forbes.com
Seagate's NVMe HDD Prototype: Lower-Cost, High-Performance Storage for AI
Seagate's 2025 Nvidia GTC demonstration showcased a prototype NVMe HDD system combining 4TB NVMe SSDs and 32TB HDDs, delivering 256TB of storage at 3GB/s data rates, outperforming all-SSD systems at 1/6th the cost, highlighting potential for lower-cost AI systems.
- What are the potential future impacts of widespread NVMe HDD adoption on data center design, storage system costs, and the overall landscape of enterprise storage by 2028?
- The transition to NVMe HDDs is projected to significantly impact data center architectures by 2028. Higher-capacity HDDs (exceeding 50TB) are expected to incorporate dual actuators, further boosting performance and necessitating a high-bandwidth interface like NVMe. The declining support for SAS and SATA will accelerate the adoption of NVMe as the standard interface, creating cost advantages and simplifying system design.
- How does the move towards NVMe HDDs address the challenges posed by increasing HDD capacities and the phasing out of SAS/SATA interfaces, and what are the broader systemic implications?
- The demonstration built upon earlier work, including a 2021 OCP Summit presentation featuring a customized HDD enclosure with native support for SAS, SATA, and NVMe. Seagate, along with other industry players, has been advocating for a common NVMe interface across storage types to simplify systems, improve performance, and reduce costs. This move is driven by increasing HDD capacities and the broader industry shift towards NVMe.
- What are the immediate implications of Seagate's NVMe HDD prototype demonstration at the 2025 Nvidia GTC, considering its cost-performance benefits and integration with Nvidia's AI infrastructure?
- Seagate showcased a prototype NVMe hard disk drive (HDD) at the 2025 Nvidia GTC, integrating it with Nvidia's technology. This demonstration combined NVMe SSDs for caching with high-capacity HDDs, achieving performance comparable to all-SSD systems at a significantly lower cost. The system leveraged Nvidia's BlueField DPU and AIStore software, highlighting the potential for NVMe HDDs in AI environments.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed positively towards NVMe HDDs, emphasizing their potential benefits and advantages. The use of phrases like "reasons to think their time is coming soon!" and the concluding prediction of market dominance significantly shape the reader's interpretation in favor of this technology. The inclusion of quotes from Seagate employees further supports this positive framing.
Language Bias
The article uses positive and enthusiastic language when describing NVMe HDDs, using terms such as "big gain," and "important element." While not explicitly biased, the overwhelmingly optimistic tone could be seen as subtly influencing reader perception. More neutral alternatives might include phrases like "significant improvement" instead of "big gain" and "a contributing factor" instead of "important element.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the potential benefits of NVMe HDDs and their integration with Nvidia's technology. It mentions that major HDD customers are evaluating NVMe HDDs, but doesn't provide specific examples or details about the scale of this evaluation. There is no discussion of potential drawbacks or challenges associated with the adoption of NVMe HDDs. The article also omits discussion of competing technologies or alternative solutions for high-capacity storage.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the future of HDD storage, primarily focusing on the benefits of NVMe adoption. It doesn't fully explore alternative interface solutions or the possibility of coexistence with other technologies. The implication that NVMe HDDs will 'dominate' by 2028 presents a strong, possibly oversimplified prediction.
Sustainable Development Goals
The development and implementation of NVMe HDDs represent a significant innovation in data storage technology. This innovation has the potential to reduce storage system complexity, improve HDD performance, reduce costs, and lower power consumption in data centers. These improvements directly contribute to more efficient and sustainable infrastructure, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) targets related to building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.