Intel X25-M SSD Replaced with 320 For Better Performance, 600GB Capacity

Intel has put the X25-M out to pasture in favor of their newer 320 SSD. The new SSD uses the 25 nanometer process tech so that it increases performance over the old 32nm tech. What it also means is higher capacity. Where the X25-M could not go any higher than 160GB, the new 320 can reach a whopping 600GB... as a solid state drive, that�s an impressive capacity.

The new units also have better IOPS, 3-4 times better in fact. That means sequential write procedures can reach 220MB/sec and even up to 270MB/sec (theoretically).

The Intel 320 isn�t as strong as the Vertex 2 Pro from OCZ, nor the 470 from Samsung or the the OWC Mercury Extreme Pro. But with newer technology in them they might last longer. Of course, new tech means new pricing.

Prices for the Intel 320 SSD, based on 1,000-unit quantities, are: 40GB at $89; 80GB at $159; 120GB at $209; 160GB at $289; 300GB at $529 and 600GB at $1,069.

You can probably expect 25-50% markup on those prices at retail. An OCZ 200GB right now goes for around $1,000.