Kioxia and Dell cram 10 PB into slim 2RU server
Kioxia and Dell have unveiled a compact 2RU server that packs an incredible 10 petabytes of all-flash storage using cutting-edge QLC SSDs. This significant leap in data density and power efficiency is poised to revolutionize infrastructure for AI workloads and massive data lakes. Hacker News discusses the eye-watering costs, the longevity of QLC technology, and the aspirational future of such massive storage solutions.
The Lowdown
Kioxia and Dell have teamed up to push the boundaries of data storage, packing an astounding 10 petabytes into a mere 2 rack unit (RU) server. This breakthrough leverages Kioxia's advanced LC9 QLC SSDs, specifically designed for high-capacity applications, within Dell's PowerEdge R7725xd server.
- The server utilizes 40 Kioxia LC9 E3.L form factor NVMe SSDs, each providing 245.76 TB of storage, culminating in a 9.8 PB total capacity.
- This configuration is highly scalable, potentially reaching 196 PB in a single rack of twenty servers.
- The system supports up to five 400 Gbps NICs for rapid data egress, essential for demanding applications.
- Dell highlights its suitability for scaling AI infrastructure, offering density and power efficiency without compromising performance.
- Kioxia emphasizes improved Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), enabling massive ingestion streams, effortless data lake scaling, and faster backups.
- Other manufacturers like Micron, SanDisk, SK Hynix, and Solidigm are also developing similar 256 TB-class SSDs, with Samsung reportedly working on an even larger 1 PB drive. This collaboration signifies a significant advancement in enterprise storage, addressing the growing demand for ultra-dense, high-performance solutions in an increasingly data-intensive world.
The Gossip
Pricey Petabytes
The immediate reaction from commenters revolved around the exorbitant cost of such a high-capacity, cutting-edge storage solution. Users humorously acknowledged that this technology is likely far beyond the budget of individual users, sparking a quick, lighthearted exchange about the presumed price tag.
QLC Quandaries
Discussion ensued regarding the characteristics and longevity of QLC (Quad-Level Cell) SSDs. Some users expressed concerns that NVMe SSDs, especially high-capacity QLC drives, are more 'consumable' than traditional HDDs, questioning their durability for long-term or secondary market use after heavy enterprise workloads. Others noted that for specific applications like NAS, QLC's improving cost-per-TB makes it an appealing option despite its perceived limitations.
Future Flash Fancies
Commenters speculated on the future adoption and impact of such dense storage. One user humorously projected a two-decade wait for consumer-level availability, while another drew an amusing parallel to the "The Box" storyline from the HBO series *Silicon Valley*, highlighting the dream of ultra-compact, high-capacity storage.