NetApp ASA A90
The NetApp ASA A90 is an active-active enterprise block storage array built in a 4U dual-controller enclosure for high-performance SAN environments. Providing native NVMe/FC, 64Gb Fibre Channel, and NVMe/TCP connectivity, it delivers symmetrical multipathing, six-nines availability, and integrated snapshot protection for Tier-1 block workloads.
Specifications
| Brand | NetApp |
|---|---|
| Family | ASA A-Series |
| Form factor | 4U rack |
| Released | May 2024 |
| Controller configuration | Symmetrical active-active dual controllers in 4U enclosure |
| Processor | Intel Xeon Scalable multi-core processors per controller |
| Memory | 512GB system memory per HA pair with NVRAM |
| Drive bays | Up to 48x internal NVMe SSDs in 4U chassis, expandable with NS224 shelves |
| Supported drives | NVMe TLC SSDs (1.9TB to 30.7TB) |
| Maximum raw capacity | Up to 260PB in a cluster |
| Host connectivity | PCIe slots supporting 64Gb/32Gb FC, 100GbE, 25GbE, 10GbE |
| Storage protocols | NVMe/FC, NVMe/TCP, Fibre Channel, iSCSI |
| Clustering | Up to 12 HA pairs |
| Management | NetApp ONTAP SAN-optimized |
Generations
- Previous generation: NetApp ASA A800
Works together
How the NetApp ASA A90 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the parts and products on each path.
Fibre Channel SAN
Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).
Servers
Cisco UCS C225 M8 1U rack
Cisco UCS C245 M8 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge R HS7710 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R260 1U rack (short-depth)
Dell PowerEdge R670 1U rack
Dell PowerEdge R6715 1U rack
Adapters for the server
540-BDLM Dell Emulex LPe36002 Dual Port 64Gb Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter
4XC7A77485 ThinkSystem Emulex LPe36002 64Gb 2-Port PCIe Fibre Channel Adapter
UCSC-PCIE-BD16GF Cisco Emulex LPe31002 Dual Port 16G Fibre Channel HBA
UCSC-PCIE-BD32GF Cisco Broadcom LPe32002 Dual-Port 32G FC HBA
Switches
Cisco MDS 9396V 2RU
Cisco MDS 9124V 1U rack
Cisco MDS 9148V 1RU
Dell Connectrix DS-7730B 2U switch
Optics
57-1000495-01 Brocade 64G FC SFP+ SWL
DS-SFP-FC64G-SW Cisco 64Gbps Fibre Channel Shortwave SFP56 Transceiver
57-1000114-01 Brocade 10G FC SFP+ SWL
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- Virtualization storage Ledger: scored storage platforms mrplanb.com
- SAN transport and NVMe over FC for backup mrplanb.com
- What an hour of downtime costs outagecost.org
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 ASA A90.
- 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 array does the NetApp ASA A90 replace?
The ASA A90 succeeds the ASA A800, adding PCIe Gen 5 connectivity and higher NVMe density.
Does the ASA A90 support file storage (NFS/SMB)?
No, the ASA line is strictly optimized for block SAN storage (FC, iSCSI, NVMe).
Buying or selling ASA A90?
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 All-SAN Array Overview, checked 2026-10-28
- NetApp Hardware Universe - ASA A90 Specifications, checked 2026-10-28