ScaleFlux, a leader in deploying computational storage at scale, today announced its commitment to integrating the Arm Cortex -R82 processor in its forthcoming line of enterprise Solid State Drive (SSD) controllers. The Cortex-R82, is the highest performance real-time processor from Arm and the first to implement the 64-bit Armv8-R AArch64 architecture, representing a significant advancement in processing power and efficiency for enterprise storage solutions.

ScaleFlux's adoption of the Cortex-R82 is a strategic move to leverage the processor's high performance and energy efficiency. This collaboration underscores ScaleFlux's dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology in its SSD controllers, enhancing data processing capabilities and efficiency for data center and AI infrastructure worldwide.

Thermaltake today introduced the MS-1, a fan-heatsink cooler for SSDs in the M.2-2280 form-factor. The cooler consists of an extruded aluminium heatsink with a flattened copper heatpipe running along its length, to more effectively spread heat from the controller across the heatsink. Thermaltake also includes a thermal pad that's meant to be installed between the heatsink and the drive, to compensate for any minor Z-height differences that may exist between the controller, DRAM chip, and the NAND flash chips. There is a second thermal pad for components on the reverse side of the drive's PCB, which makes contact with the "taco shell" backplate of the cooler. This heatsink is ventilated by a tiny fan which turns at speeds of up to 8,000 RPM, pushing 0.44 CFM of airflow at 1.6 mm H₂O static pressure, and a measured noise of 16 dBA. The fan is rated for 60,000 hours by Thermaltake. The cooler measures 74 mm x 23 mm x 17.9 mm, and is designed to minimize interference in the CPU socket area. The company didn't reveal pricing.

As the IT sector continues to seek answers for scaling data processing performance while simultaneously improving efficiency - in terms of performance and density per watt, per system, per rack, and per dollar of CapEx and OpEx - ScaleFlux is answering the call with innovative design choices in its SSD controllers. The SFX 5016 promises to set new standards both for performance and for power efficiency.

In addition to carrying forward the transparent compression feature that ScaleFlux first released in 2020 in upgraded in 2022 with the SFX 3016 computational storage drive controller, the new SFX 5016 SOC processor includes a number of design advances.

HIMSS is one of the most prestigious trade shows focusing on the latest tech developments as they relate to the healthcare and medical industries. And this year, Apacer returns to HIMSS with even more exciting products and technologies to share with healthcare customers. Apacer's brand-new combination of CoreSnapshot and CoreRescue Auto Self Recovery (ASR) and Self Recovery through USB Drive (USR) is part of a collaboration with the well-known healthcare equipment provider Onyx. CoreSnapshot, which is already very popular with buyers, is a quick and easy drive backup technology that helps keep drives up and running even in the event of a cyberattack.

Now it's joined by CoreRescue ASR and CoreRescue USR, which can internally automate the backup and recovery process based on an analysis of how the system normally functions. Healthcare professionals know that if just one device malfunctions before a surgery, it can lead to rescheduling nightmares and lost income. CoreRescue ASR and CoreRescue USR will keep devices up and running when they need to be. Apacer and Onyx will work together to present a demonstration of CoreRescue USR which will be held during the trade show, so if you're attending HIMSS, you definitely can't afford to miss it!

Apple introduced its new generation of MacBook Air subcompact laptops last week—their press material focused mostly on the "powerful M3 chip" and its more efficient Neural Engine. Storage options were not discussed deeply—you had to dive into the Air M3's configuration page or specification sheet to find out more. Media outlets have highlighted a pleasing upgrade for entry-level models, in the area of internal SSD transfer speeds. Apple has seemingly taken onboard feedback regarding the disappointing performance of its basic MacBook Air M2 model—its 256 GB storage solution houses a lone 3D NAND package. Max Tech's Vadim Yuryev was one of the first media personalities to discover the presence of two NAND flash chips within entry-level MacBook Air M3 systems—his channel's video teardown can be watched below.

