Samsung is prepping PCIe 6.0 SSDs already but don't expect to get your hands on them without screw-you AI datacentre money

PC Gamer
by Jacob Fox
February 23, 2026
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 Samsung is prepping PCIe 6.0 SSDs already but don't expect to get your hands on them without screw-you AI datacentre money
Samsung is reportedly gearing up to produce PCIe 6.0 SSDs, with initial orders focused on R&D and mass production expected later in 2024. However, these high-end drives are primarily aimed at enterprise and datacenter applications, such as AI servers and large-scale storage needs. While the first models, like Samsung's PM1763, showcase impressive capacities—starting at 256 TB with plans for a 512 TB version next year—they are unlikely to be affordable or relevant for consumer gaming PCs in the near term. The article highlights that while PCIe 6.0 SSDs offer significant improvements over older generations, their current applications and pricing make them inaccessible to most gamers. For now, PCIe 4.0 SSDs remain more than sufficient for gaming performance, even as Gen 5 drives begin to emerge. The focus on enterprise use cases means consumer-grade PCIe 6.0 SSDs are still years away, if they ever become widely available at all. While the tech industry's push toward higher-speed storage solutions is driven by AI and datacenter demands, gamers can rest assured that their needs are still being met by existing technologies. This shift underscores the importance of staying informed about hardware advancements without overspending on unnecessary upgrades. For now, PCIe 4.0 SSDs remain the sweet spot for gaming performance, balancing cost and speed effectively. In summary, Samsung's PCIe 6.0 SSD developments are a testament to the ongoing evolution of storage technology, but they currently hold little relevance for gamers seeking affordable, high-performance solutions. As the industry continues to prioritize enterprise needs, consumers can expect slower adoption of cutting-edge storage formats, reinforcing the value of current-generation SSDs in gaming setups.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/23/2026