Week 46 Tech Roundup – Seagate 3.2PB JBOD, Silicon Power Gen5 SSD, UFS 4.1 Flash, Kioxia Entry PCIe 4.0 SSDs

ASUSTOR Launches Drivestor Gen2 NAS Units – AS1202T and AS1204T

ASUSTOR has refreshed its entry-level NAS lineup with the release of the Drivestor 2 Gen2 (AS1202T) and Drivestor 4 Gen2 (AS1204T), now equipped with 2.5GbE networking and a more efficient Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor. These upgrades bring significantly improved file transfer performance and better compatibility with modern multimedia and backup workloads. The AS1202T provides two bays for smaller-scale home use, while the AS1204T expands to four bays, targeting users needing more storage expansion. Both models are passively cooled, have low power consumption (~10–14W), and support features like Docker, Plex Media Server, snapshot protection, and cloud synchronization through ADM 4.3. ASUSTOR has positioned these systems as reliable, cost-efficient alternatives to similar offerings from Synology and QNAP, with a key focus on affordability and network performance.

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Drivestor 2 Gen2 AS1202T Datasheet

Drivestor 4 Gen2 AS1204T Datasheet

QNAP Launches TL-R6020SEP-RP – 60-Bay SAS/SATA JBOD for Enterprise Capacity Expansion

QNAP has announced the TL-R6020SEP-RP, a 60-bay 4U JBOD enclosure built for enterprise-scale deployments requiring massive raw capacity. The chassis supports both SAS and SATA 3.5-inch drives and connects to host NAS or servers using dual-path SFF-8644 Mini-SAS HD ports, allowing for higher fault tolerance and bandwidth aggregation. This model includes redundant 80 PLUS Platinum power supplies, built-in smart cooling, and support for QNAP’s JBOD Manager for remote monitoring and firmware updates. With a raw capacity potential of over 1 petabyte using 20TB drives, this unit is aimed at backup archival, cold storage, and scalable expansion in high-availability IT environments. It can be daisy-chained with additional JBODs or used as direct-attached storage for ZFS-based systems like the TS-h2477AXU-RP.

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QNAP TL-R6020SEP-RP JBOD Announcement (Chinese)

QNAP TS-h2477AXU-RP – ZFS NAS with 24 Bays and Ryzen 7000 CPU for Virtualization and Backup

QNAP has released the TS-h2477AXU-RP, a 4U 24-bay NAS running QuTS hero (ZFS-based) and powered by AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. The system supports ECC DDR5 memory, inline data deduplication, compression, and up to 128GB RAM for enterprise-level applications. It offers dual 10GbE, multiple PCIe Gen 4 slots, and 2.5GbE ports as standard. The NAS is geared towards organizations running virtualization environments, large backup jobs, or media production workflows that demand high IOPS and data integrity. The system also includes support for SSD tiering, local snapshots, and real-time block-level sync using HBS3. It can scale up to petabyte-class storage by connecting with compatible JBODs such as the TL-R6020SEP-RP.

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QNAP TS-h2477AXU-RP Launch News

TSMC Begins Construction of A14 Node Fab in Taiwan – Targets 1.4nm Production

TSMC has officially broken ground on its A14 (1.4nm) process node fabrication plant in Taiwan. This next-generation facility marks a key milestone in the company’s roadmap to maintain its lead in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The A14 node will build on the gate-all-around (GAA) transistor structure introduced with the N2P process and will aim for higher transistor density, energy efficiency, and performance-per-watt. Targeting AI chips, mobile SoCs, and high-performance computing platforms, the fab is expected to reach production readiness by late 2026. TSMC’s investment reflects both domestic strategic alignment and the increasing global demand for sub-2nm fabrication capacity amidst growing AI and data center workloads.

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TSMC A14 Fab Announcement – TechPowerUp

Kingston Releases 8TB Version of FURY Renegade Gen 5 SSD

Kingston has expanded its high-performance SSD lineup with a new 8TB version of the FURY Renegade Gen 5 NVMe drive. Designed for gamers, content creators, and workstation users, the drive delivers read speeds up to 12,000MB/s and write speeds of 11,000MB/s via PCIe Gen 5×4. It features a low-profile aluminum graphene heatsink for compatibility with a wide range of systems, including tight motherboard layouts and compact gaming rigs. The drive supports SLC caching, end-to-end data path protection, and smart ECC for enhanced reliability. This expansion solidifies Kingston’s push into the ultra-high-capacity enthusiast SSD segment, joining competitors like Corsair and PNY in the 8TB Gen 5 tier.

