Micron Launches Affordable 256GB SSD

Author	Gordon Kelly
Published	6th Aug 2008

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There hasn't quite been the avalanche of cheap, high speed, large capacity SSDs expected since OCZ's Core Series stunned us in July with only Ridata capturing the imagination so it's good to see Micron getting in on the act...

This week it has added to the C200 product line the terrifyingly coded 'MTFDBAC256MAE-1C1' and 'MTFDBAA128MAE-1C1' but given they offer 2.5in 256GB and 1.8in 128GB form factors and storage sizes respectfully we won't complain. Both drives are MLC (multi-level cell) based too so while prices weren't mentioned the promise is they will be extremely affordable.

Just like the vastly more wallet friendly offerings from OCZ and Ridata, Micron's new high capacity duo are no slouches either boasting remarkable 250MBps (megabytes per second) read and 100 MBps write times placing them way ahead of the average laptop HDD. Sadly access times were not revealed but expect them to be just as staggering as 99.9 per cent of all other SSDs.

At the same time servers will be getting a boost from the P200 series - a 2.5in SSD line with capacities starting at just 16GB and topping out at 128GB. Again prices were not disclosed but since they are based on the staggeringly more expensive SLC (single-level cell) technology be prepared for a shock. Still they won't be found wanting in terms of reliability. Micronclaims you should get between 300,000 and 500,000 hours MTBF (mean time before failure) which equates to a minimum of 35 years!

Engineering samples of both the new C200 and P200 drives are available now with mass production set to begin in the autumn so - fingers crossed - we won't have to wait long...

Link:
256GB 2.5in Product Page
128GB 1.8in Product Page