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Micron and Intel Announce 3D NAND Flash Co-Development To Push SSDs Past 10TB
MojoKid writes Both Micron and Intel noted in a release today that traditional planar NAND flash memory is reaching a dead-end, and as such, have been working together on 3D memory technology that could open the floodgates for high densities and faster speeds. Not all 3D memory is alike, however. This joint development effort resulted in a "floating gate cell" being used, something not uncommon for standard flash, but a first for 3D. Ultimately, this 3D NAND is composed of flash cells stacked 32 high, resulting in 256Gb MLC and 384Gb TLC die that fit inside of a standard package. That gives us 48GB per die, and up to 750GB in a single package. Other benefits include faster performance, reduced cost, and technologies that help extend the life of the memory.
Chip fabrication tech and flash density is increasing at a rate far faster than spinning platter storage. At mass market scales, SSDs are going to win pretty soon because of simple BoM cost.
Hard drives require a lot precision machining and assembly. Chip fabrication and PCB assembly scales much better, and is much cheaper. It's the same pick-and-place followed by oven reflow that /everything/ else uses.
Flash storage is going to win by size, logistics, power usage, and mechanical requirements. Why devote space in your device to a hard drive when a postage stamp sized module soldered down next to the SoC that powers your product is cheaper and smaller?
SSDs are getting tiny already. Have you seen what's inside a modern SSD? A tiny board with 2-3 chips. Most of the inside of that 2.5" drive chassis is empty air. WIth intel talking about 750 gigs on something the size of your thumbnail.. Hard drives are done. Just done.
Reliability is trivial too. Modern controllers with modern wear leveling algorithms let you sacrifice a little storage space to give you as much or as little reliability as you'd need, depending on your target market. Even if your flash cells are less reliable, the massive increase in density lets you devote more of them to wear leveling.