SanDisk has introduced its 256TB UltraQLC NVMe SSD, featuring BiCS8 QLC NAND, Direct Write QLC, and multi-core controllers for AI, analytics, and data-intensive computing.
Sandisk has introduced a new high-capacity SSD, a 256TB NVMe model designed to meet the growing demands of AI and data-intensive computing. Developed on the company’s newly announced UltraQLC platform, the SSD is positioned as a significant leap in storage performance, density, and power efficiency. It is tailored for large-scale applications such as AI data lakes, high-speed data ingestion, and real-time analytics (domains that increasingly require vast and rapid access to data).
Sandisk’s new SSD is highlighted by its UltraQLC architecture, which combines BiCS8 QLC NAND technology with custom controllers and system-level optimizations. The BiCS8 2TB QLC die doubles storage density while preserving compact die sizes, allowing the SSD to achieve massive capacity without expanding its physical footprint.
Another key innovation is the Direct Write QLC, a technology that bypasses traditional SLC buffering and allows power-loss-safe writes directly to QLC layers. This change is designed to reduce latency and improve performance consistency. Moreover, Dynamic Frequency Scaling is projected to deliver up to 10% more performance at the same power levels, improving overall energy efficiency.
To maintain throughput and endurance at such extreme capacities, Sandisk has integrated a scalable multi-core controller. A revised Data Retention (DR) profile aims to reduce DR recycles by as much as 33%, a move that improves drive reliability and minimizes energy use.
Availability
According to Sandisk, the UltraQLC platform is the product of years of development, created to address the increasingly complex demands of high-performance computing. The new SSD lineup also includes a 128TB model, the SN670, both of which will be available in U.2 form factor during the first half of 2026. Additional configurations are expected later in the year.
Engage with StorageReview
Newsletter | YouTube | Podcast iTunes/Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | RSS Feed
