which fits, so count on matching the size rather than swapping one for the other.
Speed and capacity. Enterprise SAS disks typically spin at 10,000 or 15,000 rpm for fast random access, while high-capacity nearline SAS models spin at 7,200 rpm. Choose the faster spindle speeds for databases and virtual machines. Nearline drives suit backups, archives and file storage, where size matters more than response time.
Interface speed. Most SAS drives run at 6 Gb/s or 12 Gb/s. A 12 Gb/s drive normally works with a slower controller by stepping down, but you gain nothing from the extra speed unless the controller and backplane support it. A mechanical drive rarely saturates the link on its own, so match the controller rather than chasing the highest figure.
Matching existing drives. When adding to a RAID set, use drives of the same capacity, speed and form factor as the others. Mixing speeds can slow the whole array to the pace of the slowest member.
SAS hard drive brands we carry
- HPE and HP: drives for ProLiant servers and HPE storage, the largest group in our range, usually supplied with the matching hot-swap caddy.
- IBM: drives for IBM Power and System x servers and storage, useful for keeping older installations running.
- Toshiba: a long-standing maker of enterprise SAS disks, including 10,000 rpm models for server use.
- Seagate: one of the largest hard drive manufacturers, known for its Exos enterprise line.
- Dell: drives for PowerEdge servers and PowerVault storage, supplied for Dell's own drive trays.
- Western Digital: maker of the Ultrastar data centre drives, which came from its HGST business.
- Lenovo: drives for ThinkSystem servers, which took over the x86 server line from IBM.
- Fujitsu: drives for Primergy servers, common in European business installations.
- NetApp: drives for NetApp storage systems, which often rely on array-specific firmware.
Also in our range: Cisco.
SAS hard drive FAQ
What is the difference between SAS and SATA hard drives?
SAS drives are built for servers and offer higher rotational speeds, dual-port connections on many models and stronger error handling. SATA drives cost less per terabyte and suit desktops and lighter workloads. SAS is the usual choice where drives run constantly under heavy load.
Can I use a SAS drive in a SATA port?
No, a SAS drive will not work on a standard SATA controller, because the connector and protocol differ. The reverse does work: a SAS controller can normally run SATA drives. Check that your controller or HBA supports SAS before buying.
Is a 15K SAS drive better than a 10K drive?
A 15,000 rpm drive responds faster than a 10,000 rpm one, which helps with databases and heavy transactional work. It typically offers lower capacity and produces more heat and noise. For general server duties, a 10K drive is often enough.
Will any SAS drive work in my HPE or Dell server?
Not always. Many servers accept only drives with the manufacturer's firmware, and they need the right caddy for the bay. Use the part number of your existing drive or the server documentation to find a compatible model.
