Coin-Sized SSD: BIWIN Unveils Game-Changing Mini SSD

Chinese manufacturer BIWIN has announced a new type of storage drive called the Mini SSD. It's the size of a memory card but delivers the performance punch of an SSD. The device is already integrated into the GPD Win 5 portable console and the OneXPlayer Super X tablet.

The format's killer feature is its size (15×17×1.4 mm) – comparable to a microSD card, yet significantly smaller than even the most compact M.2 2230 SSD. Despite its diminutive stature, BIWIN's creation packs a serious speed punch, hitting read speeds up to 3,700 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,400 MB/s. Thanks to its PCIe 4.0 x2 interface and NVMe support, that's roughly three times faster than the top-performing microSD Express cards.

Installation is a breeze: the drive slots into a tray, much like a SIM card slot in a smartphone. A standard paperclip ejector tool is all you need to remove it – no disassembly required. The Mini SSD's casing boasts IP68 dust and water resistance and can survive drops from up to 3 meters. Initially, it'll be available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. BIWIN is targeting this drive at smartphones, tablets, laptops, portable gaming consoles, cameras, and NAS systems where both speed and compact size are crucial.

It's still too early to tell if this new Mini SSD format will become an industry standard or remain a niche solution, but it clearly demonstrates significant potential. BIWIN hasn't yet revealed estimated pricing or a retail launch date.