When you build or buy a computer, some things are sexy and some are just necessary. While processors, RAM and power supplies are some of the fun components, there are underlying things like controllers that do not get the fanfare they deserve. If you go to Best Buy and look at the computers, the display cards do not advertise the controllers -- a shame.

The average user is probably unaware of which controller something like their SSD is utilizing. For the most part, that is OK. As long as the hardware works, they don't really need to know. For enthusiasts however, it can make a big difference in performance. One such unsung company whose products are used by many is Marvell. Today, that company announces the 88SS1074 SATA SSD controller.

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The trouble with computers is that it is almost impossible to stay on the bleeding edge. The moment you buy the latest and greatest, something new comes along to replace it. I still remember fighting the battle of buying the fastest CD and DVD burners, years ago. It seemed like every other week, speeds would get boosted and I just had to have the fastest!

If you just bought a brand new SATA III SSD, congratulations, it is really fast and I'm sure you love it. But did you know that SATA III is on its way out? Yup, sorry to break the news to you, but SATA Express is one of the new standards, set to replace it. Today, Marvell announces that it has created the industry's first fully compliant SATA Express controller. Things just got real.

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Research company IHS iSuppli has released figures showing that solid-state drives are set to claim 33 percent of the storage market by 2017. Over this time total worldwide sales of SSDs are expected to rise from 31 million units in 2012 to 227 million.

The growth is being driven by demand for ultrabooks and other slimline systems which need powerful, compact drives. Sales should also be helped by the falling price of flash memory and the faster performance and lower power requirements of SSDs. Increasing numbers of systems being launched with convertible and touch screen formats is likely to push things further too.

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