Samsung announced that it has begun mass producing its new SSD that is smaller than even the US postage stamp. The latest PM971- Non-Volatile Memory Express of 512 GB capacity comes in a ball grid array package that comprises of 20 nm 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM and a high-performance controller, besides of course the 512 GB V-NAND flash chips.
The SSD memory measures just 20mm x 16mm x 1.5mm while weighing only a gram. For comparison’s sake, the 2.5-inch SSD measures 100 mm x 69.85 mm while the same for the smaller M.2 SSD stands at 80.15 mm x 22.15 mm. That makes the new SSD hundred times smaller than the regular 2.5-inch SSD in volume terms while having one-fifth the surface area of the M.2 SSD.
Performance wise, it’s a scorcher of an SSD which contradicts its diminutive size. Sequential read and write operations can be accomplished at speeds of 1,500 MB/s and 900 MB/s respectively. That in real world terms means a 5 GB video can be transferred in just three seconds.
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That is no mean feat considering the amount of storage the new chip has on offer vis-a-vis the dimension it comes in. It also makes the SSD the perfect candidate for next generation ultrabooks, two-in-ones or tablet devices. Hardware designers will be able to spare a few millimetres with the new chip on board.
However, Samsung hasn’t stated how the SSD connects to the PC. Given its size though the standard M.2 card seems to be the most likely interface to hook on to the PC, if not being directly integrated onto the motherboard itself.
The SSD will be produced in three storage options – 128 and 256 GB, and 512 GB and will reach all Samsung clients by June itself. However, while all of that makes for good news, there is mention how much the SSD will eventually cost. SSDs don’t come cheap, and the smallest of that genre will no doubt be setting new lofty standards, especially as it is still new in the market and remains uncontested.
