Intel 335 SSD review

Specifications and Features

So the sample that has arrived in our secret test facility is the 240GB version of the drive. The 335 series will come with MLC NAND, flash memory from the 20nm node. Intel has not yet released a spec sheet on the memory though Intel's proprietary NAND flash used is labeled: 29F16b0bccmF2. 

Now if you where hoping for a propyitary Intel controller, we'll have to dissapoint you. The SSD makes use of the LSI SandForce SF-2281 controller and SATA 6 Gb/s interface to deliver read speeds up to 550 MB/s and writes up to 450 MB/s depending on volume size of the SSD.

Specifications

• 240GB capacity
• SandForce SF-2281 SSD processor
• SATA 6.0 Gbps interface
• Up to 550MB/s sequential read speeds
• Up to 450 /s sequential write speeds
• Maximum 4K random write: 52,000 IOPS
• TRIM Support

Features

• SandForce SF-2200 series SSD processor paired with qualified MLC NAND flash for best performance, value and reliability
• SATA 6Gb/s, 3Gb/s and 1.5Gb/s
• TRIM support (O/S dependent)
• Intelligent Block Management and Wear Leveling
• Intelligent Read Disturb Management
• Intelligent "Recycling" for advance free space management (Garbage Collection)
• Intelligent Data Retention optimization
• ECC protection for longest data retention and drive life.
• Power/Performance Balancing
• Thermal Threshold Management
• Native Command Queuing (NCQ) - Up to 32 commands
• ECC Recovery: Up to 55 bits correctable per 512-byte sector (BCH)
• O/S Support: Windows® XP / Vista / 7 / Mac® OS / Linux

Initial tests straight away show us that the product is fast alright but enthusiast class performance, this product stays in vicinity of the latest Marvell, Indilinx and sure, Intel's previous latest and greatest as well.

The NAND merged with the LSI controller this has 20nm architecture and was produced with IM Flash Technologies (IMFT). Good to know is that Intel applies a customized firmware to the controller which, as far as we know, is as bug free.

There's nothing more trivial as pricing, Intel has set an MSRP (Manufacturer suggested retail price) of $184 for the 240 GB drive. This is what i was talking about on the previous page, the 20nm node allows for cheaper production NAND flash and thus pricing.

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