Weekly Tech Digest – Week 29, 2025: PCIe 6.0 SSDs, 30TB NAS Drives, Next-Gen Storage Innovations, and Enterprise Hardware Breakthroughs

The provided texts primarily discuss advancements in data storage technology, highlighting new hard disk drives (HDDs) with increased capacities, like Seagate’s 30 TB HAMR drives, and innovative SSD controllers supporting future PCIe 6.0 for immense speeds and storage. Several Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions are introduced, ranging from compact consumer models to high-capacity enterprise systems designed for scalability and data protection, with emphasis on supporting these new high-density drives. Furthermore, the sources touch upon cutting-edge developments such as glass-ceramic storage aiming for unprecedented capacities and glass substrates for semiconductors, alongside a new European processor and a world record in DDR5 memory overclocking. Overall, the collection illustrates a significant push towards higher performance, greater density, and improved efficiency across various aspects of data and computing infrastructure.

Silicon Motion Unveils SM8466 PCIe 6.0 SSD Controller with 512 TB Support

Silicon Motion announced the SM8466, its next-generation enterprise SSD controller supporting PCIe 6.0, at Flash Memory World 2025 in Nanjing. Manufactured on TSMC’s advanced 4 nm process, the SM8466 offers groundbreaking performance with up to 28 GB/s sequential reads, 7 million IOPS random access, and capacities up to 512 TB per drive. Supporting NVMe 2.0+, SR-IOV, OCP NVMe 2.5, and robust security standards like TCG Opal and AES-256, the SM8466 is positioned as a high-performance, secure solution for future data centers. While no firm release date was given, availability is expected to align with the industry’s gradual adoption of PCIe 6.0. This development reflects the ongoing push for ever higher bandwidth and density in enterprise storage.

Source: Silicon Motion

UniFi Network 9.3 Delivers Advanced Visibility, Automation, and Security

Ubiquiti released UniFi Network 9.3, introducing a host of enterprise-grade features to its widely adopted platform. Highlights include a redesigned Client Table for real-time network diagnostics, a centralized DHCP Manager, and a robust Alarm Manager for customizable alerts. Security enhancements come via CyberSecure, combining Proofpoint-powered IDS/IPS with Cloudflare-backed filtering, and the update also expands multi-WAN capabilities with programmable SLAs and routing. Redesigned system logs and full-stack content filtering further elevate visibility and control. With no subscription fees, UniFi 9.3 caters to both SMB and enterprise users seeking powerful yet accessible network management.

Source: Ubiquiti

Synology Launches RackStation RS2825RP+ for SMB Scalability

Synology debuted the RackStation RS2825RP+, a 16-bay, 3U NAS designed for small and medium businesses requiring scalability and reliability. Delivering up to 3,519 MB/s read and 1,790 MB/s write, and expandable to 28 bays and 560 TB, it suits demanding workloads such as file sharing, backups, and surveillance. Features include redundant power supplies, hot-swappable drives, 10GbE connectivity (expandable to 25GbE), and support for all-flash or hybrid arrays. Managed via DSM, the RS2825RP+ integrates private cloud functionality, comprehensive backup tools, and scalable surveillance. Synology continues its practice of requiring validated drives for maximum reliability, though a third-party validation program is available.

Source: Synology

UGREEN Reveals DH4300 Plus ARM-Based NAS with Unique Top-Load Design

UGREEN quietly introduced the NASync DH4300 Plus, a compact 4-bay NAS powered by a Rockchip RK3588C SoC with 8 GB RAM and 32 GB eMMC OS storage. Supporting up to 4 x 30 TB SATA drives, it offers a 2.5GbE port, HDMI 4K60p output, and USB 3.2 connectivity, making it suitable for media-centric home and SOHO use. The distinctive top-loading bay design differentiates it from conventional NAS devices. Available for $344, shipping by late July, UGREEN also plans a 2-bay DH3200 variant at a lower price point. The DH4300 Plus balances affordability and usability in a growing market segment.

Source: UGREEN

JNTC Introduces TGV Glass Substrate for Next-Gen AI and HPC Chips

JNTC unveiled its proprietary Through-Glass-Via (TGV) glass substrate, marking a significant step forward in advanced semiconductor packaging. Engineered for AI and high-performance computing, TGV substrates outperform traditional plastic-based options in flatness, thermal stability, and reliability. JNTC has achieved yields exceeding 90%, with high-precision manufacturing and verified performance with global semiconductor partners. Full-scale production begins in August, supported by a planned expansion into Vietnam. This launch underscores the importance of advanced packaging materials in sustaining semiconductor density and performance, especially for cutting-edge AI and HPC applications.

Source: JNTC

G.SKILL Sets New DDR5 Overclocking World Record at DDR5-12872

G.SKILL, in collaboration with French overclocker bl4ckdot, has broken the world record for DDR5 memory frequency by achieving DDR5-12872. The feat was accomplished using a single 24 GB G.SKILL Trident Z5 module with SK hynix ICs, paired with an ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Apex motherboard and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor, cooled by liquid nitrogen. This milestone, validated by HWBOT and CPU-Z, showcases the ongoing potential of DDR5 for extreme overclocking and high-performance computing. G.SKILL continues to strengthen its leadership in enthusiast-grade memory, appealing to competitive overclockers and professionals who demand the fastest memory speeds available.

Source: G.SKILL

Exascend Debuts Industry-First 30.72TB 7mm U.2 SSD for Edge Deployments

Exascend launched two groundbreaking models in its PE4 enterprise SSD line: a 30.72TB and a 23.04TB U.2 SSD, both in an ultra-thin 7mm form factor. These PCIe Gen4 drives deliver best-in-class density for space-constrained environments, consuming 50% less power compared to typical alternatives. With active power as low as 7W and idle at 1.5W, they excel in edge servers, AI nodes, and ruggedized systems. The drives also feature Adaptive Thermal Control to maintain consistent performance in up to 70°C environments. With AES-256 encryption, OPAL 2.0 compliance, and enterprise-grade endurance, the PE4 series redefines efficient high-density storage for modern workloads.

Source: Exascend

Seagate Rolls Out 30TB HAMR HDDs for Data Center AI and NAS Markets

Seagate has officially released its 30TB Exos M and IronWolf Pro HDDs, built with the company’s HAMR-based Mozaic 3+ technology. These drives target the massive storage demands of AI-driven data centers, edge analytics, and next-gen NAS deployments. Delivering up to 30TB per drive with 10 platters and helium filling, the IronWolf Pro series is optimized for 24/7 NAS use, while the Exos M serves enterprise servers. With sustained transfer rates of 275 MB/s, 550TB/year workload ratings, and a 5-year warranty, Seagate’s HAMR drives mark a significant milestone in the evolution of HDD technology after years of development and delays.

Source: Seagate

Cerabyte Charts Path to 100PB Glass-Ceramic Storage by 2030

German startup Cerabyte unveiled plans for storage racks capable of holding over 100 petabytes using its proprietary glass-ceramic technology by 2030, with a long-term vision of 100,000PB by 2045. The technology encodes data via femtosecond lasers on ceramic-coated glass sheets, offering lifespans over 100 years and significantly reducing data storage’s carbon footprint. A 1PB pilot system is expected in 2025–2026, scaling to multi-PB racks with faster access times by the end of the decade. Cerabyte positions its solution as a durable, energy-efficient alternative to tape and DNA storage, particularly for archival and sovereign data applications.

Source: Cerabyte

HighPoint Launches Rocket 1628A and 1528D PCIe Adapters for Up to 32 NVMe Drives

HighPoint introduced two advanced PCIe expansion adapters, the Rocket 1628A and Rocket 1528D, delivering unprecedented storage and device density. The Rocket 1628A (PCIe 5.0 x16) supports up to 32 NVMe drives via UBM backplane, while the 1528D (PCIe 4.0 x16) supports up to 8 NVMe drives directly. Both adapters are designed for enterprise environments with intelligent lane allocation, hot-swap capability, and broad compatibility with U.2, U.3, and E3.S SSDs. Ideal for AI, HPC, and industrial automation systems, these solutions offer plug-and-play expansion in 1U/2U servers, helping overcome PCIe slot limitations without sacrificing performance.

Source: HighPoint

ASUSTOR Certifies Seagate 30TB Drives, Enabling 480TB in a Single NAS Volume

ASUSTOR announced official support for Seagate’s IronWolf Pro 30TB NAS HDDs (ST30000NT011) across its product line, unlocking capacities up to 480TB in a single 16-bay NAS volume. The company emphasized its commitment to customer freedom by maintaining compatibility with third-party drives, contrasting with competing NAS brands that enforce restrictive drive validation policies. The Ryzen-powered Lockerstor Gen3 series fully leverages these high-capacity drives, paired with high-speed 10GbE and USB4 connectivity for demanding workloads such as video post-production and edge storage. This move highlights ASUSTOR’s scalable, open-platform approach to NAS hardware for enterprise and creative professionals.

Source: ASUSTOR

Sipearl Rhea-1 EU Processor Tapes Out at TSMC

Sipearl has taped out its Rhea-1 CPU, marking the first European-designed processor submitted for manufacturing at TSMC as part of the European Processor Initiative (EPI). The Rhea-1 is planned for deployment in the Jupiter supercomputer at Jülich Supercomputing Centre as a test platform with over 2,600 CPUs, though its 7nm-class N6 process lags behind global competitors. Sipearl has already begun work on its successor, Rhea-2, as it aims to close the technology gap and strengthen Europe’s sovereignty in supercomputing hardware. Production and delivery of Rhea-1 samples are expected in early 2026.

Source: Sipearl

LincPlus Launches LincStation S1 NAS with Unraid OS and Intel N97 CPU

LincPlus debuted its LincStation S1, a 6-bay NAS powered by Intel Alder Lake-N N97 CPU and running Unraid OS. Featuring 8GB DDR5 RAM (upgradeable), 128GB ROM, and support for up to 112TB total storage, the S1 combines NAS, private cloud, and virtualization capabilities in one device. It supports full-featured Docker and VM deployments with hardware pass-through, as well as advanced features like intelligent backup, remote access, and multimedia streaming. With dual 2.5GbE, HDMI 2.0, and PCIe M.2 NVMe slots, the S1 offers a rich interface for prosumers and small businesses looking for flexibility and ease of use at an attractive price point.

Source: LincPlus

Lexar Unveils NM990 PCIe 5.0 SSDs with 14GB/s Speeds for Gamers and Creators

Lexar introduced its NM990 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD series, delivering up to 14,000 MB/s read and 11,000 MB/s write speeds for high-end gaming, professional content creation, and AI development. Built with an 8-channel controller and DRAM/SLC caching, the NM990 improves efficiency by up to 23% over Gen4 SSDs thanks to its Thermal Defender technology. With capacities up to 4TB and support for Microsoft DirectStorage, the NM990 promises faster game load times and improved responsiveness for demanding applications. Lexar also provides its DiskMaster utility for monitoring drive health and firmware updates, reinforcing its appeal to performance enthusiasts.

Source: Lexar

Patriot Memory Launches PV593 Gen5 SSD with Industry-Leading Write Speeds

Patriot Memory launched its flagship PV593 PCIe Gen5 SSD, reaching 14,000 MB/s reads and 13,000 MB/s writes, ideal for AI training, video editing, and intensive multitasking. Powered by a TSMC 6nm SMI SM2508 controller, the PV593 features DRAM and SLC caching for improved latency and responsiveness. With random IOPS up to 2M reads and 1.65M writes, it stands out as one of the fastest Gen5 SSDs available. Fully backward-compatible with Gen4 and Gen3 platforms and available in capacities up to 4TB, the PV593 is designed for power users who prioritize both speed and reliability under sustained workloads.

Source: Patriot Memory

Toshiba Highlights Next-Generation HDD Roadmap with MAMR and HAMR Technologies

Toshiba shared an in-depth look at the future of HDD technology, emphasizing Microwave-Assisted Magnetic Recording (MAMR) and Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) as enablers for capacities beyond 30TB. Current MAMR drives using Flux Control MAMR already surpass 30TB, while upcoming Microwave Assisted Switching MAMR and HAMR promise capacities in the 40TB–50TB range. Toshiba’s roadmap also outlines improvements like thinner platters, enhanced SMR algorithms, and advanced error correction to boost areal density while maintaining reliability. HAMR remains technically more complex but offers greater long-term scaling potential. Toshiba’s insight underscores continued relevance of HDDs in the face of SSD adoption, particularly for cost-effective, high-density storage.

Source: Toshiba

Cerabyte’s Glass-Ceramic Storage Shown to Survive Extreme Conditions

In addition to announcing its 100PB by 2030 glass-ceramic storage goal, Cerabyte demonstrated the durability of its archival glass media in real-world torture tests. Slivers of its femtosecond-laser-etched glass survived boiling salt water and 250°C heat, highlighting its suitability for long-term, high-reliability data preservation. Unlike conventional magnetic or tape media, the glass substrate is highly resistant to environmental degradation, promising a 100+ year lifespan. This breakthrough could dramatically reduce global data storage’s carbon footprint while ensuring future-proof archival storage for sovereign and enterprise data. Cerabyte’s innovations continue to position it as a disruptive force in archival storage solutions.

Source: Cerabyte

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