HighPoint has unveiled the industry’s first 8-Channel PCIe Gen5 x16 NVMe Switch and NVMe RAID product lines.
Powered by Broadcom’s PEX89048 IC, these are designed to cater to high-demand, data-intensive applications and integrate Broadcom’s Gen5 PCIe switching technology to utilize x16 lanes of Gen5 host bandwidth, direct from the CPU, across Intel and AMD platforms.
HighPoint says this unique architecture enables each AIC/Adapter to maximize transfer performance for up to 8 independent device channels, and support as many as 32 NVMe devices via backplane connectivity.
Synthetic Hierarchy
The Rocket 1600 series NVMe Switch uses native inbox drivers, meaning that a 2PB solution is possible using Solidigm 61.44TB SSDs, providing they already work with the system in question.
HighPoint’s PCIe Gen5 NVMe AICs high-performance switching architecture integrates Broadcom’s 48-Channel PEX89048 switch IC to provide x16 lanes of dedicated PCIe Gen5 upstream bandwidth, ensuring x4 lanes of downstream bandwidth are available for each NVMe device channel. HighPoint says “The innovative hardware architecture enables our Gen5 NVMe product series to deliver up to 64GB/s of transfer bandwidth, minimize latency, facilitate consistent, robust I/O throughput.”
The PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 Switching Architecture employs a technique known as a “Synthetic Hierarchy” to isolate the host system’s operating system from any PCIe physical changes. It enables the AIC/Adapter to directly manage resource allocation to the downstream PCIe channels and provide true hot-swap /hot-plug capability.
The NVMe Switch Series consists of the Rocket 1628A, which is a PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4-MCIOx8 NVMe switch adapter, the Rocket 1608A, a PCIe Gen5 x16 to 8-M.2×4 NVMe switch AIC, and the Rocket 1528D, a PCIe Gen4 x16 to 4-SlimSASx8 NVMe switch adapter.
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HighPoint’s RocketRAID 7600 PCIe Gen5 NVMe RAID AICs and Adapters are built on the foundation of the Rocket 1600 Switch series, and provide RAID capabilities using HighPoint’s drivers, which are compatible with qualified NVMe drives from the company’s ecosystem partners. The Rocket 7600 Series AICs/Adapters can directly support up to eight M.2 or U.2/U.3/E3.S NVMe SSDs.
The NVMe RAID Series includes the Rocket 7628A, a PCIe Gen5 x16 to 4-MCIOx8 NVMe RAID adapter, the Rocket 7608A which is a PCIe Gen5 x16 to 8-M.2×4 NVMe RAID AIC, and the Rocket 7528D, a PCIe Gen4 x16 to 4-SlimSASx8 NVMe RAID adapter.
HighPoint says its PCIe Gen5 NVMe AICs will begin shipping globally in Q3 2024.
NAND-based storage devices are a fiercely contested sector, one in which Samsung has held the lead since 2002, but its rivals are gaining ground.
The South Korean electronics giant has announced plans to commence mass production of its newest 290-layer ninth-generation vertical (V9) NAND chips, aimed at AI and cloud devices as well as large-scale enterprise servers. These utilize Samsung’s double-stack technology, rather than the triple stack method typically used.
Other firms are closing in, however. SK Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory chipmaker and Samsung’s archrival, intends to launch its 321-layer NAND tech early next year, while Chinese flash memory specialist Yangtze Memory Technologies says it plans to introduce 300-layer chips later this year.
A game of chicken
With the battle heating up, Samsung is already looking beyond the impending V9 launch, with industry insiders indicating that a staggering 430-layer tenth-generation (V10) NAND chip is expected to be unveiled next year. Unlike the V9, this will use Samsung’s triple-stack technology.
The aggressive push for NAND supremacy comes as demand for high-performance and large-capacity storage devices grows in the AI era. High-density NAND chips answer that demand while also enhancing capabilities for 5G smartphones.
