Key Comparison Points Between VNX1 and VNX2:
- Performance Improvements: VNX2 series introduced higher IOPS and throughput due to improved processors, faster cache, and new technologies like MCx (Multi-Core Optimization), allowing better parallel processing of tasks.
- Scalability: VNX2 arrays provided enhanced scalability in terms of storage capacity and the number of drives supported.
- Features: VNX2 added support for improved software features like FAST VP (Fully Automated Storage Tiering with Virtual Pools), and better RAID configurations to optimize storage efficiency.
| Feature | VNX1 Series | VNX2 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Xeon 5600 (up to 6 cores) | Intel Xeon E5-2600 (up to 12 cores) |
| Cache Memory | Up to 128GB | Up to 256GB |
| Drive Support | Up to 500 Drives | Up to 1500 Drives |
| Max Raw Capacity | Up to 3 PB | Up to 6 PB |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Software Features | FAST, FAST Cache | FAST VP, Block Compression, MCx |
| IOPS | 500,000 IOPS | 1,200,000 IOPS |
| Throughput | 6 GB/s | 12 GB/s |
| Release Year | 2011 | 2013 |
Explanation of Key Differences:
- Processor and Memory: VNX2 has a significant boost in processing power with up to 12-core Intel Xeon E5 processors compared to VNX1’s 6-core Xeon 5600. This results in improved performance in terms of IOPS and system throughput.
- Cache Size: The cache memory was doubled in VNX2, allowing more efficient data handling and better performance, particularly with large-scale workloads.
- Scalability: VNX2 arrays can support up to 1,500 drives compared to the 500 drive limit of VNX1, effectively doubling storage capacity from 3 PB to 6 PB. This makes VNX2 a more suitable option for larger enterprises or data-heavy environments.
- Software Enhancements: VNX2 introduces MCx (Multi-Core Everything), which optimizes the use of multi-core processors for parallelism, and Block Compression for better data efficiency. The addition of FAST VP allows more advanced storage tiering and data migration between different storage types (e.g., SSD, HDD).
- Performance: VNX2 delivers more than double the IOPS of VNX1 (1.2 million vs. 500,000), making it far more capable in high-demand environments. The throughput also doubled, from 6 GB/s in VNX1 to 12 GB/s in VNX2.
This chart compares the IOPS and throughput of VNX1 and VNX2, showing the considerable performance boost offered by VNX2.
Summary:
- VNX2 is a clear upgrade over VNX1 in terms of processing power, cache memory, drive support, storage capacity, and performance metrics like IOPS and throughput.
- Scalability and efficiency were greatly enhanced with features like MCx and FAST VP, making VNX2 more suitable for larger-scale and higher-demand environments.
