Intel intros smaller Z-P230 SSD drive
updated 01:45 pm EDT, Tue August 12, 2008
New Intel Z-P230 SSD drive
Intel has announced the availability of a new solid-state drive, a variant of the Z-P230. While a 40-pin ZIF version for PATA connections remains available, Intel has introduced a new PCIe "mini-card" model which is even smaller. The PATA model is itself said to be four times smaller than a normal 1.8-inch mechanical hard drive. Read and write speeds remain at 38 and 10Mbps, respectively.
Capacities are also unchanged, defaulting to 4 or 8GB, though a 16GB version is anticipated in the fourth quarter of the year. The hardware is generally not intended for direct purchase by the public; instead, Intel expects it to be installed in cheaper desktop and notebook systems, such as nettops and netbooks. To this end it consumes only 314mW of power when active and 1.65mW when idling.
