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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSK hynix agreed in 2020 to buy Intel’s NAND memory and storage business for $9 billion. The deal closed in two stages: the SSD business and Dalian facility assets transferred in December 2021 for $7 billion, and the remaining assets transferred on March 27, 2025. Intel reported receiving approximately $1.9 billion, net of adjustments, at the second closing. Intel kept its separate Optane business.
What was included in the deal?
The transaction covered Intel’s NAND-based storage business, including its NAND SSD business, NAND components and wafer business, and assets associated with its Dalian NAND memory manufacturing facility in China. It did not include Optane, which Intel retained as a distinct business. Intel’s 2020 announcement described the scope, while its 2020 SEC filing set out the staged terms.
The acquisition was not a transfer of every asset at once. Intel initially continued to manufacture and sell NAND wafers produced using the Dalian fab assets under an interim arrangement. That arrangement lasted until the second closing.
How the two closings worked
| Phase | Date and consideration | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| First closing | December 29, 2021; $7 billion | SK hynix acquired Intel’s SSD business and Dalian NAND flash manufacturing facility assets. The remaining NAND wafer manufacturing and design intellectual property, related research and development employees, Dalian facility workforce, and other associated tangible and intangible assets were part of the later transfer. SK hynix’s first-close announcement details the phase. |
| Second closing | March 27, 2025; approximately $1.9 billion net of certain adjustments | The remaining assets transferred, and the interim NAND wafer manufacturing and sale agreement ended. Intel reported the closing and net consideration in its March 27, 2025 SEC filing. |
The original agreement specified $9.0 billion in total cash consideration: $7.0 billion at the first closing and $2.0 billion at the second, subject to customary conditions, including government approvals. Intel’s reported approximately $1.9 billion at the final closing reflects certain adjustments; it is not the unadjusted $2 billion amount in the original terms.
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#1 Best Overall
- Sequential read/write (MB/s) up to: 3400/2500
- Random read/write (IOPS) up to: 390K?420K
- Compatible with all systems that support M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4
What Solidigm did
SK hynix established a U.S. subsidiary named Solidigm to manage the acquired SSD business. Headquartered in San Jose, Solidigm was responsible for product development, manufacturing, and sales for that business. It was the operating vehicle for the transferred SSD operation, not evidence that Intel continued to own it. SK hynix’s announcement identified Solidigm’s role.
How large was Intel’s NAND business?
At the time of the 2020 announcement, Intel said its NAND businesses contributed approximately $2.8 billion in revenue and $600 million in operating income to its Non-volatile Memory Solutions Group for the six months ended June 27, 2020. Those are historical six-month figures, not annual results or the sale price. Intel’s announcement reported the figures.
Rank #2
- Capacity: 256GB
- Form Factor: M.2 2242 PCIe NVME SSD
- Key Type: M Key
- Hardware Requirements: M.2 slot
- Dimension: 22mm x 80mm x 2.38m
What the companies said about the deal
When the agreement was announced, Intel CEO Bob Swan said he believed the combination would grow the memory ecosystem for customers, partners, and employees. SK hynix CEO Seok-Hee Lee said the acquisition would help the company respond to customer needs and expand its NAND flash portfolio. These were announcement-era expectations, not evidence by themselves that the projected benefits were achieved. Intel’s announcement carried both statements.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- STORAGE CAPACITY: High-performance 1TB internal solid state drive perfect for system upgrades and enhanced storage capabilities.
- FORM FACTOR: Standard 2.5-inch design measuring 100.5 mm x 69.9 mm x 7.0 mm, compatible with most laptops and desktop computers.
- INTERFACE: SATA III connection delivering reliable data transfer with read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 510MB/s.
- PERFORMANCE: TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash memory technology ensures consistent and dependable performance for everyday computing tasks.
- COMPATIBILITY: Internal SSD designed for seamless integration with systems supporting 2.5-inch SATA storage devices.
Rank #3
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Up to 6,000MB/s read, 4,000MB/s write
- Includes Acronis cloning software
- 5-year limited warranty
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