Intel Launches Dual Port Optane DC D4800X Enterprise SSD for High Availability Workloads

Optane That Favors Redundancy Over Speed

Intel today is officially launching its enterprise-class dual port NVMe SSD, the Intel Optane SSD DC D4800X. The drive was first unveiled at Intel's Data-Centric Innovation Day earlier this month but, of the many other products also introduced that day, it was the only one to have no information about availability.

Available in a U.2 form factor, the Intel Optane SSD DC D4800X is similar in basic performance characteristics to its single port counterpart, the DC P4800X, but utilizes two independent NVMe interfaces, making it suitable for workloads where high availability is crucial.

When configured for redundancy, each interface on the DC D4800X communicates with a separate storage controller. In the event that one of the storage controllers or one of the drive's interfaces fails, the other pair automatically takes over. This type of redundancy also allows enterprises to upgrade or replace hardware hardware without down time.

While the DC D4800X therefore offers redundancy, overall performance will take a hit as each NVMe port is limited to PCIe 3.0 x2, making the product suitable for situations where availability outweighs performance.

Dual port enterprise storage drives are already available from Intel and others, but this is the first time that the feature is available on an Optane drive. Capacities at launch include 375GB, 750GB, and 1.5TB. Check out the complete Intel Optane SSD DC D4800X specs:

While the DC D4800X therefore offers redundancy, overall performance will take a hit as each NVMe port is limited to PCIe 3.0 x2, making the product suitable for situations where availability outweighs performance.

Dual port enterprise storage drives are already available from Intel and others, but this is the first time that the feature is available on an Optane drive. Capacities at launch include 375GB, 750GB, and 1.5TB. Check out the complete Intel Optane SSD DC D4800X specs:

• Form Factor: U.2 (2.5-inch, 15mm height)
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 2×2 NVMe
• Media: Intel Optane memory media
• Sequential Performance: Up to 2400MB/s read and write at QD 16 x16
• Random Performance: Up to 560K IOPS read, 540K IOPS write
• Latency: 4K random R/W (typical): 22/29μs random and sequential
• Endurance: 375GB model (20.5 PBW) / 750GB (41.1 PBW) / 1.5TB (82.1 PBW)
• Power: Active (up to 25W) / Idle (<10W)
• Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Pricing has yet to be unveiled but expect typical enterprise pricing tiers. For comparison, the single port U.2 DC P4800X has a list price of $1,075 for the 375GB model and $2,200 for the 750GB model. Dell’s high-end all-flash PowerMax storage line will be the first to ship with DC D4800X drives.