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Intel launches 20nm 335 Series SSD

Published on 30th October 2012 by Gareth Halfacree

Intel's latest 335 Series SSDs are the company's first consumer products to use 20nm HKMG planer MLC NAND flash components.

Intel has officially announced its first consumer solid-state drive (SSD) to feature 20nm NAND flash components: the 335 Series.

Based on a SandForce SF-2281 controller, the Intel 335 Series uses 20nm multi-level cell (MLC) flash components to provide a claimed 500MB/s sequential read and 450MB/s sequential write device, along with claimed 42,000 read and 52,000 write input-output operations per second (IOPS.)

Developed as part of the Intel-Micron Flash Technologies (IMFT) joint project, the device was originally announced as in development back in April but today marks its first availability at retail in the UK.

The first Intel 335 Series SSD will be a 240GB model based on 64Gb 20nm planar cell components, designed in such a way as to match the performance and endurance characteristics of 25nm parts while packing more components onto a wafer and theoretically reducing the cost correspondingly.

'The Intel SSD 335 uses high-K metal gate [HKMG] planar cell technology, which overcomes NAND process scaling constraints to deliver the smallest-area NAND cell and die in the industry,' boasted Intel's general manager for non-volatile memory Rob Crooke at the announcement. 'By pushing technology constraints and using process innovation, Intel can continue to progress SSD technology and pass along savings to our customers.'

The Intel 335 Series uses the usual 2.5" form factor, measuring 9.5mm thick and weighing 78g. A SATA-III 6Gb/s interface is included, while the first parts will boast a low pwoer draw of around 350mW active and 275mW idle.

The Intel 335 Series 240GB SSD is available from Overclockers UK for £161.99 immediately, with other retailers expected to follow shortly with similar pricing. Thus far, Intel has not confirmed pricing or details of any other parts in the range.

7 Comments

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phoenixck 30th October 2012, 15:55

So there'll be no real world difference?

Gareth Halfacree 30th October 2012, 16:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenixck
So there'll be no real world difference?

If they can shrink to a 20nm process and not lose capacity, performance or longevity, then that's considered a win. Think of NAND flash process shrinks as the exact opposite of CPU process shrinks.

What it *should* do is lead to cheaper SSDs, as Intel can fit more chips on a single silicon wafer. Initially, however, the lower yields of the new process will wipe out the savings - hence the £160 price to rivals' £110-150 price ranges.

SAimNE 30th October 2012, 19:44

um... ocz already has a 240gb flash drive with higher sequential read/writes, good reviews on reliability, and its cheaper then these.

Farfalho 31st October 2012, 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAimNE
... and it's cheaper than these.

- Fixed that for you

Seeing an Intel SSD of such capacity for that price is quite a surprise. As the yields start to improve maybe the price will drop to the sweet spot. My only concern is why some manufacturers release 240GB instead of 256GB, as it's known, the real "estate" is always less than the announced thus making the 256GB option more appealing.

jimmyjj 31st October 2012, 21:18

Review on Anand Tech here:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6388/intel-ssd-335-240gb-review

I have an Intel 330 and am insanely pleased with it.

Elton 1st November 2012, 09:43

Reliability figures on these?

icemanTM 22nd November 2012, 10:03

any reliability issues like OCZ's.... I was previously an owner of an OCZ issues which gave nothing but pain... dont want to change my Crucial this time unless its approved to be reliable by communities