The Korea Economic Daily says the major chipmakers are now “engaged in a game of chicken in a race to develop advanced chip stacking technology to cut costs and improve performance.” It points out that Samsung has previously announced plans to develop over 1,000-layer NAND chips by 2030.
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When the PlayStation 5originally came out, players were not able to expand the console’s storage — until a software update finally unlocked that feature. While some were served well by the device’s built-in 667GB of space for storing games, others (like my son) were forced to perform a near-daily juggling act that involved frequently deleting and redownloading games due to the console’s low SSD storage space and the apparent need to have constant access to every Call of Duty game.
Now, a standard PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD can solve all of your PS5 storage woes. If that mess of acronyms has you recoiling, don’t worry, you’ll see that it’s not all that complicated. And if you want to know which are the best SSDs for the PS5, you can skip to the end for our top picks.
The PS5 will accept internal drives between 250GB and 4TB in capacity. If you already own a PlayStation 5, chances are you have a reasonable idea of how much storage you need for your game library. If you’re buying an SSD with a new PS5, or buying for someone else, it’s more difficult to tell what you might need for a high-performance experience.
PS5 games are a little smaller on average than their PS4 equivalents, typically taking up between 30GB and 100GB, with some notable (and very popular) exceptions. If you’re a fan of the Call of Duty series, installing Modern Warfare II and Warzone2.0 will require more than 200GB. In other words, a full Call of Duty install will take up almost one-third of the PS5’s internal storage. If you’re not a CoD fan, though, chances are you’ll be good to store between six to 10 games on your PS5 internally before running into problems.
One additional thing to consider is your internet speed. If you live in an area with slow broadband, the “you can just download it again” rationale doesn’t really work out. At my old home, a 100GB download took me around eight hours, during which time it was difficult to simultaneously watch Twitch or, say, publish articles about upgrading PS5 SSDs. Keeping games around on the off-chance you’ll want to play them at some point makes sense.
Off the bat, there’s basically no point in going for a 250GB PS5 SSD. Economically, 250GB drives aren’t that much cheaper than 500GB ones, and practically, that really isn’t a lot of space for modern games to live on. 500GB drives, coming in at around $80 to $140, are a decent bet, but the sweet spot for most is to opt for a high capacity 1TB drive, which should run you between $160 and $250. That will more than double the PS5 storage you have available for games without breaking the bank. (Seagate’s official 1TB Xbox Series expansion card, for comparison, sells for $220.)
If you have the money, 2TB drives sometimes offer marginal savings per gigabyte, and can often be found when other models are out of stock. Unless you’re rolling in cash and want to flex, 4TB models should mostly be avoided, as you’ll end up paying more per gigabyte than you would with a 1TB or 2TB drive.
One final note: While the 825GB PS5 only provides 667GB of storage, that’s largely due to storage being reserved for the operating system and caching. If you install a 1TB PS5 SSD, you’ll have, within a margin of error, 1TB of storage available for games.
Can you play PS5 games on external SSD?
Samsung
These external hard drives come at a much lower price point than the high-end internal SSDs, but there are restrictions on what you can do with them. An external SSD connects to your PS5 via USB, and is only suitable for playing PS4 video games, or storing PS5 titles. This is useful if you have anything but the best high-speed internet — it’s faster to move a PS5 game out of “cold storage” on an external drive than it is to re-download it — or just want a large number of PS4 games to hand.
Due to the limitations here, you don’t need the highest-performing model, although you should opt for SSDs over HDDs for improved transfer speeds and load times. Any basic portable drive from a reputable brand will do, with the Crucial X6 and Samsung T5 being options we’ve tried and can recommend.
C ompatible PS5 SSD cards
The official answer to this question is an “M.2 Socket 3 (Key M) Gen4 x4 NVME SSD.” But even within that seemingly specific description, there are still more things to consider. The main requirements Sony has laid out for compatibility come down to speed, cooling and physical dimensions.
