Intel SSD 525 Review (240GB)

Final Words

Intel's SSD 525, at least in the 240GB form we reviewed today, is largely an updated, smaller form factor version of the 520 we met last year. The firmware updates Intel put in place on the 525 seem to improve performance over the 520, and the drive does boast lower idle power consumption although higher active power usage compared to its older, larger brother.

Intel did focus on improving system stability and compatibility with the 525's firmware, which could make it a better solution than competing mSATA SandForce drives, especially for those users who have been burned by SandForce before. With SandForce's 3rd generation controller due out in the second half of the year and M.2 drives due out in a similar timeframe, the 525's honeymoon period really is now. Luckily for Intel, there's a large (and growing) population of mSATA enabled systems on the market today looking for a good SSD to power them. If you're ok with the tradeoffs that come with a SandForce drive, the 525 is probably one of the best mSATA options on the market today.

Unlike in the 2.5" SATA space where there are many controller/firmware combinations to choose from, it's tough finding really good mSATA drives in the etail channel. I'm glad to see Intel aggressively pursuing this market with the 525. I hope we'll see the same attention paid to M.2 when it begins to gain popularity.

I would still like to see Intel use more of its home grown controller technology in drives rather than relying on 3rd party controller vendors. Here's hoping that the technology used in the S3700 will eventually waterfall down to Intel's other products.