TL;DR
Dell and Kioxia announced a 2RU server capable of holding 10 PB of data using high-capacity SSDs. This development highlights significant advancements in storage density for enterprise AI and data workloads. Details on deployment and performance are still emerging.
Dell and Kioxia announced the development of a 2 rack unit (RU) server capable of storing 10 petabytes of data, using Kioxia’s high-capacity LC9 SSDs. This marks a significant milestone in storage density for enterprise servers, particularly for AI and large-scale data applications.
The server, based on Dell’s PowerEdge platform, utilizes Kioxia’s LC9 high-capacity QLC SSDs, with each SSD in the E3.L form factor providing 245.76 TB of NVMe storage. Dell has already integrated these SSDs into its PowerEdge R7725xd server, which is powered by AMD’s EPYC 9005 processors.
According to Arun Narayanan, SVP at Dell, this configuration enables the server to reach nearly 10 PB of total capacity, supporting high-speed data transfer with up to five 400 Gbps NICs. Neville Ichhaporia, SVP at Kioxia, highlighted the system’s ability to handle massive data ingestion streams, scale data lakes, and perform large backups within a compact footprint, potentially reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it demonstrates a substantial increase in storage density in a small form factor, which could revolutionize data centers, especially for AI, machine learning, and large-scale data analytics. The ability to pack 10 PB into a 2RU system reduces physical space requirements and potentially lowers infrastructure costs, making high-capacity storage more accessible for enterprises.
Such advancements could accelerate the deployment of large-scale AI infrastructure and data lakes, supporting faster data processing and analysis, and potentially changing the economics of data center design.
Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P2T0B/AM
MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background
Previous efforts in storage density have involved large arrays of SSDs and HDDs, but the trend toward high-capacity NVMe SSDs has enabled more compact solutions. Kioxia’s LC9 SSDs, announced earlier, are among the highest capacity drives in the market, and Dell’s adoption signals a push toward integrating these into enterprise servers for maximum density. Other competitors like Micron, Sandisk, SK Hynix, and Samsung are also developing similarly high-capacity SSDs, with Samsung reportedly working on nearline-class SSDs approaching 1 PB per drive.
This announcement builds on prior developments in enterprise SSDs and high-density server configurations, marking a step toward more scalable and efficient data infrastructure.
“The Dell PowerEdge R7725xd combined with Kioxia’s high-capacity enterprise SSDs delivers the storage density and power efficiency our customers need to scale AI infrastructure without sacrificing performance.”
— Arun Narayanan, SVP at Dell
“With these servers, customers can deploy massive ingestion streams, scale data lakes effortlessly, and handle large backups in a fraction of the footprint, improving TCO to new levels.”
— Neville Ichhaporia, SVP and GM at Kioxia America
enterprise all-flash storage server 10PB
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how the system performs in real-world deployments, including durability, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness at scale. Details on availability, pricing, and specific use cases are still emerging.
Jingchengmei 2U Cantilever Server Shelf Rack Mount-19 Inch 2 Piece Set Center Weighted for AV/Data Equipment Enclosure (2U2PC10V, Black)
Compatible with all 19” racks and cabinets to hold various IT, network and other equipment.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What’s Next
Next steps include deployment in pilot projects, performance testing in enterprise environments, and potential scaling to larger configurations. Further announcements from Dell, Kioxia, and other SSD manufacturers are expected as this technology matures.
high-speed NICs 400Gbps
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
How does this 10 PB server compare to existing storage solutions?
This server significantly increases storage density in a compact 2RU form factor, surpassing traditional configurations that require much larger footprints for similar capacities.
When will this system be available for purchase?
Details on commercial availability and pricing have not yet been announced; the system appears to be in early deployment or pilot phases.
What types of applications will benefit most from this high-capacity server?
Large-scale AI training, data lakes, high-volume backups, and enterprise analytics are primary use cases expected to benefit from this density.
Are there any concerns about SSD lifespan or durability at this capacity?
While high-capacity SSDs are advancing rapidly, long-term durability and endurance at this scale remain under evaluation, and real-world performance data is pending.
