Samsung Unveils Modular SSDs for the Future of Cars and Gaming

Samsung is already stirring up excitement ahead of CES 2026, where the tech giant will showcase its innovative new SSDs. Let’s dive into what’s coming.

Modular Design for Automotive Innovation

Last year, Samsung introduced the AM9C1 SSD—a compact BGA model with a 5nm PCIe 4.0 controller and V-NAND 8th gen flash memory. Now, the updated AM9C1 E1.A, part of Samsung’s Detachable AutoSSD series, takes a bold step forward with a modular design. For the first time, the controller and NAND chips are separate. This change is not just cosmetic—it gives automotive manufacturers and car owners the flexibility to upgrade or replace components independently. Imagine upgrading from PCIe 4.0 to PCIe 5.0 or swapping out the NAND chips for higher capacities as technology evolves. This approach improves heat management and extends the lifespan of the drive, which is crucial for self-driving cars that handle vast amounts of data in real time.

PM9E1 M.2 22×42: A Compact Powerhouse

Next up, Samsung introduces the PM9E1 M.2 22×42—an even smaller version of the PM9E1 SSD. With a sleek 2242 form factor, it's perfect for ultrathin laptops, tablets, and mini-PCs. This PCIe 5.0 SSD can read at speeds of up to 14.8GB/s and write at 13.4GB/s. With storage options reaching 4TB, it's an appealing option for portable gaming devices like the Steam Deck. Though initially aimed at OEMs, there’s a good chance we’ll see these drives in the hands of consumers through third-party channels.

As Samsung gets ready to reveal more at CES, it’s clear these SSDs are shaping up to push the boundaries of automotive tech and personal computing.