Marvell shows off a QLC-compatible SSD controller that can deliver 670K IOPs

At CES 2018 Marvell showcased a next-generation SSD controller, a test model that is designed to offer exceptional performance levels, providing speeds of over 3,500MB/s and 4K random performance of over 670,000 IOPS when paired with 3D TLC NAND. 

One of the key features of this new controller is support for QLC (Quad-Level-Cell) NAND, which supports more data per cell at the expense of endurance, requiring controllers to support advanced error-correction mechanisms. This new NAND type promises to deliver higher capacities at a lower cost, allowing more affordable high-capacity SSDs to be built.

The promise of lower cost SSDs will make any QLC-compatible controller attractive to SSD makers, making this next-generation controller of critical importance to Marvell. Every major NAND manufacturer is currently working to bring QLC NAND to the market. Industry sources have stated that 512GB SSDs should be able to cost around $100 when made with QLC NAND.