Micron Launches World's First PCIe 5.0 G9 QLC SSD

On January 7, Micron announced the launch of the Micron 3610 NVMe™ SSD, the industry's first PCIe® 5.0 QLC SSD designed specifically for client computing. This new drive sets a fresh performance benchmark for mainstream PCs and ultra-thin laptops, combining high speed, strong energy efficiency, and large-capacity storage in a compact form factor.

Built on Micron's proven G9 NAND technology, the 3610 SSD delivers sequential read speeds of up to 11,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 9,300 MB/s. Despite its high performance, the drive comes in a single-sided M.2 2230 form factor and is the first in the world to offer up to 4TB of capacity in this size, making it a strong fit for ultra-thin notebooks and emerging AI-powered devices.

By pairing next-generation PCIe 5.0 bandwidth with the cost advantages of QLC flash, the Micron 3610 SSD improves system responsiveness without compromising battery life. It is positioned to help OEMs bring PCIe 5.0 performance into mainstream client platforms while maintaining excellent power efficiency.

· Performance at scale: Up to 11,000 MB/s sequential read, 9,300 MB/s sequential write, 1.5M IOPS random read and 1.6M IOPS random write, delivering instant app launches, seamless multitasking and smooth, media-rich workflows.

· Uncompromising power efficiency: A DRAM-less architecture with host memory buffer (HMB) and DEVSLP low-power states improves performance per watt by 43% compared to Gen4 TLC, extending battery life.

· AI-ready speed: Loads 20 billion parameter AI models in under three seconds, enabling real-time AI insights and premium experiences for mainstream client devices.

· User experience: Achieved up to 30% better scoring and 28% better bandwidth versus Gen4 QLC SSDs in PCMark® 10 testing, making it ideal for various industry workloads.

· Thermal control for ultra-thin design: Host-controlled thermal management gives OEMs precise control over thermal thresholds, enabling sustained performance in ultra-thin, fanless designs.

· Enhanced SSD security: Includes the latest advanced security features such as data object exchange (DOE) and device identifier composition engine (DICE), helping provide improved protection of user data.

As AI PCs, immersive gaming, and hybrid work continue to push computing requirements higher, storage technology must evolve accordingly. The Micron 3610 SSD reflects this shift by bringing PCIe 5.0 innovations—previously seen in data center environments—into client devices. This further strengthens Micron's position in advanced NAND and SSD technology.

The 3610 SSD is positioned between Micron's high-end PCIe 5.0 4600 series and its cost-focused PCIe 4.0 offerings, delivering a balanced mix of performance, efficiency, and scalability for broad adoption.

Micron has begun sampling the 3610 SSD with select OEM partners. The drive will be available in multiple form factors, with capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB.