U.3 SSDs for Data Center Workloads

Micron is taking the wraps off their newest information heart SSD providing at present. The 9400 NVMe Sequence builds upon Micron’s success with their third-generation 9300 sequence launched again in Q2 2019. The 9300 sequence had adopted the U.2 form-factor with a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, and utilized their 64L 3D TLC NAND. With a most capability of 15.36 TB, the drive matched the highest-capacity HDDs on the storage quantity entrance at the moment (clearly with a lot larger efficiency numbers). Previously couple of years, the information heart has moved in direction of PCIe 4.0 and U.3 in a bid to maintain up with efficiency necessities and unify NVMe, SAS, and SATA help. Holding these in thoughts, Micron is releasing the 9400 NVMe sequence of U.3 SSDs with a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface utilizing their now-mature 176L 3D TLC NAND. Elevated capability per die can be now enabling Micron to current 2.5″ U.3 drives with capacities as much as 30.72 TB, successfully doubling capability per rack over the earlier era.

Much like the 9300 NVMe sequence, the 9400 NVMe sequence can be optimized for data-intensive workloads and is available in two variations – the 9400 PRO and 9400 MAX. The Micron 9400 PRO is optimized for read-intensive workloads (1 DWPD), whereas the Micron 9400 MAX is supposed for blended use (3 DWPD). The utmost capability factors are 30.72 TB and 25.60 TB respectively. The specs of the 2 drive households are summarized within the desk beneath.

The 9400 NVMe SSD sequence is already in quantity manufacturing for AI / ML and different HPC workloads. The transfer to a sooner interface, in addition to higher-performance NAND allows a 77% enchancment in random IOPS per watt over the earlier era. Micron can be claiming higher all spherical efficiency throughout quite a lot of workloads in comparison with enterprise SSDs from opponents.

The Micron 9400 PRO goes in opposition to the Solidigm D7-5520, Samsung PM1733, and the Kioxia CM6-R. The Solidigm D7-5520 is handicapped by decrease capability factors (on account of its use of 144L TLC), leading to decrease efficiency in opposition to the 9400 PRO in all however the sequential reads numbers. The Samsung PM1733 additionally tops out at 15.36TB with efficiency numbers just like that of the Solidigm mannequin. The Kioxia CM6-R is the one different U.3 SSD with capacities as much as 30.72TB. Nonetheless, its efficiency numbers throughout all corners lags properly behind the 9400 PRO’s.

The Micron 9400 MAX has competitors from the Solidigm D7-P5620, Samsung PM1735, and the Kioxia CM6-V. Aside from sequential reads, the Solidigm D7-P5620 lags the 9400 MAX in efficiency in addition to capability factors. The PM1735 is simply out there in an HHHL AIC form-factor and makes use of PCIe 4.0 x8 interface. So, regardless of its 8 GBps sequential learn efficiency, it will probably’t be deployed in a way just like that of the 9400 MAX. The Kioxia CM6-V tops out at 12.8TB and has decrease efficiency numbers in comparison with the 9400 MAX.

Regardless of not being the primary to launch 32TB-class SSDs into the information heart market, Micron has ensured that their eventual providing gives top-tier efficiency throughout quite a lot of workloads in comparison with the competitors. We hope to current some hands-on efficiency numbers for the SSD within the coming weeks.