After the popular X25-M solid-state drive, Intel has finally released the much anticipated follow-up – the 320 series. The 320 is aimed at mainstream population, to be used as a desktop and notebook SSD and you’re still limited to 3Gbps SATA connectivity, though that’s hardly a limitation. This means, however, that Intel is leaving the high end sector to the 34nm, 6Gbps SSD 510 series it launched late last month.
According to the official Intel press release, the 320 will be available in 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB, 300GB, and 600GB capacities and will cost $89, $159, $209, $289, $529, and $1,069 respectively. This means that if prices don’t get pumped up too much by local retail, you will save up to 20-30%, compared to the previous X25-M with identic capacities.
Of course, all SSD models include a three year warranty from Intel, 128-bit AES encryption and Intel’s SSD toolbox, as well as downloadable Intel Data Migration Software “to help clone the entire content of a previous storage drive (SSD or HDD) to any Intel SSD”. All in all, a good upgrade, and a step forward in SSD technology, but Intel have only taken a small step, not reinvented the wheel.
