Samsung Electronics has officially started mass production of its new PCIe 5.0 solid-state drive (SSD), the PM9E1. Built with the company's in-house 5-nanometer (nm) controller and eighth-generation V-NAND (V8) technology, the PM9E1 aims to deliver enhanced performance and power efficiency, catering specifically to the demands of on-device artificial intelligence (AI) applications in personal computers. The PM9E1 SSD leverages an eight-channel PCIe 5.0 interface, effectively doubling the sequential read and write speeds compared to its predecessor, the PM9A1a. It achieves read speeds of up to 14.5 gigabytes per second (GB/s) and write speeds of up to 13 GB/s. This significant boost in data transfer rates facilitates quicker handling of data-intensive AI applications. For instance, a 14 GB large language model (LLM) can be transferred from the SSD to the system's RAM in under a second, substantially reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.

Addressing the growing need for larger storage solutions, the PM9E1 is available in multiple capacities: 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, and an industry-leading 4 TB option. The 4 TB model is particularly suited for users who work with large files such as AI-generated content, data-heavy software, and high-resolution video footage. It also benefits gamers and professionals who require substantial storage for intensive workloads. One of the standout features of the PM9E1 is its enhanced power efficiency, boasting an improvement of over 50% compared to the previous generation. This advancement is crucial for on-device AI applications and portable computing, where battery life is a significant concern. By reducing power consumption without compromising performance, the PM9E1 allows for longer usage periods between charges, enhancing the user experience for mobile computing platforms.

In response to increasing security demands, Samsung has implemented the Security Protocol and Data Model (SPDM) version 1.2 in the PM9E1 SSD. This specification introduces features such as Secure Channel, Device Authentication, and Firmware Tampering Attestation. These technologies work together to prevent supply chain attacks, ensuring that the SSD's data remains unaltered and secure throughout the production and distribution processes.

With the launch of the PM9E1, Samsung plans to expand its advanced SSD offerings to global PC manufacturers. The company also intends to release PCIe 5.0-based consumer products in the near future, aiming to strengthen its position in the on-device AI market. By providing high-performance, energy-efficient storage solutions with robust security features, Samsung is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of both consumers and enterprise clients in the era of AI-driven computing.

Source: Samsung