Server and enterprise SSDs are solid-state drives built for servers, storage arrays and workstations that run around the clock, in SATA, SAS, NVMe and M.2 versions. Our range covers over 400 models from HP Enterprise, Kioxia, Samsung, Micron and others. They suit anyone upgrading a rack server, replacing a failed drive or building flash storage for databases and virtualisation.
How to choose a server SSD
Interface. Match the drive to the backplane or controller in your server. SATA is the simplest and most affordable, SAS suits dual-port and high-availability setups, and NVMe gives the lowest latency and highest throughput for databases and virtual machines. Our range includes all three.
Endurance. Check the drive writes per day (DWPD) rating. Read-intensive drives suit file servers, web hosting and archives, while mixed-use and write-intensive models are better for databases, logging and busy virtualisation hosts.
Compatibility. Many servers expect drives with the manufacturer's own firmware and carrier. If you run a HPE ProLiant, Dell PowerEdge or Lenovo ThinkSystem machine, check the part number against your server documentation. Also confirm the form factor: 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch carrier, U.2 or U.3 for NVMe, or M.2 for boot drives.
Capacity and data protection. Enterprise drives usually include power-loss protection, which helps keep data intact during a sudden outage. Choose capacity with room to spare, because a drive that is almost full wears faster and slows down. For boot volumes, a small mirrored pair of M.2 drives is a common choice.
Brands we carry
- HP Enterprise and HP: drives supplied for ProLiant and other HPE servers, often with the firmware and part numbers those systems expect.
- Kioxia: the company that grew out of Toshiba's memory business, and the originator of NAND flash technology.
- Samsung: makes its own NAND and controllers, and offers enterprise SATA, SAS and NVMe drives.
- Micron: a major manufacturer of both NAND flash and DRAM, supplying data centre drives.
- Solidigm: formed from Intel's former NAND and SSD business, with a focus on data centre storage.
- Western Digital: sells enterprise drives under the Ultrastar name, which started in its hard drive business.
- Kingston: offers a dedicated data centre SSD line alongside its better-known consumer drives.
- Dell, Lenovo and Fujitsu Technology Solutions: drives matched to their own PowerEdge, ThinkSystem and PRIMERGY servers.
Also in our range: Goodram.
Browse by interface in the subcategories: Server SATA SSDs, Server SAS SSDs, Server NVMe SSDs and Server M.2 SSDs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an enterprise SSD and a consumer SSD?
An enterprise SSD is designed for continuous, heavy workloads, while a consumer SSD is designed for occasional desktop use. Enterprise drives typically offer higher endurance, consistent performance under load and power-loss protection. They are also tested for use in servers with specific firmware.
Can I use a normal SSD in a server?
Often you can physically, but it is not recommended for production use. Consumer drives usually have lower endurance and no power-loss protection, and some servers reject drives they do not recognise. Check your server's compatibility list before buying.
Should I choose SATA, SAS or NVMe for a server?
It depends on what your server supports and how demanding the workload is. SATA is enough for general storage and boot drives. SAS adds dual-port redundancy, and NVMe is the best choice for databases and virtualisation where speed and low latency matter.
What does DWPD mean on a server SSD?
DWPD stands for drive writes per day, the number of times you can overwrite the full capacity of the drive every day during its warranty period. A higher figure means higher endurance. Read-intensive drives have lower ratings, while mixed-use and write-intensive drives have higher ones.
