Intel has today rolled out a solid state drive toolbox which includes the SSD Optimizer application and a new firmware for the 34nm NAND-equipped X25-M models. The firmware update brings a 40% boost in the drives' sequential write speed, which will thus top 100 MB/s, and adds support for the TRIM feature in Windows 7 which helps stabilize the performance and health of the SSD over time (and it really does that).

For those who don't run Windows 7, Intel is providing the SSD Toolbox and SSD Optimizer which enable the management and TRIM-like optimization of solid state drives.

"Fast and reliable access to data is critical for our SSD users," said Pete Hazen, director of marketing, Intel NAND Solutions Group. "The latest firmware and toolbox upgrade for Intel 34nm SSD users provide a host of new management, information and diagnostic tools to help SSDs retain out-of-box performance. We are encouraging our 34nm customers to download the new firmware update today. Not only will Windows 7 users receive the performance enhancements of the Trim command, but so will our Windows XP and Vista users."

The new X25-M firmware update can be downloaded via this page, while the SSD Toolbox and Optimizer will be available here.

To see the performance of Intel's SSDs with the new firmware check out the articles posted @ HotHardware, @ PC Perspective and @ Legit Reviews.