Key Points:
- SK Hynix introduced the PCB01 SSD, optimized for on-device AI PCs. It applies fifth-generation eight-channel PCIe for enhanced performance.
- Sequential read and write speeds of 14GB and 12GB per second, respectively. 30% improvement over existing SSDs, enhancing AI computing stability.
- PCB01 incorporated single-level cell (SLC) caching technology and an ROT security solution to guard against cyberattacks and ensure data integrity.
- SK Hynix is planned for mass production and shipping to corporate and consumer markets in 2024.
South Korea’s SK Hynix Inc. has introduced a new solid-state drive (SSD) specifically designed for on-device artificial intelligence (AI) PCs, marking a significant expansion of its memory leadership into the NAND solution sector. The world’s second-largest memory chipmaker, after Samsung Electronics Co., announced on Friday that it will begin mass production of the PCB01 SSD this year.
The PCB01 SSD boasts industry-leading specifications optimized for on-device AI, a technology that enables AI to function directly on the device rather than relying on external servers. This innovation positions SK Hynix to capture a larger share of the burgeoning AI market. The PCB01 utilizes the fifth generation of eight-channel peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a first in the industry, to enhance performance. This advancement is particularly significant as SK Hynix supplies Nvidia Corp., the global leader in AI chips.
The PCB01 will be available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The new SSD features sequential read and write speeds of 14GB and 12GB per second, respectively, enabling rapid operation of large language models (LLM) for AI training and inference. Additionally, the SSD improves power efficiency by more than 30% compared to existing products, enhancing stability for large-scale AI computing tasks.
SK Hynix has incorporated single-level cell (SLC) caching technology in the PCB01, which places SLC in some parts of the NAND cell. This feature allows users to experience faster performance for both AI services and conventional computing. The PCB01 also includes robust personal data protection features, such as a root of trust (ROT) security solution, to guard against cyberattacks and ensure data integrity.
According to Ahn Hyun, head of the SK Hynix N-S Committee, the new SSD is already attracting interest from major CPU manufacturers for on-device AI PCs, seeking collaboration for compatibility validation. “We will work towards enhancing our leadership as the global top AI memory provider in the NAND solution space by completing customer validation and mass production of PCB01, which will be in the limelight,” said Ahn in a statement.
SK Hynix is already a dominant player in the advanced high bandwidth memory (HBM) segment, controlling over 70% of the global market. HBM is crucial for AI applications due to its superior processing speed compared to traditional memory chips. The company plans to ship the PCB01 SSD to corporate and general consumers this year. The validation process is already underway with a global PC maker.