The upgrade from a single chip to a twin configuration has granted higher read and write speeds—Yuryev shared Blackmagic SSD speed test results; screengrabs from his video coverage are attached to this article. M3 MacBook Air's 256 GB solution achieved write speeds of 2,108 MB/s, posting 33% faster performance when compared to an equivalent M2 MacBook Air configuration. The M3 model recorded read speeds of 2,880 MB/s—Wccftech was suitably impressed by this achievement: "making it a whopping 82 percent than its direct predecessor, making it quite an impressive result. The commendable part is that Apple does not require customers to upgrade to the 512 GB storage variants of the M3 MacBook Air to witness higher read and write speeds." Performance is still no match when lined up against "off-the-shelf" PCIe 3.0 x4 drives, and tech enthusiasts find the entry price point of $1099 laughable. Apple's lowest rung option nets a 13-inch model that packs non-upgradable 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Early impressions have also put a spotlight on worrying thermal issues—Apple's fan-less cooling solution is reportedly struggling to temper their newly launched M3 mobile chipset.

PNY announces the latest addition to their line-up of the portable SSDs - RP60 Portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. The new RP60 Portable SSD was designed with creative wanderlusts and on-the-go professionals in mind to provide a highly portable and extremely durable data storage solution. With a compact form factor and convenient clip loop, the RP60 can easily go wherever the adventure takes you. Travel with confidence that your data is secure and protected, with the RP60's tough, outer silicone shell which makes the drive resistant to drops, water and dust Plus, experience top-tier performance with read/write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s and 1,800 MB/s3, respectively, and broad compatibility across various devices, thanks to the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C connector.

Offered in 1 TB and 2 TB capacities, the RP60 facilitates convenient storage and swift transfers of large multimedia files. Creators can access and edit high-resolution images and videos with ease for smooth editing and playback experiences. While gamers can enjoy lightning-fast installations and loading times for their extensive gaming libraries. Mainstream users too will find the RP60 Portable SSD to be an excellent choice as both a dedicated system backup drive or an everyday-use storage companion, perfect for securely storing and accessing critical work documents, projects, and large libraries of photos and movies.

The third quarter of 2023 witnessed suppliers dramatically cutting production, which underpinned enterprise SSD prices. The fourth quarter saw a resurgence in contract prices, driven by robust buying activity and heightened demand from server brands and buoyed by optimistic capital expenditure forecasts for 2024. This, combined with increased demand from various end products entering their peak sales period and ongoing reductions in OEM NAND Flash inventories, resulted in some capacity shortages. Consequently, fourth-quarter enterprise SSD prices surged by over 15%. TrendForce highlights that this surge in demand and prices led to a 47.6% QoQ increase in enterprise SSD industry revenues in 4Q23, reaching approximately $23.1 billion.

The stage is set for continued fervor as we settle into the new year and momentum from server brand orders continues to heat up—particularly from Chinese clients. On the supply side, falling inventory levels and efforts to exit loss-making positions have prompted enterprise SSD prices to climb, with contract prices expected to increase by over 25%. This is anticipated to fuel a 20% revenue growth in Q1.

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it has once again closed out a successful year maintaining the No. 1 spot QoQ. This consistent performance has resulted in securing a 23.8% market share in the channel SSD market for 2023.

Data gathered by TRENDFOCUS confirmed Kingston as the number one client SSD vendor in the channel for unit market share, with 27.4 million client SSDs shipped in 2023. Q4 alone saw Kingston's client SSD market share at 21.3% and 5.7 million units shipped. Continued effort in the development of high quality client drives like NV2, two options of Kingston FURY Renegade SSD, and KC3000 provide PCIe 4.0 NVMe solution for all, from the novice upgrader to power user who requires more from their system. Additionally in 2023, Kingston expanded its varied product lineup with XS1000 external and DC600M enterprise class SSDs.

Sabrent today launched the Rocket Nano V2 portable SSD series. The drive measures 15 mm x 33 mm x 73 mm in size (HxDxW), weighing just 54 g, with the included silicone sleeve, and 11.9 mm x 29.6 mm x 69.5 mm, weighing 46 g, without the sleeve. It comes in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB capacities, and uses a single USB type-C cable connection for both power and host connectivity.

