According to some newly-leaked slides, Intel is planning quite a solid state drive release spree for the second quarter of 2014, one that will see the introduction of three storage solutions - the SSD Pro 2500 Series (codename Temple Star), SSD DC P3500 Series (Pleasantdale) and SSD DC P3700 Series (Fultondale). All three SSD families are going to utilize 20 nm MLC NAND Flash memory, will be available in two form factors and will be backed by a five-year warranty.

SK Hynix Inc. announced that it has started full-scale mass production of 16 nm 64 Gb (Gigabit) MLC (Multi Level Cell) NAND Flash, which uses the industry's thinnest process technology.

SK Hynix has been mass producing its 1st version of the world's first 16 nm NAND Flash since June and recently has started to mass produce the 2nd version which is more cost competitive due to its smaller chip size. In consequence, the Company geared up for strengthening its competitiveness in NAND Flash.

At its annual Accelerating Innovation Summit (AIS), LSI Corporation today announced it has extended the Nytro portfolio of PCIe flash cards to include the Nytro XP6200 series. The Nytro XP6200 series provides hyperscale cloud datacenters with accelerated performance for read-intensive applications, optimized power and thermals, and an overall lower cost per gigabyte PCIe flash solution.

Hyperscale datacenters require cost-effective scaling to thousands of servers to meet the compute and storage demands of Web 2.0, cloud computing and big data analytics applications. Hyperscale infrastructures are often built using lower-cost, highly efficient servers, assembled from off-the-shelf, standard components, and generally require higher-density architectures and more efficient power and cooling.Images courtesy of StorageReview.com

Green House has now rolled out a new line of high-speed SDXC memory cards, the GH-SDXCUA Series. These 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB cards make use of MLC Flash memory, they have an UHS-I rating and are capable of transfer speeds of up to 40/12 MB/s (read/write), 60/40 MB/s, and 78/50 MB/s, respectively.

The GH-SDXCUA Series SDXC cards are backed by a three-year warranty and cost 18,800 yen / ~ 188 USD (64 GB), 21,800 yen / ~ 218 USD (128 GB) and 49,800 yen / ~ 499 USD (256 GB).

In addition to the 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch models mentioned earlier, Green House's new line of Phison controller-equipped solid state drives includes a trio of compact solutions, the mSATA GH-SSD3MA Series (SATA 6.0 Gbps) and GH-SSD2MA Series (SATA 3.0 Gbps) and the Half-Slim SATA 6.0 Gbps GH-SSD3HA Series.

These SSDs make use of MLC Flash memory, have a three-year warranty, and come in 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB capacities. The GH-SSD3MA and Gbps GH-SSD3HA models can reach speeds of up to 470/160 MB/s (read/write) while the GH-SSD2MA units top 200/120 MB/s. The drives will go on sale at the end of this month.

Japanese company Green House has today announced multiple solid state drives based around controllers from Taiwan-based Phison Electronics. Among the models presented are the GH-SSD32B Series (2.5-inch form factor / SATA 6.0 Gbps interface), the GH-SSDP2A Series (2.5-inch / PATA) and GH-SSD21A Series (1.8-inch SATA 3.0 Gbps).

The GH-SSD32B line includes 60 GB, 120 GB, 240 GB and 480 GB units that utilize MLC NAND Flash memory and deliver speeds of up to 520/420 MB/s (reading/writing). The GH-SSDP2A SSDs reach 80/60 MB/s (reading/writing) and come in 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB flavors, while the GH-SSD21A family tops 200/120 MB/s (read/write) and goes from 32 GB to 128 GB. All these SSDs have a three-year warranty and are set to become available at the end of this month.

OCZ Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance solid state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced its new Vector 150 SATA III SSD Series that utilizes the latest cutting-edge 19 nanometer (nm) NAND flash process geometry and an in-house controller design that shatters barriers by delivering OCZ's highest performing SATA III solid state drive series to date. At the forefront of Vector 150 innovation is OCZ's proprietary Barefoot 3 controller which was designed completely in-house by the Company's hardware and firmware teams to enable full design control over the product roadmap while delivering high performance flash-based storage, enhanced endurance, and a host of differentiated features for laptop, desktop and workstation applications.

Building off the success of the original Vector SSD Series, the Vector 150 SSD Series implements industry-leading performance by delivering consistent, sustained speeds over time regardless of whether the data is in compressed or uncompressed formats. It provides superior speeds across all capacities to dramatically accelerate gaming, content creation, and multimedia applications, supporting read bandwidth of up to 550 MB/s, write bandwidth of up to 530 MB/s, 4K random read speed of up to 100,000 input/output operations per second (IOPS), 4K random write speed up to 95,000 IOPS and sustained 4K random write performance of 26,000 IOPS.

