In an exciting development for gaming enthusiasts and tech aficionados, the GPD Win 5 and the upcoming OneXPlayer Super X tablet are set to feature a groundbreaking new storage solution: the Mini SSD. This innovative technology, developed by the Chinese manufacturer Biwin, promises to enhance performance and durability compared to traditional storage options such as microSD cards.
The Mini SSD is designed as a compact and efficient alternative to standard storage solutions. Unlike conventional M.2 SSDs, which are permanently fixed to the motherboard and require disassembly for replacement, the Mini SSD utilizes a dedicated slot akin to a smartphone SIM tray. This unique feature allows users to easily swap drives without the need to open the device, making upgrades and replacements a breeze.
Measuring at just 15x17x1.4 mm, the Mini SSD is smaller than an M.2 2230 drive yet slightly larger than a microSD card. Biwin claims impressive performance metrics, with read speeds reaching up to 3,700 MB/s and write speeds of 3,400 MB/s, utilizing a PCIe 4×2 NVMe 1.3 interface. This performance is approximately three times faster than the fastest microSD Express cards, which are expected to be used in devices such as the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (around 985 MB/s).
Although full-size SD Express cards can achieve slightly higher speeds of 3,940 MB/s, they are nearly double the size of the Mini SSD. While M.2 drives still hold the title for overall speed, they cannot compete with the swappable convenience offered by the Mini SSD.
The Mini SSD will be available in various capacities, including 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB. It is designed for durability with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and can withstand drops from heights of up to three meters. This makes it an ideal choice for laptops, tablets, handheld consoles, smartphones, and cameras that require compact, high-speed storage solutions.
Both the GPD Win 5 and the OneXPlayer Super X will be among the first devices to incorporate this new storage format, as showcased at ChinaJoy, featuring dedicated Mini SSD slots. However, details regarding retail pricing and availability from Biwin are yet to be confirmed. It remains uncertain whether the Mini SSD will become an industry-wide standard or if it will remain a proprietary solution.
The introduction of the Mini SSD marks a significant advancement in portable storage technology, offering gamers and tech users a fast and convenient upgrade path for their devices. As we await further information from Biwin, the excitement surrounding this innovative storage solution continues to grow.