Both USB-C to USB-C, and USB-C to USB-A cables are included in the package. At the interface level, the Sabrent Rocket Nano V2 takes advantage of 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. It offers sequential transfer speeds of up to 1500 MB/s for both reads and writes. Available now, the 1 TB variant is priced at USD $119.99, the 2 TB variant at $199.99, and the 4 TB variant at $449.99.

EK, the leading name in custom loop liquid cooling, is proudly announcing the launch of the latest water-cooling-focused PC case made in collaboration with InWin, the renowned case manufacturer. The new EK-Quantum InWin 977EK was engineered from scratch with water cooling and ease of use in mind. It's a premium quality PC case that can accommodate two 420 mm radiators, has dedicated mounts for pumps, reservoirs, and combo units, and offers the ultimate user-friendly experience for custom loop liquid cooling enthusiasts.

EK-QUANTUM InWin 977EK
Crafted from a single, robust piece of 4 mm-thick, high-quality brushed aluminium, the outer shell of this PC case proudly embodies the iconic InWin aesthetic. Meticulously bent by skilled artisans using hand-operated techniques, it showcases their dedication to craftsmanship.

Nextorage Corporation's President, Katsuyuki Honda, has announced that the company will start selling its PCIe Gen 5.0-compliant NVMe SSDs "X Series" this month. The PCIe 5.0-compliant X Series is equipped with a high-performance controller and advanced NAND flash for unparalleled high-speed performance, making it ideal for professional use cases that require high-load processing, such as 4K/8K content creators and data scientists, as well as for users pursuing high-end gaming environments. It is ideal for users who pursue high-end gaming environments.

The NN5PRO-2000 is ideal for professional use cases such as 4K/8K content creators and data scientists who require high-load processing, as well as for users pursuing high-end gaming environments. Maximum read speed of 12,400 MB/s, maximum write speed of 11,800 MB/s—this is the measured values of Nextorage's NN5PRO-2 TB model.

Hitachi LG Data Storage, SK hynix's global distributor has recently unveiled the 'Tube T31,' a novel USB stick-type SSD, in Japan and Korea. This innovative product aims to alleviate the storage constraints of gaming devices like PlayStation 5 and Xbox. The Tube T31 features a sleek and lightweight design, making it suitable for a variety of devices including gaming consoles, PCs, laptops, and smart TVs. With an impressive transfer rate of 10 Gbps and sequential read and write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s, it meets the demands of avid gamers.

Following its favorable reception in Japan and Korea, Hitachi LG Data Storage is preparing for a global launch of the Tube T31, with a special spring promotion targeted at console gaming enthusiasts worldwide. The promotion is tailored specifically for customers in 10 countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Singapore.

Transcend, a premier manufacturer of embedded memory products and storage solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the all-new MTS570P, a Power Loss Protection (PLP) SSD aimed at enhancing storage reliability for embedded systems. Engineered with a compact form factor without compromising on performance, it is an ideal solution for edge servers, IoV systems, network switches, POS machines, and various other types of edge devices.

Power Loss Protection (PLP) stands as a critical feature in modern embedded systems, particularly when used in rugged environments. Its main purpose is to safeguard data integrity during unstable power supply or unexpected power loss/failure, ultimately enhancing overall system reliability and safety by providing a stable and secure storage solution.

LG Electronics USA (LG) today announced pricing and availability of its 2024 premium lineup of laptops - the LG gram Pro and LG gram Pro 2-in-1. The 16- and 17-inch LG gram Pro models retail for $2399 (16Z90SP-A.ADB9U1) and $2499 (17Z90SP-E.ADB9U1) respectively while the CES 2024 Innovation Award-winning 16-inch gram Pro 2-in-1 (16T90SP-K.ADB9U1) retails for $2099. For a limited time, customers shopping on LG.com can pre-order the 16- and 17-inch LG gram Pro and 16-inch LG gram Pro 2-in-1.

Throughout the duration of the pre-order period from February 21, 2024, to March 10, 2024, customers will be able to purchase the 32 GB-RAM/2 TB-SSD LG gram Pro laptop for the price of a 16 GB-RAM/1 TB-SSD model of the same screen size. They'll also receive an LG gram +view IPS portable monitor (16MR70.ASDU) and expedited shipping at no additional cost. All standard terms of purchase apply.

