Intel Adds Affordable 80GB Model to 335-Series SSD Lineup

From X-bit Labs: Intel Corp. this week added solid-state drive with 80GB capacity into its 335-series SSD family. The new solid-state storage solution will become Intel’s offering for budget-minded customers that are looking forward for ultra-fast boot drive, but do not want to pay hundreds of dollars.

The Intel SSD 335-series now includes 80GB, 180GB and 240GB capacities, all based on brand new 20nm multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory with SandForce SF-2281 controller. All capacities are available in a standard 2.5” form-factor. As with the recently announced 180GB model, the 80GB drive will be offered in a new case design.

The Intel 335-series 240GB SSD provides up to 500MB/s sustained sequential read speed and up to 450MB/s sustained sequential write speed. The new SSDs can also deliver up to 42 000 read and up to 52 000 write input/output operations per second. Exact specs of the 180GB and 80GB drives are unknown.

The SSD 335-series is Intel's first SSD to use the latest 20nm NAND flash memory jointly developed by IM Flash Technologies (IMFT). Announced last April, with shipping beginning in December 2011, the 20nm IMFT NAND uses a new cell structure that enables more aggressive cell scaling than conventional architectures. The 20nm 64Gb NAND uses a planar cell structure to overcome the inherent difficulties that accompany advanced process technology, enabling performance and reliability on par with the previous 25nm generation. The planar cell structure successfully breaks the scaling constraints of the standard NAND floating gate cell by integrating the first high-K/metal gate stack on NAND production.

Current pricing and availability is available from resellers or online retailers. Intel SSDs are backed by a 3-year limited warranty.

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