For speed, Sony says drives should be able to handle sequential reads at 5,500MB/s. Early testing showed that the PS5 would accept drives as slow as 4,800MB/s, and that games that tap into the SSD regularly — such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — would cause no issues. Pretty much the only thing the PS5 will outright reject is one that doesn’t match the Gen4 x4 spec.
In our opinion, though, using a drive slower than the specification is a risk that, if you don’t already have that drive lying around, is not worth taking. Just because we haven’t found issues yet, that doesn’t mean there won’t be games that will be problematic in the future. The price difference between these marginally slower Gen4 drives and the ones that meet Sony’s spec is not huge, and you may as well cover all your bases.
Slightly more complicated than speed is cooling and size. Most new SSDs are going to be just fine; the PS5 can fit 22mm-wide SSDs of virtually any length (30mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm or 110mm, to be precise). The vast majority of drives you find will be 22mm wide and 80mm long, so no problem there.
It should be noted that the system can fit a 25mm-wide drive, but that width must include the cooling solution. Speaking of, Sony says SSDs require “effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink.” The maximum height supported by Sony’s slot is 11.25mm, of which only 2.45mm can be “below” the drive. This previously meant some of the most popular heatsinked Gen4 SSDs, including Corsair’s MP600 Pro LPX and Sabrent’s Rocket 4 Plus, would not fit within the PS5’s storage expansion slot. Since Engadget first published this guide in 2021, most NVMe makers, including Samsung, have come out with PlayStation-specific models that take care of those considerations.
That said, if you want to save some money, bare drives are often much cheaper, and it’s trivial to find a cooling solution that will work for the PS5.
The only component in an NVMe SSD that really requires cooling is the controller, which without a heatsink will happily sear a (very small) steak. Most SSDs have chips on only one side, but even on double-sided SSDs, the controller is likely to be on top, as manufacturers know it needs to be positioned there to better dissipate heat. So, head to your PC component seller of choice, and pick up basically anything that meets the recommended dimensions. A good search term is “laptop NVME heatsink,” as these will be designed to fit in the confines of gaming laptops, which are even more restrictive than a PS5. They’re also typically cheaper than the ones labeled as “PS5 heatsinks.”
One recommendation is this $7 copper heatsink, which attaches to the PS5 SSD with sticky thermal interface material. It works just fine, and really, performing stress tests on a PC, we couldn’t find anything metal that didn’t keep temperatures under control. When you’re searching, just make sure the solution you go for measures no more than 25mm wide or 8mm tall including the thermal interface material and has a simple method of installation that’s not going to cause any headaches.
Now, if all of that was very boring, here are some ready-to-go recommendations for the best PS5 SSDs.
Corsair
Capacity: Up to 8TB | Sequential read performance: 7,100MB/s | Sequential write performance: 6,800MB/s
The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX makes it to the top of our list for the best PS5 SSD for checking all the boxes. It’s fast, offering excellent performance and read speeds of up to 7,100MB/s. It comes with a pre-installed SSD heatsink and also ships with a five-year warranty. Best of all, the MP600 is affordable. In recent months, the 1TB variant has sold for less than $100 (although it typically comes in at $185), while the 2TB model will set you back about $210.
Capacity: Up to 2TB | Sequential read performance: 6,600MB/s | Sequential write performance: Not available
If you want to save a bit of money by installing your own heatsink, a Crucial P5 Plus NVMe is the best budget option. With read speeds of up to 6,600MB/s, the P5 Plus is only marginally slower than our top pick, and you can frequently find the 1TB model for as little as $80 when it’s on sale. Expect the 2TB variant to set you back about $180 when on discount.
