OCZ Technology Group, a leading supplier of high-performance dynamic random access memory (DRAM), has unveiled the world’s first flash memory drive with external serial ATA (eSATA) interface. The new drive will provide considerably higher performance compared to widespread flash memory drives with universal serial bus (USB) interface.

OCZ Throttle’s primary eSATA interface offers an 90MB/second read speeds and 30MB/sec write speeds. In addition, the new drives support mini-USB port (cable is included into the bundle) in order to get compatibility with personal computers not supporting eSATA interface. OCZ will offer Throttle drives in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities.

“We are excited to introduce the Throttle eSATA drive, which delivers many of the key benefits of external SATA including faster transfer rates and a cost effective expansion storage for high performance computing. The Throttle is available in high densities and offers exceptional peak interface speeds for high performance notebooks, desktops, consumer electronics and entry level servers. In the case where an eSATA port is not available, the Throttle has the ability to connect via USB as well for ultimate flexibility,” said Eugene Chang, director of product management for the OCZ Technology Group.

Back in the past OCZ Technology already demonstrated flash memory drive with FireWire (IEEE1394) interface, but since these connectors were not really wide-spread, particularly on notebooks, the product has never reached the market. The OCZ Throttle drives can still become popular as despite of the fact that eSATA is still not available on the vast majority of laptops and is only supported by modern desktops, the flash memory devices also feature mini-USB port for compatibility with all the already deployed systems.

OCZ Throttle flash memory drives are about to start shipping. Prices are unclear.