Since the CompactFlash Association released the specification of CFast 2.0, Apacer has invested actively in R&D and taken the lead to roll out the first industrial-grade SATA 3.0 (6Gb/s) high-speed transmission interface CFast 2.0 memory card around the globe. Its sequential speed is up to 310/240 MB/sec, which doubles the speed of its predecessor. Besides featuring a 2-Channel bidirectional structure, the CFast 2.0 adopts Toggle DDR 2.0 NAND Flash, which brings its performance to a higher level.

Jeff Lin, Embedded Application Business Unit Director of Apacer, suggested that, "Except that Apacer CFast 2.0 memory card is upgraded to double performance and speed, in order to meet the needs of harsh environment of industrial application and corporate cost-effectiveness, Apacer provides customers with choices between highly-durable SLC chip or highly cost-effective MLC chip. Both chips are resistant to temperature change, vibration and shock in actual environment. Each kind of chip has a capacity of 4 GB~32 GB and 16 GB~128 GB respectively, with dimensions of 42.8 mm x 36.4 mm x 3.6 mm and an adoption of (7+15) pin connector. Support for DEVSLP (Device Sleep) power mode enables them to switch into a low power state on standby mode so as to save power for companies."

For today's PC users, high-performance, high-quality SSDs are increasingly the preferred choice. KINGMAX, a premium memory and Flash module manufacturer that serves the world market, is proud to introduce SME 32/35, the latest additions to its SME Xvalue SSD Series. The SME SATA III2.5"SSDs make a timely debut as many must be considering a replacement or upgrade of their HDDs. For most end users, performance is hardly the ultimate determinant for choosing between the two storage devices, empirical studies show. But they know SSDs are faster than HDDs and that the former does speed up their system both during booting and in operation.

An exceptionally attractive cost-performance ratio justifies SME as a bargain. This is especially the case with those who would rather go for a partial refresh as an across-the-board upgrade of their existing old devices seems hardly warranted. Pitted against comparable HDD counterparts, it stands out with an ultra-low cost per IOPS and extraordinary operational efficiency on the same measure of power consumption.

According to market research firm IDC, shipments of tablet PCs have overtaken PCs for the first time in 2013. Mobile devices are deeply favored by consumers, among which smartphones and tablet PCs priced under $350 each account for 68% of shipments of all internet devices. Hence, the next-generation IT products of 2014 featuring lightness, compactness, durability, and merited efficiency will be more popular with low prices. Therefore, how to achieve low-cost production while improving specifications becomes the common concern for departments of product design and purchase.

SSD NAND flash has always been the key character in IT products, while SLC has been reputed for its quality, efficiency and durability. However, considering the cost, only MLC should be acceptable in the industrial computer. The market expects a product with similar quality to SLC but with the price of MLC. To satisfy long-term needs of customer, Apacer officially launches SATA SLC-lite series. The product boasts a transmission speed 1.5 - 3 times faster than MLC, close to that of SLC, and 10 times longer service life than MLC with half price of SLC! With the highest SSD C/P value, SATA SLC-lite is the optimal solution for the upgrade of 2014 NAND flash product.

Plextor (www.plextor.com), leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance digital media and storage equipment, gave a sneak preview of the upcoming M6 Drive and M.2 form factor SSD solutions at the IFA show in Berlin.

Plextor M6 Series
The M6 is the anticipated successor to the Plextor M5 Series. The M6 is a 2,5", 5 mm solid state drive for the consumer market and is scheduled to come in the following versions: a version for the high performance segment, the Pro version; and a version to cater the needs of average computer users, the S version. The M6 features the next generation of Plextor's proprietary TrueSpeed technology that works in tandem with the Marvell 88SS9187 controller for enhanced performance and reliability.

Performance, speed, reliability and last but not least, a decent price are the most sought-after characteristics of every SSD from the user standpoint. Following these criteria, Polish manufacturer of memory modules and SSDs has just launched an all-new lineup for their in-house manufactured SSDs named GOODRAM SSD C Series.

On the occasion of Goodram brand 10th anniversary, Wilk Elektronik SA the company behind the brand, has just launched an all-new lineup of Goodram SSD drives. Goodram SSD C Series are consumer-grade drives dedicated for demanding users who are looking for a combination of performance and value.

Corsair has today announced a new addition to its solid state drive offer, the Force LS Series models which are powered by a Phison controller and make use of Toshiba MLC NAND Flash memory. These SSDs have a 2.5-inch form factor (7 mm high), SATA 6.0 Gbps connectivity, TRIM support, and deliver sequential read/write speeds of up to 560/535 MB/s.

The Force LS SSDs are backed by a three-year warranty and come in 60 GB ($70), 120 GB ($110) and 240 GB ($200) capacities.

MyDigitalSSD delivers where others cannot-Our all-new Super Cache 2 SSD is the world's fastest low density Cache Drive and/or Boot Drive that delivers up to a 50X boost in performance over a standalone HDDstarting at less than the cost of a couple of Blu-Rays. Get a 24GB for $39.99, 32GB for $42.99, 64GB for $62.99, or 128GB for $99.99.

For more details, including real-world benchmark testing using a Lenovo ThinkPad X220, visit this page. Super Cache 2 SSDs are now currently available for preorder here.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced memory technology, today introduced the first solid state drive (SSD) based on its industry-leading 3D V-NAND technology. Samsung announced its new SSD, designed for use in enterprise servers and data centers, during a keynote at the Flash Memory Summit 2013 here.

"By applying our 3D V-NAND - which has overcome the formidable hurdle of scaling beyond the 10-nanometer (nm) class*, Samsung is providing its global customers with high density and exceptional reliability, as well as an over 20 percent performance increase and an over 40 percent improvement in power consumption," said E.S. Jung, executive vice president, semiconductor R&D center at Samsung Electronics and a keynote speaker at the Flash Memory Summit. "As we pioneer a new era of memory technology, we will continue to introduce differentiated green memory products and solutions for the server, mobile and PC markets to help reduce energy waste and to create greater shared value in the enterprise and for consumers."

The pursuit of speed for IT products is always endless. Therefore, Apacer devotes to breakthroughs and innovation in technology and is fully prepared to provide the high-speed storage products to customers before the R & D of the next-generation product. Apacer launches the new generation of SDM5 (SATA Disk Module), which adopts the SATA 3 (6 Gb/s) high-speed transmission interface, Toggle DDR 2.0 NAND Flash, as well as the specifically designed 2-Channel bidirectional structure. The sequential read/write speed reaches 315/145 MB/Sec and provide an excellent performance of high speed read, all of which enable the SDM5 to be one of the fastest storage solutions in the next generation IT products.

Apacer SDM5 connector adopts standard 7-pin Signal and 15-pin Power male SATA connector. To provide greater flexibility, Apacer rolls out two new designs - perpendicular (at 90°) and parallel (at 180°) - for 22-pin SATA connectors.

ASUS ROG today announced RAIDR Express, the first PCI Express-based SSD in the world with a DuoMode feature that allows it to work with either legacy (traditional) or modern UEFI BIOS. Aimed at hardcore gamers and PC enthusiasts demanding a faster and more reliable computer experience, RAIDR Express combines the best compatibility and great performance with incredible durability.

With 240 GB capacity, sequential 830 MB/s read and 810 MB/s write speeds, and bundled with tons of features that maintain the high-speed performance and extend the lifespan, RAIDR Express is made for real speed-demons. Boasting the gorgeous ROG red and black design with double-sided metal shielding and an incredible 620,000 hours mean time between failure (MTBF) to ensure quality, RAIDR Express is built to last.

Micron Technology, Inc., today announced that it is sampling next-generation, 16-nanometer (nm) process technology, enabling the industry's smallest 128-gigabit (Gb) multi-level cell (MLC) NAND Flash memory devices. The 16 nm node is not only the leading Flash process, but it is also the most advanced processing node for any sampling semiconductor device. It solidifies Micron's leadership position in storage technology development and delivers on the company's vision to provide the most advanced semiconductor solutions.

Micron's 128 Gb MLC NAND Flash memory devices are targeted at applications like consumer SSDs, removable storage (USB drives and Flash cards), tablets, ultrathin devices, mobile handsets and data center cloud storage. The new 128 Gb NAND Flash memory provides the greatest number of bits per square millimeter and lowest cost of any MLC device in existence. In fact, the new technology could create nearly 6 TB of storage on a single wafer.

In addition to the SX1000 and SX2000 series enterprise SSDs, ADATA showed off its latest consumer SSDs, under the XPG SX920 banner. Built in the 7 mm-thick 2.5-inch form-factor with SATA 6 Gb/s interface, and available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB capacities, these drives are based on a Marvell-made controller, driving 19 nm MLC NAND flash. These drives offer up to 530 MB/s of sequential reads, up to 480 MB/s sequential writes, and up to 80,000 IOPS 4K random writes. Most common client SSD features such as TRIM, NCQ, and SMART. The drives are backed by 3-year warranties.

