Kioxia America, Inc. has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in data storage technology with the development and prototype demonstration of its new CD9P Series PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs. As data-intensive applications continue to grow in demand, Kioxia’s latest offerings promise to deliver remarkable performance and efficiency tailored for next-generation computing environments, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
Next-Generation Flash Memory Technology
The CD9P Series integrates Kioxia’s state-of-the-art 8th Gen BiCS FLASH TLC-based 3D flash memory. This innovative architecture utilizes CMOS Directly Bonded to Array (CBA) technology, which significantly enhances power efficiency, performance, and storage density. Notably, the new design allows for a doubling of capacity compared to its predecessor, thus enabling users to deploy larger workloads while maintaining optimal performance levels. This leap in capacity is crucial as industries increasingly rely on large datasets for their operations.
“As GPU-accelerated AI servers drive the demands on storage infrastructure, maintaining high throughput, low latency, and consistent performance is critical,” said Neville Ichhaporia, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the SSD business unit at Kioxia America. He highlighted that the CD9P Series is specifically designed to ensure that GPUs remain highly utilized, which is essential for maximizing efficiency across various AI, ML, and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads.
Enhanced Performance Metrics
The CD9P Series SSDs offer substantial advancements in performance, empowering users with the capabilities needed to handle intensive applications. The 15.36TB model reportedly delivers approximately 60% and 45% enhancements in sequential read and write speeds per watt, respectively, when compared to previous-generation models. Furthermore, random read and write performances have seen gains of approximately 55% and 100%, respectively, measured in thousands of input/output operations (KIOs).
Kioxia emphasizes the comprehensive performance improvements, boasting up to a 125% increase in random write speeds, along with 30% and 20% enhancements in random read and sequential read speeds, respectively. Regarding sequential write speeds, the CD9P Series achieves a 25% improvement, showcasing Kioxia’s commitment to delivering superior technology that meets the needs of contemporary data centers.
Key Features and Specifications
The CD9P Series SSDs are engineered for a broad spectrum of applications, providing specialized features to enhance operations within data centers:
- Compliance with PCIe 5.0, NVMe 2.0, and NVMe-MI 1.2c standards.
- Support for Open Compute Project Datacenter NVMe SSD specification v2.5.
- Available in two form factors: a 2.5-inch with a 15mm thickness and EDSFF E3.S.
- Endurance ratings for read-intensive (1 Drive Writes Per Day) and mixed-use scenarios (3 DWPD).
- Sequential performance of 14.8 GB/s read and 7 GB/s write for 128KB @ QD32 workloads.
- Random performance of 2,600 KIOs read and 750 KIOs write for 4KB @ QD512 workloads.
- Capacity options of up to 61.44TB for 2.5-inch models and up to 30.72TB for E3.S models.
- Support for CNSA 2.0 signing algorithm to counteract potential threats posed by quantum computing.
Implications for the Future of Data Storage
The release of Kioxia’s CD9P Series SSDs signifies a pivotal moment for enterprises seeking robust storage solutions that can handle the demands of modern applications. With AI and ML workloads expected to escalate, the need for high-performance, reliable storage becomes paramount. Kioxia’s focus on power efficiency and performance further positions the CD9P Series as a critical asset for organizations striving to enhance their data processing capabilities.
Moreover, with the rising significance of quantum computing in cybersecurity, the inclusion of the CNSA 2.0 signing algorithm within the CD9P Series highlights Kioxia’s proactive approach to securing data integrity against emerging threats. This foresight is essential as the technology landscape continues to evolve rapidly.
The CD9P Series SSDs are currently sampling to select customers and are set to be showcased at the upcoming HPE Discover Las Vegas 2025, taking place from June 23 to 26. This event will offer a platform for Kioxia to demonstrate the innovative capabilities of these drives to a wider audience and further solidify their presence in the data storage market.
Quick Reference Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 5.0, NVMe 2.0 |
| Form Factors | 2.5-inch, EDSFF E3.S |
| Sequential Read Speed | 14.8 GB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | 7 GB/s |
| Random Read Performance | 2,600 KIOs |
| Random Write Performance | 750 KIOs |