Samsung Launches High-Performance, High-Efficiency SSD for PCs to Strengthen Market Dominance

Including Self-Designed 5nm-Based Controller
Power Efficiency Improved by Up to 70%

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Pyeonghwa] Samsung Electronics showcased its technology for large-capacity storage devices equipped with memory semiconductors called NAND flash, specifically the 'Solid State Drive (SSD)'. It launched the high-performance PC SSD 'PM9C1a', which features an advanced 5-nanometer-based controller that increases power efficiency by up to 70%. Samsung Electronics plans to strengthen its market dominance as the number one SSD provider by offering a diverse lineup of the PM9C1a series.

This is the first time Samsung Electronics has equipped a PC SSD with a 5-nanometer-based controller. The controller is a key component that controls data movement between the interface and memory and determines the order of reading and writing to enhance SSD performance. Samsung applied the 5-nanometer foundry process and included a newly designed in-house controller. Additionally, it incorporated 7th generation V-NAND to maximize performance and power efficiency.

The power efficiency of PM9C1a per 1 watt (W) is approximately 70% higher than the previous PC SSD (PM9B1). This means it consumes less power even when performing the same capacity tasks on a PC. In laptop PC power-saving mode, power consumption is reduced by more than 10%.

High-performance SSD for PC 'PM9C1a' / Photo by Samsung Electronics

Supporting PCIe 4.0, the continuous read speed is 1.6 times faster and the continuous write speed is 1.8 times faster than previous products. The continuous read/write performance reaches up to 6000MB/s and 5600MB/s, respectively. Random read/write performance reaches up to 900K IOPS and 1,000K IOPS, respectively. IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) refers to the number of input/output commands processed per second.

PM9C1a also enhances features in line with the increasing importance of security in the market. It newly supports the DICE standard, an encryption ID technology by the international security standards organization TCG. This allows secure key generation inside the SSD to prevent supply chain hacking that tampers with firmware during production or distribution. To this end, it supports 'device authentication' and 'proof technology to prevent SSD firmware tampering.'

Samsung Electronics plans to offer the PM9C1a series in various M.2 form factors (22mm x 30mm, 22mm x 42mm, 22mm x 80mm) with capacities of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. It also looks forward to collaborating with global customers. Through this, Samsung aims to further solidify its leadership in the global SSD market.

Song Yongho, Vice President and Head of Solution Development at Samsung Electronics’ Memory Business Division, said, "PM9C1a is a product that encompasses all important elements for PC users, including high performance, low power consumption, and security." He added, "We will continue to develop products that meet diverse market demands and lead the PC SSD market."

According to data from market research firm Omdia, Samsung Electronics held a 39.6% share of the overall SSD market in the third quarter of last year, ranking first. Since commercializing the world’s first SSD in 2006 and expanding SSD adoption in enterprise server markets, Samsung has maintained the top position for 18 consecutive years. Even when narrowed down to the client SSD market, it maintained dominance with a 31.6% share in the same quarter.