Figure 1. The all-new SK hynix Beetle X31 SSD

SK hynix is set to release SK hynix Beetle X31, a portable solid-state drive (SSD) for consumers, in global markets starting with the U.S. later in June. As the company’s first portable SSD, the X31 has been praised for its superior performance, convenient portability, and stylish design following its launch in South Korea in May 2023. In particular, the SSD can reach operating speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) while it also possesses exceptional heat management capabilities. Released amid a growth in the portable SSD market, the X31 meets the rising demand for storage devices to not only rapidly read and write but also store data safely on-the-go.

Figure 2. The high-quality specifications of the X31

The X31 combines SK hynix’s technologies which enabled optimal power consumption in the Gold P31 and the highest specifications for a consumer SSD in the Platinum P41. Moreover, while DRAM-less SSDs have become widespread as part of industry efforts to cut costs, SK hynix opted to maximize the performance of the X31 by applying DRAM as a buffer inside of the SSD. Accordingly, the X31 can deliver a maximum sequential read speed of 1,050 megabytes per second (MB/s) and a maximum sequential write speed of 1,000 MB/s. At these speeds, it is possible to transfer a 1 GB file in just one second. More specifically, the X31 is able to transfer 500 GB of data while maintaining an optimal speed of over 900 MB/s. This is because the X31 strikes a balance between managing heat generated from fast data movement and maximizing write speeds.

The X31 features an aluminum case that enables effective heat dissipation while also protecting the device’s interior. Having passed a two-meter drop test, the product is highly durable against physical impact and it also comes with a three-year warranty for increased customer reliability.

Figure 3. The X31 fits right in the palm of your hand

Able to fit in the palm of your hand and shaped like a beetle, the X31 is optimized for portability with its weight of merely 53 grams and compact dimensions of 74 x 46 x 14.8 mm. It also provides extra grip with its ergonomically designed aluminum body and its smooth, round edges. Additionally, it is compatible with a wide range of devices including IBM PCs and Macs, tablet PCs, Android smartphones, and gaming consoles. Available with 512 GB or 1 TB of storage, the X31 comes standard with two USB cables (C-to-C and C-to-A) and a bumper case.

As a product that combines high-performance, reliability, and a sleek design, the X31 has proved to be exceptionally popular as its first batch of stocks were sold out within a day of its release on online retail sites in South Korea. Riding on this momentum, the company plans to launch the product in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of Asia starting towards the end of June.

“Beginning with the X31, we will continue to set trends in the portable SSD market starting from the Korean market all the way to overseas markets like the U.S.,” said Chan-dong Park, head of NAND marketing at SK hynix.

To find out more about the X31’s distinctive qualities and plans for its release in global markets, read the short Q&A below.

The X31 has been receiving attention for its excellent specifications. What is its biggest advantage over its competitors?

“It is inevitable for SSDs to generate heat when rapidly reading and writing data. Unlike SSDs that are installed inside a PC, users directly touch portable SSDs so safety becomes a much more crucial factor. This is where the X31 shines as it shows great strength in balancing high speed and heat dissipation to maintain its stable performance. Also, in contrast to the many DRAM-less portable SSDs out in the market, the X31 incorporates DRAM as its buffer to maximize performance.”

The X31 has a compact and stylish design which stands out from the crowd. What was the most important aspect when coming up with the design?

“From the onset, the X31 was designed to be incredibly light and ultra-compact. It also shares key component materials with the Gold P31, which features optimal power consumption. So, the X31 was a continuation of the P31’s design with added concepts that are unique to portable SSDs. A lot of effort was spent on enhancing the exterior elements of the product including its color and smooth texture to improve the user experience.”

Along with the launch of the X31, what do you think is the most important factor for SK hynix to continue leading the portable SSD market?

“The portable SSD market is becoming larger due to the products’ ease of use. This has led to the introduction of more upscale portable SSDs that have many added features. However, the X31 focused on the basics: portability, fast data storage, and stability. Therefore, distinguished usability will be the key factor in leading the market in the future.”

Following its launch in the Korean market, the X31 is also planned to make its debut overseas at the end of June. Where will the focus be on for these global markets?

“There are so many competing products in the international market. As such, the name “Beetle” will be emphasized to highlight the most important feature of the product: its portability. We are currently busy preparing to launch the product in many regions across North America, Europe, and Asia through strategic partnerships.”

SK hynix is proud to release a consumer product that meets the needs of everyday tasks. As a global semiconductor company that continues to expand its customer base, SK hynix will always have the goal of developing and investing in technology that makes our lives simpler, faster, and more efficient. Starting with its global launch on Amazon in the U.S., the X31 will make its way to global consumers from June.

