Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD User manual

Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD
User’s Guide
Regulatory Model: Adapter UCEA-200 and UCEB-200

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you
how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Copyright ©2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and
intellectual property laws. Dell™and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other
jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
2014 - 09
Rev. A01

Contents
1 Overview.................................................................................................................5
NVMe PCIe SSD Architecture................................................................................................................5
PCIe Interface.................................................................................................................................. 5
NVMe PCIe SSD Features......................................................................................................................6
Hot Swap..........................................................................................................................................6
Device Health.................................................................................................................................. 6
Self-Monitoring Analysis And Reporting Technology....................................................................6
Remaining Rated Write Endurance................................................................................................. 7
Device Write Status..........................................................................................................................7
Supported Operating Systems For NVMe PCIe SSD............................................................................ 7
2 Technical Specifications......................................................................................8
3 Getting Started With NVMe PCIe SSD.............................................................10
Configuring NVMe PCIe SSDs In Different Operating Systems.........................................................10
Servicing Your NVMe PCIe SSD.......................................................................................................... 10
4 Replacing And Configuring Hardware............................................................12
Removing An NVMe PCIe SSD From The System.............................................................................. 12
Installing An NVMe PCIe SSD In The System......................................................................................13
Removing Or Installing The PCIe Extender Adapter .........................................................................14
5 Driver Installation............................................................................................... 15
Downloading NVMe PCIe SSD Drivers............................................................................................... 15
Installing Or Upgrading The NVMe PCIe SSD Driver For Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2
SP1, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2................................................................ 15
Installing Or Upgrading The NVMe PCIe SSD Driver For Red Hat Enterprise Linux Or SUSE
Linux Enterprise Server........................................................................................................................16
Installing Or Upgrading The NVMe PCIe SSD Driver For VMware ESXi 5.5.......................................17
Installing Windows Server 2012 R2 On The NVMe PCIe SSD............................................................18
Installing RHEL 7.0 On The NVMe PCIe SSD......................................................................................18
6 Configuring And Managing Your NVMe PCIe SSD....................................... 19
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator.............................................................................................19
Launching Storage Management..................................................................................................19
Human Interface Infrastructure Configuration Utility....................................................................... 22
Entering The HII Configuration Utility.......................................................................................... 23
Viewing Physical Device Properties..............................................................................................23

Erasing Physical Devices............................................................................................................... 23
Setting LED Blinking...................................................................................................................... 23
Exporting The Log.........................................................................................................................24
Exiting The HII Configuration Utility.............................................................................................24
7 Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 25
Self-Monitoring Analysis And Reporting Technology Errors.............................................................25
NVMe PCIe SSD Carrier LED Indicators..............................................................................................25
Ungraceful System Shutdown Or Power Loss...................................................................................26
General Errors..................................................................................................................................... 26
NVMe PCIe SSD Description Is Truncated................................................................................... 26
Software RAID Array Created Using PCIe SSDs Is Not Detected After SLES 11 SP3 Is
Rebooted....................................................................................................................................... 27
NVMe PCIe SSD Is Not Listed In the Operating System...............................................................27
NVMe PCIe SSD Is Not Seen In Device Management In The Operating System........................28
Cannot Update The Firmware Using Dell Update Package (DUP)..............................................28
Linux Fails To Boot And Prompts For The Root Password..........................................................28
I/O Device Error On Write To NVMe PCIe SSD............................................................................28
NVMe PCIe SSD Performance Measurement Not Optimal.........................................................29
In Windows Server 2012 R2, OpenManage Server Administrator Does Not Detect PCIe
NVMe Devices............................................................................................................................... 29
Windows Event ID 11 Error Reported In Windows Event Log..................................................... 29
8 Getting Help........................................................................................................ 30
Locating Your System Service Tag.....................................................................................................30
Related Documentation..................................................................................................................... 30
Contacting Dell....................................................................................................................................31
Documentation feedback...................................................................................................................32

1
Overview
The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) Peripheral Component
Interconnect Express (PCIe) Solid State Device (SSD) is a high performance storage device designed for
solutions requiring low latency, high I/O operations per second (IOPS), and enterprise class storage
reliability and serviceability. The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD is offered as a Multi-Level
Cell (MLC) Negated AND or NOT AND (NAND) flash technology with a high-speed PCIe 3.0 compliant
interface. The high-speed PCIe 3.0 compliant interface helps improve performance for I/O bound
solutions.
NVMe is the standardized, high performance host controller interface designed for enterprise and client
systems that use solid state devices on a PCI Express bus (PCIe SSDs). Dell NVMe PCIe SSDs comply with
the NVMe 1.0 specification.
NOTE: The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD is supported as a UEFI bootable device in
selected platforms and operating systems.
NVMe PCIe SSD Architecture
The Dell NVMe PCIe SSD solution consists of a PCIe extender adapter that provides PCIe connectivity for
up to four NVMe PCIe SSDs. The number of supported PCIe extender adapters and NVMe PCIe SSDs
depends on the system.
NVMe PCIe SSDs from Dell are available in 400 GB, 800 GB, or 1.6 TB (MLC) capacities and are supported
on Dell PowerEdge systems.
In Dell PowerEdge systems, up to two PCIe extender adapters connect to a PCIe SSD backplane, allowing
connectivity for up to eight NVMe PCIe SSDs. For example, four NVMe PCIe SSDs can be connected to
each PCIe extender adapter for a total maximum of eight NVMe PCIe SSDs.
NOTE: To determine the maximum number of NVMe PCIe SSDs supported on your system, and for
more information on extender adapters, see the system-specific Owner’s Manual at dell.com/
support/manuals.
PCIe Interface
NOTE: The NVMe PCIe SSD maximum speed will vary based on the platform and extender adapter
or modular version.
The SSD controller used on the NVMe PCIe SSD has a PCIe Gen 3 (8 GT/s) interface. The interface is
available in a PCIe x4 lane width for a 16-channel flash memory controller. The PCIe interface is used to
transmit or receive storage interface commands between the host and the NVMe PCIe SSD.
5

NVMe PCIe SSD Features
The following topics describe the different features of the Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD.
Hot Swap
NOTE: To check if your operating system supports NVMe PCIe SSD hot swap, see Supported
Operating Systems For NVMe PCIe SSD.
Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSDs support orderly hot swap allowing you to add or remove
a device without halting or restarting the system in which the device is installed.
Dell-supported NVMe PCIe SSD hot swappable functions are defined below:
Orderly
Insertion
You insert a device into a running system where a similar device has not been
previously inserted from the time it was last booted. Dell systems that support
NVMe PCIe SSDs are configured to handle PCIe resource balancing in the event of
a hot insertion. This preset system configuration makes this type of hot insertion an
orderly operation.
Orderly
Removal
You remove a device from a running system. Prior to physically removing the
device, you must notify the system that the device is about to be removed. This
notification defines hot removal as an orderly operation.
Orderly Swap You remove a device from the system in an orderly fashion and replace it with a
supported device. The device that is removed and the device that replaced it use
the same device driver.
WARNING: Do not remove an NVMe PCIe SSD without notifying the system first. For more
information, see Preparing To Remove An NVMe PCIe SSD.
NOTE: Orderly hot swap is only supported when NVMe PCIe SSDs are installed in a supported Dell
system running a supported operating system. To ensure that you have the correct hardware setup
for your NVMe PCIe SSD, see the system specific Owner's Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
Device Health
The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD design is based on MLC NAND flash technology.
NAND SSDs have a finite number of program or erase cycles and a finite number of spare blocks
(replacements for other worn or faulty NAND blocks).
The program erase cycles and spare blocks are continuously monitored for each Dell PowerEdge Express
Flash NVMe PCIe SSD through various Dell software management applications. For more information see
Configuring And Managing Your NVMe PCIe SSD.
Self-Monitoring Analysis And Reporting Technology
The Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) feature-set minimizes unscheduled
system downtimes by providing a method of early detection of device degradation or fault. By monitoring
and storing critical performance and calibration parameters, the SMART feature set attempts to predict
degradation or fault conditions. Awareness of a negative reliability condition allows the host system to
warn you of an impending risk of device failure and advise on appropriate action.
6

