HighPoint SSD6540M PCIe 3.0 x16 External M.2 NVMe RAID Storage Solution

HighPoint Technologies, Inc. expanded its external NVMe product line with the end-to-end PCIe 3.0 x16 external M.2 NVMe RAID storage solution, the SSD6540M.

The SSD6540M is designed for professional grade, performance-hungry applications that demand transfer bandwidth. The NVMe architecture provides dedicated PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth for each drive-bay; this allows each M.2 SSD to interface directly with the platform’s CPU, and deliver sustained transfer performance in excess of 14,000MB/s – faster than other external desktop RAID storage solution.

PCIe Gen3 x16 NVMe RAID turnkey solution
The SSD6540M is an external NVMe storage solution to deliver end-to-end PCIe Gen 3.0 x16 transfer bandwidth. The external data cables work in conjunction with the removable M.2 drive bays to deliver dedicated PCIe 3.0 x4 transfer bandwidth to each SSD. It is a complete solution and includes a 4-bay M.2 SSD enclosure, PCIe 3.0 x16 controller, 2 SFF- 8644 PCIe Gen3 x8 data cables, and all necessary fastening and power accessories.

Adapts to changing workflows
Its architecture enables to adapt or transform NVMe storage to meet the needs of each application. A single SSD6540M enclosure can be shared between multiple desktops and workstations – the included controller card is also available as a standalone accessory, and can be installed into any system with a free dedicated PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. In addition, M.2 SSD’s hosted by it can be installed into any M.2 capable SSD7100 series RAID controller; array and data will remain intact and accessible.

Powered by RAID
The SSD6540M is powered by NVMe RAID technology, and can accommodate a variety of RAID and non-RAID storage configurations, including single M.2 SSD’s and multiple RAID arrays.

• RAID-0: Also known as a stripe array. This mode delivers performance, and requires 2 to 4 M.2 SSD’s.

• RAID-1: This mode creates a hidden duplicate of the target M.2 SSD, and requires 2 drives.

• RAID-1/0: Mirrored stripe arrays. This mode requires 4 M.2 SSD’s – it will mirror the data of one stripe array to a second, hidden stripe array for security.

NVMe RAID management
The SSD6540M’s quick configuration menu allows new users to get everything up and running with a few clicks. Experienced pros can fine tune configurations for specific applications using the advanced options menu. Integrated TRIM and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring with Terabyte Written (TBW) tracking streamlines performance and expands the lifespan of NVMe storage by enabling each SSD to manage garbage collection efficiently, which helps eliminate write speed degradation. S.M.A.R.T. monitoring allows to check the temperature, voltage and TBW of each NVMe SSD.

An integrated LCD screen allows customers to access the temperature of storage configurations and adjust fan speed to ensure the NVMe drives stay healthy and run optimally. In addition, a built in alarm can be set to activate in the case of temperature or enclosure related warning or failure.

Optimized for serviceability
The SSD6540M’s is for professional applications that require a robust, serviceable, fast storage solution. Unlike other M.2 based storage solutions, its four removable drive bays enable safe access to the NVMe media to streamline upgrade, transfer or maintenance sessions.

The professional-grade aluminum enclosure is rugged enough for work in the field, yet suitable for live-demoing a media project or delivering finished product direct to the client.

The SSD6540M will be shipping this November from North American retail and distribution channels. MSRP – $1,099.