Intel cuts SSD prices 60%

A more advanced 34 nanometer process for two Intel solid state drives has resulted in speed increases and drastic price cuts.

Intel's multi-level cell X25-M is intended for laptop and desktop PCs. The switch from 50 nm to 34 nm lithography resutls in a 60 percent price drop for PC and laptop makers, and comes with performance perks as well.

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Latency is reduced 25 percent, to 65 microseconds (Intel compares this to roughly 4,000 microseconds for hard disc drives). Random write input/output operations per second is also improved, reaching up to 6,600 4KB write IOPS and up to 35,000 read IOPS.

For manufacturers purchasing up to 1,000 units, the X25-M 80GB's channel price is $225, compared to the original price of $595. The 160 GB model will cost $440 for up to 1,000 units, compared to $945 originally. This is the second price cut on the X25-M line from Intel, as both SSD sizes became roughly $200 less expensive in February.

The picture isn't entirely rosy, though. Register Hardware called the price cuts "halfhearted," as Intel didn't adjust the price of its X18-M line, nor has it increased capacity on either. The enterprise-oriented X18-E line was also missing from Intel's announcement.

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There's also the spiking cost of NAND flash to worry about, so while it's always good to see SSD prices come down, Intel's price cuts are hardly the bellwether for a new trend.

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