Remaining Rated Write Endurance
NAND SSDs have a finite number of program erase cycles. The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe
SSD is warranted to a maximum amount of data written to the device in total bytes written. The Dell
PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD self monitors for these limits, and Dell software management
applications notify you when you reach these limits.
NOTE: The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD warranty expires when it reaches the
threshold of total bytes written.
NOTE: If you continue to write to the device after it reaches the threshold of total bytes written, the
amount of time the Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD retains data while powered off
decreases below device specifications. For more information see, NVMe PCIe SSD Technical
Specifications.
Device Write Status
NAND SSDs have a finite number of spare sectors. If the device exhausts the available spare sectors, the
Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSD enters Write Protect (Read-Only) mode. In Write Protect
mode, you can only perform read operations to the device. The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe
PCIe SSD self monitors for these limits, and Dell software management applications notify you.
Supported Operating Systems For NVMe PCIe SSD
Only the following operating systems support Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSDs:
• Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (x64/EM64T) or later
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (x64/EM64T)
• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4 (x64/EM64T) or later
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.0
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP3
• VMware ESXi 5.5
NOTE: For all operating system documents, see dell.com/operatingsystemmanuals.
7

2
Technical Specifications
NOTE: The specifications provided are for information purposes only and do not constitute an
extension of Dell's warranty for this product.
Features Description
NAND type Multi Level Cell (MLC): 400 GB, 800 GB, and 1.6 TB
Hot swappable Yes
Embedded data protection enabled Yes
Device write cache Yes
Bootable device Yes (UEFI boot on selected platforms and operating
systems)
Self-monitoring enabled Yes
Offline data retention Up to three months after total bytes written reaches 100%
General
Model NVMe PCIe SSD
Device protocol NVMe
NVMe standard 1.0
Bus protocol PCIe
Bus protocol version 3.0
Backplane interface Combo-connector (SFF-8639)
NOTE: For more information on the combo-
connector, see http://www.ssdformfactor.org.
Physical Dimensions
Height 69.90 mm
Width 14.8 mm
Length 100.2 mm
Device Capacity
Unformatted capacity 400 GB, 800 GB, and 1.6 TB
User-addressable sectors 400 GB: 781,422,768 LBAs
800 GB: 1,562,824,368 LBAs
8

1.6 TB: 3,125,627,568 LBAs
Bytes per sector 512 B
Device life (total bytes written) – MLC 400 GB: 4.6 PB
800 GB: 9.1 PB
1600 GB: 18 PB
Environment
Operating temperature 0 °C to 70 °C
Shock 1500 G/1.0 ms
Vibration 7 Hz–500 Hz at 3.08 G
Power Requirements
Active power 25 W (FW Limit)
Electrical characteristics
Voltage input 3.3 Volts and 12 Volts
9

3
Getting Started With NVMe PCIe SSD
The Dell PowerEdge Express Flash Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) Peripheral Component
Interconnect Express (PCIe) Solid State Devices (SSD) you ordered with your system are preconfigured
and ready for use. For more information, see Configuring NVMe PCIe SSDs In Different Operating
Systems, or see Configuring And Managing Your NVMe PCIe SSD.
Configuring NVMe PCIe SSDs In Different Operating
Systems
In Windows-based systems, Dell PowerEdge Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSDs have a controller entity and a
device entity. The controller entity is displayed under the Storage controller menu in the Device
Manager.
Use the controller entity when installing or updating the NVMe PCIe SSD driver. You can configure the
NVMe PCIe SSD for use on Windows from, Computer Management → Storage → Disk Management
Tool.
On Linux-based systems, you can configure the NVMe PCIe SSD from the partitioning tool by specifying
or selecting the device name. The device name for NVMe PCIe SSDs is /dev/nvmeXn1, where Xis the
number corresponding to each NVMe PCIe SSD in the system (for example: /dev/nvme0n1; /dev/
nvme1n1; /dev/nvme2n1 and so on).
Use OpenManage Server Administrator for managing and performing NVMe PCIe SSD-related tasks. For
more information, see Configuring And Managing Your NVMe PCIe SSD.
In VMware systems, you can configure the NVMe PCIe SSD as datastore or for a passthrough operation.
You can use vSphere Client to configure the NVMe PCIe SSD. Configuring NVMe PCIe devices as
passthrough has the following limitations:
• You will not be able to take snapshots of the Virtual Machine (VM).
• Your VM will no longer be able to use failover features such as VMotion and Distributed Resources
Scheduler (DRS).
• You will not be able to hot add any other device to the VM such as a USB key. To add an additional
device, first shut down the VM.
Servicing Your NVMe PCIe SSD
If you need to remove or replace your NVMe PCIe SSD, you can remove the NVMe PCIe SSD from a
system that is operational through an orderly removal process. This operation is only supported on
Windows and Linux based systems. See Supported Operating Systems For NVMe PCIe SSD.
10