The post SK hynix Beetle X31: SK hynix Launches its First Portable SSD for Consumer Market first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

Gold P31, SK hynix’s PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, has garnered consistent praise from professional tech reviewers for its unique performance and power efficiency benefits. The drive released last year in 1TB and 500GB capacities, and is now adding a 2TB option for users of high-capacity storage including gamers and content creators. The 2TB version will be marked with a sleek, black-color PCB (Printed Circuit Board) instead of the usual green.

The 2TB Gold P31 will offer 3,500MB/s in sequential reads and 3,200MB/s in sequential writes, the highest from a PCIe Gen3 drive, as well as an industry-leading endurance rating of 1,200 TBW (for 2TB capacity; Terabytes Written: total amount of data an SSD can write in its lifetime), thus providing performance, capacity, power efficiency, and reliability all around. With read speeds of 172.2MB/s per watt of power, the Gold P31 is indeed 434% more efficient than comparable products (for 1TB capacity; Tallis, Billy. “The Best NVMe SSD for Laptops and Notebooks: SK hynix Gold P31 1TB SSD Reviewed.” AnandTech. August 27, 2020).

Sanglae Lee (Robert), Head of Marketing at SK hynix said, “For customers’ demand for high-capacity and high-performance, the 2TB Gold P31 SSD will be their best choice. SK hynix will continuously expand the consumer SSD product line-up in order to enhance its market presence.”

SK hynix sells the PCIe NVMe Gold P31 lineup along with a SATA-interfaced Gold S31 series, both of which are available now on Amazon.com. The drives will be offered on Amazon’s Deal of the Day sale on August 23 to celebrate the 2TB Gold P31’s launch.

Figure 1. SK hynix 2TB Gold P31 consumer SSD

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■ Annotation

1) PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): via direct connection between storage device and mainboard, PCIe interface supports faster input/output transfer rate than SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) interface, which connects storage device and mainboard through cables.

2) NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express): a communication protocol standard connected via PCIe interface, NVMe is a more advanced standard for ultra-high speed, high capacity data processing, supporting six times faster transfer rate than AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) standard.

3) M.2: a form factor of connecting storage device to a mainboard, M.2 supports faster transfer rate than existing SATA form factor, and its small size allows for small devices such as laptops and tablet PCs.

4) Sequential Read/Write: data transfer rate while reading or writing data on a single file
* Respectively, random read/write indicates data transfer rate while reading or writing data on multiple files (ex. running a program).

The post SK hynix Launches 2TB “Gold P31” Ultra-low-power Solid State Drive first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

SK hynix Inc. (or “the Company”, www.skhynix.com), a global semiconductor maker based in Korea, is set to introduce its newest offering of “Gold P31” PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives (SSDs) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020, which will be held on January 7–10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The drives are built with SK hynix’s 128-layer 4D NAND flash, only six months after the Company announced the mass production of the world’s first and highest vertical stack for NAND flash, demonstrating the chipmaker’s technological edge.

As a leading manufacturer of memory chips, SK hynix builds and supplies its own DRAM and NAND flash devices, as well as SSD controllers designed and developed in-house. The company has a proven track record as a major supplier to global OEMs including top-tier PC makers, who have trusted and purchased SK hynix’s SSDs for nearly a decade now. As a next step, SK hynix is now expanding into the consumer market with its newest drives.

“SK hynix’s new SSDs were built as premier solutions for users seeking advanced performance to run multimedia tools and the most demanding of PC games,” said the Company’s spokesperson. “We are excited to introduce SK hynix’s Gold S31 SATA and Gold P31 PCIe for the first time at CES, at a time when the brand continues to expand its presence in the United States.”

The new Gold P31 PCIe SSDs will be on display at SK hynix’s booth #13529 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central LLCC Hall. Before this newest addition, SK hynix launched “SuperCore” series of consumer SSDs starting with Gold S31, the 2.5-inch SATA III SSD offering the industry’s best-in-class speed and reliability, available on Amazon in the U.S.

The SATA-based Gold S31 was rated as one of the best SSDs by influential tech media outlets, including PCWorld: “In real world copies (data transfers), this first (consumer) SSD from SK hynix, proved the fastest SATA drive we’ve ever tested. The price is right, and the company is actually one of the largest semiconductor purveyors in the world so don’t let the name throw you. All the technology is in-house. A very good drive,” said Jon L. Jacobi, contributor to PCWorld.

About SK hynix

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is a top-tier semiconductor maker that offers DRAM, NAND flash, and CMOS Image Sensors (CIS) for a wide range of renowned electronics makers across the world. The company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information on SK hynix is available at https://www.skhynix.com and https://news.skhynix.com.

Media Contact

SK hynix Inc.
Global Public Relations

Technical Leader
Hyun Kyung Olivia Lee
E-Mail: global_newsroom@skhynix.com

Technical Leader
Eun Suk Yixi Lee
E-Mail: global_newsroom@skhynix.com

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