Micron and Crucial Introducing M550 SSD

Micron Technology, Inc. announced a personal storage class SSD, continuing a legacy of developing memory technology into reliable, performance storage solutions.

The M550 SSD is designed to meet the demanding needs of performance computing, thin, and media/video applications.

It is available to consumers, businesses and system builders under the Crucial brand and to OEM customers under the Micron brand.
 
Storage Performance
The M550 offers 20 times higher performance1 than a traditional HDD, while consuming less power. Performance level is based on averaged PCMark Vantage HDD test scores of five HDDs compared to the M550 SSD. Actual performance level may vary based on benchmark used and individual system configuration. Test setup: 256GB M550 SSD (firmware MU03), 2TB Western Digital WD20EURS 7,200rpm HDD, 2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 7200rpm HDD, 1TB Western Digital WD10EZEX 7,200rpm HDD, 750GB Seagate ST3750640AS 7,200rpm HDD, and 500GB Western Digital WD5000AVDS 7,200rpm HDD, all tested on an Intel DZ87KLT-75K motherboard, Intel i7-4770K 3.50GHz processor, BIOS Rev. 0446, and Windows 8 Pro 64-bit OS using PCMark Vantage HDD test suite.

It enables quick boot-up, speedy file and program access, near instant wake from sleep, as well as efficient power management for increased battery life. It draws 0.15 watts during normal operation. (Power calculations are based on published specs for the 500GB Seagate Momentus 7200 rpm internal laptop HDD, one of the most popular HDDs according to NPD data published in September 2013. The Momentus uses 2.5 watts of power on an average workload, compared to 0.15 watts on the M550 SSD. In everyday terms, this means more battery life and substantial savings on power costs.)
 
The M550 design integrates Micron NAND and firmware to deliver up to 95,000 IO/s. The drive’s sequential speeds reach up to 550MB/s for reads and 500MB/s writes, which maxes out the capabilities of the 6Gb SATA interface.

M550 incorporates features to provide users with powerful computing experience:

• Hardware Encryption: Keeps personal files and sensitive information secure in the event of device theft or loss.
• Device Sleep Low-Power Mode: Enables the drive to draw practically no power while in sleep mode and respond instantly when the laptop is opened.
• Data Protection: Employs onboard power-loss protection and advanced error recovery techniques to protect the integrity of stored data.
• Adaptive Thermal Management: Dynamically adjusts power consumption based on system temperature for small, thermally constrained systems.
• Reliability: Proprietary RAIN technology provides built-in fail-over protection at the NAND level.

The M550 SSD is built start-to-finish by Micron, providing the quality control that only a NAND flash memory manufacturer can supply. Micron is one of the world’s largest flash storage manufacturers. The new drive utilizes Micron’s 20nm MLC NAND flash to achieve terabyte capacity on the 2.5-inch form factor.
 
“Built on our years of storage expertise, the M550 SSD combines performance with an advanced feature set to create a powerful computing experience,” said Darren Thomas, VP of Micron’s storage business unit. “For consumers, the Crucial M550 SSD offers a reliable storage solution from a trustworthy brand. For OEM customers, the Micron M550 SSD offers a slim, lightweight form factor for ultrathin designs, and advanced features for media and video applications.“
 
Micron’s NAND Flash technology provides more storage in a smaller footprint, making it possible to pack half a terabyte of storage onto an SSD module the size of a stick of gum (80mmx22mm). This M.2 form factor, along with the mSATA form factor, are designs for current and next-generation thin computers, including ultrabook devices, tablets and convertible PCs.
 
Performance Storage for Video Applications
The M550 has also been chosen as the preferred storage solution for AJA Video Systems, Inc., manufacturer of digital video interface, conversion and desktop solutions for professional broadcast and post-production.

“Our customers demand high reliability for capturing the very high data rates of HD and 4k video. Whether it’s a motion picture or a Major League Baseball broadcast, data degradation is unacceptable,” said John Abt, CEO, AJA. “The Micron M550 easily meets AJA’s performance requirements.”
 
The M550 also leverages controller technology from Marvell Technology Group Ltd.

“Marvell is excited to collaborate with Micron to bring a new generation of cutting-edge SSDs to the video market,” said Rajan Pai, GM and VP of the storage business unit, Marvell. “The combination of Micron’s leadership in NAND flash memory coupled with Marvell’s industry-leading 88SS9189 SSD controller creates a powerful solution that fuels exceptional delivery of digital entertainment and video content to meet the next wave of consumer demand.”

The Crucial M550 2.5-inch SSD is offered in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities, and it is available through select global channel partners or direct through Crucial. The smaller M.2 and mSATA form factors will be available through Crucial later this year, in capacities up to 512GB. The drive is backed by a three-year limited warranty and is compatible with both PC and Mac systems.
 
The Micron M550 SSD is also available in a 64GB capacity; all configurations are available for sampling and are sold direct to OEMs and via the company’s distribution network.