Plextor has announced the launch of the M3 Pro Series Solid State Drive with True Speed technology and a 5 year warranty.

Expanding on the existing M3 model (reviewed in December last year), the Pro version is able to attribute superior performance to the highly optimised firmware, high grade 24nm Toggle Flash and support for the latest SATA 6Gb/s (SATA III). The latest generation Marvell controller chip delivers consistently high read/write performances – even with data which is not easily compressed.

A 7mm ultra-slim form coupled with accessories and software to make upgrading both ultra-slim notebooks and PC storage a breeze, without having to reinstall software.

The M3 Pro Series drive is engineered with True Speed technology in order to deliver consistently high-level performance even after extended periods of time. This commitment is demonstrated through a market-leading 5 year warranty which ensures high usage users can expect not only superb speeds whilst backing-up and transferring data, but confidence in ongoing reliability and excellent customer service.

M3 Pro Series Key Features:

* 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

* Available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities

* True Speed Technology for sustained performance over time

* Random read and write speeds of 70,000 / 69,000 IOPS

* 7mm Ultra Slim form factor

* Uses server-grade Marvell 88SS9174 controller chip

* Supports SATA III 6Gb/s interface and highest quality Japanese NAND flash

* Boasts lowest average annual failure rate (AFR) across industry

* Unrivalled 5 year on-site warranty and service support

Powered by True Speed technology for sustained performance over time:

Working closely alongside industry-leader Toshiba, Plextor has manufactured the M3 Pro Series drive to use the latest 24nm Toggle NAND flash memory which delivers transmission rates of 133 Mbps – far higher than the standard 40 Mbps offered by traditional SDR technology. Such advanced design ensures the maximum number of read and writes, to increase the reliability and longevity of the M3 Pro Series drive.

The high-speed Toshiba memory has been coupled with the latest generation of Marvell’s server-grade controller which supports the SATA 6Bb/s interface, resulting in a super fast random read/write speed of 70,000/69,000 IOPS and up to 540MB/s and 450MB/s sequential read/write speed, ensuring users have optimum response times when transferring data.

Accelerated technology is supported by a range of exclusive Plextor firmware including the patented Instant Restore (helping to maintain the performance of the drive at the initial levels even after long periods of time), Bad Block Management and Global Wear Management. These components together form part of True Speed, a combined technology which allows Plextor M3 Pro series drive to deliver sustained high performance throughout its lifespan.

Slim form factor and easy upgrades from existing hard drives:

With a 7mm ultra-slim form factor, the 2.5” M3 Pro drive can easily fit into ultra-slim notebooks or (with a 3.5” bracket included) into desktop PCs, allowing a wider range of users to benefit from optimised system performance through upgrading to high-speed storage.

What’s more, the M3 Pro is bundled with a disc cloning utility which makes it quick and simple to upgrade from an existing hard drive. Transferring an exact copy of the drive data eliminates the need to reinstall the Operating System or individual programs and associated data.

Reliability and performance supported by market-leading 5 year warranty:

Plextor has a commitment to reliability which starts with full and thorough factory testing and conditioning of each M3 Pro drive to ensure long-term stability. Each drive goes through rigorous high temperature tests and accelerated usage simulation testing, and this has resulting in Plextor achieving a commendable 0.5% AFR (annual failure rate) for SSDs – the lowest in the industry.

The M3 Pro series SSDs will be available from March 2012, with a choice of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities. Pricing to be confirmed.

Watch out for a review soon.