Intel 80GB SSD (X25-M MLC)

INTRODUCTION

Hard drives have been a big bottleneck in computer systems for quite some time now. Speeds on typical non-raid drives average somewhere between too slow and too darn slow. SSD's have been on the market for a while and prices are starting to drop. Some are becoming inexpensive enough for manufacturers to include them in laptops, and others are inexpensive enough for enthusiasts to dabble with. Initially sizes were very small, and 32GB wasn't uncommon to see running in the $500 (USD) range. We've done some scouting lately and we've seen 64GB drives from reputable manufacturers running in the $150 dollar range.

As with most things computer, there's the drive we end up with and there's the one we want. We thought that it would be nice in our first venture into the world of SSD's (Solid State Drives) to start off with the one we want, the flagship line of the fleet, which, of course, comes from Intel. We're going to be looking at the current flagship drive in Intel's mainstream line, the Intel 80GB X25-M MLC (Multi Level Cell) SSD. Intel makes an Enterprise level drive that utilized Nand SLC (Single Level Cell) flash that's faster, but this is the mainstream model that is a little more affordable. How affordable would be the big question. Current pricing runs in the $600 dollar range for the Intel X25-M SSD. That's a pretty hefty price tag for an 80GB drive, so we're hoping for a price drop to bring them down to an affordable level for the masses.

About Intel

Intel pushes the boundaries of innovation so our work can make people's lives more exciting, fulfilling, and manageable. And our work never stops. We never stop looking for the next leap ahead—in technology, education, culture, manufacturing, and social responsibility. And we never stop striving to deliver solutions with greater benefits for everyone.

It began with the Intel® microprocessor, the invention that sparked a revolution. Intel's history of developing groundbreaking technology continues today. We attract the most brilliant minds in science to push the boundaries of innovation and further our position as the world's leader in semiconductor technology. Our passion is to create technology that changes the world.