The Intel SSD SC2CW120A3 120GB is a solid-state drive, which means it stores data using flash memory similar to how USBs store data, but much more effectively. Solid-state drives perform much more effectively than hard disk drives, with faster read/write speeds, lower latencies, and even higher physical shock resistance, but come at a price premium. An SSD will cost much more than an HDD with an equivalent storage capacity - although SSDs are becoming cheaper and more viable over time. A common choice is to use a small SSD for an OS installation such as Windows for fast boot times and OS performance, and to use an HDD for applications and files. This avoids the negative point that over-use of data-writing can eventually lead to SSD degradation (although modern SSDs are said to take years before degradation), because Windows does not write much data, but its data is read often.

The Intel SSD SC2CW120A3 120GB is an extremely high-performance SSD and can perform at levels well beyond any HDD.

Its read speed of 550MB/s is very fast, and should thus provide very quick loading speeds for applications and games. Its write speed of 500MB/s is quite fast, which should allow you to store data relatively quickly.

With a capacity of 120GB, the Intel SSD SC2CW120A3 120GB has a fairly small amount of storage space, in which you could install Windows, some sizable applications, and store some large files. However big the drive, an SSD should always have enough unused memory to be able to rotate space and minimize the reuse of the same areas of the drive. Because each block of space has a limited lifespan, by spreading out the reuse of space it prolongs the lifespan of the SSD as a whole.

Using the SATA 3.0 6Gb/s interface this SSD will not be limited by its motherboard connection.

A form factor size of 2.5" is standard for laptop drives and solid-state drives, and this will fit into any 2.5" drive bay. These drive bays are not yet ubiquitous, but it will also fit into a standard 3.5" or 5.25" drive bay with the appropriate adapter.