Micron, a leading provider of memory and storage solutions, has introduced two new SSDs, namely the Micron 6500 ION and the XTR. While the 6500 ION targets high-performance applications, the XTR aims to offer a cost-effective solution for storage class memory (SCM) SSD, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to Intel’s Optane technology.
Key to Micron’s strategy is two important features of the XTR SSD. First, it boasts an 80% lower price compared to Intel’s Optane at similar capacities. Second, it delivers up to 35% of the random DWPD (drive writes per day) numbers, achieving an impressive 35 random drives written per day or up to 67TB written per day for the 1.92TB model.
In contrast to Optane’s focus on low latency, Micron has optimized the XTR and 6500 ION drives for write performance and endurance. The XTR exhibits read/write latency at 60/15ms, which is higher than its Intel counterpart. Micron recommends pairing the XTR with the 6500 ION, as the former’s single-level cell (SLC) design provides higher endurance, making it ideal for write-intensive workloads such as caching, logging, journaling, and OLTP.
With Intel’s exit from the SCM market, there is a significant opportunity for other companies to fill the gap. Micron’s XTR SSD, leveraging its expertise in 3D XPoint technology, aims to address this demand by offering a reliable and cost-effective solution. Justin Emerson, principal technology evangelist at Pure Storage, suggests that the future of SCM may be more of a spectrum with various options available, rather than a specific category. Micron’s focus on SLC-based technology reflects its vision for the future of SCM.
The introduction of Micron’s XTR SSD provides customers with an affordable alternative to Intel’s Optane, catering to the growing demand for high-performance SCM solutions. As the market evolves, the competition and innovation in the SCM space will continue to drive advancements, giving customers a broader range of options to meet their specific requirements.