Capacity: Up to 2TB | Sequential read performance: 7,000MB/s | Sequential write performance: 5,000MB/s
If you’re not familiar with companies like Crucial or Corsair and want to go with a more recognizable brand, there’s no bigger player in the NVMe space than Samsung. The company recently began selling a model with a built-in heatsink similar to its highly-regarded 980 Pro SSD. It’s more expensive than some of the other NVMe drives on this list, but not dramatically so. You can expect to pay about $230 for the 1TB model (or around $110 when it’s on sale) and $200 for the 2TB version.
Capacity: Up to 8TB | Sequential read performance: 7,000MB/s | Sequential write performance: 6,600MB/s
Of all the SSDs on this list, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is the most interesting. It comes with a unique heatsink that you install in place of the storage expansion slot’s metal cover. Sabrent claims this design improves cooling performance. Pricing falls in line with Samsung’s offering, with the 1TB variant coming in at around $160 and the 2TB model costing $300.
Capacity: Up to 1TB | Sequential read performance: 7,500MB/s | Sequential write performance: 5,650MB/s
If Sabrent’s design is appealing to you but you can’t find the Rocket 4 Plus for a decent price when you go looking for one, PNY offers a similar cooling solution with the PS5 version of its XLR8 NVMe. You can find the 1TB model for about $107. Expect the 2TB model to set you back about $190.
Capacity: Up to 4TB | Sequential read performance: 7,000MB/s | Sequential write performance: 5,300MB/s
The SN850 is another plug-and-play option for the PS5, offering sequential read speeds in excess of the console’s compatibility requirements and an integrated heatsink. Western Digital sells a Sony-licensed model of the SN850 that comes in 1TB and 2TB variants. The former should set you back about $180, while the latter costs about $300.
Before attempting to add more storage via a PS5 SSD, ensure that you have Sony’s latest software installed. Once you’re up-to-date, installation of a PS5 SSD is fairly straightforward. Sony recommends a #1 Phillips or crosshead screwdriver, but this isn’t rocket science. Any crossed screwdriver of a similar size will do fine.
1. Power everything down to remove the stand
Engadget
Begin by powering down your PS5, unplugging everything, removing the stand and flipping it over to its underside. If you have the regular PS5, that’s the side with the disc drive; if you have the Digital Edition, it’s the side without the PlayStation logo cutout.
Sony has a video guide to popping off the outside cover here, but the gist is you gently lift up the opposing corners and slide the panel toward the flat end of the console. There’s a knack to this, and it requires very little effort or strength. If you’re not getting it, rather than force it just readjust your grip and try again. A member of our video team managed to break one of the tabs on our review unit doing this in the past so… yeah, don’t force it.
2. Access the drive bay
Aaron Souppouris/Engadget
Once you’ve got everything open, you’ll see a rectangular piece of metal with a screw holding it in place. Remove that screw, and you’ll be able to access the drive bay.
You’ll see five holes inside, each numbered corresponding to the standard SSD drive lengths I mentioned earlier. The one numbered 110 will have a metal insert and screw inside. You need to unscrew the screw with a screwdriver, and then unscrew the insert with your fingers and move it to the relevant hole. Your eyes should tell you which is the right one for your drive, but it’s most likely going to be 80.
3. Slot in the SSD
Engadget
Then take your SSD — mine is a 980 Pro I bought on Prime Day with a $2 piece of aluminum attached to the top — and slot it in. The slot is at the edge closest to the number “30,” and SSDs are keyed to only fit in one way, so again, no force is required. If it’s not sliding in, don’t force it. You’ll notice the SSD doesn’t sit flat — that’s fine, and is as intended.
4. Screw the drive bay back in
Engadget
Once the SSD is seated, take the screw you removed from the insert, line it up with the little notch at the end of your SSD, and push down so it meets the insert. Give the screw a few turns — it doesn’t need to be very tight — and you’re done.
Replace the metal cover and screw it down, and then slide the plastic outer shell back on. When you first turn on the PS5, it’ll prompt you to format the drive. Do that! You have now successfully expanded your console’s storage, and can set about downloading and moving games to it. Personally, I moved all of the PS4 games I had to the new drive, along with all of my clips and screenshots. The PS5’s built-in SSD is always going to be the most compliant, so I’m keeping my important stuff there.
