Micron Technology, Inc. has introduced a new storage drive called the Micron 6550 ION, which holds up to 60 terabytes (TB). This powerful drive is designed for big data centres, where companies keep their important data. The 6550 ION is now the fastest 60 TB solid-state drive (SSD) in the world. It can handle heavy data workloads like those needed in artificial intelligence (AI) and other data-heavy tasks.
Micron’s 6550 ION offers a balance of speed and efficiency, reaching 12 GB per second while using only 20 watts of power. This means it saves energy, making it both powerful and environmentally friendly.
Micron 6550 ION: Built for large data tasks and energy savings
The Micron 6550 ION is the first storage drive of its kind. It uses PCIe Gen 5 technology and an E3.S form factor, which are advanced technologies that allow it to handle data faster. It’s also very energy efficient, using 20% less power when compared to other drives. To save even more energy, it has a feature called active state power management (ASPM), which allows it to go into a low-power mode when not in use. This power-saving mode uses only 4 watts of energy compared to 5 watts in regular idle mode.
The drive’s memory technology, called G8 NAND, is also very advanced, allowing it to work faster while using less power. It performs 179% faster in reading data than other devices and 150% faster in writing data.
Perfect for AI and advanced data tasks
The Micron 6550 ION performs well in AI-related work, such as training AI systems and handling complex data. It is 147% faster than similar drives when working with NVIDIA’s special software for AI data. It also uses 104% less energy for these tasks, making it a great choice for companies working with AI. The drive’s fast speeds mean it can be filled with data in just 3.4 hours, while other drives might take more than double the time.
More data in less space
The new 6550 ION SSD is designed to save space in data centres. It can store over 1.2 petabytes (PB) of data per rack unit, which is a measurement of space in a data centre. By using a 1U server, a common type of server that can fit 20 of these drives, data centres can store about 44.2 PB in one rack. This is a big improvement over older setups, allowing companies to save on space and costs.
Built to last and keep data safe
The 6550 ION is designed for long-lasting use, even with constant data writing and deleting. It can handle 1 random drive write per day (RDWPD), meaning it can completely rewrite all 60 TB every day without wearing out quickly. It has a lifespan that is 42% longer than other 60 TB drives.
The drive also has strong security features, which help protect data from cyber threats. It supports new security standards, like SPDM 1.2 and SHA-512, that make it hard for hackers to access the data. It’s built to meet government security requirements and can be trusted in environments that need secure data.
Collaboration and industry support
Micron’s new drive is getting a lot of support from other tech companies. AMD, a major chipmaker, said this new drive would help data centers handle the rising demand for AI applications. VAST Data, another tech company, noted that combining its data platform with the 6550 ION drive will give customers the high-speed and high-capacity data storage they need. WEKA, a data platform company, also praised the drive, saying it would be ideal for companies using its AI technology.
Micron’s 6550 ION SSD is a powerful, efficient, and secure solution for data centres and companies working with AI. It helps save space, uses less energy, and is faster than other drives, making it a groundbreaking choice for the future of data storage.
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