Intel has announced its third-generation solid-state drives (SSD), the Intel Solid-State Drive 320 Series (Intel SSD 320 Series), for desktop- and notebook PCs, as well as server data centre storage.  

 

This new range is based upon 25-nanometer (nm) NAND flash memory, and delivers better performance (boot video demo posted below) and reliability features, as well as offering higher capacity models.

 

Intel’s SSD 320 drives are available in 40, 80, 120 and 160 GB configurations as well as the new higher capacity 300 and 600 GB models. These models utilises the 3 Gigabit-per-second (3 Gbps) SATA II interface and offers a speedier 220 Megabytes-per-second (MB/s) sequential write speed, while maintaining the sequential read speed of up to 270 MB/s of the previous generation models.

 

According to Intel, these speeds will boost users’ multitasking capabilities, as they will be enabled to listen to music or download a movie, whilst editing a document without any perceivable slowdown.

 

“Intel designed new quality and reliability features into our SSDs to take advantage of the latest 25 nm silicon, so we could deliver cost advantages to our customers,” said Pete Hazen, director of marketing for the Intel Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) Solutions Group.

 

“Intel’s third generation of SSDs adds enhanced data security features, power-loss management and innovative data redundancy features to once again advance SSD technology. Whether it’s a consumer or corporate IT looking to upgrade from a hard disk drive, or an enterprise seeking to deploy SSDs in their data centers, the new Intel SSD 320 Series will continue to build on our reputation of high quality and dependability over the life of the SSD,” Hazen continued.

 

The recommended retail prices of the Intel SSD 320 range in the US are $89 (around R610) for the 40 GB version, $159 (about R1090) for the 80 GB model, $209 (approx. R1433) for the 120 GB version and $289 (almost R1982) for the 160 GB version. 

 

New high capacity models sell for an estimated retail price of $529 (nearly R3628) for the 300 GB model and $1069 (around R7332) for the 600 GB version. All models include a limited three year warranty from Intel. Local pricing and availability details have yet to be announced.