Intel has launched their 545s SSD which use 64-layer 3D NAND to offer further increased storage density compared to SSDs powered by standard Planar NAND. With the 545s, Intel offers a unit based on a Silicon Motion SM2258 controller. At this moment the 545s is only available with 512GB capacity, but models ranging from 128GB up to 2 TB can be expected.

These units come with a SATA-III interface so the performance is not going to be a surprise. As expected the 545s SSDs are able to max out the SATA-III interface, hitting up to 550MB/s sequential read and 500MB/s for sequential writes. In the case of 4K random speeds 90'000/75'000 IOPS are achieved regarding random reads/writes. Intel is mentioning an endurance rating of 288 TB which equals to 0.3 DWPD (drive writes per day). In addition this unit supports S.M.A.R.T., TRIM and NCQ, which is what you expect it to support.

The 545s SSD is available with 512GB of capacity but it’s expected that models with 128GB, 256GB, 1TB and 2TB of storage capacity are going to be available soon as well. All drives will be covered by a 5-year warranty plan. According to Intel, the 545s SSD with 512GB is already available for 179 USD. In other words the price is similar to Samsung’s 850EVO.



]Source: Guru3D