147GB 15K RPM SAS 3.5in HD - Reliable PowerEdge Replacement

In this review of the 341-8718 Dell 147GB 15K RPM SAS 3.5in HD the bottom line is straightforward: it is a no-nonsense, high-performance spindle drive intended for administrators who need a hot-pluggable, server-grade drive that matches legacy PowerEdge bays. The reviewer found it most valuable for restoring capacity in older Dell PE systems or populating a RAID array where consistent 15K rotational performance matters. It arrives as a genuine original part and includes the drive tray, which simplifies swap-in replacement for supported servers.

Key Features

• 15000 RPM spindle: delivers sustained higher seek and transfer responsiveness compared with lower-RPM drives, useful in transactional server workloads.
• 3.5in SAS form factor: fits common 3.5in bays and hot-plug backplanes used across many PowerEdge towers and racks.
• Compatibility with PowerEdge models: works with many R310, R320, R410, R420, R510, R520, R710, R720 and T series servers, reducing compatibility headaches.
• Original Dell part: being a genuine OEM unit reduces risk of firmware or tray mismatch versus generic drives.
• Includes drive tray: arrives ready to install into PE-series servers without needing a separate caddy purchase.

Who It's For

This drive is aimed at IT professionals, small datacenter operators, and refurbishers maintaining Dell PowerEdge servers that require a 15K SAS drive for database logs, boot pools, or caching tiers. It is especially useful where hot-swap capability and OEM compatibility are priorities.

It is less appropriate for new greenfield builds where solid state performance or larger capacity are primary goals, and those seeking lower power or noise for desktop use should look at alternative modern storage options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Server-grade 15K RPM performance suited for I/O-intensive tasks and legacy RAID configurations.
• OEM Dell part with tray included, simplifying installation in PowerEdge servers.
• 3.5in SAS hot-plug design provides straightforward serviceability in rack and tower systems.

Cons

• Limited capacity by modern standards at 146/147GB, so not ideal where large single-disk storage is needed.
• As a spinning disk, it has higher latency and power draw than contemporary SSD alternatives.

Specifications

Part number	341-8718
Capacity (approx)	146GB / 147GB
Speed	15000 RPM
Form factor	3.5in SAS hot-plug
Includes	Drive and tray for PE-series PowerEdge servers
Compatibility	Selected PowerEdge R310/R320/R410/R420/R510/R520/R710/R720/T series

Our Verdict

The 341-8718 147GB 15K SAS 3.5in HD is a practical, cost-effective replacement drive for maintaining older Dell PowerEdge systems where OEM compatibility and 15K performance are required. It represents good value for refurbishers and IT teams needing a hot-plug, server-grade spindle for caching or transactional roles, while teams prioritizing capacity or SSD-level latency should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this drive fit my PowerEdge server?
It is compatible with many PE models listed such as R310, R320, R410, R420, R510, R520, R710 and R720; check your server bay is 3.5in SAS hot-plug.

Does it include the mounting tray?
Yes, the unit ships with the drive and the tray appropriate for PE-series PowerEdge servers.

Is this an OEM Dell product?
Yes, this is listed as an original Dell part number and is supplied as a genuine original drive.