According to reports on the Internet, the Santa Clara, California-based chip giant Intel is about to update its offering of Flash-based storage solutions with the addition of new products that will take advantage of its new 32nm-based NAND chips. Although these pieces were previously expected for a Q4 release, it now appears that Intel is planning to update its SSD offering in a couple of weeks, which could provide performance enthusiasts with new, higher-performance storage solutions.

 

There are only a few details on the upcoming drives but, according to a recent news-article on the Inquirer, Chipzilla is about to launch its first 32nm-based SSDs. These new drives are to provide users with increased performance, higher storage capacities and most probably a more affordable price tag. According to previous rumors, Intel’s 32nm-based lineup could include a new 320GB drive, alongside the 160GB and 80GB models. However, per the aforementioned source, the chip maker could also announce some surprises with the prospects of new products capable of replacing most of today’s laptop drives.

 

Intel’s dive into the SSD market occurred in September last year, when the world’s leading processor manufacturer announced the launch of its new X18-M and X25-M SSDs, providing users with higher-performance 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch models. Available in 80GB and 160GB capacities, the new releases were to deliver performance specifications of 250MB/s and 70MB/s for read and write speeds. Intel’s drives were widely appreciated for their performance levels, as well as for their performance/price ratio, compared to available alternatives.

 

With the much-anticipated launch of the new SSDs, the chip maker is to provide users with some alternatives to the recently released models from competitors like OCZ or Corsair. Although technical details are yet to become available, making use of the 32nm technology will certainly add value to Intel’s line of Solid State Drives.