Intel has mede it easier to use an Intel solid-state drive (SSD) with the new Intel SSD Toolbox 3.0. New features include an easier graphical user interface, integrated help, a system information button to help troubleshooting and the ability to update firmware under Microsoft Windows instead of DOS.

In addition, the Intel Solid-State Drive Toolbox 3.0 offers Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART), Summary Drive Health and Estimated Life Remaining bars, used/unused capacity pie chart, diagnostics, system information summary and contextual help that integrates one-click same-page help pointers.



As with previous versions of the Intel Solid-State Drive Toolbox, the free utility will detect and determine if SuperFetch/Prefetch should be disabled and whether ready/boost, defragmenter or DIPM should be turned off.

The Intel Solid-State Drive Toolbox 3.0 provides Secure Erase, and can now also perform secure erase of a secondary Intel SSD ensuring all data is cleaned from the drive before water falling the drive to another user or system. The utility allows users to set up automatic clean ups (trims) of their drive and check the system for optimal SSD configuration.

Intel SSD owners can download the new toolbox free at www.intel.com/go/ssdtoolbox