KIOXIA’s Latest Storage Innovations – BG7 Client and LC9 Enterprise SSDs
At CES 2026, Kioxia unveiled a pair of compelling new storage solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of both consumer and enterprise markets. The centerpiece of this presentation was the launch of the BG7 client mainstream NVMe SSD series, alongside the high-capacity LC9 enterprise SSD – a testament to Kioxia’s continued investment in advanced flash memory technologies.
BG7 Client SSD Series: Performance Boost for PCs
The BG7 series represents Kioxia's first utilization of BiCS Gen 8 3D flash memory, incorporating the innovative CMOS Directly Bonded to Array (CBA) technology. This architecture is engineered to maximize data density and performance within a compact form factor. Targeted primarily at PC OEMs, this new series offers capacities ranging from 256 GB up to 2 TB, catering to a broad spectrum of user requirements.
Performance metrics for the BG7 SSDs are noteworthy. These PCIe 4.0 Gen 4 x4 NVMe drives are projected to deliver sequential read speeds reaching up to 7,000 MB/s – a substantial improvement over previous generations. Furthermore, random read and write operations are anticipated to achieve up to 1,000,000 IOPS. Estimates suggest these figures represent gains of approximately 10% and 16% respectively compared to the preceding BG6 series, demonstrating significant advancements in data access speeds.
The BG7 SSDs are designed for integration into a variety of devices including workstations, desktop computers, laptops, and all-in-one PCs. Their compact M.2 form factors – encompassing 2230, 2242, and 2280 – ensure compatibility with a wide range of modern systems.
LC9 Enterprise SSD: Unprecedented Capacity and Density
Alongside the BG7 series, Kioxia highlighted the LC9 245.76 TB enterprise SSD. This drive builds upon the BiCS Flash Generation 8 QLC 3D flash memory technology, showcasing a remarkable achievement in storage density.
The LC9 boasts a 32-die stack utilizing 2 terabit (Tb) 3D flash memory with the same CBA technology. This configuration allows for an industry-first capacity of 245.76 TB within a remarkably small 154 BGA package. The drive is available in both 2.5-inch and Enterprise/Datacenter Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) E3.L form factors, reflecting its versatility across diverse environments.
The impressive capacity density of the LC9 underscores Kioxia’s dedication to meeting the demands of data-intensive applications within enterprise settings such as servers, storage arrays, and high-performance computing systems. The ability to consolidate vast amounts of data into a compact footprint represents a key advantage for organizations seeking to optimize space and reduce infrastructure costs.
Key Technologies Driving Performance
- BiCS Gen 8 3D Flash Memory: Kioxia’s utilization of BiCS Gen 8 maximizes storage density through its innovative 3D stacking technology.
- CBA (CMOS Directly Bonded to Array): This technology improves performance by reducing latency and enhancing data access speeds.
- QLC Flash Memory: The LC9 leverages QLC flash memory, providing a cost-effective solution for high-capacity storage needs.
Images showcasing the BG7 client SSD series and the LC9 enterprise SSD are available for review.
Learn more about the technology behind these new drives
