Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Micron Launches Gen5 QLC Client SSD as Phison Introduces DRAM-Less Gen5 Controller at CES 2026

The announcements push PCIe 5.0 storage toward ultra-thin devices by prioritizing higher throughput within tighter power limits.

Overview

  • Micron announced the 3610 NVMe SSD using its G9 QLC NAND with claimed speeds up to 11,000 MB/s read and 9,300 MB/s write and up to 1.6 million IOPS.
  • Positioned for ultra-thin and fanless designs, the 3610 is listed in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities across M.2 2230, 2242 and 2280 formats with Micron citing more than 40% better performance per watt.
  • Micron materials describe a DRAM-less architecture with HMB and a single-sided option aimed at fitting high capacity into compact slots such as M.2 2230.
  • Phison unveiled the PS5037-E37T client controller targeting “Gen5 full-speed” with a DRAM-less NVMe 2.0 design, up to 14.7 GB/s read, 13.0 GB/s write, 2,000K 4K random IOPS and under 2.3 W active power.
  • Phison also said its PS5028-E28 flagship controller now supports 8TB capacities, and both companies emphasized OEM-focused availability with independent testing and broader rollout still to come.