We’ll be updating this guide as more SSDs come to market and onto our test bench, so feel free to bookmark it for when you need it.
Adding high-speed plug-in storage capacity to your computer is so easy it’s something every Mac user should consider. Here are some of the best consumer-oriented external SSDs that are designed for portability.
Today is World Backup Day, which seems a good opportunity to explore external storage options. Especially as there are deals on some of the best SSDs available.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
External storage offers advantages
Apple charges an arm and a leg for additional built-in storage capacity. Configuring a MacBook Air with an additional 256GB costs a whopping $200, for instance. An external SSD it’s a lot more affordable — you can add terabytes of storage for that same amount.
True, the plug-in accessory isn’t quite as convenient, but it’s close. And it’s the better option for Time Machine backups because you can leave the drive at home where it’s not at risk.
To make a a “best of” list, any portable SSD has to include USB-C. That means you can use it with multiple Macs but also your iPad and maybe even your iPhone.
Plus, think about the future. When you switch to a newer computer in a couple of years, the portable SSD you buy now is still useful. Built-in storage goes with the Mac.
Table of contents:
Samsung T9
The Samsung T9 SSD is small but holds terabytes of data. Photo: Samsung
The best external SSD I’ve tested is the Samsung T9. The solid-state drive is small enough and tough enough to go almost anywhere. And it’s available in capacities up to 4 terabytes.
It’s 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches by 0.6 inches, and covered in a layer of rubber. That allows it to survive drops up to 9.8 feet (3 meters), and it’s much less slick than aluminum.
For Mac or iPad users, the external SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 over its USB-C port. Using this standard, it offers speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.
Don’t miss my Samsung T9 review, and also don’t miss the Amazon sale on the accessory going on now.
Buy it on sale:
Kingston XS1000 or XS2000
Add up to 2TB of storage to your Mac or iPad with this pocket-size SSD. Photo: Kingston
Two more of the best SSDs on the market are the Kingston XS1000 and XS2000. Each is about the size of pack of gum.
The XS1000 holds up to 2 terabytes of data, and is 2.75 inches by 1.3 inches by 0.5 inches. It has a plastic exterior, and Kingston makes no promises about drop survivability. The Cult of Mac review goes into more detail.
The Kingston XS2000 comes in capacities up to 4TB. It is about the same size as its sister model, but comes bundled with a removable sleeve for drop protection.
The 1TB version is $114.99, and some capacities are currently on sale.
On either version, the USB-C port supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, so Mac and iPad users can move data at up to 1,050 MB/s read and 1,000 MB/s write.
Kingston DataTraveler Max
The high-speed Kingston DataTraveler flash drive comes in sizes up to 1TB. Photo: Kingston
Those who need a bit less storage capacity can appreciate the Kingston DataTraveler Max. It’s the smallest option on this “Best SSD” list, and the only one to come with a built-in USB-C connector so it plugs directly into a Mac or iPad, no cable necessary.
It tops out at 1TB of capacity, and offers USB 3.2 Gen 2.
The Samsung T9 and the Kingston’s XS2000 support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which means they can transfer data at up to 20 Gb/s . However, Macs and iPads do not currently support the standard. Apple’s focus is more on Thunderbolt, which is up to twice as fast.
Because Apple users get no benefits from USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, it’s not highlighted on this list. But it’s worth a mention for anyone who’ll use either of the drives with a Windows PC that does support it.
ScaleFlux has announced its latest SSD controller in what could be a significant step up for the company.
The SFX 5016, the successor to the SFX 3016, incorporates several design advancements, including an upgrade from PCIe 4.0 to PCIe 5.0, doubling the host interface speed and bandwidth.
The new controller has been designed to support a maximum storage capacity of up to 256TB, a volume which JB Baker, VP of Products at ScaleFlux believes can be achieved sooner than expected, by taking a leaf out of tape technology.
