KIOXIA announces new SSD model optimized for AI GPU-initiated workloads

KIOXIA super high IOPS SSD delivers high performance, low latency memory expansion for NVIDIA Storage-Next architecture

  • Düsseldorf, Germany, 16 March 2026
  • KIOXIA Europe GmbH

KIOXIA Europe GmbH today announced the development of KIOXIA's Super High IOPS SSD, a new type of SSD enabling the GPU to directly access high-speed flash memory as an expansion to High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) in AI systems. The new Super High IOPS SSD, the KIOXIA GP Series, is purpose-built to meet the growing performance demands of AI and high-performance computing, providing larger GPU-accessible memory capacity for faster data access to AI workloads. Evaluation samples of KIOXIA GP Series will be available to select customers by the end of 2026.

The NVIDIA Storage-Next initiative addresses the anticipated shift from compute-intensive to data-intensive workloads and the expanded need for GPU-accessible memory space, currently limited by HBM size. Expanding the GPU's usable memory space allows access to larger data sets and improves GPU utilization by moving more data closer to compute resources.

The NVIDIA Storage-Next initiative calls on SSD vendors to design drives optimized for GPU-initiated AI workloads. The initiative effectively expands HBM capacity by enabling GPUs to access flash-based memory. KIOXIA is supporting NVIDIA's initiative with the KIOXIA GP Series SSDs, which utilize low-latency, high-performance KIOXIA XL-FLASH Storage Class Memory, and is uniquely[1] positioned for this architecture, delivering higher IOPS, finer-grained data access (512 bytes), and lower power consumption per IO, compared with KIOXIA conventional TLC SSDs.

"KIOXIA's GP Series represents a new approach to storage for AI systems, supporting the NVIDIA Storage-Next initiative," said Axel Stoermann, Chief Technology Officer & Vice President, KIOXIA Europe GmbH. "By enabling GPUs to directly access high-speed flash memory as an expansion to HBM, this new class of Super High IOPS SSD unlocks faster, more efficient AI workloads as computing shifts to increasingly data-intensive applications. This collaboration with NVIDIA is redefining the future of AI storage architecture."

KIOXIA reaffirms its commitment to driving technological advancements in AI and high-performance computing through ongoing innovation and strategic collaborations. The KIOXIA GP Series SSD family is designed to address the evolving needs of AI workloads.

Additionally, AI models are rapidly scaling toward trillions of parameters while context windows expand to millions of tokens, driving an unprecedented growth in KV (Key Value) cache requirements. Architectures such as NVIDIA's Context Memory Storage (CMX) recognize the need to extend the memory hierarchy beyond GPU memory using high-performance storage. The KIOXIA CM9 Series PCIe 5.0 E3.S SSD, offering 25.6 TB TLC capacity with 3 DWPD endurance, provide the performance, capacity, and endurance needed to support these large-scale inference environments. KIOXIA believes this class of storage will play a critical role in scaling efficient, cost-optimized AI inference infrastructure.

Samples will begin shipping in Q3 2026.

KIOXIA will be demonstrating the Super High IOPS SSD emulator and other technology innovations at NVIDIA GTC, booth 3522.

Notes

[1] As of today's release

Product image may differ from the actual product.

Definition of capacity: KIOXIA defines a kilobyte (KB) as 1,000 bytes, a megabyte (MB) as 1,000,000 bytes, a gigabyte (GB) as 1,000,000,000 bytes and a terabyte (TB) as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. A computer operating system, however, reports storage capacity using powers of 2 for the definition of 1GB = 230 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes 1TB = 240 bytes = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes and a kibibyte (KiB) as 1,024 bytes and, therefore, shows less storage capacity. Available storage capacity (including examples of various media files) will vary based on file size, formatting, settings, software and operating system, and/or pre-installed software applications, or media content. Actual formatted capacity may vary.

The following trademarks, service and/or company names – NVIDIA, Storage-Next, NVIDIA Corporation, PCIe, PCI-SIG – are not applied, registered, created and/or owned by KIOXIA Europe GmbH or by affiliated KIOXIA group companies. However, they may be applied, registered, created and/or owned by third parties in various jurisdictions and, therefore, protected against unauthorized use. All other company names, product names and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.

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About KIOXIA Europe GmbH

KIOXIA Europe GmbH is the European based subsidiary of KIOXIA Corporation, a leading worldwide supplier of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). From the invention of flash memory to today's breakthrough BiCS FLASH™ 3D technology, KIOXIA continues to pioneer innovative memory, SSD and software solutions that enrich people's lives and expand society's horizons. The company's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

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