Server drives are the internal and hot-swappable storage drives used in rack, tower and blade servers. Our range in this category is small: it currently holds one model from HP Enterprise, so it suits buyers who need a specific drive for an existing HPE system rather than those comparing many options.
How to choose a server drive
Server compatibility. Check the exact server model and generation first. Drives sold by HP Enterprise are usually matched to its own ProLiant and similar systems, so compare the part number or option kit number with the server's documentation before ordering.
Interface. SAS, SATA and NVMe drives are not interchangeable. The drive bay, backplane and controller must support the interface. Some backplanes accept both SAS and SATA, but many do not, and NVMe needs bays wired for it.
Form factor and carrier. Servers typically use 2.5-inch small form factor or 3.5-inch large form factor bays. Hot-plug bays normally need the drive mounted in a matching tray or carrier, so check whether one is included or has to be bought separately.
SSD or hard disk, and endurance. Hard disks cost less per terabyte and suit archives, backups and file storage. Solid-state drives respond much faster and suit databases and virtual machines. For SSDs, look at the endurance rating (drive writes per day) and choose read-intensive or mixed-use according to how often the data changes.
Capacity and RAID plan. Drives in the same array should normally match in type, interface and capacity, because the smallest drive usually sets the usable size per disk. Work out the capacity you need after RAID overhead, and consider keeping a spare of the same model.
Brands we carry
- HP Enterprise: the enterprise hardware maker (HPE) behind the ProLiant server family, and a supplier of drives and option kits designed to work with those servers.
At present HP Enterprise is the only brand listed in this category.
Server drives FAQ
What is a server drive?
A server drive is a storage drive built for the demands of a server, such as constant operation, hot-plug bays and use behind a RAID controller. It can be a hard disk or a solid-state drive. Server drives usually differ from desktop drives in their interface, firmware and endurance.
What is the difference between SAS and SATA server drives?
SAS drives are designed for enterprise systems and generally offer better multipath support and error handling, while SATA drives are simpler and usually cheaper per terabyte. A SAS backplane often accepts SATA drives, but a SATA-only backplane will not accept SAS drives. Always check what your server's controller and backplane support.
Should I choose an SSD or a hard disk for a server?
Choose an SSD when speed matters, for example for databases, virtualisation or busy applications. Choose a hard disk when you need a lot of capacity at a lower cost per terabyte, such as for backups or archives. Many servers combine both, with SSDs for the system and active data and hard disks for bulk storage.
Do I need an HPE drive for an HPE server?
A drive from HP Enterprise is not always the only option that will physically fit, but it is the safest match for an HPE server. These drives are made for the server's controllers, firmware and health monitoring, and they usually fit the correct tray. Using the listed part number for your server model reduces the risk of compatibility problems.
