960GB M500 SSD from Micron at a launch price of within $600
Date: 14/01/2013
Micron Technology has introduced the 960GB M500 SSD at a launch price of within $600 to consumers, businesses, and system builders under the Crucial brand, and to OEM customers under the Micron brand. The M500 SSD is made using 20-nanometer (nm) multilevel cell (MLC) NAND flash chips.
The SSD module size is 80mm x 22mm and the form factor is called M.2, along with the mSATA form factor, are key designs for current and next-generation ultrathin computers, including Ultrabook devices, tablets and convertible PCs.
The M500 SSD uses a SATA 6Gb/s controller combined with Micron's custom firmware to deliver up to 80,000 input/output operations per second (IOPS). The drive's sequential read and write speeds reach up to 500 MB/s and 400 MB/s, respectively.
"The M500 SSD is a reliable storage solution featuring nearly instantaneous system response times and terabyte-class capacity—all at a competitive price point," said Glen Hawk, vice president of Micron's NAND Solutions Group. "For consumers, the Crucial M500 SSD is an easy, cost-effective solution for dramatically increasing system performance. For OEMs, we're ultrathin ready with the Micron M500 SSD—improved response times, lower power consumption, and trusted reliability —all in a design that's smaller than ever before."
The Crucial M500 SSD is backed by a three-year limited warranty and is compatible with both PC and Mac systems4. The 2.5-inch drive will be available in 120GB, 240GB, 480GB and 960GB capacities. The smaller M.2 and mSATA form factors will be available in 120GB, 240GB and 480GB capacities. The 2.5-inch Crucial M500 SSD is expected to be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2013 through select global channel partners or direct through www.crucial.com. Micron will sell the M500 SSD direct to OEMs and through their distribution network. The M.2 and mSATA form factors are expected in the second quarter of 2013.
