Quad-level cell (QLC) flash is a capacity-optimised NAND memory technology that delivers a per-terabyte cost that matches or beats hard-disk drives (HDDs). As its name suggests, QLC stores four bits per cell, delivering NVMe performance with higher capacities.
Pure Storage FlashArray//C™ doesn’t use flash SSD modules like other storage vendors. Pure’s DirectFlash® modules allow raw flash to connect directly via NVMe, reducing latency and increasing throughput. This enables FlashArray//C to maximise the performance of its QLC flash modules while still delivering cost per capacity comparable to hybrid and HDD storage arrays.