SK Hynix Leads NAND Flash Race with 321-Layer Technology, Paving Way for 100TB+ SSDs

2 Sources

SK Hynix becomes the first to mass-produce 321-layer TLC NAND flash memory, surpassing Samsung and setting a new industry standard for high-capacity, energy-efficient storage solutions aimed at AI data centers and consumer markets.

News article

SK Hynix Leads NAND Flash Innovation with 321-Layer Technology

SK Hynix, the world's second-largest memory chipmaker, has achieved a significant milestone in the data storage industry by becoming the first company to mass-produce triple-level cell (TLC) NAND flash memory with 321 layers. This breakthrough puts SK Hynix ahead of its main rival, Samsung, in the race for higher capacity and more efficient storage solutions 12.

Technical Advancements and Performance Improvements

The new 321-layer, 1-terabit TLC 4D NAND flash represents a substantial leap forward from SK Hynix's previous 238-layer NAND, which was launched less than a year ago. The company's innovative "Three Plugs" technology enables the simultaneous connection of three memory layer vertical channels through an optimized electrical linking process 1.

Key performance improvements include:

  • 12% increase in data transfer speed
  • 13% improvement in reading performance
  • Over 10% reduction in power consumption
  • 59% boost in production efficiency compared to the previous generation 12

Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges

To achieve this dense layering, SK Hynix had to overcome significant technical hurdles. The company developed new low-stress materials and implemented automatic alignment correction technology to maintain proper order during the manufacturing process. These innovations were crucial in addressing the stress and alignment issues that arise when connecting such a high number of layers 1.

Impact on Storage Capacity and AI Applications

The 321-layer NAND flash technology is expected to enable the production of more affordable ultra-high-capacity solid-state drives (SSDs) exceeding 100TB. This advancement is particularly significant for the rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) market, which demands high-performance, energy-efficient storage solutions for data centers and on-device AI applications 2.

Market Implications and Future Developments

SK Hynix plans to begin shipping these new storage devices to customers in the first half of 2025, initially targeting the AI market. However, the technology is also expected to benefit other sectors requiring high-capacity storage, such as gaming, media editing, and data archiving 1.

The achievement strengthens SK Hynix's position in the memory market, with Jungdal Choi, Head of NAND Development at SK Hynix, stating, "SK Hynix is on track to advancing to the Full Stack AI Memory Provider by adding a perfect portfolio in the ultra-high performance NAND space on top of the DRAM business led by HBM" 2.

Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

While SK Hynix has taken the lead with its 321-layer NAND, the competition in the memory chip industry remains fierce. Samsung is reportedly working on 400-layer NAND flash technology, aiming for a 2026 release. The company's long-term roadmap includes developing bonding vertical NAND (BV NAND) technology, with the ambitious goal of introducing NAND chips with over 1,000 layers by 2030, potentially enabling SSDs with capacities exceeding 200TB 12.

As the demand for high-capacity, energy-efficient storage continues to grow, driven by AI and other data-intensive applications, the race among memory chip manufacturers is likely to intensify, promising further innovations in the coming years.

Explore today's top stories

Google Introduces AI-Powered Business Calling and Enhanced AI Mode in Search

Google rolls out an AI-powered business calling feature in the US and enhances its AI Mode with Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Search capabilities, revolutionizing how users interact with local businesses and conduct online research.

TechCrunch logoThe Verge logoPC Magazine logo

13 Sources

Technology

1 day ago

Google Introduces AI-Powered Business Calling and Enhanced

Nvidia's AI Chip Sales to China Resume Amid US-China Rare Earth Trade Negotiations

Nvidia and AMD are set to resume sales of AI chips to China as part of a broader US-China trade deal involving rare earth elements, sparking debates on national security and technological competition.

TechCrunch logopcgamer logoEconomic Times logo

3 Sources

Policy and Regulation

9 hrs ago

Nvidia's AI Chip Sales to China Resume Amid US-China Rare

Inside OpenAI: Former Engineer Reveals Chaotic Culture of Secrecy, Rapid Growth, and Innovation

Calvin French-Owen, a former OpenAI engineer, shares insights into the company's internal workings, highlighting its rapid growth, secretive nature, and innovative yet chaotic work environment.

PC Magazine logoGizmodo logoFuturism logo

5 Sources

Technology

1 day ago

Inside OpenAI: Former Engineer Reveals Chaotic Culture of

OpenAI Expands Cloud Partnerships, Adds Google Cloud to Meet Growing AI Compute Demands

OpenAI has added Google Cloud to its list of cloud providers, joining Microsoft, Oracle, and CoreWeave. This move aims to meet the escalating demand for computing capacity needed to run AI models like ChatGPT.

Reuters logoCNBC logoTechRadar logo

7 Sources

Technology

17 hrs ago

OpenAI Expands Cloud Partnerships, Adds Google Cloud to

Nvidia's H20 AI Chip Ban Lifted: Countering China's AI Influence and Black Market Challenges

The U.S. eases restrictions on Nvidia's H20 AI chip sales to China, aiming to counter Huawei's growing influence. Meanwhile, a thriving black market for banned AI chips poses challenges to export controls.

Quartz logoWccftech logo

2 Sources

Technology

8 hrs ago

Nvidia's H20 AI Chip Ban Lifted: Countering China's AI
TheOutpost.ai

Your Daily Dose of Curated AI News

Don’t drown in AI news. We cut through the noise - filtering, ranking and summarizing the most important AI news, breakthroughs and research daily. Spend less time searching for the latest in AI and get straight to action.

© 2025 Triveous Technologies Private Limited
Instagram logo
LinkedIn logo