NetApp AFF A-Series AFF8020
The NetApp All Flash FAS 8020 (AFF8020) was a 3U entry-level all-flash storage system introducing dedicated flash performance to mid-sized data centers. Powered by Clustered Data ONTAP, it delivered full unified block and file services across high-endurance SAS SSD media for virtual machine environments and enterprise branch offices.
Specifications
| Brand | NetApp |
|---|---|
| Family | AFF A-Series |
| Form factor | 3U modular rack |
| Released | Jun 2015 |
| End of sale | Jun 2017 |
| End of support | Jun 2022 |
| Controller configuration | Dual modular controllers in 3U enclosure |
| Processor | Intel Xeon processors per controller |
| Memory | 48GB system memory per HA pair with NVRAM |
| Drive bays | Connects to DS2246 SAS SSD drive shelves |
| Supported drives | SAS SSDs (400GB, 800GB, 1.6TB, 3.8TB) |
| Maximum raw capacity | Up to 1.9PB raw per HA pair |
| Host connectivity | PCIe slots supporting 16Gb/8Gb FC, 10GbE, and 1GbE |
| Storage protocols | FC, iSCSI, NFS, SMB |
| Clustering | Up to 24 nodes (12 HA pairs) |
| Management | NetApp Clustered Data ONTAP |
Generations
- Next generation: NetApp AFF A200
Works together
How the NetApp AFF A-Series AFF8020 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
File storage (NFS and SMB)
Front-end ports face the clients; back-end ports (on scale-out systems) connect the nodes to each other and need their own switch pair.
Servers
Dell PowerEdge C4130 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R230 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R330 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R930 4U rack
HPE Apollo 4200 Gen9 2U rack
HPE ProLiant DL20 Gen9 1U rack
Adapters for the server
BCM957414A4142CC Broadcom NetXtreme-E BCM57414 Dual-Port 25GbE SFP28 PCIe 3.0 Ethernet Network Adapter
BCM957416A4160C Broadcom NetXtreme-E BCM57416 Dual-Port 10GBASE-T PCIe 3.0 Ethernet Network Adapter
BCM957504A5041CC Broadcom NetXtreme-E BCM57504 Quad-Port 100GbE QSFP56 PCIe 4.0 Ethernet Network Adapter
540-BBGN Dell Broadcom 57412 Dual Port 10GbE SFP+ PCIe Adapter
Switches
Dell PowerSwitch N1524 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N1524P 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N1548 1U switch
Dell PowerSwitch N1548P 1U switch
Optics
QSFP-100G-CWDM4-AR Arista 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module
QSFP-100G-LR4-AR Arista 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module
QSFP-100G-SR4 Arista 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- NFS explained mrplanb.com
- Block vs object storage mrplanb.com
- Object storage Ledger mrplanb.com
Check compatibility with NetApp
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that NetApp has tested with the NetApp AFF A-Series AFF8020.
- Compatibility NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool (IMT) (free vendor sign-in)
- Specifications NetApp Hardware Universe (platform specs and supported parts)
- Support NetApp Support
Equivalent models from other brands
FAQ
What form factor was the AFF8020?
The AFF8020 was housed in a 3U dual-controller enclosure.
What system replaced the AFF8020?
The AFF8020 was replaced by the 2U AFF A200 in early 2017.
Buying or selling AFF8020?
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
- NetApp FAS8000 Series Documentation, checked 2026-10-28
- NetApp Hardware Universe - AFF8020 Specifications, checked 2026-10-28