Samsung will likely disclose additional details regarding the AM9C1 E1.A and PM9E1 M.2 22×42 at the CES 2026, which is scheduled to take place from January 6 to 9 at the usual venue in Las Vegas.
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Zhiye Liu News Editor, RAM Reviewer & SSD Technician Zhiye Liu is a news editor, memory reviewer, and SSD tester at Tom’s Hardware. Although he loves everything that’s hardware, he has a soft spot for CPUs, GPUs, and RAM.
abufrejoval Me stupid, obviously, not get it… I read modular controller and NAND package, which seems to imply there are choices for both that can be freely recombined. Yet the pictures seem to hint at how you can mount a 2242 length M.2 into something longer, perhaps 2280… for which in most systems you just move a screw. Playing with free permutations of controlers and NAND packages seems like a very bad idea, for nearly each permutation. Flexible length NVMe drives sort of exist already, where you can simply break off the latter part or simply buy the shorter variant and move the screw… What am I missing? Reply
Moxylite @abufrejoval Well, I think you've nailed it Sir! Another unnecessary iteration of tech that was fine to begin with, and labeling it 'innovation' to print holiday cash? ! Reply
jlake3 abufrejoval said: Me stupid, obviously, not get it… I read modular controller and NAND package, which seems to imply there are choices for both that can be freely recombined. Yet the pictures seem to hint at how you can mount a 2242 length M.2 into something longer, perhaps 2280… for which in most systems you just move a screw. Playing with free permutations of controlers and NAND packages seems like a very bad idea, for nearly each permutation. Flexible length NVMe drives sort of exist already, where you can simply break off the latter part or simply buy the shorter variant and move the screw… What am I missing? The two pictures seem to be unrelated. The 2242 drive seems to be the PM9E1, while the "Detachable Auto SSD" is the AM9C1. That said, I don't get the point of the modular AM9C1 either. Upgrading either part will result in the loss of all data, the host system is likely not going to get upgraded to a new PCIe version, they're not going to be able to validate every combination of controller and flash unless options are limited, and many pairings will leave performance on the table in same way. A non-modular range of validated pairings seems like it would make much more sense. Reply
thestryker abufrejoval said: Me stupid, obviously, not get it… I read modular controller and NAND package, which seems to imply there are choices for both that can be freely recombined. Yet the pictures seem to hint at how you can mount a 2242 length M.2 into something longer, perhaps 2280… for which in most systems you just move a screw. Playing with free permutations of controlers and NAND packages seems like a very bad idea, for nearly each permutation. Flexible length NVMe drives sort of exist already, where you can simply break off the latter part or simply buy the shorter variant and move the screw… What am I missing? I think what it's about is supply line diversification. I don't really think it has anything to do with upgrades. With the way NAND prices have been fluctuating this could potentially allow for buying at lows and still being able to use it with whatever controller they have that's compatible. By disconnecting the two it gives manufacturers more flexibility and that's all I think this is about so it'd be pointless outside of that market. Reply
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/samsung-teases-modular-ssd-with-swappable-nand-and-ssd-controller-compact-4tb-pcie-5-0-m-2-2242-drive-is-also-ready-to-deploy#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.