14 DAY TRIAL // While OCZ adopted the new SandForce controller chips in order to create SATA 6.0 Gbps-compatible solid state drives, Lexar Media went for a different chips when it created its new RealSSD C300 models.
The storage solution developer came forth and issued a press release in which it introduces three new models for the RealSSD C300 series.
These three have storage capacities of 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB, respectively, and are powered by a Marvell controller.
They are constructed out of MLC (multi-level cell) NAND Flash memory chips and, of course, support the TRIM command, which maintains their performance over time.
Speaking of performance, the members of the trio have the same read speed but their write speeds vary alongside the capacity.
To be more specific, the products read at 335 MB/s and write at 55 MB/s for the 64 GB model, 140 MB/s for the 128 GB version and 215 MB/s for the 256 GB drive.
Other specifications include a MTBF of 1.2 million hours, backwards compatibility with the SATA 3.0 Gbps connection and what the company calls optimized NAND management.
Finally, the newcomers boast the 1.8-inch form factor, which is 40% more compact than the 2.5-inch form factor and, thus, makes the drives quite appealing for netbooks, ultra-thin laptops and tablet PCs.
"There's a broad range of design and interface options emerging in the ultra-portable laptop market and this growing segment is trying to achieve a balance between performance, capacity, and cost," said Robert Wheadon, Lexar Media senior worldwide SSD product manager.
"Our new drive is an excellent storage option for ultra-portable products; they meet the need for a smaller footprint, and provide uncompromised performance at an affordable price," Wheadon added.
The 1.8-inch 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB Lexar Media Crucial RealSSD C300 storage units have prices of $149, $299 and $599, respectively.