Intel X25-M and X25-E SSDs third-gen update previewed

Details of Intel’s third-generation solid-state drives have spilled, with AnandTech getting their hands on the specifications. According to their source, the new SSDs are internally known as “Postville Refresh” (“Postville” being the codename for the second-gen drives) but which will launch using the same Intel X25-M nomenclature as before.

The most significant change is the shift to 25nm manufacturing processes, which has prompted an increase in both capacity and speed. The new drives will be available in 80GB, 160GB, 300GB and 600GB (2.5-inch only) capacities (as opposed to 80GB and 160GB in the second-gen) with sequential read/write speeds of up to 250/170 MB/s and random read/write speeds of up to 50K/40K IOPS.

Power consumption is up, however, to 6W maximum while active or 0.75W while idle, but drive lifespan is significantly increased. There’s also AES 128-bit security support. Meanwhile, Intel’s enterprise-focused drives, the X25-E SSD range, will also be updated to 25nm versions, with the new Lyndonville models coming in 100GB, 200GB and 400GB capacities and boosting write speed to up to 200 MB/s. Both should see full availability by Q1 2011.