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Architectural Framework & Core Innovations...
Technical Profile of the HCI-NVMEG4-M6400=
The HCI-NVMEG4-M6400= is a 6.4TB NVMe Gen4 SSD module designed for Cisco HyperFlex HX-Series all-flash hyper-converged systems, as inferred from Cisco’s HyperFlex architecture documentation. This U.2 15mm drive leverages Phison E18 controller architecture paired with 96-layer 3D TLC NAND, optimized for mixed read/write workloads like virtualization, real-time analytics, and AI/ML training datasets. Key specifications include:
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 with NVMe 1.4 protocol support
- Endurance: 1.3 Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) over 5 years
- Sequential Throughput: Up to 7,000 MB/s read and 6,400 MB/s write
- Form Factor: Hot-swappable 2.5″ U.2 compatible with Cisco UCS C480 M5/M6 and HyperFlex HX220c/M6 nodes
HyperFlex-Specific Performance Enhancements
Balancing Capacity and Endurance
The HCI-NVMEG4-M6400= bridges the gap between high-density storage and sustained write performance:
- Adaptive SLC Caching: Allocates 20% of TLC NAND as pseudo-SLC cache, maintaining 60K IOPS under 80% full capacity.
- NVMe-oF Acceleration: Integrates with Cisco’s VIC 1500 Series adapters to enable RDMA-based caching across HyperFlex clusters, reducing cross-node latency by 40% compared to Gen3 SSDs.
HyperFlex Data Optimization Suite Integration
- In-line Deduplication/Compression: Reduces effective storage footprint by 3:1 for VMware vSAN deployments, validated in Cisco’s HX Data Platform benchmarks.
- Predictive Wear-Leveling: Monitors NAND health via Cisco Intersight, triggering proactive replacements when remaining lifespan drops below 15%.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
“Is it backward-compatible with Cisco UCS C480 M4 servers?”
No. The HCI-NVMEG4-M6400= requires:
- PCIe 4.0 lanes (absent in M4/M5 platforms)
- Cisco UCS Manager 4.2+ for firmware-level thermal throttling and NVMe-oF provisioning.
“How does it compare to HCI-NVME4-15360M6=?”
| Metric | HCI-NVMEG4-M6400= | HCI-NVME4-15360M6= |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6.4TB | 15.36TB |
| DWPD | 1.3 | 1.0 |
| Random Write IOPS (4K) | 600K | 250K |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Ideal Workload | Mixed R/W | Read-heavy |
| The M6400 prioritizes sustained write performance, making it suitable for transactional databases and AI training logs. |
“What cooling requirements apply?”
- Active airflow: Minimum 200 LFM (Linear Feet per Minute) at 35°C ambient.
- Thermal throttling threshold: Automatically reduces write speed by 50% when NAND temps exceed 80°C.
Procurement and Compatibility Notes
For enterprises requiring guaranteed compatibility, HCI-NVMEG4-M6400= is available through certified channels like itmall.sale. Ensure suppliers provide:
- Cisco Serviceable Component Tag (SCT) for Intersight integration
- VIC 1500 Series Adapter Compatibility: Mandatory for NVMe-oF acceleration in HyperFlex HX220c nodes
Final Perspective
The HCI-NVMEG4-M6400= exemplifies Cisco’s strategy to decouple storage performance from raw capacity in HCI architectures. While its 6.4TB density seems modest compared to 15TB+ competitors, the 1.3 DWPD endurance and Gen4 x4 interface make it ideal for latency-sensitive tier-1 workloads like SAP HANA or TensorFlow pipelines. However, organizations must weigh its $/GB premium against actual workload profiles—overprovisioning Gen4 NVMe for archival data remains economically unjustified. Always validate thermal management strategies using Cisco’s HX Sizing Tool before deployment, as improper airflow can negate its performance advantages.