Consumers are looking for larger SSDs at lower price points and it seems the NAND manufacturers (Intel, Micron, etc) are dragging their heals on releasing larger capacities that should drive down those prices. However, prices are far better than they were three years ago and manufacturers like Kingston Technology continue to offer full upgrade kit retail packages that allows users …
Ever since we reviewed the CORSAIR Neutron GTX 240GB SSD last year, I was somewhat puzzled by the decision to go to a 7mm thin casing. On one hand, this wouldn’t affect desktop users at all because most drive cages and trays would still bolt to the standard four screw holes on the bottom of the drive. Even if …
I remember when certain 8xxx series NVIDIA video cards developed an issue where the GPU would actually de-solder themselves from the PCB. The solution was to cook them in an oven to “reflow” the solder and re-establish the GPU’s connection to the PCB. Although this isn’t quite the same, it does involve heating up damaged parts. In the case of flash based …
Corsair recently added the Neutron series SSDs to their existing line up. Previous asynchronous and synchronous Force series SSDs all made good use of the SandForce controller. However, the latest Neutron series changes things up adding a Link-a-Media LM87800 controller to an otherwise successful fleet of drives based on Sandforce controllers. It also comes in two different flavors: The Neutron and …
A few months ago, we awarded the Kingston HyperX series SSDs an Editors’ Choice Award for very sound reasons: great performance, excellent firmware, and a great upgrade bundle. All of this helps ensure that you benefit from the full SSD experience. Then, Kingston released another winning choice in the surprisingly affordable V+200 Enterprise SSD. Because it uses less expensive 3K …
Patriot Memory’s Pyro SATA6Gb series are among the most affordable asynchronous SSDs available. Their price is aimed at attracting early adopters and pro users looking to give their computers a much needed performance boost. They also offer the Wildfire synchronous series for enthusiasts who want the fastest overall performance money can buy. But it’s the consumers right in between that …
A few weeks ago, I took a close look at Intel’s own premium 520 series SSD which uses a SandForce SF-2281 controller and 25nm synchronous NAND inside. Like any premium performance SSD, it also carries a premium price. That price is still a tough pill to swallow for the bulk of the consumers. Using more affordable asynchronous NAND to can …
The number one question for Intel a few months ago was where were their higher end, fast SATA6 SSDs. There were plenty of Sand Force SF-2281 controlled SSDs pushing 6Gb/s speeds on the market yet many were using Intel NAND. Today we get to answer that question with the launch of Intel’s SSD 520 Series Solid State Drives. They begin finding …
For those that don’t know, SSD caching (Intel Smart Response) is a feature built in to Intel Z68 Sandy Bridge motherboards where you can add a smaller volume SSD to your existing platter based hard drive to increase overall system performance. Users often experience a quicker more responsive system after doing this. That’s great if you have a Z68 system …
The Kingston HyperX 120GB/240GB SSD is the current champion SATA3 SSD that earned our esteemed Editor’s Choice in our recent Round Up of SATA3 Sandforce Controller SSDs. Not only does it perform quite well in any basic configuration, but it also features the most extensive consumer friendly accessory bundle offered by anyone. The “Upgrade Kit” is intended to help …
The SSD market is finally at price levels I would call palatable. There are 120GB SATA2 SSDs for $179.99 or less and SATA3 SSDs for $184.99 and above. This will undoubtedly impact sales for smaller 20-64GB SSDs used in conjunction with Intel Smart Response (ISR) technology on Z68 platforms. ISR is great for pairing a smaller and cheaper 20-64GB (max) …
Kingston Technology’s HyperX team was on hand at PAX 2011 providing attendees with the chance to play against some pro gamers on some of their elite gaming systems. The had members from their gaming team pair up with a fan from the audience for some pwning all weekend. While we didn’t have the opportunity to get pwned by them, we …
