Solidigm Unveils 15TB SSD: The Most Affordable Large Capacity Drive, but Compatibility Concerns Arise

Solidigm has launched its latest storage drive, the D5-P5430, targeting the endurance issues commonly associated with QLC-based SSDs, particularly in hyperscaler environments. With capacities ranging from 3.84TB to 30.72TB, the D5-P5430 aims to replace traditional TLC SSDs while offering better endurance.

The D5-P5430 utilizes newer 192-layer NAND technology, delivering a higher endurance rating than its predecessor, the D5-P5316. Solidigm quotes a DWPD (drives written per day) of 0.58 for random workloads with a 4KB indirection unit, equating to approximately 32 Petabytes written. In comparison, the recently announced 6500 ION SSD from Micron achieves a DWPD of 0.3 with a 4KB IU.

Notably, the D5-P5430 is available in a 7.5mm E3.S form factor, enabling greater drive density by allowing more drives to be placed closer together. This opens up the possibility of building storage systems with impressive capacities, such as packing over 600TB in a 1U configuration or a staggering 1.2PB in a 2U configuration using 40 drives.

The D5-P5430 is attracting attention not only for its improved performance but also for its affordable pricing. Currently priced at just $1,217 on Provantage, the drive offers a cost of less than $80 per TB, making it an appealing option for those in need of large-capacity storage solutions. With more 30TB SSDs hitting the market, Solidigm’s offering adds to the growing array of options available to consumers seeking high-capacity storage solutions.