OCZ Technology Group has announced a new 20nm NAND flash version of its award-winning Vertex 3 SSD family. The new Vertex 3.20 SSDs implement the feature-set of the Vertex 3 series, but is built around smaller, more affordable 20nm NAND flash process geometry, which will result in lower manufacturing costs and the retail prices..

OCZ Vertex 3.20-series solid-state drives are available in 120GB and 240GB storage capacities (480GB version will emerge later) and are based on LSI SandForce SF-2200 controller as well as multi-level cell NAND flash memory made using 20nm process technology. Vertex 3.20 SSD delivers read bandwidth up to 550MB/s, write bandwidth up to 520MB/s, random read performance up to 35000 input/output operations per second (IOPS), and random write performance up to 65000 IOPS. It is also optimized to provide excellent endurance and reliability coupled with power efficiency.

The implementation of 20nm NAND flash will extend its availability and enable mainstream users of mobile and desktop platforms to improve gaming, multimedia, and the overall computing experience over traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and other competing SSDs thanks to affordable pricing of Vertex 3.20 SSDs.

“OCZ is always looking for ways to deliver superior solid state drive storage performance and features, as well as making this technology more accessible to the complete range of customers. The Vertex 3 has been a popular SSD series among consumers and implementing the newer, smaller process geometry will not only extend its life, but enables mainstream users with an excellent computing experience at a competitive price point,” said Daryl Lang, senior vice president of product management for OCZ Technology.

Tags: OCZ, SSD, Vertex, SandForce, 20nm, NAND, Flash