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Kingston FURY Renegade G5 Now Available in 8TB

Toshiba Launches S300 AI Surveillance HDDs with 18TB Capacity

Toshiba has unveiled its new S300 AI Surveillance hard drive series, targeting NVR and DVR environments with edge AI features. The drives come in capacities up to 18TB and offer 24/7 operation, up to 600,000 load/unload cycles, and support for 64 high-definition camera streams. The firmware includes optimizations for sequential writing and predictive workload tuning for motion-triggered events and AI analytics at the edge. The S300 AI series is built on CMR technology and includes vibration sensors for multi-bay enclosures. With growing demand for surveillance solutions incorporating local AI processing, Toshiba’s new drives offer both high endurance and data throughput for modern deployments.

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Toshiba Launches S300 AI Surveillance HDD Series

DRAM Prices Surge 172% YoY as Shortages Continue

According to TechPowerUp’s report, DRAM prices have surged 172% year-over-year, driven by ongoing supply constraints, limited wafer production, and strong demand from AI data centers and consumer electronics. Analysts cite increased demand for DDR5 in server markets, coupled with HBM’s rapid adoption in AI accelerators, as key contributors. OEMs and hyperscalers have already begun stockpiling, pushing prices up further. Despite this, production ramp-ups by SK hynix, Samsung, and Micron are not expected to ease pricing until at least mid-2026. This surge has direct implications for NAS builders and homelab enthusiasts, as memory upgrades and ECC modules are becoming significantly more expensive.

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DRAM Prices Surge 172% YoY

ARM Surpasses $1B Revenue for Third Straight Quarter

ARM has reported its Q2 FYE26 results, revealing over $1 billion in revenue for the third consecutive quarter. The continued strength is attributed to licensing deals in automotive, AI accelerators, and datacenter-class SoCs built on Neoverse platforms. The company also saw strong demand for Cortex-A cores in mobile and embedded platforms. Royalty revenue accounted for a significant portion of the total, reflecting ARM’s dominant position in energy-efficient compute. As RISC-V alternatives continue gaining traction, ARM’s consistent revenue underscores its resilience and continued relevance across mobile, IoT, and cloud infrastructure markets.

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ARM Q2 Revenue Tops $1 Billion Again

Qualcomm Reports Strong Q4 2025 Performance with AI Gains

Qualcomm has posted its Q4 and full fiscal year 2025 results, showing notable growth in AI-enabled mobile and edge chip sales. The company highlighted demand for Snapdragon processors across mobile, automotive, and IoT verticals. Its AI Engine and Hexagon DSP-based SoCs are being integrated into edge inference platforms and smartphones with on-device LLM capabilities. Licensing revenue remained steady, and the company has projected continued growth tied to Windows on ARM momentum and automotive design wins. Qualcomm’s strategy to embed AI acceleration across product lines is paying dividends, especially with the AI PC trend accelerating.

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Qualcomm Fiscal 2025 Q4 Results

AMD Achieves Record Q3 2025 Revenue of $9.2 Billion

AMD has announced a record-breaking Q3 2025 with $9.2 billion in revenue, driven by explosive demand in data center GPUs and Ryzen AI processors. The Instinct MI300 accelerator family saw expanded adoption in hyperscale AI and HPC deployments, while Ryzen 8000 series APUs continued to gain traction in thin clients and small form factor PCs. Embedded and gaming segments also showed solid performance. AMD’s earnings call emphasized aggressive roadmap execution in AI and enterprise CPUs, including EPYC Turin and Ryzen AI Max+ platforms. Gross margin improved as high-margin datacenter and AI products increased in share.

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AMD Reports Record Q3 2025 Revenue

Ubiquiti Launches UVC Doorbell for the UK Market

Ubiquiti has officially listed the UVC Doorbell on its UK store, expanding the Protect ecosystem for smart surveillance. The doorbell features a 5MP sensor, infrared night vision, a built-in display for messages or call status, and integration with UniFi Protect for motion detection, person alerts, and event recording. Designed for seamless deployment alongside UniFi switches and NVRs, it offers PoE input, supports local recording via UniFi Protect NVRs, and integrates easily with the Protect app for mobile notifications and remote video playback. With native integration, it’s aimed at UniFi households seeking a vendor-locked but streamlined smart entry solution.

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UVC Doorbell on Ubiquiti UK Store

Samsung Teases LPDDR6, Detachable Auto SSD, and Short PCIe 5.0 Drives at CES Preview

Ahead of CES 2026, Samsung showcased several forward-looking storage technologies. Highlights include LPDDR6 DRAM expected to power next-gen mobile and automotive applications, a detachable PCIe Gen 4/5 SSD for automotive telemetry and diagnostics, and a shorter PCIe 5.0 SSD form factor optimized for compact PCs and edge devices. These innovations target growing AI, automotive, and embedded system markets, emphasizing modularity, thermal efficiency, and reduced footprint. Samsung’s strategy clearly focuses on vertically integrated storage solutions capable of handling high-bandwidth, low-latency workloads in constrained environments.

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Samsung Storage Innovations Previewed for CES

EAGET Debuts Hybrid NAS + DAS Mini Server on Kickstarter

EAGET has launched a crowdfunding campaign for its Mini Server, a hybrid NAS and DAS device with USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity and native LAN access. The system includes dual 2.5” drive bays, supports SSDs/HDDs up to 4TB per bay, and integrates its own file management OS with app support. Highlight features include one-click backup, cross-platform file sharing, and basic multimedia streaming. It’s pitched as an all-in-one media vault for mobile creators, photographers, and personal backup, designed to operate either standalone over the network or directly attached via USB-C to a PC or Mac.

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EAGET Mini Server on Kickstarter

UniFi Releases Drive App 3.3.10 and NAS OS 4.4.11 Updates

Ubiquiti continues its rollout of software improvements for the UniFi NAS platform. Version 3.3.10 of the Drive app introduces refined file search performance, better folder sharing permissions, and improved thumbnail caching for large directories. Meanwhile, UniFi OS 4.4.11 (for UNAS and Drive devices) includes enhanced SMB protocol support, expanded backup schedule options, and stability improvements for third-party app hosting. These updates reflect Ubiquiti’s continued investment in their closed but increasingly capable NAS ecosystem, especially for users focused on remote file access, collaboration, and surveillance archiving within the UniFi environment.

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UniFi Drive 3.3.10 Release Notes

UniFi OS NAS 4.4.11 Release Notes

SanDisk Hikes NAND Flash Prices by 50% in November

Western Digital-owned SanDisk has raised the price of its NAND flash products by 50% starting November, citing ongoing supply shortages and strong enterprise demand. This increase affects bulk buyers and OEM contracts across retail SSDs, microSD cards, and embedded flash modules. The pricing pressure follows similar moves from Samsung and SK hynix as NAND inventory levels hit multi-year lows. The sharp rise could significantly impact NAS users planning storage upgrades, especially for high-capacity SATA or NVMe SSDs used in caching, all-flash arrays, and external drives. Analysts suggest prices may continue to rise into early 2026.

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SanDisk Raises NAND Prices by 50%

Jonsbo N6 Black NAS Chassis Officially Listed

Jonsbo has formally listed the N6 Black, a compact mini-ITX NAS chassis designed for high-performance DIY builds. The case supports up to 8 x 3.5” HDDs or a mix of 3.5”/2.5” drives, features side-facing hot-swap trays, and includes internal space for SFX/SFX-L power supplies and a full-length GPU or PCIe card. Optimized for airflow and quiet operation, it offers front USB-C connectivity and removable dust filters. The chassis is ideal for NAS builders running Proxmox, Unraid, or TrueNAS who want a stylish, small-footprint case with flexible drive support and good thermals.

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Jonsbo N6 Black Product Page

Critical RunC Vulnerability Allows Escape from Docker Containers

A severe vulnerability in the container runtime tool RunC has been disclosed, allowing attackers to escape from Docker containers and execute commands on the host system. The flaw affects all major container platforms using RunC (Docker, Kubernetes, Podman), enabling privilege escalation via malicious images or code execution exploits. Patches are already in progress across major Linux distros, but security professionals urge immediate updates. This vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping NAS-hosted Docker environments up to date, especially on systems exposing containers to the internet or untrusted sources.

