KIOXIA has introduced the BG7 Series SSDs, marking the debut of its BiCS FLASH generation 8 3D flash memory in client applications. These drives target PC OEMs building notebooks and desktops, where demands for speed, efficiency, and compactness intensify. By integrating CMOS Directly Bonded to Array (CBA) technology, the BG7 Series addresses key bottlenecks in power use and performance for everyday computing tasks.
This launch reflects broader shifts in the client SSD market. As consumers prioritize thin-and-light devices, OEMs face pressure to deliver storage that sustains battery life without sacrificing responsiveness. KIOXIA positions the BG7 as a value-driven solution in this landscape.
BiCS FLASH Generation 8: Core Innovations Driving Gains
At the heart of the KIOXIA BG7 Series SSDs lies BiCS FLASH generation 8, KIOXIA’s latest 3D NAND advancement. This iteration employs CBA technology, which bonds the CMOS logic layer directly to the memory array. The result cuts signal path lengths, reducing latency and power draw during intensive operations.
Sequential read speeds reach up to 7,000 MB/s, a 16% uplift from the BG6 Series. Random read/write performance hits 1,000,000 IOPS, up roughly 10%. These metrics stem from denser cell structures and refined controller optimizations, enabling smoother multitasking in commercial and consumer PCs.
Power efficiency stands out most. Sequential write operations show a 67% improvement over prior models, critical for mobile devices where thermal limits constrain performance. [Anchor: Learn more about CBA’s impact on NAND efficiency (link to KIOXIA technical whitepaper).]
Performance Metrics in Context
To quantify the edge:
- Sequential Read: Up to 7,000 MB/s (16% faster than BG6).
- Random 4K Read/Write: Up to 1,000,000 IOPS (10% improvement).
- Power Efficiency (Seq. Write): 67% better, aiding battery life in ultrabooks.
- Capacities: 256 GB to 2 TB, suiting varied OEM builds.
These gains align with PCIe 4.0 benchmarks, where client SSDs increasingly compete with enterprise-grade options. For OEMs, this means fewer compromises in entry-level configurations.
NVMe 2.0d and Expanded Form Factors for OEM Flexibility
The BG7 Series incorporates NVMe 2.0d compliance, offering OEMs granular control over features like power states and error handling. This spec update refines thermal management and supports zoned namespaces, streamlining integration into modern PC architectures.
Form factor variety broadens applicability. Beyond the established Type 2230 and 2280 sizes, KIOXIA adds Type 2242. This M.2 variant fits emerging mini-PCs and compact laptops, where space constraints demand precise mounting.
DRAM-less design leverages Host Memory Buffer (HMB), borrowing system DRAM for caching. This cuts costs—vital for high-volume OEM production—while maintaining competitive speeds. Paired with PCIe 4.0, it ensures broad motherboard compatibility without premium pricing.
[Anchor: NVMe 2.0 specifications overview (link to NVM Express Consortium site).]
Security and Reliability Features for Enterprise-Grade Client Use
Security bolsters the BG7’s enterprise appeal. Support for Self-Encrypting Drives (SED) via TCG Opal 2.01 enables hardware-based encryption, safeguarding data in shared or field-serviceable devices. OEMs can activate this for compliance-heavy sectors like education or healthcare.
Reliability draws from BiCS8’s matured process node, with enhanced endurance for client workloads. Write amplification stays low, extending drive life under mixed read/write patterns common in notebooks.
Key benefits include:
- TCG Opal 2.01 SED: Effortless integration for encrypted deployments.
- HMB Optimization: Cost-effective caching without onboard DRAM.
- Multi-Form Factor Support: 2230, 2242, 2280 for diverse chassis.
- Power-Tailored Modes: NVMe 2.0d for idle/low-load efficiency.
These elements position BG7 SSDs as a bridge between consumer affordability and professional durability.
Strategic Implications for PC OEMs in 2026
PC OEMs navigate a market where AI-accelerated tasks and hybrid work elevate storage expectations. KIOXIA BG7 Series SSDs deliver here: their efficiency supports always-on features like background syncing without draining batteries. Neville Ichhaporia, Senior VP and GM of KIOXIA America’s SSD Business Unit, notes that client storage must match ultra-mobility demands without excess cost.
Comparatively, rivals like Samsung’s PM9A1 or WD’s SN770 offer similar DRAM-less profiles, but BG7’s BiCS8 edge in power savings could differentiate in RFP evaluations. For mid-tier laptops—projected to grow 8% in 2026 per IDC—OEMs gain a spec that boosts benchmark scores while trimming BOM costs.
Samples circulate among select partners now, with full availability post-CES 2026. Expect integration in Q2 refresh cycles for business ultrabooks.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
Client SSD shipments hit 300 million units in 2025 (Statista), with PCIe 4.0 capturing 60% share. BG7 enters as efficiency rises in priority amid EU energy regs. Versus BG6:
| Metric | BG6 Series | BG7 Series | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seq. Read (MB/s) | ~6,000 | 7,000 | 16% |
| Random IOPS | ~900K | 1M | 10% |
| Seq. Write Efficiency | Baseline | 67% better | 67% |
| Form Factors | 2230/2280 | +2242 | Expanded |
This table underscores tangible OEM value. [Anchor: IDC client PC storage forecast (link to IDC report summary).]
Deployment Considerations and Best Practices
OEMs evaluating BG7 should prioritize firmware tuning for HMB allocation—typically 64-128 MB from host RAM suffices for peak IOPS. Thermal throttling remains minimal, but pairing with efficient controllers maximizes CBA benefits.
Testing reveals real-world gains: boot times drop 15% in Windows 11 environments, per early benchmarks. For desktops, multi-drive RAID configs leverage NVMe 2.0d queuing for creative workflows.
Long-term, BiCS8 paves for PCIe 5.0 transitions, signaling KIOXIA’s roadmap focus.
Key Takeaways for Decision-Makers
- Performance-Power Balance: Ideal for battery-constrained notebooks.
- Cost Efficiency: DRAM-less HMB lowers per-unit pricing.
- Versatility: New 2242 form factor expands design options.
- Future-Proofing: NVMe 2.0d and SED ready for evolving standards.
- Availability: CES 2026 showcase, samples now.
About KIOXIA America, Inc.
KIOXIA America, Inc. is the U.S.-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. For more information, please visit KIOXIA.com.
