KIOXIA Launches BG8 Client SSDs For Mainstream PC OEMs by Lyle Smith on April 28, 2026 Client SSD ◇ Consumer KIOXIA has introduced the BG8 Series, a new client SSD line aimed at PC OEMs that brings the PCIe Gen5 interface into more mainstream systems. The lineup is designed for a broad range of everyday computing hardware, including slim laptops, consumer and commercial notebooks, and desktop PCs. KIOXIA BG8 Features and Performance KIOXIA’s BG8 Series features 8th-generation BiCS FLASH TLC 3D flash memory, which improves both speed and power efficiency over the previous generation. KIOXIA indicates performance gains of up to 47% in sequential read, 67% in sequential write, 44% in random read, and 30% in random write, with that comparison tied specifically to its earlier generation based on BiCS FLASH generation 5 memory. For raw throughput, the company says the BG8 Series can reach sequential read speeds of up to 10,300MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 10,000MB/s. Random performance is rated at up to 1.4 million read IOPS and 1.3 million write IOPS, figures that place the drive in the high end of client storage performance, even though the product itself is meant for mainstream PC designs. KIOXIA says this combination enables OEMs to build faster, more responsive PCs across a wider range of workloads. The BG8 is a DRAM-less SSD, so instead of onboard DRAM, it uses Host Memory Buffer support, which allows the drive to tap the host system’s memory to help balance speed, power use, and cost. DRAM-less SSDs have often involved compromises, especially under heavier workloads. KIOXIA is essentially using the BG8 to enable faster PCIe Gen5 speeds while maintaining the cost and power efficiency that matter for mainstream PC designs. KIOXIA BG8 Form Factors, Capacities, and Compliance KIOXIA will ship the drives in multiple M.2 form factors, including Type 2230, Type 2242, and Type 2280, giving OEMs the flexibility to use the same family across compact and standard layouts. That range is particularly useful for thin-and-light laptops and other systems where board space and mounting constraints vary from one product design to another. In terms of standards support, the new SSD is compliant with PCIe Gen5 in a Gen5 x4 configuration and NVMe 2.0d. KIOXIA is also offering Self-Encrypting Drive support based on Trusted Computing Group Opal version 2.02, although the document notes that availability of SED models may vary by region. Capacity options listed for the BG8 Series are 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. KIOXIA BG8 Availability The BG8 Series is currently sampling to select PC OEM customers. Systems using the new SSD are expected to begin shipping in the 2nd quarter of 2026, which means the first commercial appearances should come through finished PCs rather than retail-branded standalone drives. KIOXIA Client SSDs Engage with StorageReview Newsletter | YouTube | Podcast iTunes/Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | RSS Feed Lyle SmithLyle is a long-time staff writer for StorageReview, covering a broad set of end user and enterprise IT topics. Previous post: IBM and Google Cloud Expand Partnership to Streamline Enterprise AI and Hybrid Cloud Operations
