MZ-QL21T900: Samsung PM9A3 1.92TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe U.3 2.5-Inch Enterprise Solid State Drive
Also listed as: MZQL21T9HCJR-00A07, MZ-QL21T9B, MZQL21T9HCJR, MZ-QL21T90 · made by Samsung
The Samsung PM9A3 1.92TB is a PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe enterprise solid state drive utilizing a 2.5-inch U.3 form factor. Built with 128-layer V-NAND TLC, it delivers sequential read throughput up to 6,800 MB/s and 850,000 random read IOPS with enterprise-grade power loss protection and end-to-end data path protection. For used purchases, verify NVMe wear indicators, verify backward compatibility with U.2-only host backplanes, and confirm the drive is not locked by vendor-specific firmware.
Specifications
| Part number | MZ-QL21T900 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Made by | Samsung |
| Type | SSDs |
| Other numbers | MZQL21T9HCJR-00A07, MZ-QL21T9B, MZQL21T9HCJR, MZ-QL21T90 |
| Status | current |
| Capacity (GB) | 1,920 |
| Interface | NVMe PCIe Gen4 U.3 (tri-mode backplane) |
| Form factor | SFF 2.5in, U.3 7mm |
| Endurance | Read Intensive, 1.0 DWPD |
| Generation fit | PCIe Gen4 U.2 and U.3 server backplanes |
About the MZ-QL21T900
MZ-QL21T900 is Samsung's mainstream 1.92TB enterprise PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe solid state drive in the PM9A3 series, built in a 2.5-inch 7mm U.3 form factor. Driven by Samsung's proprietary Elpis PCIe 4.0 controller and 128-layer V-NAND TLC, it delivers sequential read bandwidth of 6,800 MB/s and 850,000 random read IOPS. It represents Samsung's modern baseline NVMe drive for real-time analytics, cloud hosting, and dense hyperconverged nodes, replacing the PCIe Gen3 PM983 family.
Compatibility
Designed for enterprise servers with PCIe Gen4 U.2 or U.3 backplane bays, including Dell PowerEdge 15G/16G, HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus/Gen11, and Lenovo ThinkSystem V2/V3. The U.3 tri-mode connector is backward compatible with standard U.2 backplanes when properly caddied. It will not work in SAS/SATA-only backplanes lacking PCIe lanes. Connecting to older PCIe Gen3 backplanes will negotiate at Gen3 speeds (approximately 3,400 MB/s limit).
How to identify a genuine unit
The top label displays model MZ-QL21T900, part number MZQL21T9HCJR-00A07, and the PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe specification. The rear metal housing has a distinctive 7mm profile with an orange or silver NVMe indicator. Through nvme-cli id-ctrl, the drive identifies as SAMSUNG MZQL21T9HCJR with factory firmware. OEM-coded drives (such as Dell or Lenovo FRU units) display vendor-specific firmware versions.
Buying used
Use nvme smart-log /dev/nvmeX to inspect the percentage_used attribute, critical_warning flags, and available_spare percentage. Pulled drives with over 90 percent remaining spare life and clean thermal logs are excellent values. Inspect the gold U.3 interface fingers for scratch grooves caused by frequent hot-plug cycles and ensure the appropriate server drive caddy is included.
Reference prices (last 14 days, updated 2026-10-27)
New: USD 240 (1 sighting, Oct 2026)
Used: USD 145 (1 sighting, Oct 2026)
All sightings
| Seller | Condition | Price | Note | Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| serversupply.com | new | USD 240 | 2026-10-27 | |
| ebay.com | used | USD 145 | 2026-10-27 |
Prices seen on public listings on the dates shown, before tax and shipping. Not an offer.
Fits these models
Equivalent part numbers
- Dell 400-BLMH Dell 1.92TB NVMe Gen4 PM9A3
- HPE P50228-B21 HPE 1.92TB NVMe Gen4 RI PM9A3 SSD
FAQ
Can the PM9A3 U.3 drive be installed in a standard U.2 backplane?
Yes, U.3 drives are backward compatible with standard U.2 backplanes when properly caddied.
What PCIe generation does the PM9A3 use?
It utilizes PCI Express 4.0 x4 interface bandwidth.
What is the random read IOPS rating?
Up to 850,000 IOPS for 4KB random read operations.
Buying or selling MZ-QL21T900?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- Samsung PM9A3 Product Specification Sheet, checked 2026-10-27