Technology

Samsung preps PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with a controller based on open-source RISC-V architecture — BM9K1 delivers speeds up to 11.4 GB/s for 'personal AI workloads'

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Mar 28, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Samsung has introduced the BM9K1 SSD, a PCIe 5.0 drive with QLC NAND that boasts sequential read speeds of up to 11.4 GB/s, targeting 'personal AI computing' workloads. The drive features a controller based on the open-source RISC-V architecture, offering improved energy efficiency and firmware optimization for QLC NAND management. Samsung plans to launch the BM9K1 in 2027 in capacities of 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This move puts Samsung in competition with Micron's 3610 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD, with Samsung's drive offering higher sequential read speeds but lower capacities.

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The Sub-2nm Paradox

The article discusses the challenges faced in semiconductor manufacturing at 2nm and below. It highlights the impact of process variation and physics on design, manufacturing, and economics. The focus is on faster data movement and more efficient computing rather than just increasing transistor density. The article also touches on the complexities of achieving performance, power consumption, and transistor density promises at these advanced nodes. Additionally, it mentions the shift towards multi-die assemblies of chiplets to address the limitations of single-die designs.

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Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

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Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

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Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Samsung has begun reducing chip production ahead of an 18-day strike by employees over bonuses, leading to potential daily losses of $2 billion. The company is implementing "emergency management mode" by limiting new wafer input and adjusting production lines to focus on high-value chips. The pre-strike slowdown could extend to six weeks, with potential total losses estimated in the billions. The strike, with over 43,000 workers signed up, could disrupt global DRAM and NAND supply, impacting Samsung's reputation in the long term. Talks between Samsung and the union have collapsed, with negotiations potentially resuming after the strike ends on June 7.

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The Sub-2nm Paradox

SemiEngineering•

2 days ago

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Tom's Hardware•

2 weeks ago

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Tom's Hardware•

2 weeks ago

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Tom's Hardware•

2 weeks ago

Samsung preps PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with a controller based on open-source RISC-V architecture — BM9K1 delivers speeds up to 11.4 GB/s for 'personal AI workloads'

TL;DR

Similar Articles

The Sub-2nm Paradox

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

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Samsung preps PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with a controller based on open-source RISC-V architecture — BM9K1 delivers speeds up to 11.4 GB/s for 'personal AI workloads'

TL;DR

Similar Articles

The Sub-2nm Paradox

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion