Intel SSD 320 Series, an evolution somewhat below expectations

Components of PC WhisKiTo on March 31, 2011 | 19: 00 To vote this post connect with Facebook Connect

The intel ssd 320 Series , there is much to talk about. After a few words in his presentation is necessary habar more in-depth about them, because it's one of the most eagerly awaited developments of recent years.

The reason lies in the new manufacturing process of the memory chips, the leap from 34 to 25 nanometers that brings with it several changes: efficiency, performance and price are characteristics which vary considerably with respect to the previous generation and which must be taken into account.

The main change in the intel ssd 320 Series is, as we say, the new process of manufacturing in 25 nanometersbrings the improvements that we always relate to a breakthrough in this field: the chips will be more efficient energy, more powerfulThey will warm less and will also be cheaper, something important to compete against other products.

The performance improvements are not exceptional and are still not commensurate with the most powerful of the sector (read, the SandForce SF-2200 of OCZ Vertex 3 and company), but they are not bad: 270-220 MB/s reading and writingrespectively, which are numbers that a couple of years ago were excellent but are now more normal get. Eye, because these figures are for the 600 GB model, and in the case of the speed writing is becoming less to reduce capacity. Here then are more specific data:

After briefly comment on what is the arrival of the 25 nanometers to SSDS is time to talk about the more general technical specifications of the Intel SSD 320 Series.

As always we will be talking about devices from 2.5 inch, ready to work both for desktop computers (via an adaptor to 3.5 bays inches) as on laptops. The connection interface remains in SATA ii-3 gbps, a wise option given that the maximum speeds of disks will not be limited despite the version of SATA. Let us remember that these 3 Gbit/S is equivalent to about 384 MB/s maximum theoretical, more than enough to feed the 270 MB/s maximum reading of these Intel SSD.

Capabilities moving between 40 and 600 GB prices 89-1069 dollars. As we have said transfer rates vary dramatically depending on the capacity, so very careful with this because we have a very unpleasant surprise.

Intel has always been very good in when to revolutions in their products. In fact, from my point of view is one of the best companies in the technology sector as regards r & d, new products and new technologies.

While the Intel SSD 320 Series are very good, SandForce and related manufacturers are doing as good a job that what Intel is up bad. The figures pledged by Intel are excellent and very good for a traditional HDD, but are quite lower than for example the 3 Vertex.

We are talking about more specifically that a 120 GB OCZ Vertex 3 offers 550 and 500 MB/s for a price of $300 (on NewEgg, for example), while the same capacity for an Intel SSD 320 will "only" reach the 270-130 MB/s, with a price of $ 209 (official, in store could be a little less).

It is a difference which is logically comprehensive (is 40% more price), but when a user opts for SSD storage usually want more powerful. If for example we have a budget of around 1,500 euros for a computer, do not it is putting 100 euros more and have a SSDS based on SandForce which is more than twice as fastworthwhile?

Finally we leave you with the list of available models, as well as its price for United States:

40 GB, 89 dólares80 GB, 159 dólares120 GB, 209 dólares160 GB, 289 GB, GB, 1069 $ 529 dólares600 dólares300

Good prices coming to highlight what we have been discussing for years: are still expensive, but they are gradually being much more affordable.

More information | Intel.

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