Micron Unveils the World’s Fastest SSD: The PCIe Gen6 9650
Summary:
- Micron Technology has launched the 9650 NVMe SSD, setting a new benchmark with a staggering read speed of 28GB/s.
- This SSD marks the official advent of PCIe Gen6 technology in data center solutions, enhancing energy efficiency and performance.
- The 9650 series offers tailored options for various application needs, including read-intensive and mixed workloads.
In a significant leap for storage technology, Micron Technology has announced the mass production of the 9650 NVMe SSD, the world’s first PCIe Gen6 storage solution aimed at data centers. This groundbreaking product boasts an unprecedented sequential read speed of 28GB/s and a remarkable random read performance of 5.5 million IOPS, effectively setting a new industry standard and ushering in the PCIe Gen6 era for solid-state drives (SSDs).
A Milestone in Speed and Efficiency
Two years ago, Micron initiated plans to develop its first PCIe Gen6 SSD, initially targeting a rated speed of 26GB/s. Through rigorous research and technical innovation, the company has exceeded its original goal. The mass-produced 9650 SSD features a 100% increase in sequential read speed and a 40% enhancement in sequential write speed compared to its predecessor, the 9550 SSD, achieving a stunning read capacity of 28GB/s and a write capacity of 14GB/s. Notably, this advancement contributes to a twofold increase in energy efficiency, making it a game-changer for data center operations.
Product Variants Tailored for Diverse Needs
Micron has launched two series within the 9650 lineup: the 9650 PRO and 9650 MAX. Each series is designed to cater to distinct application scenarios, providing optimal storage solutions:
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9650 PRO Series: Ideal for read-intensive environments, this series supports full disk writes once per day and offers multiple capacity options of 7.68TB, 15.36TB, and 30.72TB.
- 9650 MAX Series: Developed for mixed application scenarios, the MAX series stands out with support for up to three full disk writes daily, available in capacities of 6.4TB, 12.8TB, and 25.6TB.
Advanced Hardware Configuration
The entire 9650 SSD series integrates innovative PCIe Gen6.2 1×4 and NVMe 2.0 interfaces. At its core is Micron’s G9 NAND technology, representing the industry’s first ninth-generation NAND flash memory used in data center SSDs. This cutting-edge technology employs a six-plane architecture, achieving an I/O rate of 3.6GB/s, the highest currently available in commercial SSDs.
Additionally, the 9650 series is offered in two form factors: E1.S and E3.S. The E1.S variant is especially noteworthy as it can be seamlessly integrated with advanced liquid cooling systems, significantly enhancing cooling efficiency in modern data centers.
Overcoming Data Transmission Bottlenecks
The introduction of PCIe Gen6 technology represents a major advancement in I/O architecture. With bandwidth that has doubled compared to PCIe Gen5, the 9650 SSD effectively eliminates traditional data transmission bottlenecks, particularly crucial for applications reliant on AI workloads. Its unmatched transmission performance ensures that GPUs can perform at peak efficiency, thereby supporting high-demand computing tasks more effectively.
Moreover, the 9650 SSD excels in energy efficiency and reduced power consumption. This not only aids data centers in achieving sustainability goals but also ensures that performance remains uncompromised—a crucial factor as infrastructure evolves to meet growing data demands.
Conclusion: A New Era for Data Centers
Micron’s 9650 SSD stands as a testament to advancements in storage technology, setting new standards for speed, efficiency, and adaptability in data center environments. As the world continues to embrace data-driven solutions, the introduction of PCIe Gen6 SSDs marks a pivotal point in ensuring that storage solutions keep pace with evolving computational needs. Emphasizing energy efficiency alongside performance, the 9650 series is poised to redefine the landscape of data center infrastructure, laying a solid foundation for future advancements in technology.
Micron’s commitment to innovation and excellence is highlighted in the release of the 9650 SSD, a product that not only elevates performance but also aligns with the demands of sustainable development in the tech industry. As data centers navigate the challenges of an increasingly digital world, solutions like the 9650 SSD will be indispensable in driving efficiency and performance forward.
