Adata is developing the next generation of PCIe 5.0 SSDs. The first series product is now available after prototypes. The XPG PCIe Gen5 SATA SSD is M.2 formatted and comes with an SMI controller. It should be able to read at 14GB/s and 12GB/s. The SM2508 controller by Silicon Motion is concealed under the cooler, along with its cooling fins.
The XPG series SSDs for gamers can sequentially read and write data using the PCIe 5.0 x4 interface. This interface allows almost 16 GB/s gross. This is almost double the performance of today’s PCIe 4.0×4 SSDs. The first products, unlike the PCIe 4.0 SSD’s conception, should nearly reach the limit of this new interface.
The XPG PCIe Generation5 SSD 4K random transfers (4K Random) should be capable to peak at 1.8 million IOPS and 1.6 Million IOPS writing. The reality is that these values can only be achieved in ideal benchmark conditions. However, it has been proven time and again. The XPGPCIe Gen5 SSD will offer up to 8TB storage. This is a huge amount for a device this small. It is possible that the market launch will be smaller in terms of storage capacity.
The prototype “Nighthawk”, the Nighthawk, goes into series production
Adata already presented two prototypes for PCIe 5.0 SSDs during CES 2022. Now, the “Nighthawk” variant is being tested with Innogrit’s SM2508 controller. It is yet to be determined if the prototype, dubbed “Blackbird”, with Innogrit’s IG5666 controller, will go into series production. It is possible, given that Adata is a third-party SSD manufacturer and is open to trying new controllers from any manufacturer.
Adata SSD prototype “Nighthawk”, with PCIe5.0
There are not many details available about the SMI controller.
The details of Silicon Motion’s SM2508 controller are still unknown. It works with PCIe5.0x4 and NVMe2.0. SMI has the chance to compete with Silicon Motion in the PCIe 4.0 market and now can bring a high-end product on the market. consumer market.
The competition is never resting. Phison also created the E26, a powerful PCIe Gen5 Controller. Apacer, Zadak have already shown other M.2 SSDs that support PCIe 5.0. Apacer and Zadak have already shown other M.2 SSDs with PCIe 5.0. Many more will follow the launch of AMD’s new AM5 platform. In September, the first AM5 motherboards equipped with the X670 (E) chipset will be available along with the AMD 7000 family CPUs. AMD is the platform for NVMe SSDs using PCIe 5.0