To remove your NVMe PCIe SSD from a running system, use the Prepare to Remove task in OpenManage
Server Administrator. You can safely remove the device from the system under the following conditions
after you use the Prepare to Remove task:
• The NVMe PCIe SSD LED blinks in a pattern that indicates that the device is preparing for removal.
• The NVMe PCIe SSD is no longer accessible by the system.
For more information, see Running Physical Device Tasks.
You can also remove or replace your NVMe PCIe SSD while the system is offline.
11

4
Replacing And Configuring Hardware
CAUTION: All work must be performed at an electrostatic discharge (ESD)-safe workstation to
meet the EIA-625-requirements for handling electrostatic discharge sensitive devices. All actions
must be performed following the latest revisions of the IPC-A-610 ESD recommended practices.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.
NOTE: For complete information on U.S. Terms and Conditions of Sale, Limited Warranties and
Returns, Export Regulations, Software License Agreement, safety, Environmental and Ergonomic
Instructions, Regulatory Notices, and Recycling Information, see the Safety, Environmental and
Regulatory Information, End User License Agreement, and Warranty and Support Information that
shipped with your system.
All Dell PowerEdge Express Flash Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) Peripheral Component
Interconnect Express (PCIe) Solid State Devices (SSDs) connect to the system board through the NVMe
PCIe SSD backplane. The NVMe PCIe SSD backplane is mounted on the front-chassis assembly of the
system. NVMe PCIe SSDs are supplied in hot-swappable device carriers that are compatible with the PCIe
SSD bays.
CAUTION: Before removing or installing an NVMe PCIe SSD from a system that is turned on, see
Preparing To Remove An NVMe PCIe SSD.
NOTE: For information on removing and installing system components, see the system specific
Owner's Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
Removing An NVMe PCIe SSD From The System
If you are removing an NVMe PCIe SSD from a system that is turned on, proceed to step 1. If not, skip to
step 2.
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, it is mandatory that you prepare the NVMe PCIe SSD for removal
before physically removing the NVMe PCIe SSD.
1. Use the Prepare to Remove task in OpenManage Server Administrator to safely remove an NVMe
PCIe SSD from the system.
See Preparing To Remove An NVMe PCIe SSD.
This task causes the status LED on the NVMe PCIe SSD to blink.
12

CAUTION: The NVMe PCIe SSD LED blinks in a pattern that indicates that the device is
preparing for removal. When you initiate a prepare to remove operation, ensure that your
NVMe PCIe SSD is no longer accessible by the system before you physically remove the
NVMe PCIe SSD.
You can safely remove the NVMe PCIe SSD from the system under the following conditions after you
use the Prepare to Remove task:
• The NVMe PCIe SSD LED blinks in a pattern that indicates that the device is preparing for removal.
For more information, see NVMe PCIe SSD Carrier LED Indicators.
• The NVMe PCIe SSD is no longer accessible by the operating system.
2. Press the release button and open the NVMe PCIe SSD carrier release handle to release the NVMe
PCIe SSD.
3. Slide the NVMe PCIe SSD out of the slot.
NOTE: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty NVMe PCIe SSD bays must have device
blanks installed. For instructions on how to install an NVMe PCIe SSD blank, see the system
specific Owner's Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
Figure 1. Removing and Installing an NVMe PCIe SSD From/Into the System
1. release button 2. NVMe PCIe SSD slot
3. NVMe PCIe SSD 4. NVMe PCIe SSD carrier handle
Installing An NVMe PCIe SSD In The System
WARNING: Inserting an NVMe PCIe SSD carrier and attempting to lock its lever next to a partially
installed carrier can damage the partially installed carrier's shield spring, making it unusable.
When installing an NVMe PCIe SSD, ensure that the adjacent devices are installed.
1. Press the release button and open the handle.
2. Slide the NVMe PCIe SSD carrier into the NVMe PCIe SSD bay until the carrier contacts the
backplane.
13

3. Close the NVMe PCIe SSD carrier handle to lock the device in place.
Removing Or Installing The PCIe Extender Adapter
NOTE: The backplane connector cables are labeled PCIe BP A, PCIe BP B, PCIe BP C, and PCIe BP D
for connection to the backplane. The PCIe extender adapter cable connectors are labeled adapter
port A, B, C, and D respectively for connection to the adapter. These cables must not be reversed.
NOTE: For more information on removal, installation, and cabling of PCIe extender adapters, see
the system-specific Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
14

5
Driver Installation
For the current list of operating systems supported by Dell PowerEdge Express Flash Non-Volatile
Memory Express (NVMe) Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) Solid State Devices (SSDs),
see Supported Operating Systems For NVMe PCIe SSD.
Downloading NVMe PCIe SSD Drivers
To download NVMe PCIe SSD drivers:
1. Go to dell.com/support/drivers.
2. Enter a Service Tag or Express Service Code or select Choose from a list of all Dell products.
3. Select Servers, Storage & Networking.
4. Select PowerEdge.
5. Select your system.
The drivers that are applicable to your selection are displayed.
6. Select Solid State Storage.
The NVMe PCIe SSD drivers that are applicable to your system are displayed.
From the available list, download the latest NVMe PCIe SSD drivers to a USB drive, CD, or DVD.
Installing Or Upgrading The NVMe PCIe SSD Driver For
Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, Windows Server
2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2
NOTE: For a complete list of supported operating systems, see Supported Operating Systems For
NVMe PCIe SSD.
NOTE: Use the procedures in this section to install or upgrade the driver for Windows. The driver is
updated frequently. To ensure that you have the current version of the driver, download the latest
Windows driver from dell.com/support. For more information, see Downloading NVMe PCIe SSD
Drivers.
NOTE: Close all applications on your system before you update the driver.
NOTE: Windows Server 2012 R2 contains an in-box NVMe driver; however Dell requires updating to
the latest driver to ensure full express flash NVMe PCIe SSD support.
To install or upgrade the NVMe PCIe SSD driver for Windows Server using Dell Update Package (DUP):
1. Insert the media containing the latest driver that you downloaded from dell.com/support/drivers.
2. Double-click the executable and follow the on screen instructions to install the NVMe PCIe SSD
driver using DUP.
15

NOTE: Dell provides the DUP to update drivers on systems running Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1,
Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2012 R2 operating systems. DUP is an executable
application that updates drivers for specific devices. DUP supports command line interface and
silent execution. For more information, see the driver release notes at dell.com/support/drivers.
When DUPs are not used to upgrade the driver, follow the instructions below:
1. Insert the media containing the latest driver that you downloaded in Downloading NVMe PCIe SSD
Drivers.
2. Click Start → Control Panel → System and Security.
3. Select Device Manager under the System option.
The Device Manager screen is displayed.
4. Double-click the entry to expand Storage controllers. Alternatively, you can click on the plus symbol
next to the Storage controllers.
For example, a 1.6 TB NVMe PCIe SSD device is displayed as Dell Express Flash NVMe XS1715
1.6TB.
NOTE: If there is no NVMe PCIe SSD driver installed, the NVMe PCIe device will be listed under
the Other devices option. In this case, the NVMe PCIe device is displayed as PCIe device.
5. Double-click the NVMe PCIe device for which you want to install or update the driver.
6. Click the Driver tab, and click Update Driver.
The Update Device Driver screen is displayed.
7. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
8. Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
9. Select Have Disk.
10. Follow the steps in the wizard and browse to the location of the driver files.
11. Select the INF file from the driver media.
12. Click OK to exit the wizard.
13. Click Next.
NOTE: If there is more than one NVMe PCIe SSD in the system, repeat steps 4–13 for all
remaining devices in the system.
14. Restart the system for the changes to take effect.
Installing Or Upgrading The NVMe PCIe SSD Driver For
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
NOTE: For a complete list of supported operating systems, see Supported Operating Systems For
NVMe PCIe SSD.
NOTE: Use the procedures in this section to install or upgrade the driver for Linux. The driver is
updated frequently. To ensure that you have the current version of the driver, download the latest
Linux driver from dell.com/support. For more information, see Downloading NVMe PCIe SSD
Drivers.
NOTE: RHEL 6.5 and RHEL 7 contain an in-box NVMe driver; however Dell requires updating to the
latest driver to ensure full express flash NVMe PCIe support.
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 drivers are provided in the Kernel Module Package (KMP) format while
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 drivers are provided in the Kernel Module Loader (KMOD) format. KMODs are
16

