Pure Storage’s new FlashArray//RX20 expands the //R family into the X-class portfolio, providing a lower-cost FlashArray option for customers who don’t necessarily need the performance or lifecycle model of a factory-new X20 R5.
What Is the RX20?
RX20 combines Everpure-remanufactured controllers with a new chassis and new DirectFlash Modules (DFMs). It runs PurityOS, integrates with Pure1 telemetry and AI, and maintains Pure’s dual-controller HA architecture.
Initial configurations available are: 36 TB | 45 TB | 91 TB raw
The chassis supports 4.5 TB and 9.1 TB DFMs, up to a maximum of 91 TB raw.
Where Does It Fit?
Pure positions the portfolio pretty clearly:
- RX20: Lower-cost X-class for transactional workloads
- RC20: Lower-cost C-class for capacity-focused workloads
- X20: Mainstream factory-new system with similar performance capabilities (comes with newer gen CPUs)
- X50: The next step up when RX20/X20 performance or capacity isn’t sufficient
Features & Value
The biggest advantage is lower acquisition cost while retaining the FlashArray software and architecture, specially with today’s memory price increases.
Customers still receive PurityOS, Pure1, dual-controller HA, new flash media and a supported upgrade path.
RX20 also offers Basic, Advanced and Premium support (Premium providing 4-hour parts delivery).
There are also two lifecycle options:
Path A – Move to mainstream //X:
Within the first three years, customers can non-disruptively upgrade to the then-current X20/X50 platform and add Evergreen//Forever.
Path B – Stay with //R:
Before Year 5, customers can purchase a controller NDU to the current //R generation and extend guaranteed support to eight years total.
NDU = Non Disruptive Upgrade
Key Limitations
RX20 is intentionally not equivalent to a new X20 R5.
Performance: The remanufactured controllers have a meaningful performance delta versus X20 R5 (CPUs that are 2 generations older)
Evergreen: RX20 itself does not include Evergreen//Forever.
Capacity: Limited to 36 TB, 45 TB and 91 TB launch configurations.
Pure1 required: Dark-site/disconnected deployments aren’t supported.
Support: Digital-first through Pure1; phone/email support is primarily reserved for Sev1.
Upgrades: Software upgrades are self-service only.
Nutanix: External storage isn’t supported at this moment
Object: Object storage isn’t currently planned.
Power: AC only at launch; no DC PSU option at this time.
Bottom Line
RX20 brings the //R value model to transactional X-class storage.
It’s compelling when a customer wants FlashArray, Purity, Pure1 and enterprise HA at a lower acquisition cost, but doesn’t require the latest X20 R5 controller performance or Evergreen//Forever from day one.
