Storage technology is taking a significant leap towards miniaturization without compromising performance. Biwin, a specialist in memory solutions, has officially launched its CL100 Mini SSD as a standalone consumer product. This drive, previously only found embedded in niche handheld PCs, promises desktop-class SSD speeds in a package smaller than a microSD card, potentially reshaping portable storage for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Unveiling the Ultra-Compact Form Factor
The most striking feature of the Biwin CL100 Mini SSD is its physical size. Measuring a mere 15.0 mm by 17.0 mm with a thickness of 1.4 mm, it is genuinely comparable to a small coin. This feat is achieved through advanced LGA (Land Grid Array) packaging technology, which integrates the NAND flash memory and controller into a single, ultra-dense chip. Beyond its size, the drive is built for durability, boasting an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and a claimed ability to survive a 3-meter drop. This ruggedness makes it an intriguing option for use in mobile devices, cameras, and other scenarios where traditional drives might be too bulky or vulnerable.
Biwin CL100 Mini SSD Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | 1517 (15.0 x 17.0 x 1.4 mm) |
| Interface/Protocol | PCIe 4.0 x2 / NVMe 1.4 |
| Max Sequential Read | Up to 3,700 MB/s |
| Max Sequential Write | Up to 3,400 MB/s |
| Packaging Technology | LGA (Land Grid Array) |
| Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant), 3m Drop Resistance |
| Available Capacities | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Key Technologies | Dynamic SLC Cache, Wear Leveling, TRIM, Garbage Collection, Intelligent Thermal Throttling |
| Accessory | RD510 USB4 (40Gbps) Reader with cooling fan |
| Estimated Price (USD) | ~$85 (512GB), ~$156 (1TB), ~$311 (2TB) |
Performance That Defies Its Size
Despite its miniature stature, the CL100 does not cut corners on performance. It utilizes a PCIe 4.0 x2 interface and the NVMe 1.4 protocol to deliver impressive sequential read and write speeds of up to 3,700 MB/s and 3,400 MB/s, respectively. These figures substantially outpace the maximum speeds of even the fastest microSD Express cards, which top out around 985 MB/s. To manage this performance in such a small thermal envelope, Biwin has incorporated intelligent thermal throttling and low-power management. The drive also supports modern SSD features like dynamic SLC caching, wear leveling, TRIM, and garbage collection to ensure consistent speed and longevity over time.
Performance Context: CL100 vs. MicroSD Express The Biwin CL100's performance highlights a significant gap between emerging SSD form factors and traditional flash cards.
- Biwin CL100 Mini SSD: Utilizes the PCIe 4.0 bus, delivering speeds up to 3,700 MB/s.
- MicroSD Express: Utilizes the PCIe 3.1 x1 bus, with a theoretical maximum speed of ~985 MB/s.
This makes the CL100 nearly 4x faster in peak sequential read performance, fundamentally changing the potential for portable, removable storage.
The Ecosystem and Practical Use
A key consideration for any new form factor is compatibility. Recognizing that most current devices lack a native slot for the 1517-sized CL100, Biwin has simultaneously launched the RD510 Mini SSD Reader. This accessory is a USB4 (40 Gbps) card reader with a built-in cooling fan, designed to transform the CL100 into a high-speed external NVMe drive. This plug-and-play solution opens up usage across a wide range of devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, with support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Market Positioning and Availability
Biwin is positioning the CL100 Mini SSD for demanding, portable workloads such as 4K video editing, AI model training, and running high-performance applications on handheld gaming consoles. It is currently available in three capacities: 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. Based on listings from Chinese retailer JD.com, the drives are priced at approximately USD 85, USD 156, and USD 311, respectively. As of December 10, 2025, there is no official confirmation from Biwin regarding plans for wider international availability outside of China.
A Niche Product with Mainstream Potential
The Biwin CL100 Mini SSD represents a compelling engineering achievement, successfully packing high-end SSD performance into a minuscule, rugged package. Its success in the broader market will largely depend on wider adoption of the 1517 form factor by device manufacturers. For now, it serves as a specialized tool for tech enthusiasts and professionals who need maximum portable speed, facilitated by the included RD510 reader. It stands as a clear indicator of where portable storage is headed: faster, smaller, and more integrated than ever before.