256TBe drives are coming
Reaching 256TB is a big aim for SSD makers, and one that has some challenging hurdles to overcome. For starters, the physical space, determined by the size and form factor of the SSD, dictates how many NAND components it can accommodate. The density of these components also plays a part, with higher densities providing more storage capacity. The SSD’s overall capacity can be limited by the controller’s ability to handle a certain number of NAND chips and manage them effectively. Additionally, SSDs maintain a “logical to physical map” to track each byte of data stored, typically in DRAM for consistent performance in enterprise SSDs. The amount of DRAM that can fit in the drive can further limit the maximum drive capacity.
For all of those reasons, we likely won’t see a 256TB physical capacity drive arrive until 2026 at the earliest, with pricing expected to come in at around $25,000 each. But there is a solution that’s closer to hand. Baker says a “256T effective through compression drive could arrive by 2025 and cost a fraction of the price.”
While offering a 256TB SSD ahead of the competition, and at a lower price point, sounds great, the method of achieving this is not without controversy.
Transparent compression, a feature included in the SFX 5016 and carried forward from the SFX 3016, is a popular trick borrowed from tape technology that allows an SSD to store more data than its physical capacity by compressing it. As Baker explains “a 3.84TB SSD can store 7.68TB of 2:1 compressible data for ‘effective capacity’. Storage array vendors pitch the ‘TBe’ -Terabyte effective – capacity based on achieving a certain data compression ratio.”
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Although there’s no firm timescale for it, if Baker is right, it’s possible we’ll start seeing the first 256TBe drives late next year.
A newly-discovered, Microsoft-branded SSD suggests the tech giant may be – or has been at least – exploring new ways to optimize its data center storage.
The leaked images of a Microsoft Z1000 SSD show a 1TB NVMe M.2 drive, apparently boasting sequential read speeds of up to 2,400MB/s and write speeds of 1,800MB/s.
The Z1000 SSD, originally revealed by @yuuki_ans on X, is made up of a mix of components from various companies, including Toshiba NAND flash chips, Micron’s DDR4 RAM cache, and a controller from CNEX Labs, a company best known for its work with data center hyperscalers.
(Image credit: @yuuki_ans on X)
Up to 4TB capacity
Back in 2018, CNEX Labs closed a $23 million Series D funding round led by Dell Technologies Capital which also included Microsoft’s venture fund M12. This money was partially used to fund a proprietary, advanced CNX-2670 controller that delivered 550,000 IOPS, a 25% performance increase over previously available M.2 form-factor SSDs at the time. The CNEX Labs controller in the leaked photos is CNX-2670AA-0821.
The SSD has a capacity of 960GB made up of four 256GB Toshiba BiCS4 96-layer eTLC chips and features a 1GB DDR4 RAM cache made by Micron to boost performance.
The leaked “engineering sample”, produced on May 18, 2020 when much of the world was in Covid lockdowns, suggests the drive is part of a broader portfolio of SSD models. Its design allows for the addition of more DRAM and capacitors, hinting at larger versions.
As Tom’s Hardware notes “several unused solder pads are on both sides of the PCB, presumably for additional capacitors. This implies that there may be larger versions of the Z1000 with 2TB and perhaps even 4TB of room, given that more capacity would require more DRAM and capacitors to ensure data protection.”
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has experimented with hardware design for its data centers, having recently revealed its own-brand silicon hardware in order to help further the development and use of AI in businesses.
In the fast-paced world of digital storage, Lexar has joined forces with Silicon Motion to unveil two new Portable Solid-State Drives (PSSDs) that are set to hit the market in early 2024. These drives, the ARMOR 700 and SL500, are designed to meet the demanding speed and durability needs of a diverse group of users, from professional content creators to avid gamers.
