Intel (http://www.intel.com) has announced its third-generation solid-state drive (SSD): the Intel Solid-State Drive 320 Series (Intel SSD 320 Series). Based on its 25-nanometer (nm) NAND flash memory, the Intel SSD 320 replaces and builds on its Intel X25-M SATA SSD.

The new Intel SSD 320 offers new higher capacity models, while taking advantage of cost benefits from its 25nm process with an up to 30% price reduction over its current generation, says Pete Hazen, director of marketing for the Intel Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) Solutions Group.

The Intel SSD 320 is the next generation of Intel’s client product line for use on desktop and notebook computers. It's targeted for mainstream consumers, corporate IT or computer enthusiasts who would like a substantial performance boost over conventional mechanical hard disk drives (HDDs), says Hazen.

The Intel SSD 320 Series comes in 40GB, 80GB, 120GB, 160GB and new higher capacity 300GB and 600GB versions. It uses the 3 gigabit-per-second (3gbps) SATA II interface to support an SSD upgrade for the more than one billion SATA II computers installed throughout the world.

The Intel SSD 320 produces up to 39,500 input/output operations per second (IOPS) random reads and 23,000 IOPS random writes on its highest-capacity drives. In addition, the company has more than doubled sequential write speeds from its second generation to 220 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) sequential writes and still maintains one of the highest read throughputs at up to 270 MB/s sequential reads, says Hazen. This greatly improves a user’s multitasking capabilities, he adds.

Intel SSD 320 prices, based on 1,000-unit quantities, are as follows: 40GB at US$89; 80GB at $159; 120GB at $209; 160GB at $289; 300GB at $529 and 600GB at $1,069. All models include a limited three-year warranty from Intel.