Update: OCZ has confirmed the existence of a new solid state drive in the pipeline that will utilize an updated version of the Barefoot 3 controller alongside 20-nanometer NAND flash. The name of the new drive as well as the launch window is still up in the air, however.
OCZ Technology is pushing forward with a new solid state drive despite hitting a rocky patch last year that resulted in the company letting go nearly a third of their global workforce and discontinuing some 150 product variations. The new SSD is being called the Vertex 5 and may launch as soon as next month, according to TechPowerUp.
The next generation drive would likely be available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities initially. There’s no solid evidence at this point but we are hearing that the Vertex 5 may use the same Barefoot 3 platform as the Vector and could very well implement 20-nanometer MLC NAND flash.
Earlier this year OCZ released a 20-nanometer version of their Vertex 3 SSD. Known as the Vertex 3.20, the drive implements the same feature set found on the original Vertex 3 with smaller NAND flash chips. It’s currently available in 120GB and 240GB capacities with a larger 480GB drive expected in the near future.
As of writing, the 7mm Vector is the company’s top consumer-grade solid state drive. It offers sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and sequential writes around 530MB/s. Drives feature up to 100,000 IOPS 4K random read and 95,000 IOPS 4K random write and is available in capacities of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB with a five year warranty.
For a limited time, anyone that buys a 128GB or larger Vector SSD is eligible to download a free copy of Far Cry 3 for the PC. The promotion is limited to two downloads per customers (with purchase of two Vector SSDs) and runs through July 14, 2013.
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