![]() ![]() For the 240GB SSD 520, Intel quotes random 4 KB read IOPS of 50,000 and writes of 60,000 once the drive is conditioned (80,000 out of the box). To get there, Intel leverages their own IMFT 25nm MLC NAND, selecting the best part of the wafer for these drives, along with a SATA 6Gb/s interface and the aforementioned co-developed firmware. The 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s sequential read and write speeds are about as good as it gets in the client SSD space. SandForce SF-2200 processors dominate our list of fastest SSDs, and we generally expect the Intel SSD 520 to be no different. With reliability concerns addressed, we turn to performance. The firmware is worth mention, as it’s a key differentiator from other SandForce SSDs that share like hardware components. Intel uses a unique firmware build that they co-defined with LSI SandForce. While many manufacturers use the same firmware for SandForce-based SSDs, those with engineering knowhow can accomplish a great deal within the firmware to tune for performance, stability and compatibility. The component validation of the SSD 520 is one thing, but the other key for Intel is firmware. All things considered, Intel is certainly doing more for ensuring reliable SandForce SSD operation than virtually everyone else using the same processor. ![]() To further ensure consumers feel safe buying the SSD 520, Intel is including a five year warranty, which effectively protects customers for the projected useful life of the drive. These tests include things like: electrical validation, signal integrity, unplanned power loss, SATA error injection, temperature monitoring, workload testing and so on. This means the SSD 520 has been validated in 120 client system types and has passed over 5,000 unique tests during the validation cycle. To mitigate reliability concerns Intel has invested substantially to make sure the 520 lives up to user expectations. The SSD 520 definitely provides top-class performance thanks to the SF-2200 processor, giving Intel access to the high-performance SSD market again. Clearly they felt the SSD 510, which is being retired, didn’t have enough performance capability to satiate the enthusiast buyer, and on that front Intel is correct. Intel has quite a bit at risk by moving to SandForce. Intel rightfully shares these concerns and in fact spent over a year validating the SandForce processor, now LSI SandForce. This legendary quality then is an interesting juxtaposition with SandForce, which is more known for raw speed and performance, than reliable client computing. Specifically on the SSD front, we know Intel does more testing to ensure reliable performance and host system compatibility than perhaps anyone else in the industry. Intel’s brand has long been synonymous with quality, stability and support. With the highest quality 25nm IMFT NAND available and the speedy SandForce processor combined, the SATA 6Gb/s SSD 520 cranks out quoted sequential read speeds of 550 MB/s and writes of 520 MB/s. Intel claims the SSD 520 to be their fastest SSD to date and there’s little reason to doubt them. The big highlight is that Intel has transitioned to a SandForce processor in the SSD 520, away from the Marvell processor used in the SSD 510. The Intel SSD 520, code name Cherryville, is the latest consumer SSD offering from Intel which breaks a tremendous amount of new ground for the company and the SSD industry at large. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |