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| Seagate launches its first PCIe NVMe hard drive |
At the Open Computing Project Summit, Seagate demonstrated the first NVMe hard drive that uses PCIe to connect to the host to display and verify the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory) interface on the hard drive, which is still strictly used for SSD drives.
Like regular drives, the demo HDD uses the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory) interface to work seamlessly with the SSD. Using a single interface for different types of storage devices greatly simplifies the data center.
The demo hard drive is based on the Seagate console and supports all three major interfaces including SAS, SATA and NVMe via the native NVMe port and does not require bridges.
The demo hard drive uses a proof-of-concept JBOD 2U chassis that uses a single PCIe interface connected to 12 3.5" drives.
Although the drive capacity is unconfirmed, the company has used images of the Seagate Exos X18, which has a maximum capacity of 18TB, for the demonstration.
According to the company, the introduction of the NVMe interface into the hard drive has several advantages. For example, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), improve performance and save energy.
In addition, an NVMe hard drive can greatly simplify data center setup by providing consistency between different types of storage devices.
Seagate allows hard drives to use the PCIe NVMe interface
Seagate explains: The goal is to pave the way for the seamless integration of NVMe interfaces on hard drives and SSDs. The NVMe interface remains the cornerstone of the new storage architecture and feature delivery. Support for alternating media ensures that the hard drive supports the latest architecture and plans in the industry.
Although the current hard drive speed is not close enough to take full advantage of the latest PCIe standards. Technological advances can mean that SATA and SAS interfaces can no longer be used in the future. The PCIe NVMe hard drive can become the default.
However, it may take several years for a PCIe NVMe hard drive to reach mainstream. Seagate plans to ship the first batch of samples to a small number of customers in the fall of next year. However, full commercialization should take place as early as 2024.