This partnership combines Lexar’s expertise in consumer storage with Silicon Motion’s cutting-edge controller technology, aiming to set new benchmarks for portable storage solutions by delivering a blend of rapid transfer speeds, steadfast reliability, and user-friendly convenience.
The ARMOR 700 model is crafted for users who require robustness without compromising on speed. It will be available in storage capacities ranging from 1 TB to 4 TB, and boasts impressive read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s. This means that transferring hefty files can be done in just a few seconds. The device is also built to withstand tough conditions, featuring an IP66 rating for water and dust resistance, as well as the ability to endure drops from up to 3 meters. This level of durability ensures that your data remains safe even in challenging environments.
Portable SSD
On the other hand, the SL500 is tailored for professionals who need swift performance. With read and write speeds of up to 2000 MB/s and 1800 MB/s respectively, this PSSD stands out for its versatility. It is compatible with a wide array of devices, including the latest iPhone models, which is particularly beneficial for videographers who need to record high-quality Apple Log video in 4K 60 FPS ProRes format. The SL500 is an excellent option for those who require a high-performance storage solution that can keep up with their varied technological needs.
Both the ARMOR 700 and SL500 are equipped with Silicon Motion’s advanced single-chip controller and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, ensuring that these compact PSSDs offer ample storage capacity and swift data transfer speeds. They are ideal for users who frequently move large amounts of data and prefer not to be weighed down by bulky equipment. These PSSDs strike a perfect balance between portability and performance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
The collaboration between Lexar and Silicon Motion is poised to make a significant impact on the portable storage industry with the introduction of the ARMOR 700 and SL500 PSSDs. Keep an eye out for their release in the first quarter of 2024, as they are set to improve the way we manage and transfer our digital content. Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of portable SSD storage solutions :
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KIOXIA’s CM7 and CD8P series SSDs have successfully passed the compliance certification for PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 2.0 specifications. This achievement signifies a major leap in the data storage industry, as these new interface specifications offer significantly increased data transfer speeds and bandwidth compared to their predecessors.
The CM7 and CD8P series NVMe SSDs from KIOXIA have successfully undergone rigorous testing for compliance with the PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 2.0 specifications. The PCIe 5.0 interface specification, developed by PCI-SIG, allows for a doubled data transfer speed and bandwidth compared to the PCIe 4.0 specification. This translates to an impressive read throughput of up to 14,000 Megabyte/s for a x4 lane SSD, a significant improvement that can greatly enhance the performance of data-intensive applications.
KIOXIA PCIe 5.0 & NVMe SSD Storage
The tests for PCIe 5.0 compliance were conducted at PCI-SIG compliance workshops. These workshops serve as a platform for testing against PCI-SIG maintained systems and other leading manufacturers of PCIe products. The successful completion of these tests has led to the inclusion of KIOXIA’s CM7 and CD8P series drives on the PCI-SIG Integrator’s List. This inclusion is indicative of the drives meeting the stringent PCIe 5.0 specification requirements, thus assuring users of their performance and reliability.
“NVMe and PCIe technologies are the present and future of SSDs for personal and data center use,” said Maulik Sompura, senior director of product marketing for KIOXIA America, Inc. “At KIOXIA, we are always looking to bring cutting-edge drives that utilize new performance-maximizing standards to market. Compliance with the PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 2.0 specifications is critical to ensure our products deliver as promised.”
In addition to passing the PCIe 5.0 compliance tests, the CM7 and CD8P series drives have also successfully completed conformance testing for the NVMe 2.0 specification. This testing was carried out by The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). As a result of this successful conformance testing, the drives have been added to the UNH-IOL’s official Integrator’s List. This further underscores the reliability and high performance of these drives, as they have been tested and certified by one of the most respected independent testing laboratories in the industry.
PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
The CM7 series enterprise SSDs and CD8P series data center SSDs from KIOXIA are available in different form factors and capacities to meet a variety of needs. The CM7 series SSDs are available in 2.5-inch and E3.S form factors in read-intensive and mixed-use endurances, with capacities up to 30.72 terabytes (TB) (2.5-inch only). Similarly, the CD8P series SSDs are also available in 2.5-inch and E3.S form factors in read-intensive and mixed-use endurances, with capacities up to 30.72TB (2.5-inch only).
“Rigorous testing processes give users confidence in the products they deploy in their data centers,” said Kerry Munson, Operations Manager, Datacenter Technologies for UNH-IOL. “KIOXIA NVMe SSDs have passed the stringent testing requirements that the UNH-IOL demands in order to be included in our NVMe Integrator’s List.”
The successful certification of KIOXIA’s CM7 and CD8P series SSDs for PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 2.0 compliance signifies a major advancement in the data storage industry. The increased data transfer speeds and bandwidth that these new specifications offer could greatly enhance the performance of data-intensive applications, making these drives an excellent choice for enterprises and data centers seeking to optimize their data storage and retrieval capabilities.
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Team Group’s has this week announced its latest offerings to the gaming community in the form of a new series of solid-state drives (SSDs). The T-FORCE gaming SSDs, including the G70, G70 PRO, G50, and G50 PRO models, are the new allies in your quest for an unparalleled gaming experience, says Team Group.
At the heart of these SSDs lies the advanced PCIe Gen 4×4 interface, a technology that’s all about speed. It’s the kind of speed that slashes load times, making them almost imperceptible, and it’s the kind of speed that lets you dive into your games faster than ever before. The inclusion of InnoGrit controllers takes this a step further, ensuring that this blistering pace doesn’t come at the cost of reliability. Your data is precious, and these SSDs are built to protect it, letting you focus on the game without worrying about the safety of your saved progress.
Gaming SSDs
Despite their sleek, compact M.2-2280 size, these SSDs pack a punch. Team Group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries is evident in their patented graphene heat sinks. These aren’t just for show; they’re a critical component that helps dissipate heat, ensuring that your SSD maintains its top performance even when you’re hours deep into your favorite game. And for those who like to push their gear to the limit, the G70 PRO model comes with an extra layer of armor—an aluminum alloy heatsink that provides even more cooling power.
Console gamers, particularly those with a PlayStation 5, have reason to celebrate as well. These SSDs are ready to slot into the PS5’s expansion bay, bridging the gap between PC and console gaming performance. It’s a significant step forward, bringing high-speed storage solutions to a wider audience.
G70 and G70 PRO SSDs
When it comes to performance, the numbers speak for themselves. The G70 and G70 PRO models deliver read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s, while the G50 and G50 PRO models are hot on their heels with speeds of up to 5000 MB/s. These aren’t just incremental improvements; they’re the kind of leap forward that translates to noticeably faster system startups, game loads, and smoother in-game experiences.
But speed isn’t the only factor that defines these SSDs. They also employ SLC cache technology, with the PRO models getting an additional boost from DRAM caching. This not only gives you ample storage space but also ensures that the SSDs use their memory as efficiently as possible, staying quick and responsive under any load.
To help you keep your SSD in top shape, Team Group provides a proprietary S.M.A.R.T. monitoring software. This handy tool lets you perform performance tests and monitor various health indicators of your SSD. It’s like having a personal doctor for your SSD, ensuring it stays fit and performs at its best for as long as possible.
And when it comes to getting your hands on one of these SSDs, convenience is key. They’ll be available on Amazon’s North American store by the end of December, so upgrading your gaming setup can be as easy as a few clicks.
Team Group’s T-FORCE gaming SSDs are more than just storage devices; they’re a testament to the company’s dedication to the gaming community. With cutting-edge features like the PCIe Gen 4×4 interface, InnoGrit controllers, and advanced cooling solutions, these SSDs are engineered to keep you ahead of the game.
To stay updated on these and other developments, keep an eye on Team Group’s official website and their social media channels.
Filed Under: Hardware, Top News
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