Red Hat Packet Manager (RPM)s and are driver packaging methods that contain kernel modules,
instituted to better handle kernel update situations. To install or update the NVMe PCIe SSD driver:
1. Uncompress the zipped tarball driver release package.
2. Install the driver package using the command: rpm -ihv < driver rpm package name >.rpm
NOTE: Use rpm -Uvh <package name> when updating an existing package.
3. Restart the system for the driver update to take effect.
4. After the system restarts, verify that the driver has been installed with the system command: #
modinfo nvme
The version shown in the output must match with the version of the package.
5. Verify that the driver has been loaded with the system command: # lsmod | grep nvme or #
cat /proc/modules | grep nvme
These commands return nvme if the driver is loaded.
The NVMe PCIe SSDs are ready for use. See Configuring NVMe PCIe SSDs In Different Operating
Systems.
Installing Or Upgrading The NVMe PCIe SSD Driver For
VMware ESXi 5.5
NOTE: For a complete list of supported operating systems, see Supported Operating Systems For
NVMe PCIe SSD.
NOTE: Use the procedures in this section to install or upgrade the driver for VMware ESXi 5.5. To
ensure that you have the current version of the driver, download the latest VMware ESXi 5.5 driver
from dell.com/support. For more information, see Downloading NVMe PCIe SSD Drivers.
The VMware ESXi driver is provided in VIB (vSphere Installation Bundle) format, but you will need to
extract the driver from the *.zip file prior to installation. To install or upgrade the NVMe PCIe SSD driver:
1. Transfer the NVMe PCIe SSD driver to the ESXi host using either vSphere Client Browse Datastore or
an SFTP/FTP/SCP client.
Using the vSphere Client:
a. Navigate to the configuration.
b. Select Storage from the hardware section.
c. Right-click Datastore, and then select Browse.
d. Upload the PCIe SSD driver to the datastore.
Using an SFTP/FTP/SCP client:
a. Launch the SFTP/FTP/SCP program.
b. Extract the driver files from the *.zip file.
c. Copy the PCIe SSD driver file to a local folder on the host.
2. Power off all VMs running inside the ESXi host operating system.
3. Enable the ESXi shell service.
Using vSphere:
a. Navigate to the Configuration tab of the host IP.
b. Click Software → Security Profile.
c. Click Services → ESXi Shell → Properties.
17

d. Start the ESXi shell service.
Directly from the host settings:
a. Press <F2> to customize system settings.
b. Enter your user name and password.
c. Navigate to the troubleshooting options.
d. Enable the ESXi shell.
e. Enable SSH.
4. Install the NVMe PCIe SSD driver on the ESXi host.
a. Navigate to the datastore volume or file directory that contains the NVMe PCIe SSD driver, and
run the following command: esxcli software vib install /
<complete_path_to_offline_driver>.
b. Reboot the ESXi host.
5. Ensure that the driver has been correctly installed by running the following command: esxcli
software vib list | grep nvme.
6. Using vSphere, place the ESXi host in maintenance mode and reboot the host.
7. Once the host reboots and is running, take the host out of maintenance mode.
Installing Windows Server 2012 R2 On The NVMe PCIe
SSD
NOTE: Dell supports installation of Windows 2012 R2 to Dell Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSDs only in
selected Dell PowerEdge platforms that have been configured for UEFI BIOS boot mode.
NOTE: To determine whether or not NVMe PCIe SSDs may be used as a boot device on your
system, see the system-specific Owner’s Manual at dell.com/support/manuals.
1. Ensure that the system BIOS is in UEFI boot mode.
2. Insert and boot to the installation media and launch the installation wizard.
3. Follow the instructions until you are asked where you want to install Windows Server 2012 R2, and
then select the load driver option.
4. When the system prompts you, insert the driver media, or browse to the location at which the driver
media data is stored.
5. Select the driver file, and then select the Dell Express Flash controller.
6. Click Next, and then complete the installation.
Installing RHEL 7.0 On The NVMe PCIe SSD
NOTE: Dell supports installation of RHEL 7 to Dell Express Flash NVMe PCIe SSDs only in selected
Dell PowerEdge platforms that have been configured for UEFI BIOS boot mode.
NOTE: Extract and create the driver disk image on separate media such as a USB device, and install
the media on the system.
1. Ensure that the system BIOS is in UEFI boot mode.
2. Insert and boot to the installation media and launch the installation wizard.
3. From the grub menu, append the dd parameter to the end of the kernel command line to prompt for
a driver disk image during the OS installation process.
4. Follow the installation wizard to the conclusion of the installation process.
18

