Intel resolves X25-M fragmentation issues with new firmware

Ever since Intel unveiled its X25-E and X25-M solid state drive (SSD) last year, the X25 series of SSD from Intel has been held up as the champion in terms of storage performance. More recently though, I wrote about how reviewers at PC Perspective have uncovered that the X25-M actually degrades significantly with heavy use. It led to a tidal wave of interest across the Internet, given the X25's status and potential implications on the enterprise viability of SSDs as a whole

Well, it appears that Intel contacted the reviewers at PC Perspective, and was able to replicate the flaw. In fact, they even came out with a firmware update which, according to PC Perspective, has eliminated the fragmentation issue.

Even the most rigorous tests put together by the team showed that no amount of simulated workload is able to trigger the abysmal plunge in performance that was previously witnessed. A couple of issues remain though, such as Bootcamp compatibility and lower observed IOPS performance on a "used" drive. However, these problems are hardly as severe, with further fixes expected soon. So if you're considering the X25 series of SSD, this might be a good time as any to get them.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at PC Perspective

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