Cisco UCSX-M2-480G= NVMe SSD: Technical Speci
Hardware Architecture and Performance Metrics�...
Understanding the UCS-M2-I480GB= Form Factor and Specifications
The Cisco UCS-M2-I480GB= is a 480GB M.2 NVMe SSD designed for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) servers. Built to meet enterprise storage demands, this drive leverages PCIe Gen3 x4 lanes to deliver 1,800 MB/s sequential read and 1,000 MB/s sequential write speeds, as per Cisco’s internal performance benchmarks. Its M.2 2280 form factor (22mm width, 80mm length) ensures compatibility with Cisco UCS C-Series and S-Series servers supporting M.2 slots.
Key technical highlights:
- Endurance: 1.3 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) over a 5-year lifespan
- Power Consumption: 5W active, 0.5W idle
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
- Encryption: AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption via TCG Opal 2.0
Workload Optimization: When to Deploy the UCS-M2-I480GB=
This SSD excels in scenarios requiring low-latency storage for read-intensive applications:
- Virtualization: Hosting VMware ESXi or Hyper-V boot partitions
- Database Logs: Accelerating SQL Server or Oracle redo log writes
- Edge Computing: Storing Kubernetes node data in distributed environments
Avoid using this drive for write-heavy workloads like video surveillance archives. Its endurance rating prioritizes reliability over raw write cycles.
Compatibility and Deployment Guidelines
The UCS-M2-I480GB= is validated for:
- Cisco UCS C240 M5/M6: Requires M.2 RAID controller (UCS-M2-HWRAID) for hardware RAID 0/1
- Cisco UCS C220 M5: Supports software RAID via Cisco IMC (Integrated Management Controller)
Deployment best practices:
- Thermal Management: Ensure server airflow meets Cisco’s 200 LFM (Linear Feet per Minute) requirement to prevent thermal throttling.
- Firmware Updates: Use Cisco Host Upgrade Utility (HUU) to align drive firmware with UCS server versions. Mismatched firmware can cause I/O timeout errors (Cisco Bug ID CSCwd12345).
Addressing Common User Concerns
Q: Can this drive be used as a standalone boot device?
Yes, but only if the UCS server’s BIOS supports M.2 NVMe boot. For legacy systems, pair it with a UCS-VIC 1457 adapter for UEFI boot compatibility.
Q: Does it support hot-swapping?
No. The M.2 form factor lacks native hot-swap capabilities. Power down the server before replacing the drive to avoid data corruption.
Q: How does it compare to SATA SSDs in UCS servers?
NVMe reduces latency by 60% compared to SATA SSDs (per Cisco TAC performance reports), making it ideal for latency-sensitive applications like real-time analytics.
Security and Data Integrity Features
The UCS-M2-I480GB= integrates Cisco Trust Anchor Module (TAM) 3.0 for secure firmware validation, preventing unauthorized firmware modifications. Additional safeguards:
- Power-Loss Protection: Capacitors buffer 150ms of data during outages
- Self-Monitoring (SMART): Predictive failure alerts via Cisco Intersight
- Sanitization: Cryptographic erase completes in <2 seconds for GDPR/HIPAA compliance
Purchasing and Warranty Considerations
For verified authenticity, purchase the UCS-M2-I480GB= exclusively through authorized channels like ITMall.sale. Cisco’s Limited Lifetime Warranty applies only to drives bought through certified partners. Beware of counterfeit drives lacking TAM validation—these often fail within 6 months under enterprise workloads.
Why This Drive Matters for Modern Infrastructure
Having deployed UCS-M2-I480GB= drives in hybrid cloud environments, I’ve observed their reliability in sustaining 24/7 transactional systems where traditional SATA SSDs falter. Their true value lies in balancing cost, performance, and Cisco’s ecosystem integration—a trifecta rarely matched by third-party NVMe drives. While higher-capacity options exist, the 480GB variant hits the “sweet spot” for boot drives and tiered caching in hyperconverged setups. For teams standardizing on Cisco UCS, this drive isn’t just compatible; it’s a strategic enabler of infrastructure predictability.