Expanding on its Nytro portfolio of enterprise flash products, Seagate today announced the launch of its new Nytro 1000 Series SATA SSD drives. The Seagate Nytro 1000 SATA SSD series (which includes the Nytro 1351 and Nytro 1551 SSDs) delivers ultra-fast, consistent performance for read-intensive workloads. Globally available in the fall, the Nytro SSDs is being demonstrated at this week's Flash Memory Summit in Santa Clara.

The Nytro SSD series is designed to serve as the backbone of the enterprise's cloud infrastructure, making it ideal for data center managers looking to upgrade their existing systems.

ADATA also unveiled its SR1030 SSD targeted at workstation/enterprise builds. The drive ticks on a Seagate (ex-SandForce) SF-3514 processor, wired to 3D MLC NAND flash, and comes in capacities ranging between 128 GB to 1 TB, with sequential read/write performance rated at up to 560 MB/s reads, with up to 530 MB/s writes. You get a lot of SandForce-made features such as DuraWrite (garbage collection enhancement), Shield and RAISE (protection).

Mushkin Enhanced MFG, an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance and cost-effective solid state storage products, today announced its latest addition to the ATLAS family of products - the new ATLAS VITAL M.2 2280 Series for Ultrabooks, notebooks, and small form-factor PCs. Atlas Vital is suitable for mobile gamers, professionals, or general end-users looking to take their computing experience to the next level with solid state storage.

Leveraging Seagate's SandForce SF-2000 series SSD processor with a SATA 3.0 interface, the ATLAS VITAL provides stable performance with sequential read and write speeds up to 550 and 535MB/s respectively and 4KB random transactional performance of up to 86,000 IOPS for low-latency computing and high throughput. With these features, the ATLAS VITAL is an ideal solution for value-minded users looking to improve their systems' response time and greatly reduce their operating system boot and application load times compared to a traditional hard drive.

ADATA also showed off its second attempt at an enterprise SSD, in the 2.5-inch SATA form-factor, the SR1010. Based on a platform originally developed by Seagate (its subsididary SandForce), the drive features the SandForce SF-2581 controller, wired to up to 480 GB of synchronous MLC NAND flash (high-endurance chips, which are branded "ADATA,") and features such as power loss protection, native AES-256 encryption engine, sequential speeds of up to 550 MB/s reads with up to 520 MB/s writes, and an MTBF rated at 2 million hours.

VisionTek Products LLC (VisionTek), a leading manufacturer of award-winning, high-performance upgrades and accessories for PCs and Macs, today announced the new VisionTek USB Pocket SSD line of thumb drive-sized Solid State Drives for creative professionals, IT power users, and performance enthusiasts seeking ultra-fast media and large file transfers. Offering speed, reliability, and storage capacity that rivals factory installed and aftermarket internal SSDs, the VisionTek Flash Drive can be used with nearly any Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux based system with a USB 3.0/2.0 interface.

More Than an Ordinary Thumb Drive
While it's sized like an ordinary thumb drive sporting a USB 3.0 connector, the VisionTek USB Pocket SSD's aircraft-grade aluminum housing contains a fully functional Solid State Drive featuring a high-performance LSI SandForce controller that delivers up to 455 MB/s reads and up to 440 MB/s writes... nearly double the speed of other flash drives. Plus, by installing Windows 8/8.1 on it, the VisionTek USB Pocket SSD can provide a bootable, fully functional Windows environment for an "office-on-the-go" solution.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, has released a firmware update v5.8.2 for the following solid state drives (SSD) equipped with SandForce 2200 series controllers: SX910/SX900/SP900/S510.

The new firmware improves overall SSD stability and SSD reliability after unsafe power cycling. Purchasers who wish to update their SSD firmware should go to this page, select the corresponding SSD product, and then download the compressed Firmware 5.8.2 file and extract it. Then locate the executable file ADATA_SF_FieldUpdater and run it as administrator.

LSI, an Avago Technologies Company, today announced breakthrough performance and endurance demonstrations of its third-generation SandForce SF3700 flash controller. After successfully introducing industry-leading sequential performance of 1800 MB/s, the SF3700 is now demonstrating mixed 80/20 (read/write) workload performance of up to 1300 MB/s with a native PCIe interface. This incredible real-world performance is supported by the integrated SHIELD error correction with hard and soft LDPC and DSP technology, engineered to meet the associated endurance requirements.

The SF3700 performance and endurance represents a substantial improvement over competitive flash controller designs. Unlike current solutions, the SF3700 controller is optimized and architected for bi-directional PCIe traffic, unlocking the maximum performance capability to meet requirements for client and enterprise applications.

