Tech News: SK hynix Unveils High-Capacity SSD 'PS1012 U.2' for AI Data Centers

On December 18, SK hynix announced the development of the high-capacity solid-state drive (SSD) product, the ‘PS1012 U.2’*?(hereinafter referred to as PS1012), designed specifically for AI data centers.

*U.2: A type of Form Factor for SSDs, typically 2.5 inches in size, primarily used in servers or high-performance workstations. It is known for large capacity storage and high durability.

The demand for high-performance enterprise SSDs (eSSDs) is rising rapidly, and the industry is increasingly adopting QLC* (Quad-Level Cell)?technology?to achieve higher capacities. In response to this trend, SK hynix has developed and launched a 61TB product based on this technology.

*QLC: NAND flash is divided into SLC (Single Level Cell), MLC (Multi Level Cell), TLC (Triple Level Cell), QLC (Quadruple Level Cell), and PLC (Penta Level Cell) depending on how much information is stored in one cell. As the amount of information stored increases, more data can be stored in the same area.

Solidigm, a subsidiary of SK hynix, is the first in the world to commercialize enterprise-grade SSDs based on QLC technology. Centered around Solidigm, SK hynix is leading the market for SSDs tailored to AI data centers. The company expects that the development of the PS1012 will allow it to build a balanced portfolio of SSD products, maximizing the synergy between the two companies.

The PS1012 utilizes the latest fifth-generation PCIe* technology, which doubles the bandwidth compared to products based on the fourth-generation PCIe. As a result, data transfer speeds can reach 32 GT/s (gigatransfers per second), and the sequential read performance is twice as fast as previous-generation models, reaching 13 GB/s (gigabytes per second).

*Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe): A high-speed input/output interface with a serial structure used on the main board of a digital device.

*Giga-transfers per second (GT/s): Number of operations or information transferred per second

Additionally, the PS1012 supports OCP*?2.0, improving compatibility with a wide range of server equipment for AI data center customers globally.

*Open Compute Project (OCP): An international consultative body that involves major data center companies around the world to discuss hardware, software and eSSD standards for building ultra-high-efficiency data centers.

SK hynix plans to provide samples of the PS1012 for product evaluation by global server manufacturers within this year, with the aim to expand the product line to 122TB in the third quarter of next year. In November 2024, SK hynix developed the world’s highest 321-layer 4D NAND flash technology. To push the limits of enterprise SSD capacity, the company is also developing a 244TB product based on this 321-layer 4D NAND technology, setting the stage to lead the ultra-high-capacity SSD market for data centers.

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