Samsung is partnering with Square Enix to launch a limited collector's edition package of the 990 PRO 2 TB SSD co-branded with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (FFVII Rebirth). The package consists of a special 180 mm x 180 mm x 175 mm (WxDxH) cuboidal box with branding and imagery from FFVII Rebirth characters. Inside, you'll find a Samsung 990 PRO 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSD with its reference heatsink. The heatsink makes the drive compatible with the PlayStation 5. There are no changes in the specs of the drive—it offers 2 TB of storage with a 2 GB LPDDR4 DRAM cache, and transfer speeds of up to 7450 MB/s sequential reads, and up to 6950 MB/s sequential writes, making it among the fastest Gen 4 SSDs in the market. But that's it with the bundle—you don't actually get the game, but a special edition box that can make for a good background prop if you're streaming. The limited collector's edition is expected to come out some time in March 2024.

GIGABYTE today introduced the Gen 4 4000E line of value M.2 NVMe SSDs that take advantage of the PCI-Express Gen 4 host interface, as it says on the tin. These drives form the company's new entry level M.2 NVMe SSD series. The drive comes in 250 GB, 500 GB, and 1 TB capacities, and are really targeted at the crowd that likes to pick up well-priced processor+motherboard+DRAM+SSD bundles in the DIY retail channel. The company didn't specify controller and NAND flash type, but we gather from the specs sheet that it uses a DRAMless controller.

The 1 TB variant (model: G440E1TB) offers sequential speeds of up to 4 GB/s reads, with up to 3.9 GB/s sequential writes. The 500 GB and 250 GB variants offer speeds that don't really need Gen 4 bandwidth. The 500 GB model (G440E500G) does up to 3.6 GB/s sequential reads, with up to 3 GB/s sequential writes. The 250 GB (G440E250G) model offers 3.5 GB/s reads, with up to 1.8 GB/s sequential writes. Endurance is rated at 320 TBW for the 1 TB model, 300 TBW for the 500 GB model, and 150 TBW for the 250 GB model. All three models are backed by 3-year warranties. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Seizing the Edge: Cervoz Adapts to Shifting Data Landscape—The rapid emergence of technologies like AIoT and 5G and their demand for high-speed data processing has accelerated the data transition from the cloud to the edge. This shift exposes data to unpredictable environments with extreme temperature variations, vibrations, and space constraints, making it critical for edge devices to thrive in these settings. Cervoz strategically targets the blooming edge computing sector by introducing an extensive array of compact product lines, enhancing its existing SSDs, DRAM, and Modular Expansion Cards to meet the unique needs of edge computing.

Cervoz Reveals NVMe M.2 SSDs and Connectivity Solutions to Power the Edge
Cervoz introduces its latest compact PCIe Gen. 3x2 SSD offerings, the T421 M.2 2242 (B+M key) and T425 M.2 2230 (A+E key). These space-efficient design and low power consumption feature offer exceptional performance, catering to the storage needs of fanless embedded PCs and motherboards for purpose-built edge applications. Cervoz is also leading the way in developing connectivity solutions, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Serial, USB, and CAN Bus all available in M.2 2230 (A+E key) and M.2 2242/2260/2280 (B+M) form factors. The M.2 (B+M key) 2242/2260/2280 card is a versatile three-in-one solution designed for maximum adaptability. While it initially comes in a 2280 form factor, it can be easily adjusted to fit 2260 or 2242 sizes. It offers an effortless upgrade of existing systems without sacrificing connection capability, especially in edge devices.

More than mere modes of transportation, today's software-defined vehicles are a result of the ongoing transformation of the automobile from a product that is mainly hardware-based to a software-centric device on wheels. Premium vehicles today can have up to 150 million lines of software code, distributed among hundreds of electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, cameras, Lidar and more.

