Intel unveils six new SSDs with 3D NAND flash

Traditional NAND flash can only be packed so tightly before its maximum capacity becomes insufficient for the application. Devices like notebooks, smartphones, and now smartwatches are demanding higher and higher capacities in smaller and smaller form factors where every millimeter of space counts.

Thus, the increasing demand for more storage in tighter surface areas has led to the development of 3D NAND flash from Micron. This newer technology can be applied to a wide variety of applications including embedded systems, servers, and consumer products.

Intel will carry three models in the M.2 form factor with support for both PCIe 3.0 4x and NVMe:

• SSD 600p for consumers
• SSD Pro 6000p for business applications and users
• SSD E 6000p for embedded systems

Two more models utilizing 3D NAND flash will use the SATA 2.5-inch form factor:

• SSD DC S3520 for servers
• SSD E 5420s for embedded systems (also available in M.2)

Lastly, the SSD DC P3520 series will be in the PCIe/U.2 form factor for server use.

The performance of these SSDs are likely not significantly faster than existing traditional NAND flash solutions, but they should be more durable and energy-efficient in comparison. Exact prices and availability of these 3D NAND flash drives have yet to be announced by Intel.

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