Micron Unveils First Budget Gen5 SSD For Mainstream PCs at CES 2026

Micron 3610 Gen5 SSD shown with a modern laptop highlighting PCIe Gen5 performance and compact M.2 design

Micron Technology has launched the Micron 3610 Gen5 SSD at CES 2026, pushing PCIe Gen5 storage into the mainstream client PC market. The company positions this drive as a balance of high performance, efficiency, and compact design for modern laptops and small form factor systems.

The Micron 3610 Gen5 SSD delivers sequential read speeds of up to 11,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 9,300 MB/s. These speeds accelerate boot times, reduce application load delays, and improve large file transfers, offering a noticeable upgrade over Gen4-based client storage.

Micron designed the drive in a single-sided M.2 2230 form factor while supporting capacities of up to 4 TB. This compact footprint allows device manufacturers to install high-capacity, high-speed storage in ultra-thin laptops, handheld PCs, and AI-focused systems where internal space remains limited.

The company uses a DRAM-less architecture supported by host memory buffer technology to improve performance per watt and manage heat more effectively. This design helps system builders maintain stable performance in slim devices without aggressive cooling solutions.

Micron 3610 Gen5 SSD Specifications

Specifications Details
Interface PCIe Gen5 NVMe
Form factor M.2 2230
Max read speed Up to 11,000 MB/s
Max write speed Up to 9,300 MB/s
Maximum capacity Up to 4 TB
Architecture DRAM-less with HMB
Target market OEM laptops and compact PCs

Micron also highlights AI readiness, noting that the Micron 3610 Gen5 SSD loads large local AI models within seconds. The company currently samples the drive with OEM partners and plans deployment in upcoming laptops rather than direct retail sales.

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