Samsung Creates 256TB SSD for Data Centers

Samsung’s semiconductor division revealed at the Flash Memory Summit 2023 that they have developed a 256TB SSD, which offers substantial power efficiency, consuming up to seven times less power than a stack of eight 32TB SSDs. This QLC-based SSD boasts an unprecedented level of integration density and is targeted at hyper-scale data centers and enterprises. Additionally, Samsung introduced the PBSSD architecture, a petabyte-scale ultra-high capacity solution that offers scalability based on application needs. They also demonstrated Flexible Data Placement (FDP), a technology that optimizes data placement to enhance performance and predictability while minimizing costs. The company highlighted the open-source nature of the FDP software.

Further storage solutions showcased include the PM1743 server SSD, the first to use a PCIe 5.0 interface and claim twice the power efficiency of its predecessor. This SSD, with capacities up to 15.36TB, is intended for generative AI applications like ChatGPT and is set for release later this year. Samsung also unveiled the PM9D3a 2.5-inch server SSD with capacities ranging from 7.68TB to 30.72TB, using the PCIe 5.0 standard and offering increased speed and performance compared to the previous model. These drives will be available in various form factors and lineups starting from the first half of the following year.

Samsung’s developments reflect the growing trend of high-capacity SSDs aimed at both enterprise and retail use. As storage needs continue to expand, the decreasing cost of SSDs suggests that high-capacity drives could eventually become more accessible to consumers.