Alongside an updated desktop CPU roadmap, Intel posted an updated consumer SSD roadmap at its 3D Revolution 2014 presentation in Rome. It reveals the company's next-generation consumer SSD series, codenamed "August Ridge," and branded SSD 750 series. Targeting both the "consumer" and "professional" (≠ enterprise) market segments, the SSD 750 series comes in three form-factors, 2.5-inch SATA 6 Gb/s, mSATA 6 Gb/s, and M.2 (likely PCIe 2.0 x2 link layer). The series will sell in most popular sub-terabyte capacities, and will be based on the company's 20 nm MLC NAND flash. We have no reason to believe Intel will discontinue using SandForce-made processors in its consumer SSDs. Intel's SSD 750 series "August Ridge" is slated for Q4-2014.

For all those without M.2 slots on their motherboards, and want to buy some of the new-generation SSDs that offer transfer rates as high as 1.8 GB/s, ASUS unveiled a cost-effective new way, with its ASUS Hyper M.2 X4 adapter. It's a simple half-height add-on card, which converts PCI-Express 2.0/3.0 x4 to M.2, with gen 2.0/3.0 x4 wiring, so not only can you install current-generation M.2 SSDs with PCIe 2.0 x2 link layer, but also certain upcoming ones based on SandForce 3700 series processors, that feature PCIe 2.0 x4 link layer, offering stellar 1.8 GB/s sequential transfers. The card is also future-proof against an M.2 standard that makes use of PCI-Express gen 3.0. In addition to the M.2 slot, which can seat drives as long as 12 cm, the card also features some basic electrical circuitry, and M.2 SSD link/activity LEDs. For use on older (pre-M.2 motherboards), you may need BIOS support and/or F6 drivers from the SSD manufacturer, this card is merely an adapter, of the kind Plextor bundles with its M6e SSDs.

HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of HyperX Impact memory for gamers and enthusiasts who want to upgrade and boost performance in their laptops and small form factor PCs. HyperX Impact replaces the current SO-DIMM offerings under Genesis, PnP and LoVo into one family.

HyperX Impact achieved a world record for the fastest SO-DIMM frequency running at 2666 MHz. A video of that performance can be seen here. HyperX Impact is available in frequencies ranging from 1600 MHz to an industry-fastest 2400 MHz in capacities of 4 GB and 8 GB single modules and 8 GB to 16 GB kits of 2.

GeIL stepped into the modern SSD scene with its ZENITH line of SSDs. The series consists of two models, the performance-focused ZENITH S3, and the value-focused ZENITH A3. Both are built in the 7 mm-thick 2.5-inch form-factor, with SATA 6 Gb/s interface, and both come in capacities of 60 GB, 120 GB, 240 GB, and 480 GB. Both appear to be powered by Seagate-SandForce controllers, and MLC NAND flash memory. The ZENITH A3 offers sequential transfer rates of up to 540 MB/s reads, with up to 300 MB/s writes; while the ZENITH S3 offers up to 550 MB/s reads, with up to 500 MB/s writes.

Seagate Technology plc, a world leader in storage solutions, and Avago Technologies Limited, a leading semiconductor device supplier to the enterprise storage, wired, wireless and industrial end markets, today announced that they have entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement under which Seagate will acquire the assets of LSI's Accelerated Solutions Division ("ASD") and Flash Components Division ("FCD") from Avago for $450 million in cash.

The acquisition strengthens Seagate's strategy to deliver a full suite of storage solutions, providing Seagate with established Enterprise PCIe flash and SSD controller capabilities to deliver solutions for the growing flash storage market. LSI's ASD business, which is the second largest player in the PCIe flash space, offers a highly differentiated enterprise-grade PCIe flash solution focused on the high-growth cloud and hyperscale markets. LSI's FCD business, led by its SandForce SF2000 and SF3700 controller products, is driving a multi-product roadmap to address volume markets.

The KINGMAX SME Xvalue super value SSD has become the first choice for entry-level users after it was released. In response to the continued increase of market demands for SSD, KINGMAX has again released a new product - the Full Capacity SMG Titan. KINGMAX is a manufacturer of memory-related products; products are sold globally and it has over 200 dealers around the world. The opening of new capacities for NAND Flash on the market, drove prices of the SSD down to the sweet spot, which helped increase the permeability of SSDs into the market. KINGMAX SSD products series are also expected to benefit from this.

