Intel’s SSD 525 Series Offers Fast, Efficient Storage in an mSATA Package

We learned last week that Intel will be exiting the motherboard market in the next couple of years to increase focus on emerging form-factors and embedded solutions, and this week, we get some more proof that the company is aiming big where small computing is concerned. With its just-announced SSD 525 Series solid-state drives, the company is offering users an mSATA product that behaves much like a typical 2.5″ full-sized one.

For starters, Intel clocks the 525 Series at 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write, with IOPS ratings of 50,000 read and 80,000 write – quite incredible for such a small drive. Out of the gate, Intel’s first SATA 6Gbit/s offering is being made available in 120GB and 180GB flavors, with 30GB, 60GB, 90GB and 240GB models expected to ship this quarter.

Despite the fact that certain models are already shipping to retailers, pricing hasn’t been made available yet. However, it shouldn’t take too long to discover, as we’d imagine we’ll begin to see them available online within the next week. For those interested in picking one up, you’ll be treated to a 5-year warranty – a rarity for mSATA options.