The HPE MSA 2050 and MSA 2060 are both reliable entry-level storage solutions, but they cater to different needs. Here's a quick breakdown:
- MSA 2050: Best for small to medium businesses with steady workloads. Affordable, supports hybrid storage, and offers 200,000 IOPS.
- MSA 2060: Ideal for enterprises with demanding applications. Delivers 45% more IOPS, 75% higher throughput, and supports up to 240 drives.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MSA 2050 | MSA 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 200,000 IOPS | 395,000 IOPS |
| Cache Memory | 8GB per controller | 12GB per controller |
| Drive Support | Standard capacity | Up to 240 drives (25% increase) |
| Host Ports | Converged, customizable | Fixed (FC or iSCSI) |
| Best For | Moderate workloads | High-demand environments |
Key Takeaways
- MSA 2050: Budget-friendly, flexible connectivity, great for backups and moderate virtualization tasks.
- MSA 2060: Higher scalability, advanced tiering, and better for databases and virtual desktops.
Choose based on your workload, scalability needs, and budget.
HPE MSA 2060 Storage Array Overview
Feature Comparison
Controller Hardware
The MSA 2060 features upgraded hardware built on HPE's custom ASIC design, offering 12GB cache per controller, compared to the 8GB cache in the MSA 2050 [1]. Both models run on dual controllers in an active/active setup, ensuring high performance and redundancy. The MSA 2060 also includes a fast-charging super-capacitor system with CompactFlash storage to safeguard data during power outages [1].
Now, let’s look at how their connection options set them apart.
Connection Types
The two models differ significantly in connection flexibility:
| Feature | MSA 2050 | MSA 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Host Ports | Converged ports with customizable transceivers | Fixed configuration |
| Connection Options | Configurable after deployment | Requires pre-selected options: 8/16Gbps FC or 10GbE iSCSI |
| SAS Connectivity | SAS2 expansion ports | SAS3 expansion ports |
The MSA 2050’s converged ports allow for greater flexibility after deployment, while the MSA 2060 focuses on delivering better performance for its pre-selected connection type [1].
Storage Limits
The MSA 2060 supports higher drive density and scalability:
- Up to 240 drives (a 25% increase over the MSA 2050) [1]
- Supports up to 9 disk shelves
- Available with 12 LFF or 24 SFF hot-swap drive bays
- Each controller can handle a storage pool of up to 1PB
Additionally, the SAS3 expansion ports ensure consistent performance across all connected drives [1].
Drive Compatibility
Both models are compatible with a wide range of drive options:
- SAS3 SSDs for high-performance workloads
- SAS3 HDDs for a balance of performance and capacity
- Midline SAS (ML-SAS) HDDs for storage that prioritizes capacity
Data Safety Features
The MSA 2060 includes enhanced data protection capabilities:
- Fast-charging super-capacitor with CompactFlash for backup
- Improved cache protection systems
- Better recovery performance during system operations
These features work together to maintain reliable performance and safeguard data integrity.
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Speed and Performance
Speed Measurements
The MSA 2060 shows a clear improvement over the MSA 2050. Benchmark tests reveal impressive sequential read and write speeds:
| Operation Type | Single Server | Dual Server |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read | 12.3 Gbits/sec | 24.6 Gbits/sec |
| Sequential Write | 12.3 Gbits/sec | 24.6 Gbits/sec |
| Random Read | 12.0 Gbits/sec | 19.1 Gbits/sec |
| Random Write | 7.4 Gbits/sec | 14.8 Gbits/sec |
The updated architecture boosts performance significantly, delivering up to 45% higher IOPS and 75% better sequential throughput compared to the MSA 2050 [1]. While the MSA 2050 offers 200,000 IOPS, the MSA 2060 achieves an impressive 395,000 IOPS, making it ideal for demanding applications.
Response Times
Additional performance metrics highlight the MSA 2060's capabilities:
- 640,000 IOPS for sequential reads and 178,500 IOPS for sequential writes
- 398,500 IOPS for random reads and 111,000 IOPS for random writes [1]
For comparison, the MSA 2052, part of the previous generation, delivered 233,000 IOPS for reads and 110,000 IOPS for writes during 4K random performance tests with hot data in the flash tier [2].
Cache Systems
The MSA 2060's cache system has been upgraded to complement its enhanced hardware:
- 12GB of cache per controller, a 50% increase from the MSA 2050's 8GB
- SSD read caching functionality
- An automated tiering system that integrates:
- A performance tier with SSDs
- A standard tier with enterprise SAS drives
- An archive tier with ML-SAS drives [1]
The automated tiering system continuously analyzes I/O patterns and shifts data between tiers as needed. It supports read-only caching with one SSD per pool or read/write tiering using two SSDs in a RAID1 configuration [2]. This dynamic system ensures optimal performance and efficient data management.
Best Uses and Applications
Small Business Setup
The MSA 2050 is a solid choice for small businesses with typical performance needs, offering 200,000 IOPS. On the other hand, the MSA 2060 is better suited for more demanding tasks, providing 395,000 IOPS and 12GB of cache per controller [1]. For businesses with operations spread across multiple locations, storage requirements will differ between main and branch offices.
Branch Office Storage
For businesses with distributed operations, the MSA 2050 and MSA 2060 offer tailored benefits depending on workload needs:
| Feature | MSA 2050 | MSA 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Support | Standard | Up to 240 drives |
| Disk Density | Base level | 25% higher |
| Cache Size | 8GB/controller | 12GB/controller |
| Best For | Steady workloads | Higher-demand environments |
Virtual and Database Storage
In dynamic environments like virtual desktops or databases, robust storage solutions are critical. The MSA 2060, with its automated tiering, is ideal for handling intensive databases, virtual desktop infrastructures, and testing environments. The MSA 2050, while less powerful, is still effective for standard virtualization tasks with its 200,000 IOPS capacity.
Cost Analysis
- Initial Investment: Competitive starting price
- Operational Efficiency: Automated tiering simplifies management
- Scalability: Supports up to 240 drives
- Performance ROI: Offers 45% higher IOPS and 75% better sequential throughput compared to the MSA 2050
The MSA 2050 is a budget-friendly option for organizations with moderate performance needs. Carefully weighing these financial and performance factors ensures the selected array meets both operational and budgetary requirements.
Conclusion
Quick Comparison Guide
| Feature | MSA 2050 | MSA 2060 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Profile | Entry-level, steady tasks | Enterprise-grade performance |
| Infrastructure Scale | Standard deployment | Broader scalability options |
| Investment Level | Budget-friendly option | Premium-level performance pricing |
| Business Fit | SMBs with basic storage | Enterprises with heavy workloads |
| Expansion Potential | Basic growth capabilities | Advanced tiering and future-ready |
| Management Complexity | Simple administration | Full control with ADSS features |
Buying Guide
Here’s how to decide between the two:
- MSA 2050: Perfect for small to medium businesses (SMBs) with moderate storage needs. It offers solid performance through hybrid SSD caching and is attractively priced under $10,000.
- MSA 2060: Designed for enterprises demanding high performance. It delivers superior throughput, larger disk density, and advanced MSA-DP+ virtual disk groups.
These differences aren't just about immediate needs - they also set the stage for future growth.
Growth and Upgrades
The MSA 2060 is built to support your long-term growth. With enhanced caching, increased drive capacity, and automated tiering, it’s ready for scaling up. The MSA Advanced Data Services Suite (ADSS) license adds advanced data management tools, ensuring you can handle evolving demands. Be mindful of your initial connectivity choice, as it plays a key role in shaping your expansion options [1].