There are many brands available on the market. The problem of capacity vacuity is frequently seen, which causes consumers to be suspicious. KINGMAX has always paid extra attention to the problem of specifications. The SATA 6 Gb/s Full Capacity SSD released this time comes in four capacities for consumers to choose from: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB. The SMG Titan also used a SandForce control chip with high speed NAND Flash kernels and the standard SATAIII 6GB/s interface; it uses flash memory to store data and has a maximum reading speed of 550 MB/s while the writing speed can also reach 520 MB/s.

ADATA revealed its flagship consumer SSD in the M.2 form-factor, the SR1020NP series, which is an evolution of the AXNP280e it unveiled at this year's International CES. The drive comes in capacities of up to 1 TB, is based on LSI-SandForce 3700 series processor wired to MLC NAND flash, and a host interface with wiring for PCI-Express 2.0 x4 physical layer. Most M.2 SSDs, in contrast, are being designed for PCI-Express 2.0 x2.

That's not all, most motherboards launched on Intel's 9-series chipset feature M.2 slots with just PCI-Express 2.0 x2 wiring, with the exception of ASRock's top-end Z97-Extreme6, which features a special M.2 slot with PCI-Express 2.0 x4 wiring. Using that slot, however, will eat into the bandwidth meant for graphics cards, and the primary PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot will run at 3.0 x8, because ASRock wired the slot to the CPU's root complex. Under ideal conditions, SandForce 3700 series processors are advertised to offer sequential transfer rates as high as 1.8 GB/s. Given that, this drive should be bottlenecked on most motherboards with PCI-Express 2.0 x2 based M.2 slots. ADATA will display the drive at the 2014 Computex, early next month, alongside gaming-grade and overclocker-grade DDR4 modules.

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the addition of 240 GB and 480 GB capacities to the existing SSDNow mS200 mSATA SSD line. Kingston's SSDNow mS200 mSATA solid-state drive allows system builders and enthusiasts a cost-effective performance boost with quicker boot time and application loads while requiring less power than HDDs.

The mS200's small-form factor is perfect for notebook, tablet and Ultrabook PCs, as well as a variety of embedded systems. It can also be used as a caching device with motherboards that support Intel Smart Response Technology (SRT) to improve system performance. mS200 has read speeds up to 550 MB/s and write speeds up to 520 MB/s.

OCZ Storage Solutions - a Toshiba Group Company and leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today announced the introduction of the enterprise-class Z-Drive 4500 PCI Express (PCIe) SSD Series. The new Z-Drive 4500 Series delivers even higher performance in comparison to OCZ's Z-Drive R4 Series, leverages 19 nanometer (nm) MLC NAND flash, and features a more robust architectural design covering 800GB, 1.6TB and 3.2TB usable capacities.

Each model within the Z-Drive 4500 Series is integrated with OCZ's new Windows Accelerator (WXL) Software -- a flash management and caching solution for Microsoft Windows Server applications also announced by the Company today. WXL Software enables IT managers to deliver low-latency flash deployable as a local flash volume, a flash cache for HDD volumes or as a combination of both.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, has released a firmware update for the company's solid state drives equipped with LSI SandForce 2200 series controllers. This update is applicable to SSD models SX910/SX900/SP900/SP800/S511/S510/S396. The new firmware optimizes TRIM completion behavior and SATA stability, and improves disk recovery in instances of unsafe or improper shutdown. Purchasers who wish to update their SSD firmware should go to this page, select the corresponding SSD product, and then download the compressed Firmware 5.2.5 file and extract it. Then locate the executable file ADATA_SF_FieldUpdater and run it as administrator.

LSI Corporation (NASDAQ: LSI) today reported results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013. On December 15, 2013, LSI entered into a definitive agreement with Avago Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: AVGO) under which Avago has agreed to acquire LSI for $11.15 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.6 billion. In anticipation of this transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2014, LSI will not issue financial guidance for the upcoming quarter or conduct a fourth quarter results conference call. LSI has also discontinued its quarterly dividend and stock repurchases.

"We ended the year on a strong note, with solid quarterly results and the announcement of Avago's proposed acquisition of LSI," said Abhi Talwalkar, LSI's president and CEO. "Our employees did a great job in the quarter and in the year, bringing several exciting new products to market and expanding our capabilities to better serve our growing customer base in flash storage, datacenters and mobile networks."

Mushkin unveiled its second-generation Scorpion line of PCIe SSDs, which made its debut in June, 2013. A prototype of the series was shown at the 2014 International CES. The second-generation Scorpion leverages LSI's SandForce 3700 controller, which features both SATA 6 Gb/s and PCI-Express 2.0 x4 interface. In this implementation, the chip is wired to the latter, and is seated on a half-height add-on card with PCI-Express 2.0 x4 bus interface. The drive is bootable. All eight ONFI channels on the controller are populated by Toshiba-made 20 nm MLC NAND flash chips.

