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Our next chart will depict all SSDs that we have tested, including RAID configurations and RAID configured Cards. Just to demonstrate that Intel is the only manufacturer to bring in 3 SSDs of different configurations, we have decided to include all 3.
Our Intel 160GB X25m was swapped out for the new 320 Series 300GB in the Acer Timeline 1810T 11.6″ after completing all tests with the drive because, well, the thought of an 11.6″ ultra portable with a 300GB SSD just sits well. Admittedly, we have had the X25m since the first week of its release and we must be loyal because even when using the laptop to test, the Intel always found its way back somehow. We figured the very least we could do was show the initial recorded boot time before you checked out Intels video below…
CONCLUSIONS
Intel has sold just under 1 million X25m solid state drives as of 2010 to which only 0.59% (independent data) were returned by customers for warranty replacement. As amazing of a statement as this is with respect to Intel’s reliability, it also speaks loudly to the fact that there are alot of current SATA II Intel owners that just might look forward to news of the increased capacity of the 320 Series. In fact, present day PC and laptop sales show that SATA 3 isn’t even a drop in the bucket in the consumer base of 1 billion PCs so the release of a solid state drive geared towards SATA 2 systems rings of common sense.
Could it be that while we all were off to the races with new SATA 3 technology Intel was smart enough to figure out that there is still a large market for the 320 Series SATA II drive, especially with increased capacity and lower cost?
With respect to performance, the 320 Series 300GB SATA 2 SSD is right up there with the best and their ‘recommended’ pricing makes the 300GB a better value than some present day 256GB SSDs who can’t match the performance. Considering that recommended retail pricing for the new 320 Series 160 GB SSD is $289 compared to the present day price of $ 400 we are seeing for the X25m of the same capacity, Intel has already surpassed their estimate of the mean SSD price of SSDs dropping by $100.
For those new to the SSD world and just considering the ‘big jump’, Intel seems to help you along here by making SSD migration quick and easy through their free migration software found at www.intel.com/go/ssdinstallation/. A quick look around will also discover a tool for firmware updates when needed, as well as The SSD Toolbox for maintaining SSD performance.
Pg1 – Introduction and Physical Characteristics
Pg2 – Bench Protocol and Initial Tests
Pg3 – HDTune Pro Benchmarks
Pg4 – AS SSD and PCMark Vantage