It is critical for automotive OEMs to ensure the quality and reliability of these software-intensive systems. Automotive SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination) is an industry-standard guideline for evaluating the automotive embedded software development process. This ISO/IEC 15504 standard proves the software and development capabilities of automotive suppliers and manufacturers meet OEM requirements and incorporate best practices throughout the automotive software development cycle.

Solid State Disks Ltd. (SSDL), a leading manufacturer of solid-state-drives (SSDs) and a value-added reseller (VAR) of latest-technology Flash and DRAM solutions, has launched SCSIFlash-Fast, a swap-in upgrade/replacement for electromechanical hard disk drives (HDDs) that use the SCSI interface. Initially available with 68- and 80-pin connectors and write speeds of up to 80 MB/s, SCSIFlash-Fast uses proven SCSI drive architecture and industrial CFast or M.2 SSD memory (with storage capacities ranging from 2 GB to 1 TB). The drive features configurable hardware, allowing the OEMs of (or those responsible for maintaining) legacy systems to replace or upgrade obsolete HDDs that were made in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, and improve system reliability and security.

James Hilken, SSDL's Sales & Marketing Director, says: "There are several computer-based systems in use within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, medical, telecommunications and other sectors that were designed decades ago and were fitted with then state-of-the-art SCSI hard disk drives. With their moving parts, these long-obsolete drives are increasingly failing. Our SCSIFlash-Fast drive is a highly reliable swap-in replacement for virtually any SCSI hard disk drive that's more than 20 years old." SCSIFlash-Fast is configured to order and can replicate the exact behavior of the SCSI HDD it replaces, meaning no modifications need to be made to the host system; which in many cases must not be modified (i.e. its functionality has been certified) or it is simply not cost-effective to do so. With SSDL's SCSIFlash-Fast, the SCSI version is set to that of the host system (SASI, SCSI-1, SCSI-2 or Ultra3) and the disk sector size is set to 256, 512, 768, 1024, 2048 or 4096. Other configurations can also be applied, including the preloading of data.

Patriot Memory, a leading manufacturer of high-performance enthusiast memory modules, SSDs, flash storage, and gaming peripherals, proudly introduces the Viper PV553 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD. This groundbreaking SSD is designed with the core idea of delivering next-gen performance, featuring an innovative active cooling system.

The PV553 introduces a revolutionary cooling solution as Patriot's first SSD with a blower fan design. Patriot Memory's cutting-edge advancements ensure active thermal dissipation, providing consistent cooling even during extended usage for intense gaming sessions. Crafted with premium materials and a slim 16.5 mm aluminium heat shield, the PV553 incorporates an embedded thermal sensor, guaranteeing unwavering high performance. With a 5-year warranty, this SSD exemplifies quality and reliability.

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2023, net sales (GAAP) increased sequentially to $202.4 million from $172.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net income (GAAP) increased to $21.1 million, or $0.63 per diluted American Depositary Share of the Company ("ADS") (GAAP), from net income (GAAP) of $10.6 million, or $0.32 per diluted ADS (GAAP), in the third quarter of 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2023, net income (non-GAAP) increased to $31.3 million, or $0.93 per diluted ADS (non-GAAP), from net income (non-GAAP) of $21.1 million, or $0.63 per diluted ADS (non-GAAP), in the third quarter of 2023.

"Our fourth quarter results exceeded expectations as demand across the majority of our products increased sequentially, driven by holiday season demand and normalizing channel inventory," said Wallace Kou, President and CEO of Silicon Motion. "Both eMMC+UFS and SSD controller demand grew strongly in the quarter. We are confident that our teams' ongoing commitment to deliver controller solutions that enable our customers to service a broader range of markets will continue to drive share gains for us and be the foundation for strong growth in 2024 and beyond."

Team Group, the global memory provider of top-of-the-line storage solutions, today announced the release of the MagSafe-compatible Team Group PD20M Magnetic External SSD. It is one of the lightest and thinnest MagSafe-related products on the market. Weighing merely 40 g and measuring only 0.82 cm, the PD20M is easy to grip and take on the go. You can attach it to a mobile device without any additional accessories, and its elegant curved design allows you to comfortably hold it in your hands.

