Samsung PM9A1 PCIe Gen4 NVMe Client Up to 2TB M.2 SSD With Sixth-Gen V-NAND

PC OEMs seeking to deliver optimal performance and user experience have a new avenue available to them: the data transfer rates of the PCIe Gen4 interface standard, which offers double the bandwidth of its PCIe Gen3 predecessor.

To make it easy for those companies to take advantage of this technology, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the availability of its PM9A1, an OEM-qualified PCIe Gen4 NVMe client SSD.

Engineered for OEM applications and incorporating the company‘s own NAND, controller, and firmware into the compact M.2 form factor, the PM9A1 is a first device of its type to be integrated into an OEM producer’s laptop.

Like the firm‘s 980 Pro SSD (the first PCIe Gen 4 product delivered to retail channels), the PM9A1 provides sequential read speeds of 7,000MB/s for 50% faster file operations and boosts random read speeds by 50% to 1,000,000 IO/s for improved system response. These fast data transfer speeds make the PM9A1 for a range of demanding applications, enabling the growth of a number of emerging applications.

“The PM9A1 represents a big step forward for SSD technology. From our newest gen V6 NAND, to the custom firmware and controller, everything is developed in house to deliver the best performance available in the market,” said Jaejune Kim, corporate SVP, memory marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. “In demanding applications such as gaming, V/R and A/R, graphic design, as well as video editing, storage is becoming increasingly important not just as a data repository, but as a key technology enabler. The PM9A1 is an essential building block to next-gen computing.“

“Our customers’ priorities have shifted over the last year of remote work, and ensuring they have access to the essential compute technology needed to power how and where they work is critical,” said Jim Nottingham, GM and global head, advanced compute and solutions, HP Inc. “There is clear demand for PCIe Gen4’s capabilities and HP is working closely with Samsung to offer future support for the PM9A1, delivering increased bandwidth for even greater performance and seamless workflows for data-intensive users.“

The PM9A1’s ease of integration into workstations, desktops and laptops and its optimized power efficiency is for a rapplications including the performance systems. With storage capacities of up to 2TB, and by the ease with which users can access advanced features, like performance optimization and data protection, it benefits the entire user experience.

All the key components, DRAM, V-NAND, and Elpis controller are developed by the company. The PM9A1 uses sixth gen V-NAND, which has 12% faster read and 20% write speed, and 15% reduced power consumption compared to the prior gen. The drive is also equipped with a thermal control technology to allow the drive to perform well at cool temperatures and prevent overheating, which is important during heavy workload use.

The PM9A1 is shipping on select devices from HP and other major PC OEMs, with wider availability beginning in 2Q21.

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