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HP 574021-B21 160GB 7.2K SATA QR HDD — main product image
HP 574021-B21 160GB 7.2K SATA QR HDD
HP 574021-B21 160GB 7.2K SATA QR HDD
HP 574021-B21 160GB 7.2K SATA QR HDD
HP

HP 574021-B21 160GB 7.2K SATA QR HDD

The HP 574021-B21 160GB SATA drive delivers affordable, reliable storage for entry-level HP ProLiant servers.

$99.91*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The HP 574021-B21 is a 160GB 7,200 RPM SATA hard drive built for HP ProLiant servers that use 3.5-inch Large Form Factor drive bays. As part of HP's Entry-class SATA lineup, it targets environments where cost is the primary concern and workloads remain modest—think operating system boot volumes, lightly accessed file shares, or development and test servers where raw performance is secondary to price per gigabyte.

The drive connects via a 3Gb/s SATA interface and ships in HP's Quick-release tray, enabling tool-free installation directly into a compatible server bay. While the 160GB capacity and 7.2K spindle speed are modest compared to higher-tier SAS options, the drive fills a practical niche for organizations that need reliable, HP-validated storage without the premium of mission-critical drives. HP recommends limiting utilization to 40% or less to maintain consistent performance and longevity.

Key Features

HP 160GB 3G SATA 7.2K rpm LFF (3.5-inch) Quick-release Entry

SATA Entry drives provide the best price advantage for non-mission critical applications with low workloads of 40% or less.

HP SATA Entry drives are the lowest unit-cost solution for entry-level servers

Specifications

Capacity
160GB
Spindle Speed
7,200 RPM
Interface
3Gb/s SATA
Form Factor
3.5-inch LFF
Drive Class
Entry
Tray Type
Quick-release (QR)
HP Part Number
574021-B21

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Lowest unit-cost storage option in HP's server drive lineup
  • Low unit cost makes it one of the most affordable options for HP ProLiant storage
  • Quick-release tray allows tool-free installation and removal
  • Quick-release tray enables tool-free installation and hot-swap capability
  • HP-qualified firmware ensures compatibility and reliability in ProLiant environments
  • 7,200 RPM spindle provides adequate performance for light server workloads
  • 3.5-inch LFF form factor fits standard HP ProLiant drive bays
  • 3.5-inch form factor fits standard LFF server bays without adapters

👎 Cons

  • 160GB capacity is very limited by modern standards
  • 160GB capacity is very limited by modern standards
  • 3Gb/s SATA interface is slower than current 6Gb/s SATA or SAS options
  • 7,200 RPM speed delivers slower performance than 10K/15K SAS or SSD alternatives
  • 3G SATA interface is an older generation with lower maximum throughput
  • Not recommended for workloads exceeding 40% utilization
  • 7,200 RPM speed lags behind 10K and 15K RPM enterprise drives
  • Rated only for light workloads at 40% utilization or less

Frequently Asked Questions

This drive is designed for HP ProLiant servers that accept 3.5-inch LFF SATA drives with a Quick-release carrier. Check HP's QuickSpecs for your specific server model.
This drive is designed for HP ProLiant servers that support 3.5-inch LFF SATA drives with the Quick-release (QR) tray mechanism.
Quick-release refers to HP's tool-free drive tray design, allowing you to swap the drive in and out of a compatible server bay without additional tools.
The Quick-release design allows you to swap or install the drive without tools, using a carrier tray that slides into the server's drive bay for easy hot-plug servicing.
No. HP rates SATA Entry drives for non-mission-critical applications with workloads of 40% utilization or less. For heavier workloads, consider SAS or enterprise SSD options.
No. HP rates this as an Entry-class SATA drive intended for workloads of 40% utilization or less. For mission-critical or high-IO applications, consider SAS or higher-tier drives.
It spins at 7,200 RPM and connects via a 3Gb/s SATA interface.
3G SATA (SATA II) provides a maximum interface transfer rate of 3 Gbps, which is sufficient for the throughput of a 7,200 RPM mechanical drive.
Yes, the 574021-B21 is an HP spare part number that includes the Quick-release carrier tray for direct installation into compatible ProLiant servers.

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