6
Configuring And Managing Your NVMe
PCIe SSD
Dell storage management applications enable you to manage and configure the Dell PowerEdge Express
Flash Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) Solid
State Device (SSD) subsystem, control, and monitor multiple NVMe PCIe SSDs, and provide online
maintenance.
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator
The Dell OpenManage Server Administrator is a storage management application for Dell systems that
provides features for managing components of the NVMe PCIe SSD solution on supported operating
systems. The Dell OpenManage Server Administrator application enables you to perform NVMe PCIe SSD
functions from a single graphical or command-line interface. For more information, see the OpenManage
Server Administrator online help accessible from the application.
Launching Storage Management
Storage Management is installed as a Dell OpenManage Server Administrator service. All storage
management features for the NVMe PCIe SSD solution are accessible by selecting the Storage object,
and then the PCIe-SSD Subsystem in the Server Administrator tree view.
Storage Information
To access Storage Information:
1. Expand the Storage tree object to display the storage component objects.
2. Expand the PCIe-SSD Subsystem tree object, and then select PCIe SSD Extender.
The Storage Information window is displayed under Information/Configuration.
3. To make changes to the Storage Information properties, click Properties.
Storage properties may include the following:
ID Displays the storage ID assigned to the component by storage management.
Storage management enumerates the storage components attached to the
system starting with zero.
Status Displays the combined status for the NVMe PCIe SSD subsystem and its lower-
level components.
Name Displays the name of the extender.
State Displays the current state of the NVMe PCIe SSD subsystem. Possible values
are:
•Ready: The component is functioning normally.
19

•Degraded: The component has encountered a failure and is operating in a
degraded state.
•Failed: The component has encountered a failure and is no longer
functioning.
Configure And Manage NVMe PCIe SSDs
Use the Physical Device Properties screen to view information about NVMe PCIe SSDs and to run NVMe
PCIe SSD tasks.
To view the complete set of NVMe PCIe SSD properties, select Full View from the Options taskbar.
Physical device properties are described below:
Name Displays the name of the NVMe PCIe SSD. The name comprises the bay ID and the
slot in which the NVMe PCIe SSD is installed.
State Displays the current state of the NVMe PCIe SSD.
Bus Protocol
Device Name
Displays the technology that the NVMe PCIe SSD is using.
In Windows: \\.\PhysicalDriveX.
In Linux: /dev/nvmeXn1.
Media Displays the media type of the physical SSD.
Remaining
Rated Write
Endurance
Displays the warranted wear out level of the NVMe PCIe SSD (in percentage).
Revision Displays the current running firmware version on the NVMe PCIe SSD.
Driver Version Displays the current running driver version of the NVMe PCIe SSD.
Model Number Displays the Piece Part Identification (PPID) of the NVMe PCIe SSD.
Capacity Displays the full capacity of the device.
Vendor ID Displays the hardware vendor of the device.
Product ID Displays the product ID of the device.
Serial No. Displays the serial number of the device.
Negotiated
Speed
Displays the speed of data transfer that the device negotiated upon initial
communication. This speed is dependent on the speed of the device, the capable
speed of the PCIe extender adapter, and the current speed of the PCIe extender
adapter on that connector.
Capable Speed Displays the highest possible speed at which the device can transfer data.
NOTE: For physical device properties status, see table NVMe PCIe SSD States and LED Indicator
Codes.
Running Physical Device Tasks
1. Expand the Storage tree object to display the storage component objects.
2. Expand the PCIe-SSD SubSystem object.
3. Expand the PCIe-SSD Extender object.
20