Posted on Thursday, June 17 2010 @ 19:14 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
X-bit Labs
reports Intel plans to use 25nm Enterprise MLC (eMLC) flash chips for future enterprise solid state didks.
Intel Corp. has redesigned its solid-state drives roadmap in a bid to utilize more flash memory produced using 25nm fabrication technology at IM Flash foundries. The company also decided not to use multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory for Enterprise-series solid-state drives (SSDs), but utilize the so-called enterprise MLC (eMLC) flash chips in a bid to improve reliability and lifespan of devices.
The reshaped roadmap seen by X-bit labs postpones introduction of code-named Lyndonville solid-state drives for enterprise markets to Q1 2011 from the last quarter of this year. However, thanks to such delay, the new drives will utilize eMLC NAND made using 25nm process technology, which has considerably higher amount of write cycles than traditional MLC, even though single-level cell (SLC) NAND still boasts even higher number of write cycles. Previously Intel planned to use 34nm MLC flash for Lyndonville drives that will succeed currently available SLC-based X25-E family of SSDs. As a result of switch to MLC type of flash, Lyndonville drives will be available in 400GB, 200GB and 100GB capacities.
Additionally, the site also reveals a new 25nm X25-M lineup with 160GB, 300GB and 600GB SSDs will arrive in Q4 2010, as well as a 1.8" X18-M unit with 80GB. The X18-M disks with 160GB and 300GB on the other hand have been delayed to Q1 2011. The X25-V 80GB SSD has been cancelled, but the firm does plan to introduce a X25-V 40GB SSD with 25nm MLC NAND flash memory.
