Review-OCZ Vertex 2 SSD: Black, Sleek, and Fast!

File Transfer Test

OCZ Vertex 2 is slightly faster than the Inferno, but still not fast enough to keep up with the Intel 320 Series in this test.

TRIM Test

Instead of deleting older files prior to copying new ones, non-TRIM SSDs will directly overwrite the data already contained within. Because of that, deleting files and formatting an SSD will slow the drive down due to the junk data these two operations create. TRIM-equipped SSDs, however, should be able to recover performance back to its original state. This test measures how well the TRIM feature is implemented on a certain SSD by simulating the performance degradation caused by junk data and measuring performance recovery gained by activating TRIM.
As for the procedure, first, TRIM is turned off. Then, a number of files are copied into the corresponding SSD. After that, the files are deleted and the “format” command is issued to the SSD. Performance measurement is carried out afterwards to see if TRIM manages to recover the SSD’s performance.

Overwriting the flash memory on the OCZ Vertex 2 (or any other SSD, in fact) would negatively affect its overall performance. By deleting files and formatting the drive, TRIM will kick in and collect junk data to prevent the drive from slowing down due to accumulated junk. The above simulation shows how well TRIM functionality is implemented on the Vertex 2, and it appears that Vertex 2’s TRIM has successfully recovered the SSD’s performance as it originally was before the file deletion and drive format took place.

Conclusions

Consumers are once again provided with a high-performance alternative for their storage solution. OCZ Vertex 2 is a fast and full-featured drive. It has all the essential elements of a dependable SSD, including TRIM and DuraWrite. Those two functionalities will help enhance the longevity of Vertex 2’s memory chips.
Performance wise, there is nothing to complain about the super-fast data transfer rate of the Vertex 2, made possible by its SandForce controller. Unfortunately, since Intel has already come up with its SATA-III SSD 320 Series, consumers can no longer refer to SandForce SSDs as the fastest storage solution. Make no mistake though, Vertex 2 is still one of the fastest SATA-II SSDs to date. Additionally, the firmware on this SSD is mature and able to deliver just the kind of performance you would expect from a SandForce SSD.
Vertex 2 is a viable alternative for anyone needing a high-performance storage solution and doesn’t mind paying extra for it. This SSD will serve you well in most (if not all) usage scenarios by cutting file/ program load times considerably in comparison to conventional hard disk drives. Gamers and those who need fast data transfer rate, in particular, will truly benefit from Vertex 2. The proven durability of SSD could further give you some peace of mind, knowing that your data is a lot safer than they are inside a conventional, mechanical hard drive.

Pros

+ Very Fast
+ Comes with the DuraWrite feature

Cons

– TRIM feature only works in Windows OS

Manufacturer	OCZ
Info	http://www.ocztechnology.com/
Price	$341 (as of May 12 2011)
Distributor in Indonesia	Spectrum
Phone	021 612 5505
Memory Type	Multi Level Cell
Capacity	120 GB
Interface	SATA II