The Team Group PD20M Magnetic External SSD has a magnetic strength of over 0.8 kg, making it able to snap on a mobile device instantly. The stylish and portable design allows users to store valuable data on their phones in a variety of situations. The PD20M Magnetic External SSD uses the USB Type-C interface and is compatible with most devices that use it. These include the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max smartphones, which have a maximum transfer speed of 10 Gbps. Able to store data in a flash, the PD20M delivers performance and convenience, making it the ideal solution for expanding storage capacity.

Crucial launched its Crucial T700 Gen 5 SSD family midway through last year—a "marquee product" within their (at the time) new Pro Series family—thanks to industry-leading performance. Micron's consumer brand boasted about the T700's technical prowess: "sequential read/write speeds (of) up to 12,400 MB/s and 11,800 MB/s respectively." The Micron 232-layer TLC NAND-equipped SSD range was leaked two months ahead of an eventual May 2023 launch, and history is seemingly repeating itself with a semi-related product in early 2024. Hardware sleuth, momomo_us, has uncovered Crucial T705 and T705 Limited Edition models—the latter appears to be outfitted with a special white variation of the company's "SSD5" corrugated passive heatsink design (as seen in W1zzard's T700 review). Crucial's "SSD3" model suffix indicates a barebones package—minus the chunky "premium" aluminium and nickel-plated copper heatsink.

An alleged T705 specification sheet was leaked to social media over the past weekend—courtesy of Deepbluen's response to the initial momomo_us post. Crucial seems to be targeting industry leading performance once more—their 2 TB T705 model leads the pack with 14,500 MB/s read and 12,700 MB/s write speeds. The capacity range topper (4 TB) trails a little bit behind at 14,100 MB/s read and 12,400 MB/s (respectively), with the 1 TB model exhibiting a relatively sluggish 13,600 MB/s read and 10,200 MB/s (respectively). The leaked sheet does not contain any details regarding Crucial's choice of controller, as well as DRAM cache numbers and endurance figures. We see a repeat of the T700's Micron 232-layer TLC NAND, but we will have to wait a little longer to find out whether Phison's E26 controller is making a comeback (with entailing potential technical issues).

With the advent of high-resolution video and surveillance systems, the demand for stable performance (Sustained Performance) and Power Loss Protection in SSD storage devices continues to rise among video recording equipment and surveillance system integrators. Therefore, Phison Electronics (8299TT), a leading provider of NAND controllers and NAND storage solutions, today announced the launch of specialized SSD storage solutions for video and surveillance systems, including the mid-high-range S12DI and the cost-effective S17T SSD solutions.

With the advent of high-resolution video and surveillance systems, the demand for stable performance (Sustained Performance) and Power Loss Protection in SSD storage devices continues to rise among video recording equipment and surveillance system integrators. Therefore, Phison Electronics (8299TT), a leading provider of NAND controllers and NAND storage solutions, today announced the launch of specialized SSD storage solutions for video and surveillance systems, including the mid-high-range S12DI and the cost-effective S17T SSD solutions.

QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading computing, networking, and storage solution innovator, today introduced the TS-h3077AFU, a highly reliable 30-bay SATA 6 Gb/s all-flash SSD NAS with a ZFS-based operating system, cutting-edge AMD Ryzen Embedded 7000 Series processors and integrated AMD Radeon Graphics. With up to 1.6M/1.2M iSCSI 4K random read/write IOPS, DDR5 RAM, built-in dual-port 10/2.5 GbE, upgradability to 100 GbE, PCIe Gen 4 expandability, and scalability to petabyte-scale storage, the TS-h3077AFU meets uncompromising performance demands in 4K/8K video workflows, storage centers, and virtualization. The QuTS hero operating system also features ZFS data reduction and SSD optimization, ensuring the utmost performance, lifespan, and efficiency from all-flash investments.

"The TS-h3077AFU redefines the landscape of storage solutions, offering not just capacity but also efficiency and performance for the most demanding business environments. Its capabilities in graphics processing, connectivity, and reliability, provided by the powerful AMD Ryzen Embedded 7000 Series Processor, position it as a game-changer in the industry," said Meiji Chang, General Manager of QNAP.