The controller is so highly integrated, that there are virtually no other components on the card, than itself, and the NAND flash chips. There are traces on the card for three large capacitors, which the controller can use for its bad power protection mechanism. When it senses a power failure or erratic power, the capacitors will supply enough power for the drive to finish its last safe write operation, and power down, to prevent data loss. In terms of performance, the controller offers sequential transfer rates as high as 1800 MB/s. Mushkin also showed off an M.2 drive based on the same controller, but with just four of its eight ONFI channels populated, which shouldn't be a problem, given that M.2 interface, with its two notches only offers 6 Gb/s interface speeds.

In addition to the HyperX Fury series, Kingston showed off one of the first client SSDs in the 2.5-inch SATA form-factor that's based on the new SandForce 3700 controller platform by LSI. The drive is unnamed as of now, but will feature in the company's SSDNow family of client SSDs. The controller features pins for both SATA 6 Gb/s and PCI-Express 2.0 x4. On drives built in the PCIe add-on card form-factor, the controller offers sequential transfer rates as high as 1,800 MB/s. SATA 6 Gb/s should certainly bottleneck it, but it could also be one of the fastest drives in its form-factor. The dual interface makes the controller ready for the SATA-Express form-factor, with backwards compatibility for SATA 6 Gb/s; as well as NGFF. Kingston didn't reveal launch details.

Mushkin Enhanced Mfg., an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance and mission-critical computer products, announces the next entry to the Ventura Ultra series -- the world's fastest USB flash drive lineup. In continuation of the current line of 60 GB, 120 GB, and 240 GB models, Mushkin is unveiling the Ventura Ultra 480 GB USB 3.0 SSD at CES 2014.

The latest Ventura Ultra offering retains the ultra-high performance of the lower capacity models while now offering 480GB of storage. The LSI SandForce SF-2281 powered USB SSDs provide best in class throughput of 455MB/s reads and 445MB/s writes while providing up to 39K 4K random IOPS. The Ventura Ultra also is capable of operating in UASP mode, which enables SSD performance in the USB flash drive form factor. With its attractive and light-weight aluminum housing, the Ventura Ultra provides outstanding durability and thermal management.

Mushkin, Inc., an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance and mission-critical computer products, today officially announced the worldwide launch of its new highly-anticipated enterprise-class ProSpec series solid-state drives.

"We have time after time demonstrated to PC enthusiasts how Mushkin's solid-state drive solutions can dramatically improve performance and reduce data transfer times, delivering levels of performance that have earned Mushkin its place as one of the top SSD manufacturers," said Brian Flood, Director, Product Management at Mushkin, Inc." With the ProSpec line of enterprise-class SSDs, we deliver a no compromise drive that provides high performance while enabling customers to reach new levels of data security and reliability. The result, a combination of performance and capacity that we believe represents a new paradigm shift for mission critical, enterprise storage."

Other World Computing (OWC), the world's leading destination for cutting-edge Mac and PC upgrades and accessories, today announced lower pricing for the OWC Mercury Accelsior_E2, a Mac and PC-bootable, high-performance PCIe SSD card that features up to 960GB of SSD capacity, up to 820MB/s of sustained data performance and external storage expansion with two 6Gb/s eSATA interface ports. Built to exceed the demanding needs of video editing and creative professionals, the Mercury Accelsior_E2 offers the best combination of speed, capacity, connectivity for simultaneous internal and external storage performance and value. OWC will be showcasing the Accelsior at CES 2014, Booth #30472, in Las Vegas January 7-10, 2014.

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it will exhibit at the LSI Accelerating Innovation Summit (AIS) 2013. A gold sponsor, Kingston will showcase its robust range of enterprise- and client-based SSDs. Kingston will exhibit in Booth 14 during the show, November 20 and 21 in San Jose, Calif.

In addition to its current SSD range, Kingston will preview its forthcoming solutions using the LSI SandForce SF3700 flash controller family. In 2014, Kingston's next generation of SSDs will provide even greater performance, reliability and higher capacities. Future SSDNow enterprise SSDs will further enhance datacenters of all sizes and functions from hyper scale to traditional corporate, which will make it easier to bring the power and benefits of Flash memory into the server environment. These future enterprise SSDs will make it possible for exponential numbers of virtual servers and increased computing performance without investing in costly storage systems that take up more physical space and use more power and cooling.

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