Currently, solid state drives are preferred over traditional mechanical hard drives for computer systems that require an upgrade in sequential and random read/write speeds. The only two sacrifices that consumers currently have to make is to spend a little more money and find a way to cope with the little amount of storage that is present in solid state drives. In the future, that is more than likely going to change. According to Engadget, Intel and Toshiba have started working on 3D NAND memory chips that will be stacked on top of each other rather than next to each in order to store additional amounts of data.
The advantage to this particular type of approach is that it will increase the overall lifespan of the storage product and allow tech firms to incorporate more storage without increasing overall costs. According to the website, Toshiba has created the world's first 48-layer NAND, which yields 16 GB per chip in order to increase overall speeds and longevity. The company has been able to produce flash memory on the 15 nm process, which is the smallest process for flash memory currently being used.
Unfortunately, these upcoming storage products are not going to be showcased for at least another 12 months of more. Additionally, Intel has teamed up with Micron in order to start mass producing 32-layer NAND chips. Both firms will roll out 32 GB chips, followed by 48 GB ones very soon. Engadget states that by using this process, companies will be able to store up to 3.5 TB on a gum stick sized PCI-E SSD while those sporting the 2.5 inch form factor (which are the more popular products due to their reduced priced tags) could store more than 10 TB inside their chassis.
Both Intel and Toshiba have come up with this approach in order to rival Samsung's products, which has also manufactured solid state drives using 3D NAND technology, with the 850 model the company's first product to use this particular technology. If tech companies are also able to lower the pricing variable compared to what current solid state drives are retailing for, then 3D NAND technology is going to become a very popular form of research in the coming years.
