Intel 800GB SSDs to hit markets by 2012 end

Intel is one of the key drivers of SSDs in the market, today. According to VR-Zone, a roadmap for 2012 has been leaked. It details some of the models and capacities that will hit the market by the end of 2012. Some of the products expected to be launched by the end of this year are the SSD 520, SSD 710 and SSD 720 line of solid state drivers. These are codenamed Cherryville, Lydonville, Ramsdale and Hawley Creek, respectively. The first quarter of next year will not see too many launches. The drives to be launched next year will be the 25-nm Ramsdale MLC drives, which will be powered on the PCI Express interface. These drives will use MLC-HET NAND Flash memory. This is something new and unique to Intel drives. 

Intel SSD roadmap for 2012, leaked

The use of MLC-HET should also enable Intel to increase drive capacities. Expect to see 800GB drives sometime in the middle of 2012. This will continue with the Taylorville PRO series of drives that should make an appearance in the third quarter of 2012. The Taylorville drives will also use MLC-HET NAND Flash, but will come with the more traditional SATA 6Gbps interface. These too will be available in capacities ranging from 200 to 800GB. While the speed barrier has been bypassed by SSD, it looks like capacity isn’t going be an issue. The only thing to make SSDs more popular will be their pricing.