ADATA showed off a new high-performance server-grade SSD, the SX2000. Built in the 2.5-inch form-factor, this drive features a PCI-Express 2.0 x4 interface (a cable runs to a PCIe riser card). It is driven by an LSI-SandForce SF-8639 controller, which is a single-chip solution that connects to the host over PCI-Express, and appears to the operating system as ATA AHCI controller, with one drive connected to it. The chip features nearly more than double the ONFI channels as an SF-2281, which reflects on the drive's advertise performance numbers: up to 1,800 MB/s reads with up to 1,800 MB/s writes; up to 200,000 IOPS 4K random reads. The controller supports all modern enterprise SSD features, including TRIM, DEVSLP support, and SMART. It ships in 100 GB, 200 GB, 400 GB, 800 GB, and 1,600 GB variants. The latter was up on display.

ADATA also showed off its SX1000 enterprise SSD, which features a more modest SATA 6 Gb/s interface, an LSI SandForce SF-2500 or SF-2600 series controller, sequential performance numbers of up to 550 MB/s reads with up to 500 MB/s writes, up to 75,000 IOPS 4K random reads/writes, can work as DAS, and most modern enterprise features. This drive will be available in 100 GB, 200 GB, and 400 GB capacities, the 200 GB variant was on display. It's unclear which kind of NAND flash the two drives use, but we're guessing it's high-endurance MLC NAND. Both offer 5-year warranties.

SanDisk Corporation, a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced it has begun customer sampling of flash memory products based on its industry-leading 1Ynm process technology, which represents its second generation 19 nanometer (nm) manufacturing technology. SanDisk's achievement of this breakthrough in semiconductor manufacturing takes its memory cell size from 19nm-by-26nm to 19nm-by-19.5nm, delivering a 25 percent reduction of the memory cell area and allowing SanDisk to continue leading the industry in building smaller, more powerful flash memory products.

SanDisk's second-generation 19nm memory die uses the most sophisticated flash memory technology node to-date, including advanced process innovations and cell-design solutions. SanDisk's All-Bit-Line (ABL) architecture with proprietary programming algorithms and multi-level data storage management schemes help yield multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash memory chips that do not sacrifice performance or reliability. In addition, SanDisk's three bits per cell X3 technology, implemented in the second-generation 19nm node will deliver the lowest-cost flash solutions to address multiple growing end-markets for flash memory.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade products, today announced the release of its SATA II 3Gb/s MSM610 mSATA mini solid state drive (SSD). With its diminutive yet robust form factor, impressive sequential read/write transfer speeds, and a host of reliability features, the MSM610 mSATA mini SSD delivers solid state performance and durability to today's advanced mobile devices such as tablet PCs, Ultrabooks, and other embedded storage applications.

Fully compliant with the SATA II 3Gb/s specification and built with industry-leading toggle-mode MLC NAND flash chips, the MSM610 mSATA mini SSD boasts blazing fast sequential read and write speeds up to 245 and 48 MB/s respectively. This outstanding performance translates into reduced boot up and data transfer times, superior application launch speed, and enhanced overall system responsiveness; especially useful for dual-drive notebooks and Ultrabooks taking advantage of both the high-speed MSM610 mSATA mini SSD and a high capacity hard disk drive.

Mach Xtreme Technology Inc., a worldwide leader in top performance, high reliability and user-friendly designed PC components, adds 256GB model to expanding FX USB3.0 flash drives series today. This addition will join existing 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB models.

With its advanced reliability and spacious capacity, the FX 256 GB USB Flash Drive gives user easy and fast way to transfer and back-up large files. MX-FX models are compliant with next-generation USB 3.0 specifications and are optimized for newer PCs with USB 3.0 ports. The extensive compatibility testing ensures complete compatibility with ASUS mainboards and notebooks, offering consumers full USB 3.0 usability.

Storage legend TDK launched the SDG4A line of entry-level consumer SSDs in the 2.5-inch SATA form-factor. Available in 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB capacities, the drives use TDK's in-house GBDriver RS4 processor, and MLC NAND flash. Featuring SATA 3 Gb/s interface, the drives offer transfer speeds as high as 180 MB/s reads, with 130 MB/s writes. Common SSD features such as TRIM, ECC, and read-retry. Production of the drives will begin later this month.

Micron Technology, Inc. today announced a new PCIe all-flash I/O accelerator to improve overall performance in enterprise servers, appliances and storage platforms. The new Micron P420m combines consistent performance with the inherent power efficiency of an all-flash system to deliver improved economics for enterprise data centers. The P420m accelerates performance of today's demanding data center applications, including online transaction processing (OLTP), data warehousing and virtualization.

Ultimately, Micron's P420m ends the wait game for digital data. It features ultra-low latency performance that enables fast and predictable response times to information frequently used in data center environments. When tested against competing PCIe solutions in a MySQL server running an OLTP benchmark, the P420m is the fastest and most consistent performer, delivering more than 3,200 web server requests per second. It handily manages online requests during peak traffic times, improving the overall end-user experience.