SMI's PCIe 6.0 SSD controller for consumer SSDs coming next year, but severe NAND shortages will get even worse in 2027 as AI data centers swallow supply — An interview with Silicon Motion's SVP Nelson Duann
Silicon Motion (SMI) is experiencing record sales for its SSD controllers, driven by high demand from AI data centers and increased sales of enterprise-grade controllers. Despite a general drop in consumer SSD demand due to rising prices, SMI's controller shipments surged in Q1 2026. The company's SVP, Nelson Duann, noted that NAND supply for consumer devices will remain tight for years, with AI data centers consuming a significant portion of the available NAND flash. AI
IMPACT AI data center demand is creating NAND shortages, impacting consumer SSD availability and driving sales of high-end controllers.