Enterprise storage is progressing fast and every vendor claiming they offer the best, fastest, most affordable solutions. NetApp’s latest ASA A-Series is no different. They promise high performance, built-in ransomware protection, and simplified management—but do you really need to upgrade?
NetApp Storage and Storage Part: Save Up to 80%
Older NetApp systems still perform well, and in many cases, buying new ones isn’t necessary—or simply isn’t in the budget. You can continue using them safely, as refurbished spare parts are available in case of hardware failure. If you need more power memory or capacity, you can also upgrade with refurbished CPUs, memory modules, SSDs or even expansion chassis.
Most refurbished hardware suppliers offer a five-year warranty and require no upfront payment, allowing you to test first—all at a much lower cost than purchasing new equipment.
What is NetApp ASA Storage?
ASA stands for All-Flash SAN Array, meaning these systems are optimized for high-performance block storage. NetApp, like HPE, Dell, IBM, and others, claims their latest release is the most efficient and cost-effective option. But storage needs vary, and blindly following vendor marketing can lead to unnecessary spending.
If you already have a NetApp AFF, FAS, or even previous ASA models, you might not need to rush into purchasing the newest model. Instead, consider:
Upgrading storage capacity with refurbished drives
Extending support with third-party providers
Boosting performance with additional cache, SSDs, or memory modules
Replacing faulty components with reliable refurbished parts
Stocking essential replacement parts like power supplies, controllers, or memory modules, so you can swap them immediately when needed
This approach can save you thousands while keeping your storage environment stable and secure.
Comparing the New NetApp ASA A-Series Storage Models
NetApp has introduced six ASA models, from entry-level to high-performance enterprise storage. Here’s a look at what they offer:
Model | Form Factor | Max Drives | Max Raw Capacity | Max Effective Capacity* | Power Consumption |
ASA A20 | 2U | 48 | 734 TB | 3.2 PB | 432W |
ASA A30 | 2U | 72 | 1.1 PB | 4.8 PB | 495W |
ASA A50 | 2U | 120 | 1.8 PB | 8 PB | 512W |
ASA A70 | 4U | 240 | 2.67 PB | 11.6 PB | 1,232W |
ASA A90 | 4U | 240 | 2.67 PB | 11.6 PB | 1,950W |
ASA A1K | 2x2U | 240 | 2.67 PB | 11.6 PB | 2,718W |
*Effective capacity assumes a 4:1 data reduction ratio.
NetApp ASA A-Series Storage: Worth the Upgrade or Stick with Older Systems?
When Does It Make Sense to Buy the New Storage?
✅ You’re running high-transaction workloads and hitting performance bottlenecks.
✅ Your old NetApp system is no longer supported by NetApp, and you’re concerned about long-term reliability—although third-party maintenance providers can still offer support.
✅ You need built-in AI-driven advanced ransomware protection and simplified management, and your IT infrastructure requires these advanced features.
✅ Your budget allows for a full upgrade rather than extending the lifespan of your existing system.
When Should You Stick With Older NetApp Systems?
🔹 Your current storage performance issues can be resolved without buying a new system. Upgrading with better refurbished components—such as faster NVMe drives, SSD caching, or additional controllers—can significantly boost performance at a fraction of the cost.
🔹 Replacing a storage system is a major project, and your IT team may not want to disrupt operations. Migration, reconfiguration, and retraining can take considerable time and resources, so if your current setup is stable, it might not be worth the hassle.
🔹 Your budget is tight, and refurbished NetApp storage offers enterprise reliability with a 5-year warranty—without the cost of a brand-new system.
The Case for Keeping Older NetApp Systems Running
💡 Why spend more when your current setup still works?
Performance Upgrades: Add more NVMe drives or SSD caching.
Cost Savings: Refurbished NetApp drives, memory modules and controllers can cost 80% less than new models.
Enterprise Reliability: With the right maintenance and warranty, older systems can run just as efficiently.
No Risk: No upfront payment options mean you can test first, minimizing risk.
🔎 Instead of following vendor hype, assess your actual storage needs before deciding.
Pricing & Value for Money
NetApp claims the ASA A-Series is up to 30% cheaper than competing all-flash storage, but is it really the best deal?
Key factors that impact pricing:
✔ Your workload requirements
✔ Available upgrade options for existing systems
✔ Long-term total cost of ownership (TCO)
🔹 If you want enterprise features without the premium price tag, refurbished NetApp storage with an extended warranty and no upfront cost might be the better route, especially since even the latest models are often available as refurbished.
Before jumping into the 'latest and greatest', assess your actual storage needs. If your current system runs efficiently, upgrading with refurbished parts or full systems could be the smarter, budget-friendly choice.
NetApp Storage and Storage Part: Save Up to 80%
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