SanDisk Introduces High Bandwidth Flash to Boost AI Model Storage

Article Highlights
Off On

In a groundbreaking move, SanDisk has unveiled its revolutionary memory architecture named High Bandwidth Flash (HBF), marking a significant milestone since its separation from Western Digital. This innovative architecture combines the vast storage capacity of 3D NAND flash memory with the high bandwidth attributes typically linked to High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). The sophisticated hybrid memory structure utilizes the vertical stacking of 16 layers of 3D NAND dies, integrated with through-silicon vias (TSVs), to create intricate data pipelines that enable rapid data transfer.

Enhanced Storage and Bandwidth Capabilities

The HBF architecture deviates from traditional NAND designs by dividing each die into numerous sub-arrays that can be accessed randomly and in parallel. This design choice significantly boosts bandwidth while maintaining the cost-effective and high-capacity advantages of NAND. Furthermore, HBF provides 8 to 16 times more capacity per stack compared to current HBM solutions, making it particularly suitable for substantial AI workloads. For example, systems outfitted with eight HBF stacks could offer up to 4 terabytes of storage, enabling the direct storage of massive AI models such as GPT-4 on GPU hardware.

Despite its promising prospects, the HBF architecture does face some challenges. One of the primary issues is the inherently higher latency of NAND compared to DRAM, which can affect performance. Additionally, potential problems with write endurance and block-based addressing may arise. As a result, SanDisk is targeting HBF primarily for read-intensive AI inference tasks that require high bandwidth and capacity but can tolerate higher latency levels. Nonetheless, the architecture’s unique attributes make it a compelling choice for advancing AI model storage capabilities.

Open Standard and Future Applications

SanDisk’s HBF architecture epitomizes a remarkable blend of high capacity and high-speed attributes, which are critical for meeting the increasing demands for data processing and storage in today’s tech-driven world. This innovation is likely to significantly impact various sectors, from computing to data centers, making information access and management more efficient. By integrating the benefits of both 3D NAND and HBM, SanDisk has set a new benchmark in the memory industry, promising enhanced performance and greater efficiency.

Explore more

Are Ryzen 9000 CPUs at Risk on ASRock Motherboards?

The compatibility of AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series CPUs with ASRock motherboards has come under scrutiny due to incidents where these CPUs experienced burnouts. This issue centers around the configurations of Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO), which aims to optimize CPU performance by modifying power and thermal constraints. However, controversies emerge as ASRock motherboards reportedly exceed AMD’s recommended values for electric design

Will Opinion Letters Clarify U.S. Labor Laws Again?

The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regarding the reintroduction of its opinion letter program is creating waves in legal and corporate circles. In a move that could provide much-needed clarity to complex labor laws, the DOL invites individuals and organizations to seek official written interpretations on specific legal dilemmas. This initiative is set to impact various

Are Freelancer Platforms a Tax Liability Trap?

In a rapidly evolving global workforce, managing international contractors effectively has become a cornerstone for many businesses seeking flexibility and expertise. However, the reliance on Freelancer Management Systems (FMS) to handle this task comes with potential tax liabilities that are not immediately apparent. Many businesses choose FMS platforms for their streamlined processes and ease of access to a diverse range

Is the UK’s Lending Sector Ready for Modernization?

The UK’s lending sector stands at a crossroads, with innovation and modernization urgently needed to address a growing mismatch between lender offerings and consumer expectations. As highlighted in a recent report by Acquired.com, current repayment models are increasingly inadequate as they fail to reflect the ways in which consumers are now managing their finances. Modern borrowers, across diverse credit ratings,

Does Title VII Now Offer Equal Protection to All Employees?

The judicial landscape of employment discrimination has witnessed significant transformation, particularly influenced by a pivotal ruling from the Supreme Court focused on Title VII. This ruling has reshaped the legal framework, ensuring equitable protection for both majority and minority employees pursuing discrimination claims. Central to this narrative is the case of Marlean Ames, a former employee of the Ohio Department