Tuesday, March 25th 2025

SMART Modular Technologies Introduces Its Non-Volatile CXL E3.S Memory Module

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. ("SMART"), a Penguin Solutions, Inc. brand and a global leader in integrated memory solutions, solid-state drives, and hybrid storage products, announced today it is now sampling its redefined Non-Volatile CXL Memory Module (NV-CMM) to tier 1 OEMs based on the CXL 2.0 standard. This innovative product combines non-volatile high-performance DRAM memory, persistent flash memory and an energy source in a single removable EDSFF form factor to deliver superior reliability and serviceability for data-intensive applications. The NV-CMM module further expands the SMART family of CXL products introduced in the last year.

"Our NV-CMM represents a paradigm shift in memory technology for data centers," said Torry Steed, senior product marketing manager at SMART Modular Technologies. "By combining the benefits of non-volatile memory with the CXL standard, we're making it significantly easier for system integrators to incorporate compact, non-volatile, high performance persistent memory into their products."
The NV-CMM represents a significant leap forward in memory technology, offering:
  • Enhanced System Performance: By ensuring data persistence and minimizing the need for complex recovery processes, NV-CMMs significantly boost system responsiveness and performance. This is particularly beneficial for write-latency sensitive applications such as high-performance computing, in-memory databases, and real-time analytics.
  • Data Persistence: Onboard backup power ensures critical data is preserved during unexpected power outages, enhancing system reliability and cluster availability.
  • Versatile Form Factor: The E3.S 2T form factor provides flexibility for various server configurations.
  • Advanced Connectivity: PCIe Gen 5 and CXL 2.0 compliance ensures seamless integration with the latest data center architectures.
The NV-CMM is poised to redefine memory in several key areas:
  • Accelerate Storage Systems: As a high-speed cache tier, NV-CMMs significantly boost storage appliance performance.
  • Enhanced Data Recovery: Critical for maintaining data integrity during power failures or system crashes.
  • Optimized Virtualization: Supports faster virtual machine (VM) restarts and reduces downtime in cloud infrastructures.
  • Efficient Write Caching: Improves overall system performance by quickly acknowledging write operations.
Mike Howard, from TechInsights, commented: "The introduction of NV-CMMs leveraging the CXL standard marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics. SMART's innovation in this space positions them at the forefront of the memory industry."
SMART is offering NV-CMM evaluation samples for enterprise customers and system integrators. For more information including specifications, pricing, and availability, visit the product page.
Source: SMART Modular Technologies
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2 Comments on SMART Modular Technologies Introduces Its Non-Volatile CXL E3.S Memory Module

#1
Wirko
SFF-xxxx connectors used in server PCIe SSDs have dedicated pins for backup power, I was wondering what's their use, and these drives seem to be part of the answer: DRAM-based non-volatile memory needs that.
Posted on Reply
#2
LabRat 891
WirkoSFF-xxxx connectors used in server PCIe SSDs have dedicated pins for backup power, I was wondering what's their use, and these drives seem to be part of the answer: DRAM-based non-volatile memory needs that.
Speaking of...
The E3.S form factor appears to be the industry-specific replacement for 2.5" drives.
3. E3.S
E3.S is a powerful alternative to the traditional 2.5-inch drive, designed to handle high-performance tasks while providing better airflow and cooling. It has a similar form factor to that of a 2.5" SATA or U.2 drive but uses the EDSFF interface and supports higher power draw and performance. The 2.5" form factor fits the height of a 2U server chassis.

Use Cases:
-High-performance computing (HPC), AI, and other data-intensive workloads that benefit from sustained, high-throughput storage.
-Impact on Data Centers: E3.S SSDs deliver improved power and thermal efficiency, allowing data centers to run high-performance applications without compromising on density or cooling requirements.
www.sabrepc.com/blog/computer-hardware/explaining-edsff-ssds
Form FactorThicknessWidthLengthTDP
E3.S7.5mm76mm112.75mm25W
E3.S 2T16.8mm76mm112.75mm40W
E3.L7.5mm76mm142.2mm40W
E3.L 2T16.8mm76mm142.2mm70W
Too bad,
it'll be quiteawhile before we see these kinds of products on the secondary market...
Posted on Reply
Mar 28th, 2025 08:17 EDT change timezone

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