Intel, following the launch of 520 series SSDs in February 2012, will release 300 series models, codenamed Maple Crest, in May and 720 series, codenamed Ramsdale, both based on 25nm MLC technology, according to Taiwan-based PC vendors and makers as reported by Digitimes.

With two storage capacity options of 400GB and 800 GB and featuring a PCIe interface, Ramsdale SSDs are specifically for business use, the sources indicated.

In addition, Intel will release 500 series SSDs, King Crest, based on 20nm MLC technology in the third quarter as well as models under the three series, including 700 series Taylorsville (100GB, 200GB, 400GB, 800GB) and 300 series Jay Crest and Oak Crest, in the fourth quarter, the sources said.

Although SSDs are much more expensive than HDDs, replacement of HDDs with SSDs has become a trend and 2012 is a key year, the sources indicated.