It's not the first time Intel is using third-party controllers, in fact it had previously favored the Marvell 88SS9174 for their SSD 510 Series. Since the days of the original X25-M SSD, Intel solid state storage products have been characterized for being the most stable and reliable around. With the company now willing to use the SandForce SF-2281, it proves that the controller has reached a certain desired level of maturity.
However, as the company has done with previous SSD products, Intel has adopted the SandForce SF-2281 controller but they have co-defined and validated the firmware for an Intel unique implementation. In other words, the SSD 520 Series drives will differ to similar products in terms of performance and reliability in spite of using the same controller.
The Intel SSD 520 Series will be available in 60GB, 120GB, 180GB, 240GB and 480GB capacities. Pricing starts at $150 for the 60GB model, the 240GB version we are testing is said to cost $510, while the flagship 480GB model will set you back a whopping $1,000. Should that pricing be accurate the SSD 520 Series will be considerably more expensive than existing SF-2281 drives. Read on to learn more about Intel's new premium consumer SSD.
Read: Intel SSD 520 Series 240GB Review
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