The SSD DC S3500 Review: Intel's 6 Gb/s Controller And 20 nm NAND

[stuckintexas]

As enterprise SSDs become more specialized and application-focused, Intel is hoping its SSD DC S3500 will strike a chord with customers looking for excellent read performance on a budget. We compare this drive to other notable contenders in its class.

The SSD DC S3500 Review: Intel's 6 Gb/s Controller And 20 nm NAND : Read more

 

[Mastle]

Hi, Think there's an error on page 1, $579 for 80GB drive......Surely won't be getting it at that price for my home build!

 

[drewriley]

-Mastle - You are correct, that should read $579 for the 480GB version.

 

[busuan]

Found myself suddenly losing interests in SATA SSDs after seeing the specs of PCIe SSD in the latest MBA refresh.

 

[PapaCrazy]

An Intel 320 series SSD I put in my dad's computer just encountered the 8mb bug even though the firmware was updated with the "fixed" version. He uses the computer for business and I got him an Intel SSD thinking it'd be reliable. I think I'm gonna try Samsung next time around.

 

[Evolution2001]

Nitpicking here... but the article text is still wrong...or the math is. 😛
''...we do know that the 800 GB model we're reviewing should run around $579. At ~$1.20/GB, ...''

800GB @ $1.20 = $960.

 

[drewriley]

Nitpicking here... but the article text is still wrong...or the math is. 😛
''...we do know that the 800 GB model we're reviewing should run around $579. At ~$1.20/GB, ...''

800GB @ $1.20 = $960.

Thanks, just can't seem to get the right combination of 4, 8 and 0. The 480GB version is $579

 

[drewriley]

An Intel 320 series SSD I put in my dad's computer just encountered the 8mb bug even though the firmware was updated with the "fixed" version. He uses the computer for business and I got him an Intel SSD thinking it'd be reliable. I think I'm gonna try Samsung next time around.

With the BAD_CTX_13X (8MB) failure, the fixed firmware fixed 'most' of them. The failure rates are quite low, especially after the FW 'fix', but if that one failure happens on the only drive you bought, it can really suck. As a consumer, I could care less if a million other people got a good SSD, if mine fails, I am upset. As an enterprise buyer, if one fails out a million, my company is throwing a party!

 

[flong777]

Why does Intel continue to release mediocre SSDs? Granted this performs middle of the pack but I just don't understand why a company with Intel's resources doesn't put out a top performer like the 840 Pro.

 

[Grizely1]

Why does Intel continue to release mediocre SSDs? Granted this performs middle of the pack but I just don't understand why a company with Intel's resources doesn't put out a top performer like the 840 Pro.

Go back and read the article.

Or, learn the difference between consumer vs commercial. It's a DT (Data Center).

 

[flong777]

Why does Intel continue to release mediocre SSDs? Granted this performs middle of the pack but I just don't understand why a company with Intel's resources doesn't put out a top performer like the 840 Pro.

Go back and read the article.

Or, learn the difference between consumer vs commercial. It's a DT (Data Center).

Fair enough, I guess I should have been more clear. I don't understand why Intel is involved with so many mediocre SSDs - whether enterprise or consumer.
While I am not an enterprise user, I think I understand the basics. Enterprise SSDs are geared to handle heavy cues and write loads.

You have a point that it is not fair to compare enterprise with consumer - they are two different animals.

 

[DaveSuth]

How does the Seagate Pro 600 compare to the Intel DC 3700?

 

[echolane]

This review pretty much condemns Intel's S3500 drive for write intensive environments. Windows 7 is considered a write-intensive OS. Does that mean the Intel SSD S3500 would be an unsuitable choice for a boot drive?

It would be really helpful to have a review focused on answering the question of which SSD is most suitable for a Windows 7 boot drive.