Packaging

Intel's drive comes in a quite flashy but still elegant package. The important product highlights like capacity and warranty are immediately visible on the front. Additional product details can be found in smaller print on the front and back.


You will receive:

• The SSD
• Documentation + CD with further documentation
• 3.5" mounting frame
• 2x screw package
• Molex to SATA power adapter
• SATA 6 Gbps cable
• Speed Demon sticker

The Drive

The drive conforms to the dimensions set forth by the 2.5" form factor.


Intel's 510 Series uses a SATA 6 Gbps interface which produces speeds up to 6 Gb/s. It is downward compatible to any other SATA version.


Intel is using 16 flash chips and the Marvell flash controller, which is located in the middle of the PCB. An additional DRAM cache chip can be found next to the flash controller.


As controller Intel has chosen to use a Marvell 88SS9174-BKK2 which we have also seen on Crucial's M4 SSD. However, Intel has put a significant amount of magic into the firmware of their SSD, which is able to make a huge difference in performance.




The flash chips are made by Intel and have a capacity of 16 GB each, they are produced on Intel's 34 nm process node.