Source:

Golem Report on RunC Container Vulnerability

QNAP Launches TS-h1655XeU-RP: 3U Short-Depth ZFS NAS with 10GbE

QNAP has released the TS-h1655XeU-RP, a short-depth 3U NAS aimed at data centers and SMBs requiring high-speed storage with minimal rack space. It features 16 bays (12 x 3.5” + 4 x 2.5”), dual 10GbE ports, a Xeon D-1622 processor, and supports ZFS via QuTS hero OS. The NAS is designed for virtual environments, backup consolidation, and scalable storage workflows. With optional PCIe expansion, redundant PSU, and SSD caching, it targets professionals needing HA-ready storage in depth-constrained server rooms or mobile setups.

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QNAP TS-h1655XeU-RP Launch Page

Phison Warns of Continued NAND and RAM Price Increases into 2026

Phison, a key supplier of SSD controllers and NAND solutions, has warned that flash memory prices are likely to increase well into 2026. The statement follows market-wide trends of tightening supply and increased demand for AI, mobile, and cloud workloads. Prices for both DRAM and NAND have already risen significantly since Q2 2025, with projections suggesting limited relief next year. For NAS users, this could mean higher SSD costs for caching, boot drives, and RAID setups, especially on performance-tier Gen 4 and Gen 5 NVMe drives.

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Phison Flash Pricing Forecast (Golem.de)

Kioxia Introduces EXCERIA BASIC M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD Line

Kioxia has announced the EXCERIA BASIC series, a new lineup of M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSDs aimed at mainstream users seeking affordable yet capable storage. Targeting entry-level systems, these drives offer sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and use BiCS5 3D NAND. They are positioned to compete with lower-end Gen 4 offerings from Crucial, WD, and TeamGroup, making them a strong candidate for NAS cache, budget gaming rigs, or general upgrades. Launch availability is expected later this quarter across major markets.

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Kioxia EXCERIA BASIC SSD Announcement

D-Link Debuts DAP-E9560: Wi-Fi 7 Access Point for Enterprise Ceilings

D-Link has unveiled the DAP-E9560 BE9500 ceiling-mount access point, delivering tri-band Wi-Fi 7 support with BE9500 throughput. It features 2.5GbE PoE+ input, band steering, and MLO (multi-link operation) for reduced latency and channel interference. Built for hotels, offices, and education sectors, the AP supports central management via D-Link Nuclias and WPA3 security. This release further confirms that Wi-Fi 7 is beginning to roll out in real-world deployments, with enterprise users being the early adopters before consumer-grade mesh and routers follow suit in 2026.

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D-Link DAP-E9560 Product Page

Kensington Introduces New Thunderbolt 5 Docking Solutions

Kensington has unveiled its latest lineup of Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, designed for high-speed data transfer, multi-display workstations, and next-gen peripherals. The docks include expanded PCIe bandwidth, support for up to three 4K or dual 8K monitors, 140W charging, and 40Gbps+ throughput for external drives and devices. These docking stations are particularly relevant for NAS and workstation users working with high-resolution media or virtual environments, offering streamlined connectivity for Thunderbolt-enabled laptops and desktop setups. Kensington’s update marks one of the earliest commercial rollouts of Thunderbolt 5 accessories in the productivity sector.

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Kensington Launches New Thunderbolt 5 Docking Solutions

Seagate Rolls Out Next-Gen Exos Storage Systems for Edge & AI

Seagate has launched a new generation of Exos storage platforms optimized for edge computing and AI data processing. The latest Exos X and Exos CORVAULT models incorporate Seagate’s MACH.2 multi-actuator technology, AI-driven monitoring, and improved drive recovery features. Designed for high-density, always-on deployments, these systems promise improved energy efficiency, faster rebuild times, and greater storage density per rack unit. With capacities scaling beyond 2PB per chassis and advanced RAS features, Seagate’s lineup is aimed at enterprise and data center customers managing AI/ML pipelines or edge surveillance workloads.

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Seagate Launches Next-Gen Edge Enterprise Exos Storage Systems

OWC Expands Thunderbolt 5 Lineup with StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S

OWC continues its aggressive push into high-speed storage with the debut of the StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S, both featuring Thunderbolt 5 support. The StudioStack targets professionals needing fast access to stacked SSD or HDD storage in a modular design, while the Helios 5S offers an external PCIe 4.0 enclosure with up to 2750 MB/s bandwidth—ideal for adding GPUs, RAID cards, or capture devices externally. These additions cater to creators, editors, and NAS builders integrating Thunderbolt workflows with high-speed direct access needs.

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OWC StudioStack & Helios 5S with Thunderbolt 5

China Pushes Domestic NVMe Controllers with Next-Gen SSDs

Chinese media outlet ITHome reports that domestic SSD manufacturers have begun deploying locally developed NVMe controllers to reduce reliance on foreign IP. These new controllers are being tested with YMTC NAND and target Gen 4 and Gen 5 speeds. The push aligns with broader national goals of technological independence in storage infrastructure, especially for data centers and governmental systems. While performance benchmarks remain under wraps, the move signals China’s entry into the competitive SSD controller market, which has been long dominated by Phison, Silicon Motion, and Western players.

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ITHome Report on China’s NVMe Controller Development

Chinese AI Servers Embrace Domestic AI Accelerator Chips

In another ITHome report, multiple Chinese server makers are now integrating domestic AI accelerator chips into their latest 2U and 4U server platforms. These systems are built for AI training and inference, featuring domestic CPUs and NPUs to circumvent export restrictions and dependency on NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel chips. Vendors highlight improvements in INT8 and BF16 performance, compatibility with open-source AI stacks, and lower total cost of ownership. These platforms are expected to play a role in China’s AI sovereignty goals, supporting LLMs, image recognition, and edge inferencing at scale.

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ITHome Report on AI Servers with Chinese AI Chips

Silicon Power Launches XPOWER XS90 Gen5 SSD for Enthusiasts

Silicon Power has announced the launch of the XPOWER XS90, a PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe SSD aimed at gamers, creators, and high-performance users. With sequential read speeds up to 10,200 MB/s and write speeds up to 10,000 MB/s, the XS90 leverages the latest Phison E26 controller and advanced cooling to maintain consistent throughput. Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, the SSD features a compact heatsink and is built for Gen5-ready motherboards, making it an appealing upgrade for next-gen gaming rigs or high-speed NAS cache implementations. The XS90 demonstrates how Gen5 SSDs are becoming more accessible for prosumers seeking faster boot and load times.

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Silicon Power XPOWER XS90 Gen5 SSD

Seagate Debuts Exos 4U100 JBOD with 100 Drives and 3.2PB Capacity

Seagate’s Exos 4U100 is making headlines as one of the densest JBOD solutions on the market, offering slots for 100 drives and a total capacity of up to 3.2 petabytes in a single 4U chassis. Despite its massive footprint and weight of 125 kg, it uses a short-depth enclosure compatible with many rack environments. Targeted at hyperscalers and enterprise customers, the Exos 4U100 supports SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs, includes redundant controllers, and offers service-friendly hot-swap trays. It’s positioned as a scalable, high-density storage backbone for cold data, surveillance archives, or AI training datasets.

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Seagate Exos 4U100 JBOD at ComputerBase

Micron G9 TLC NAND Enters Automotive with UFS 4.1

Micron has revealed its G9 generation TLC NAND is being adapted for automotive environments through the UFS 4.1 interface. This brings high-speed flash storage to next-gen vehicles, supporting tasks like onboard AI, real-time navigation, and dashcam recording. With UFS 4.1 capable of more than 4,000 MB/s, Micron’s solution enables fast boot and low latency for smart car ecosystems. The company claims their G9 automotive-grade NAND will help automakers meet rising demand for connected, autonomous, and infotainment systems, marking another milestone in cross-industry NAND integration.

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Micron G9 UFS 4.1 for Automotive

Kioxia’s Entry-Level SSDs Now Top Out at 7,300 MB/s

In a reflection of shifting performance expectations, Kioxia’s new “Exceria Basic” SSD series delivers PCIe 4.0 x4 performance at speeds once reserved for flagship drives. With up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,200 MB/s write, these SSDs—despite being labeled entry-level—are now considered suitable for mainstream gaming, general computing, and basic NAS cache roles. They lack DRAM but leverage Host Memory Buffer (HMB) for improved responsiveness. This illustrates the commoditization of PCIe Gen4 and the market’s growing demand for high-speed yet cost-effective SSD options.

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Kioxia Basic SSD Performance Overview