.png){kind=logo}
The SSD6780A 8-Bay PCIe Gen4 NVMe RAID Enclosure is not only the first external NVMe Storage solution to feature dedicated end-to-end PCIe Gen4 x16 connectivity, its unique external form-factor and robust architecture make it the most versatile NVMe RAID storage upgrade in today’s marketplace.
The compact external 2.5” drive enclosure can host upwards of 240TB of U.2 or U.3 NVMe RAID storage, deliver 28GB/s of real-world sustained transfer performance, and can be easily integrated into any x86 AMD and Intel platform with a free PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 x16 slot. Engineered for high-performance workstation and server platforms, the SSD6780A delivers the transfer speed and storage density required by data-intensive applications including media post production, content creation, and AI training
End-to-End PCIe Gen4 Switch Architecture Minimizes Latency, streamlines I/O transfer and Delivers 28GB/s of real-world Transfer Speed!
SSD6780A enclosures utilize HighPoint’s state of the art PCIe switching architecture to maximize data transfer performance, minimize latency and enhance signal integrity to streamline I/O between NVMe devices and the host platform. Both “halves” of the solution; the enclosure, and the external PCIe AIC, are equipped with Broadcom’s 48-Channel PEX88048 switch IC. This enables the solution to provide x16 lanes of dedicated PCIe Gen4 upstream bandwidth and x4 lanes of dedicated downstream bandwidth to each U.2 or U.3 SSD. This translates into 32GB/s of transfer bandwidth and 28GB/s of real-world sustained transfer speed!
The innovative hardware architecture employs a technique known as a “Synthetic Hierarchy” to isolate the host system’s OS from any PCIe topology changes. This enables the SSD6780A to directly manage resource allocation to the downstream devices (hosted U.2/U.3 media) and provide true Hot-Swap /Hot-Plug capability by facilitating a more efficient interaction between the host CPU and PCIe switch.
Dedicated End-to-End PCIe 4.0 x16 Connectivity: The integrated Switch ICs and unique cabling solution enable the SSD6780A to provide x16 lanes of dedicated PCIe Gen4 upstream bandwidth and x4 lanes of dedicated downstream bandwidth to each U.2 or U.3 SSD.
Robust, Ultra-Compact External Form Factor
Measuring only 4.5” in height, the SSD6780A is the most compact 8-bay storage solution in today’s marketplace. The small hardware footprint and vertically aligned 2.5” drive trays allow for a marked reduction in chassis height and mass, and is ideal for applications that require a portable, easily serviced high-speed mass storage solution.
The external form factor is ideal for compact multi-GPU workstation and server platforms which place a premium on interior space. The enclosure eliminates the need for internal 2.5” drive bays, cabling accessories, and additional cooling apparatus. Not only does this free up considerable interior volume, it can improve the reliability of the platform by reducing power consumption and ensuring that waste heat generated by storage media never enters the computing environment.
Keep tabs on Critical Storage Assets with a Simple Glance
The SSD6780A features a self-diagnosing LED notification system, audible alarm and sensor suite that actively surveys and reports the temperature of hosted NVMe media, enclosure hardware and PCIe Switch IC, the condition and status of hosted RAID arrays, and status of the host to device cable connection and PCIe lane assignment. These services were designed to work in conjunction with the HighPoint’s SHI (Storage Health Inspector) feature of the WebGUI and CLI management utilities, and are universally compatible with Linux, macOS and Windows based computing platforms. Simple color-coding, flash/sound patterns enable administrators to instantly asses the operational status and condition of the entire NVMe storage ecosystem with a simple glance.
Integrated Hot-Plug & Hot-Swap Capability Streamlines Field Service & Maintenance Workflows
Unlike the vast majority of NVMe based storage solutions in today’s marketplace, SSD6780A RAID enclosures feature true Hot-Plug and Hot-Swap capability. Hot-Swap capability is an essentially capability for any professional server or datacenter environment, as it enables direct field-serve without interrupting workflows.
SSD6780A enclosures utilize an advanced technique known as “Synthetic Hierarchy” to isolate the host operating system from any PCIe topology changes (i.e. physical changes) and any events associated with the sudden addition or removal of an NVMe SSD. The adapter accomplishes this by creating virtual “placeholders” to reserve dedicated resources for each of the eight NVMe downstream ports whenever the system is booted. This technique ensures these channels remain active at all times. Adding an SSD will temporarily replace the corresponding placeholder. Likewise, removing an SSD will reactivate the corresponding placeholder.
