Samsung has introduced the BM9K1 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD, featuring a custom RISC-V controller that marks a significant shift from the Arm architecture previously used. Announced at the China Flash Market Summit 2026, this drive achieves remarkable sequential read speeds of 11.4 GB/s, pushing QLC NAND performance closer to traditionally faster TLC alternatives.

The transition to RISC-V architecture provides 23% improved power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the BM9C1 PCIe 4.0 controller. This customization allows for better firmware optimization tailored to QLC NAND's I/O patterns, potentially extending battery life in laptops and compact systems where energy efficiency matters most.

Samsung plans to launch the BM9K1 in 2027 with capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB, though pricing remains undisclosed. This strategic move signals Samsung's commitment to the open-source RISC-V instruction set, potentially influencing industry-wide adoption as the company positions this architecture for future SSD developments.