Understanding the HCI-NVME4-1920-M6: A Cisco-Centric Storage Solution
The HCI-NVME4-1920-M6 is a high-performance NVMe storage module designed for Cisco HyperFlex hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) systems. Built to optimize data-intensive workloads, this component leverages Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) architecture to deliver low-latency, high-throughput storage for modern enterprises. While Cisco’s official documentation focuses on broader HCI frameworks, third-party suppliers like itmall.sale provide specific hardware details, including compatibility and deployment scenarios for this module.
Core Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 1.92TB NVMe SSD, optimized for read/write-intensive operations.
- Form Factor: M.2 22110, compatible with Cisco HyperFlex M6 nodes.
- Interface: PCIe Gen4 x4, achieving sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of 4,500 MB/s.
- Endurance: Rated for 1.3 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day), suitable for mixed-use workloads.
- Compatibility: Designed for Cisco HyperFlex HX220c/M6 and HX240c/M6 nodes.
Why Choose the HCI-NVME4-1920-M6 for Cisco HyperFlex?
1. Performance-Driven Workload Support
The module’s PCIe Gen4 interface reduces latency by up to 50% compared to SATA SSDs, making it ideal for:
- Real-time analytics
- Virtualized databases (e.g., VMware vSAN, Microsoft SQL Server)
- AI/ML training datasets
2. Seamless Integration with Cisco HCI Ecosystems
Cisco HyperFlex systems prioritize scalability and unified management. The HCI-NVME4-1920-M6 aligns with this philosophy by:
- Supporting Cisco Intersight for cloud-based infrastructure monitoring.
- Enabling automated tiered storage policies via HyperFlex Data Platform.
3. Cost Efficiency for Mid-Scale Deployments
At 1.92TB, this SSD strikes a balance between capacity and affordability, avoiding the premium costs of higher-capacity NVMe drives while still meeting the needs of:
- Mid-sized enterprises
- Remote office/branch office (ROBO) setups
- DevOps testing environments
Key User Concerns Addressed
Q: How does this module compare to Cisco’s SATA-based SSDs?
- Latency: NVMe reduces latency to <100μs vs. SATA’s 500–600μs.
- Throughput: PCIe Gen4 offers 2x the bandwidth of Gen3.
- Workload Suitability: NVMe excels in IOPS-heavy tasks (e.g., 150K random read IOPS vs. 30K for SATA).
Q: Is the HCI-NVME4-1920-M6 compatible with non-Cisco systems?
No. This SSD is firmware-locked to Cisco HyperFlex M6 nodes. Attempting to use it in third-party servers may result in unrecognized hardware errors.
Q: What redundancy features does it offer?
- Power Loss Protection (PLP): Ensures data integrity during outages.
- End-to-End Data Path Protection: Prevents corruption during transfers.
Deployment Best Practices
- Validate Node Compatibility: Confirm your HyperFlex nodes are M6-series (e.g., HX220c-M6).
- Configure Tiered Storage: Pair this NVMe drive with higher-capacity QLC SSDs for cost-effective tiering.
- Monitor Wear Levels: Use Cisco Intersight’s predictive analytics to track SSD health and plan replacements proactively.
Where to Source the HCI-NVME4-1920-M6
For enterprises seeking genuine Cisco components, itmall.sale offers certified refurbished HCI-NVME4-1920-M6 modules at competitive prices. Their inventory includes detailed compatibility lists and warranty options tailored to Cisco HyperFlex deployments.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Right SSD for Your Cisco HCI?
The HCI-NVME4-1920-M6 is a strategic choice for organizations prioritizing performance-per-dollar in their hyperconverged environments. While it lacks the raw capacity of 3.84TB or 7.68TB drives, its Gen4 interface and Cisco-specific optimizations make it a versatile fit for hybrid cloud workloads. However, enterprises with petabyte-scale storage demands may need to supplement it with higher-tier NVMe or SAS drives. Always cross-reference your HyperFlex node’s BIOS and firmware versions before purchasing to avoid compatibility pitfalls.