Intel Corp. announced its new family of solid-state drives (SSDs) that are based on 25nm NAND flash memory, up to 600GB capacities as well as build-in encryption capabilities. The new SSDs are aimed at various types of customers, including typical consumers seeking for higher performance as well as enterprise clients looking forward security, capacities and performance.

Available in 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 300GB and 600GB versions, Intel SSD 320-series offers sequential write speeds up to 220MB/s, sequential read throughput at up to 270MB/s and produces up to 39 500 input/output operations per second (IOPS) random reads and 23 000 IOPS random writes on its highest-capacity drives. The new SSDs are based on Intel's own proprietary firmware and controller. Intel uses spare area to deploy added redundancies that will help keep user data protected, even in the event of a power loss. The SSDs also include 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard capabilities on every drive, to help protect personal data in the event of theft or loss. The Intel 320-series SSDs use Serial ATA-300 interface. The novelties are based on the NAND flash memory made using 25nm fabrication process.

"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," said Pete Hazen, director of marketing for the Intel non-volatile memory (NVM) solutions group.

Intel indicated that 25nm process technology allowed it to make the new 320-series solid-state drives 30% more affordable than the previous-generation products were.

Intel SSD 320 prices, based on 1000-unit quantities, are as follows: 40GB at $89; 80GB at $159; 120GB at $209; 160GB at $289; 300GB at $529 and 600GB at $1069. All models include a limited 3-year warranty from Intel.

The Intel SSD 320-series is the next generation of Intel's client product line for use on desktop and notebook PCs. It is targeted for mainstream consumers, corporate IT or PC enthusiasts who would like a substantial performance boost over conventional mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs).

Tags: Intel, SSD, 25nm, NAND, Flash