Dell EMC PowerMax adopts dual-port Optane SSDs

The Intel Optane DC SSD D4800X (NVMe) offers a “24x7” available data path and super-fast storage, breaking through bottlenecks to increase the value of stored data. Intel Corporation on April 2, 2019, introduced a portfolio of data-centric tools to help its customers extract more value from their data. (Credit: Intel Corporation)

Dell Technologies World Dell EMC’s PowerMax arrays will incorporate Intel’s dual-port Optane SSD memory.

The technology is intended for applications that require 24×7 access to the data on the drive. Dual port redundancy means data can still be accessed through the second controller and NVMe port in the event of a single failure or controller upgrade.

The Optane DC D4800X has an NVMe interface with two PCIe gen 3 lanes per port. The single port P4800X uses all 4 lanes and has more performance. Intel has not yet revealed the performance of the D4800X. It will have the same 30DWPD endurance as the P4800X, according to Rob Crooke, Intel’s general manager of the non-volatile memory solutions group.

Intel Optane SSD DC D4800X

The D4800X comes in a U.2 (2.5-inch drive) format with 375GB, 750GB and 1.5TB capacities.

Intel said the D4800X is “the result of a three-year collaboration between Intel and Dell to improve the performance, management, quality, reliability, and scalability of storage.”

Dell’s high-end PowerMax array is the first to use this dual-port Optane SSD. Other storage array suppliers will probably announce similar support.