Intel SSD 320 Series 300GB Solid State Drive Review

Performance Summary: The Intel SSD 320 series 300GB drive proved to be one of the better performing SATA II drives we have tested. Overall, the SSD 320 series drive is faster than the previous-gen X25-M G2, especially in sequential write speeds. Versus the SandForce SF-1200 driven OCZ Vertex 2, the Intel SSD 320 series drive is able to pull off a few benchmark victories, but the SandForce drive offered better overall random read and write performance with highly competitive and sometimes better sequential transfer performance.

Intel SSD 320 Series 300GB SATA II Solid State Drive

Had Intel released the SSD 320 series drives around the same time as drives based on SandForce’s SF-1200 / 1500 series controllers, we’d probably be decidedly more positive in our final analysis. As it stands today, the Intel SSD 320 series drive we tested is certainly one of the better SATA II solid state drives available (or at least soon to be available). And the security and reliability features built into the drive are attractive features for sure. But at this juncture, there are already a number of SATA III-based drives available that offer much better sequential performance with competitive random reads and writes as well, including Intel's own SSD 510 series drives. The Intel SSD 320 series drive is a solid product that may prove to be one of the most reliable on the market over time, but its performance is hard to get excited about having already tested a handful of next-gen drives.

With that said, we have to acknowledge that the install base for SATA III-capable systems is miniscule versus SATA II capable machines currently. If you’re an owner of a SATA II equipped system looking for an SSD and aren’t planning a motherboard upgrade anytime soon, the Intel SSD 320 series drive is a fine option. Intel SSD 320 prices (in 1K-unit quantities), are as follows: 40GB for $89 ($2.25 per GB); 80GB for $159 ($1.98 per GB); 120GB for $209 ($1.74); 160GB for $289 ($1.80 per GB); 300GB for $529 ($1.76 per GB) and 600GB for $1,069 ($1.78 per GB). All models include a 3-year warranty. Those MSRPs are competitive with SandForce SF-1200 series drives, which is a good thing, but hopefully street prices will be somewhat lower, making the Intel SSD 320 series a bit more attractive in light of competing drives in its class.