Intel unveils new third generation 320 SSD series


Bangalore: Intel has officially unveiled its new series of third-generation 2.5-inch solid-state drives (SSDs) called the 320 Series which will replace its current X25-M SSD. The SSD 320 Series is aimed to target the devices for mainstream consumers and corporate IT or PC enthusiasts and comes in different capacities as 40 GB, 80 GB, 120 GB, 160 GB, 300 GB and 600 GB versions. Based on 25-nanometer NAND flash memory, the new series would offer a 30-percent price reduction compared to second-generation drives and is said to be more than twice as fast doing sequential writes. Intel's 320 Series 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 line of drives also provide up to 220 MB/s sequential writes and up to 270 MB/s sequential reads. To help protect personal data from theft or loss, the company has added 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard capabilities on every drive. The prices for retailers purchasing 1,000-unit wholesale quantities are: 40GB at $89; 80GB at $159; 120GB at $209; 160GB at $289; 300GB at $529 and 600GB at $1,069.