Intel has been looking into unifying, and apparently plans to standardize some new mSATA SSD specifications for the new Ultrabook platform to promote the slimmer and faster Ultrabooks. Intel has bee seeking to collaborate with PC vendors and NAND flash companies regarding the new SSD specs, and are expected to be finalizing the details in September ,according to sources
DigiTimes reported that sources revealed that Intel wished to unify the mSATA SSD specifications into a single standard Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF) – with most PC brand vendors as well as NAND flash makers such as Micron, SanDisk and Samsung Electronics, all participating in the discussion.
Sources have also indicated that Intel has been a bit aggressive pushing the NGFF standards, especially if more than 512GB of storage capacity is to be considered. Current mSATA form-factor poses limitations, including a limited PCB area,while allowing NAND chips on both sides of the PCB. The new prosposal from Intel would not necessarily increase the overall thickness of the SSD but would elongate it slightly similar to Apple SSD specification for the MacBookAir. Currently there are five length standard that are being discussed between Intel and the Ultrabook partners, including 20mm, 42mm, 60mm, 80mm and 120mm, with 42mm, 60mm and 80mm versions expected to have a higher chance of become the final standard.