Advanced NVMe Cooling System Optimizes SSD Performance and Endurance
NVMe media runs hot, especially when under full-load for hours on end. Opting for a conventional internal 2.5” storage solution necessitates considerable investment in cooling apparatus to ensure NVMe storage can perform optimally without interfering with other hardware devices. In contrast, the SSD6780A’s form factor ensures none of the waste heat generated by the NVMe media enters the computing environment; thereby significantly lowering upfront costs while maximizing the reliability of your chosen platform.
The SSD6780A’s robust, aluminum chassis employs an advanced cooling solution that has been precision engineered to ensure each hosted U.2/U.3 device consistently operate within its specified temperature thresholds, even under max load. Each enclosure is equipped with pair of powerful, low-decibel cooling fans to ingest cool air from the outside environment and circulate it throughout the interior of the enclosure. Waste heat is then drawn away from the SSD media, Switch IC, and critical RAID controller componentry and dispensed through the ventilated drive trays.
The dedicated cooling hardware is bolstered by a real-time monitoring system that incorporates full fan control with LED indication, audible alarms, and HighPoint’s field-proven SHI Solution. SHI (Storage Health Inspector) enables administrators to monitor the temperature of hosted NVMe media in real time via S.M.A.R.T. (self-monitoring analysis & reporting technology), and configure warning thresholds to correspond with each make & model, via the WebGUI and CLI management utilities.
Offloads NVMe Power Consumption from the Host Platform
While individual NVMe SSDs require relatively little power draw from the host platform, the power consumption required by an NVMe RAID storage solution should not be overlooked, especially when it involves a larger number of individual disks (four or more). And it's important to note that power consumption will spike when the SSDs are under full load.
Depending on the task at hand, a single U.2/U.3 SSD can consume up to 25W under load. Simple math reveals that a RAID array comprised of eight NVMe SSDs can require as much as 200W; a significant value for compact platforms. The SSD6780A's dedicated 250W PSU ensures this power draw is offloaded from the host platform.
Industry Proven NVMe RAID Technology & Comprehensive Management Suite
HighPoint’s industry-proven NVMe RAID technology enables SSD6780A enclosures to configure and host one or more RAID 0, 1 and 10 arrays alongside single SSDs.
Administrators can quickly configure RAID storage suitable for any application via a selection of intuitive management interfaces, both within and outside of an OS, and optimize each volume to maximize transfer performance, data redundancy, or a balance of the two.
RAID 1 mirroring protects data assets against the risk of device failure by creating a hidden duplicate of the target SSD, and is ideal for bootable volumes. Up to 8 SSDs can be configured into a RAID 0 stripe array to maximize storage performance and capacity. RAID 10 provides an ideal mix of data protection and speed, as it combines the transfer capabilities of striping technology with the security of a mirrored volume.
Maximize Data Security with HighPoint SafeStorage - OPAL SED Solution
SSD6780A NVMe RAID Enclosures are protected by HighPoint’s revolutionary SageStorage Data Encryption Solution.
Developed to accommodate large-scale RAID arrays as well as individual SSDs, SafeStorage is a comprehensive OPAL SSC TCG based NVMe Hardware Encryption Solution designed to safeguard critical assets by preventing access to stored data when physical disks are misplaced or stolen. SafeStorage is capable of protecting both RAID arrays and single SSDs, and can be easily administered via the SSD6780A’s WebGUI and CLI management utilities.
Specifications
Product Specifications | |
Datasheet | Download |
Compatibility Document | |
Compatibility List | Download |
Compatibility List (NVMe Ecosystem) | Download |
User Guides | |
Quick Installation Guide | Download |
RAID Management User Guide | Download |
Software Guide | Download |
Boot RAID Guide | Download |
Data RAID - Driver & RAID Management Installation Guide (Windows) | Download |
Data RAID - Driver & RAID Management Installation Guide (Linux) | Download |
Boot RAID - Driver Installation Guide (Windows) | Download |
Boot RAID - Binary Driver Installation Guide (Ubuntu Linux) | Download |
Boot RAID - Binary Driver Installation Guide (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) | Download |
Boot RAID - Binary Driver Installation Guide (Rocky Linux) | Download |
Boot RAID - Binary Driver Installation Guide (Debian Linux) | Download |
UEFI ROM Update Guide | Download |
RAID Controller/Enclosure Port Guide | Download |
HighPoint SafeStorage User Manual | Download |
HPT-Accelerate Software User Guide (Linux) | Download |
Knowledge Base | Download |