CES 2026: Micron Launches World's First Gen5 G9 QLC SSD for Client Computing

Micron Technology announced the 3610 NVMe SSD, the industry’s first PCIe Gen5 G9 QLC SSD for client computing – a breakthrough that redefines what’s possible in performance, efficiency and capacity for mainstream PCs and ultra-thin laptops.

Built on Micron’s proven G9 NAND, the 3610 SSD achieves up to 11,000 MB/s sequential read speeds and 9,300MB/s sequential write speeds. ⁽¹⁾ It offers the world’s only 4TB capacity in a compact single-sided M.2 2230 form factor, ideal for ultra-thin laptops and AI-capable devices. This innovation combines Gen5 speed with QLC economics, delivering next-level responsiveness without compromising battery life.

“The 3610 SSD combines cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 technology, Micron’s most-advanced G9 QLC NAND and a sleek, single-sided design to deliver premium performance, capacity and power efficiency,” said Mark Montierth, senior VP and GM, mobile and client business unit, Micron. “The 3610 will enable ultra-thin devices that meet the growing demands of on-device AI, immersive streaming and performance-intensive workloads.”

Why it matters
The 3610 SSD redefines the standard for mainstream client SSDs, enabling OEMs to democratize the Gen5 premium performance while maintaining the power efficiency critical for extending battery life.

Performance at scale: Up to 11,000 MB/s sequential read, 9,300MB/s sequential write, 1.5M IOs random read and 1.6M IOs random write, delivering instant app launches, seamless multitasking and smooth, media-rich workflows
Uncompromising power efficiency: A DRAM-less architecture with host memory buffer (HMB) and DEVSLP low-power states improves performance per watt by 43% compared to Gen4 TLC, extending battery life
AI-ready speed: Loads 20 billion parameter AI models in under threes, enabling real-time AI insights and premium experiences for mainstream client devices
User experience: Achieved up to 30% better scoring and 28% better bandwidth vs. Gen4 QLC SSDs in PCMark 10 testing, making it ideal for various industry workloads
Thermal control for ultra-thin design: Host-controlled thermal management gives OEMs precise control over thermal thresholds, enabling sustained performance in ultra-thin, fanless designs
Enhanced SSD security: Includes the latest advanced security features such as data object exchange (DOE) and device identifier composition engine (DICE), helping provide improved protection of user data

The bigger picture
As AI PCs, immersive gaming and hybrid work accelerate computing requirements, storage must meet the challenge with revolutionary gains. The company’s 3610 SSD embodies that revolution – bringing Micron’s trusted PCIe Gen 5 data center-grade innovation to client devices and reinforcing Micron’s leadership in NAND technology. Positioned between our premium Gen5 4600 series and value-oriented Gen4 offerings, the 3610 SSD delivers uncompromising performance, trusted reliability and clear value at scale.

The Micron 3610 SSD is sampling with select OEM partners and will be available in multiple form factors, offering capacities from 1 to 4TB.

⁽¹⁾ Performance, power efficiency, benchmark and AI model loading time statements are based on 2TB PCIe Gen5 Micron 3610 SSD compared to 2TB PCIe Gen4 Micron 3500 TLC SSD, 2TB PCIe Gen4 Micron 2600 QLC SSD, and 2TB PCIe Gen5 Micron 4600 TLC SSD, tested in Micron lab, at the time of product announcement.
⁽²⁾ Performance and benchmark improvements calculated as (Micron3610 value/Gen4 SSD value) – 1, expressed as a percentage.

CES 2026: Micron Launches World’s First Gen5 G9 QLC SSD for Client Computing

Democratizing premium speed, power efficiency and 4TB capacity for ultra-thin laptops and AI-ready devices