Yesterday, almost out the blue HP announced a new product range the 8000 series. The 8000 series is intended as the successor to the 7000, and I guess the timing is to give HP some buzz leading into VMworld. The 7000 series was introduced to bring the same high end SAN features 3PAR was known for to the mid-range at affordable prices. It looks like that must have been a success since the new 8000 series is a like for like swap of all the current models:
7200 becomes 8200
7400 becomes 8400
7440 becomes 8440
7450 becomes 8450
You get the idea, those geniuses in marketing really have kept things fresh.
Hardware changes
The 8000 series brings the new gen 5 ASIC originally seen in the 20K series to the masses. Let’s see what else has changed at the hardware level. The tables below compare the existing 7000 series to the new 8000, I have only included the items where there is a change in specification.
7200c v 8200
7200 | 8200 | Change | |
ASIC | Gen 4 | Gen 5 | New gen ASIC |
Processors | 2 x6-core 1.8 GHz | 2 x 6-core 2.2 GHz | 0.4Ghz |
Total Cache (GiB) | 808 | 832 | 24 |
Flash Cache (GiB) | 768 | 768 | 0 |
On-node cache (GiB) | 40 | 64 | 24 |
Maximum Initiators Supported | 1024 | 2048 | 1024 |
7400c v 8400
7400 | 8400 | Change | |
ASIC | Gen 4 | Gen 5 | New gen ASIC |
Processors | 2-4 x6-core 1.8 GHz | 2 x 6-core 2.2 GHz | 0.4Ghz |
Total Cache (GiB) | 1596 | 1664 | 68 |
Flash Cache (GiB) | 1500 | 7536 | 6036 |
On-node cache (GiB) | 96 | 128 | 32 |
Maximum Initiators Supported | 2048 | 4096 | 2048 |
7440c v 8440
7440 | 8440 | Change | |
ASIC | Gen 4 | Gen 5 | New gen ASIC |
Processors | 2-4×8-core 2.3 GHz | 2-4 x 10-core 2.4 GHz | 2 additional cores per processor, each 0.1 Ghz quicker |
Total Cache (GiB) | 3192 | 8384 | 5156 |
Flash Cache (GiB) | 3000 | 8000 | 5000 |
On-node cache (GiB) | 192 | 384 | 192 |
Maximum Initiators Supported | 2048 | 4096 | 2048 |
7450c v 8450
7450 | 8450 | Change | |
ASIC | Gen 4 | Gen 5 | New gen ASIC |
Processors | 2 – 4×8-core 2.3 GHz | 2-4 x 10-core 2.4 GHz | 2 additional cores per processor, each 0.1 Ghz quicker |
Total Cache (GiB) | 192 | 384 | 192 |
Flash Cache (GiB) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
On-node cache (GiB) | 192 | 384 | 192 |
Maximum Initiators Supported | 2048 | 4096 | 2048 |
In summary the 8000 series gets faster processors plus more memory, plus the new GEN 5 ASIC. Other hardware changes include the introduction of a 12 Gbit/s SAS backend to substantuially increase throughput and 16 Gbit/s FC ports become the standard FC ports. The 8000 is essentially a beefier controller with more throughput optimised for flash.
The systems will run the standard 3PAR OS so all management and ability to interact between models remains. Some additional announcements were also made around software developments including enhancements to the file persona such as increased scalability and AV protections plus the introduction of Smart SAN. Smart SAN is a built in solution aimed at simplifying zoning, more on this and all the other features shortly. To stay in touch with more 3PAR news and tips connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Further information