Updates accelerate caching and enable more workloads per server
Intel has announced the addition of two new 3D NAND solid-state drives to its ‘Intel SSD Family for Data Center’ lineup, demonstrating its commitment to the 3D NAND field.
The first new drive, the Intel SSD DC P4500 Series, prioritizes reading performance, ensuring faster data delivery for internal use or for delivering content externally. The Intel SSD DC PC4600 Series is focused on both reading and writing performance and features more rapid caching capabilities to improve overall server performance.
Both drives rely on Intel’s proprietary triple-level cell, or TLC, 3D NAND technology, which delivers the densest SSD storage available. The drives also lean on a new controller and advanced firmware capabilities in addition to PCIe/NVMe support for faster and more flexible data access.
Increased Demand
Initially, the drives will come in industry-standard half-height and half-length dimensions, along with a U.2 2.5-inch form factor, ensuring easy installation in both servers and workstations. Storage capabilities include 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB options. Intel will also expand its Fab 68 facilities, which are located in Dalian, China. This expansion is in response to increasing demand for 3D NAND cards, which the facility will manufacture exclusively.
Demand for 3D NAND cards has partially been attributed to the continuing rise of cloud computing. More traditional storage technologies presented difficulties meeting the IO performance remote application serving demands, but newer NAND cards can offer desktop-like performance even at a distant location.
Intel hope the unique features will speed up enterprise adoption of software-defined storage through scalability, data center efficiency and lower total cost of ownership while driving performance. 3D NAND technology provides superior storage density compared to other solid-state drives, letting companies save valuable server space while using less energy. Combined with Intel’s software-based approach to data storage and management, Intel hopes to deliver the flexibility needed for today’s demanding cloud infrastructure.
