HPE NonStop NS3 X3 SSD Upgrade Options & Compatibility
Need a replacement SSD or more storage for an HPE NonStop NS3 X3? This entry-class system keeps its data on SAS drives behind entry-class Storage CLIMs, and a compatible drive has to match that design. This guide explains how NS3 X3 storage works, which SSD upgrades make sense, and how to choose the right drive for an HPE NonStop (Tandem) system that HPE no longer sells new.
HPE NonStop Memory & Storage Upgrade
Special Pricing for HPE NonStop Users
How NS3 X3 Storage Works
In the NS3 X3, as in every HPE NonStop (Tandem) system, the NonStop CPUs do not hold customer data drives. The CPUs are BL460c Gen10 server blades, and all disk and tape access runs through entry-class Storage CLIMs (Cluster I/O Modules).
Storage element | NS3 X3 detail | What it means for SSDs |
Entry-class Storage CLIMs | Minimum two, maximum four per system | Every drive is reached through these controllers |
Connectivity | SAS and Fibre Channel | SAS for storage enclosures, Fibre Channel for SAN and tape |
Storage enclosures | 25 SAS SFF (2.5") drives per enclosure | SSD replacements and upgrades happen here |
Supported drives | SAS SFF SSDs and SAS SFF HDDs | Both drive types can be used |
SAN storage | Fibre Channel to HPE XP8, XP7 and XP P9500 arrays, plus tape | Array capacity is upgraded on the array side |
The NS3 X3 uses entry-class Storage CLIMs, so its storage limits and parts are smaller in scale than those of the high-end NS7 X3.
What Makes a NonStop SSD Different
HPE designed NonStop X storage, including the NS3 X3, around specific drive features. HPE presentations for NonStop X list:
Write-intensive SAS SSDs, for example a 400 GB drive rated at 10 drive writes per day
Dual-ported, hot-pluggable drives
Mirrored volumes with four data paths to each volume
Drive partitioning, with a separate DP2 disk process cache for each partition
Volume Level Encryption (VLE)
An SSD wear gauge in the OSM Service Connection
A generic enterprise SSD may have the same capacity, but only drives HPE supports for your system work with these NonStop features as intended.
NS3 X3 SSD Upgrade Options
Replacing a Failed NS3 X3 SSD
NonStop volumes are typically mirrored, so the volume stays available while the failed drive is replaced. Choose a drive with the same HPE part number and follow HPE's service procedure for your RVU to bring it back into the mirror.
Stocking Spares for an Out-of-Sale System
HPE ended sales of the NS3 in October 2021. For a system that will stay in service, keeping one or two tested spare SSDs on site is a simple way to avoid waiting for parts. Match spares to the installed drives by part number, carrier and firmware.
Adding SSDs to Free Bays
If your storage enclosures have free bays, adding SSDs is the easiest way to grow. SSDs and HDDs can share the same NonStop SAS enclosure, so SSDs can be introduced volume by volume.
Replacing HDD Volumes with SSDs
Moving busy volumes from hard drives to SSDs can improve I/O performance on an NS3 X3 without changing the rest of the system. Treat it as a planned data migration with your NonStop team, not only a hardware swap.
Larger SSDs
A larger SSD only helps if HPE supports that capacity for your NS3 X3 configuration and RVU. Both halves of a mirrored volume should match, so plan capacity changes for both drives.
Adding Entry-Class Storage CLIMs
A system with two entry-class Storage CLIMs can grow to four. This adds storage I/O capacity and is a configuration change to plan with your NonStop support team.
NS3 X3 SSD Compatibility Guide
Detail | NS3 X3 guidance | Risk if it does not match |
HPE part number | Use the number on the installed drive's label | Wrong drive type or unsupported model |
Interface | SAS, 2.5" small form factor | The drive will not work in the enclosure |
Carrier | Same carrier type as the installed drives | The drive will not fit the bay |
Firmware | HPE firmware supported for your RVU | Errors or missing wear and health data |
Endurance | Same class as the drive you replace | Faster wear on write-heavy volumes |
Capacity | Supported for your system and RVU | Capacity may not be usable as planned |
Mirror partner | Same type and size as the other half | Wasted capacity or unbalanced volumes |
Generation | NS3 X3, not NS3 X1 or X2 | Different blade and hardware generations |
When all of these details match, the new SSD works like the drive it replaces.
Entry-Class and High-End Storage Are Not the Same
The NS3 X3 and NS7 X3 share the same NonStop X3 generation and the same BL460c Gen10 blade family, but the NS3 X3 uses entry-class Storage CLIMs. Do not assume that a drive, HBA or cable from an NS7 system is the right part for an NS3 X3. The same applies to the newer HPE NonStop NS4 X4, which uses newer entry-class V4 Storage CLIMs.
Checklist for an NS3 X3 SSD Order
System model and generation: HPE NonStop NS3 X3
NonStop OS RVU
Enclosure and bay of the drive
HPE part number and a photo of the drive label
Capacity, interface (SAS) and form factor (2.5" SFF)
Carrier type and current firmware level, if known
Replacement of a failed drive, spare stock or capacity upgrade
Any error messages or service notes for the failed drive
Quantity
NS3 X3 Drives from server-parts.eu
server-parts.eu can help identify compatible HPE NonStop / Tandem SSDs for NS3 X3 replacements and upgrades, based on your existing configuration and part numbers. We check the part number, carrier and capacity against your request before we quote.
For other NS3 X3 components, see our HPE NonStop NS3 X3 upgrade parts overview. For memory, read our guide to NS3 X3 memory upgrade options and compatibility.
FAQ: HPE NonStop NS3 X3 SSDs
Which SSDs are compatible with the HPE NonStop NS3 X3?
2.5" SAS SSDs that HPE supports for the NS3 X3 storage subsystem, with the correct carrier and firmware. The safest match is the same HPE part number as the drive you are replacing. Compatibility depends on the exact system configuration and should be checked before ordering.
How many drives does an NS3 X3 storage enclosure hold?
Each NS3 SAS storage enclosure holds up to 25 SAS SFF drives, which can be SSDs or HDDs.
Can I upgrade SSD capacity on an NS3 X3?
Yes, by adding SSDs to free bays, replacing HDD volumes with SSDs, adding Storage CLIMs or using larger SSDs where HPE supports the capacity for your configuration.
Can I replace an existing SSD with a larger drive?
Possibly, but check it first. In a mirrored volume, a single larger drive may not add usable capacity, and the new capacity must be supported for your system and RVU.
Do HPE NonStop SSDs require specific firmware?
Use drives with HPE firmware at a level supported for your NonStop RVU. OSM shows SSD wear information, and drives with unsupported firmware may not report it correctly.
Can different SSD capacities be mixed?
Different volumes can use different drives, but both halves of a mirrored volume should match. Check your storage layout before mixing capacities.
Can I still get SSDs for an NS3 X3 after end of sale?
Yes. HPE ended NS3 sales in October 2021, but refurbished and tested drives remain available through suppliers such as server-parts.eu, depending on stock.
Are refurbished HPE NonStop NS3 X3 SSDs available?
Yes. server-parts.eu supplies refurbished and tested HPE NonStop SSDs, depending on stock. Each drive is checked against your part number, carrier and firmware requirements before we quote.
How do I identify the correct replacement SSD?
Read the HPE part number from the drive label, note the carrier type and capacity, and send a photo of the label. server-parts.eu can then check the match before you order.
HPE NonStop Memory & Storage Upgrade
Special Pricing for HPE NonStop Users
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