NetApp X1971A-R5 FAS / DS storage server hardware Server Hardware / Parts

The NetApp X1971A-R5 is a 512GB Flash Cache module, a PCI Express card that extends a controller’s read cache with flash memory. It holds recently and frequently read blocks so that random reads are served from flash rather than from the disks behind it, which cuts latency and lifts throughput on workloads whose working set fits within the cache. Because it caches reads only and holds no write data, a failed card degrades performance without any risk to data integrity, and the system continues serving from disk. The card fits a PCIe slot in the controller and is enabled in ONTAP without changes to volume layout, making it one of the least disruptive performance upgrades available on these platforms. It is supported on the FAS3200 and FAS6200 generation of controllers. Tech-Star, UK-based and shipping worldwide, supplies NetApp Flash Cache modules for controller performance upgrades.