What Is A U.2 SSD? The Best Storage Option For Enterprises!

I know, for many, the chapter on Solid State Drives seems to be a never-ending one. In fact, there is just so much to learn about the SSDs that a separate blog could be dedicated to them.

There are infinite numbers of Solid State Drives based on different technological protocols, form factors, interfaces, memory systems, and god knows what.

Table Of Contents

What Is A U.2 SSD?
Properties Of M.2 SSD
Average Price Of A U.2 SSD
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrap Up

Recently, I came across a few questions on the internet about a type of storage drive called U.2 SSD. Reading the vague questions that made no sense, I realized it was time to grab the pen and start shedding light on the under-discussed U.2 SSDs.

In this post, you are going to learn about the simple definition of a U.2 SSD and get answers to some of the frequently asked questions.

What Is A U.2 SSD?

Basically, a storage device used for fast data process and transfer, a U.2 SSD features a unique interface (U.2 Interface) to connect with the computer. In other words, a U.2 SSD owns a different interface than other commonly used interfaces in SSDs such as SATA.

The U.2 SSDs are specifically built for enterprises that rely on heavy-data handling and fast data response. Also called small form factor or SFF-8639, a U.2 SSD offers the latest technology storage solution for high-performance computing systems.

Unlike M.2 SSDs, the U.2 SSDs feature the standard 2.5-inch factor for deployment within the computer system.

Properties Of M.2 SSD

The U.2 Solid State Drives are some of the most advanced drives out there. They are equipped with the latest data storage protocols for a premium computing experience.

However, what is the characteristics or properties of U.2 SSDs that make them an increasingly popular storage solution? Let’s find them out below.

Connection Protocol

While a U.2 Solid State Drive supports SAS and SATA connection protocols, it also backs the PCIe bus configuration (x4 lanes) to connect with a computing system. The compatibility of U.2 SSD with a 4-lanes PCIe bus makes it a super-fast data storage device and a well-recognized option for heavy data storage. A U.2 SSD attached with a PCIe bus can process and transfer multiple GBs of data per second.

The Structure That Matters

Unlike the gum stick-sized M.2 SSDs, the U.2 SSDs occupy larger space due to the 2.5-inch form factor. Their bigger size proves to be one of the pros for enterprise data centers where the demand for larger storage devices is always up. This is one of the many reasons the U.2 SSDs are used in the data centers to assist the servers.

Cooling System

It is a bit rare to talk about the cooling system in Solid State Drives built for PCs or workstations. Even though most SSDs feature no cooling system, the same is not the case with the U.2 SSDs. Since these drives have to perform heavy-data-handling, they come armed with a very basic cooling system to lower the increasing temperature. The system is often attached to the back of a U.2 SSD in the form of an aluminum-based structure that dissipates the heat.

The Duo Of Extra Storage And Speed

The concept of U.2 SSDs is all about the duo of extra storage and speed. A U.2 Solid State Drive offers as much as 4TB of storage capacity which is twice more than what an M.2 SSD has to offer. In fact, U.2 SSDs are designed for higher data storage capacity. U.2 SSDs are like storage tanks that crave extra data. Additionally, they run at a remarkably fast speed of 2500MB/s only to outrun their competitor with ease.

Average Price Of A U.2 SSD

Since U.2 SSDs are manufactured for the data centers, their cost is significantly higher than the SSDs built for installation in personal computers. When talking about the price, it is important to learn the fact that the standard storage measurement of U.2 SSDs starts from 960GB.

On average, the price of a branded 960GB U.2 SSD that supports 3rd generation PCIe bus is anywhere between $200-$250. If you go for non-reputable brands, the price could go down to $180-$200 for a 960GB U.2 SSD.

And for the double-sized branded U.2 SSD with the same features, the price is between $370-$400. Let me be straightforward for a while. if you have a money problem, U.2 SSDs are not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why U.2 SSDs are better than M.2 SSDs?

The form factor of a U.2 SSD is way bigger than the thin and small form factor of an M.2 SSD. As a result, there is a huge difference in the storage capacities of these two SDDs with the former being able to store more data. And apart from that, since U.2 SSDs require less space for deployment, motherboards offer more U.2 ports than the M.2 ones. Hence, with U.2 SSDs, you don’t have to deal with compatibility issues.

Is U.2 SSD hot swappable?

Yes, the U.2 SSDs are designed for hot swapping in any condition. They can be mounted and dismounted without shutting down the computer system. Now it’s easier for you to understand why they are high in demand in data centers where shutting down the computer system is often not one of the options. As a luxury option, the hot-swapping alone doubles the worth of the U.2 SSDs.

Wrap Up

From the perspective of the enterprise-owned data centers, U.2 Solid State Drives are the ultimate relief. Like other types of SSDs, U.2 SSDs are also sharing their contribution to the growing industry of storage solutions. With the increasing popularity of U.2 SSDs in data centers, there comes a bit of personal question.

Will U.2 SSDs be ever normalized for personal use? It seems like as long as we have plenty of storage options for the PCs, U.2 SSDs will be restricted to the data centers. But who knows if the enterprise industry will give up on U.2 SSDs to opt for more powerful options in the near future? If this happens, there is a chance these heavy-duty SSDs will be normalized for PCs.