Abstract: A high performance computer data storage array stores data across a plurality of disk drives. The disk drives may be solid-state drives (SSDs). The storage array may utilize the Serial Attached Small Computer Systems Interface (SAS) protocol, meaning that the disk drives may have high data throughput capabilities. Circuitry within the storage array may leverage the individual capabilities of the high-performance SAS SSDs to increase the overall performance of the storage array. The storage array can function as a network-attached system and/or as a component of a storage area network.

Abstract: A write-data hash value corresponding to a block of write data is generated within a deduplicating data storage system. A block of lookup table entries is retrieved from a location in a lookup table stored within a block-based storage medium, the lookup table location being indicated by a first portion of the write-data hash value and each lookup table entry including a pointer to a respective stored data volume, a portion of a hash value that corresponds to the stored data volume, and a reference count indicating a quantity of references to the stored data volume. A second portion of the write-data hash value is compared to the portions of the hash values within the block of lookup table entries, and the reference count is incremented within one of the lookup table entries for which the portion of the hash value is determined to match the second portion of the write-data hash value.