SK hynix Ships First 321-Layer QLC SSD to Dell

AI PCs are increasing demand for storage that can handle more on-device data processing without sacrificing battery life. Quad-level cell NAND stores four bits per cell, improving capacity per unit area, while higher layer counts further increase density. The technology is becoming more important to client devices: IDC expects QLC NAND’s share of the global client SSD market to rise from 22% in 2025 to 61% in 2027.

SK hynix said on April 8, 2026, that it had begun supplying Dell Technologies with the PQC21, its first client SSD built on 321-layer QLC NAND, with full-scale deliveries starting that month. The drive is offered in 1-terabyte and 2-terabyte versions and uses SLC caching to improve frequently accessed read and write operations. Financial terms were not disclosed. SK hynix plans to extend shipments to other major global customers.