Today at Computex 2017, Western Digital Corporation (WDC) announced the first SSD for clients leveraging 64-Layer 3D NAND technology. According to WDC, this takes the benefits of this technology (lower power consumption combined with higher performance, endurance, and capacities) and extends it from the enterprise to client use.
Today at Computex 2017, Western Digital Corporation (WDC) announced the first SSD for clients leveraging 64-Layer 3D NAND technology. According to WDC, this takes the benefits of this technology (lower power consumption combined with higher performance, endurance, and capacities) and extends it from the enterprise to client use.
WDC isn't announcing two new products they are announce 64-Layer 3D NAND versions of existing products, the WD Blue 3D NAND SATA SSDs and the SanDisk Ultra 3D SSDs. Both drives will be available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities in a traditional 2.5-inch/7mm cased drive form factor with the WD Blue also being available in a single-sided M.2 2280 form factor. Both drives come with a 3-year limited warranty and claim speeds of up to 560MB/s and 530MB/s sequential read and write speeds respectively.
Geared more toward the DIY enthusiasts as well as system builders and resellers, the WD Blue 3D NAND SATA SSD has what is currently the industry- leading 1.75 million hours MTTF. As with all WDC drives, the Blue 3D is certified by the WD Functional Integrity Testing Lab (F.I.T. Lab). Along with the above mentioned capacities, speeds, and endurance, the new drive has software options such as Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software and WD SSD Dashboard software, which enables continuous performance and capacity monitoring, and firmware updates.
For those looking for an edge in gaming or the need for better performance/endurance in creative use, there is the SanDisk Ultra 3D SSD. This new drive serves as a drop in upgrade promising enhanced endurance and reliability, no-wait boot-up, shorter application load times, and quicker data transfer (the difference in performance would vary depending on the drive that the SanDisk Ultra 3D was replacing).
Availability and Pricing
Both the WD Blue 3D NAND SATA SSDs and the SanDisk Ultra 3D SSDs are expected to be available in the third quarter of this year with a MSRP of starting at $99.99.
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