11-Way SSD Roundup 2010 Storage   Page 1

Reviewer: RWL Staff Article Publish Date: 10/2/2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Solid Disk Drives made their appearance around 2 years ago with such high prices that made it quite impossible for people to buy one. But much like every technology 2 years later we have reached a point where you can get a 40GB drive for around 80Euros and so we finally found a reason to examine and put the SSD technology to the test. For all of you who are unaware of what an SSD is, let’s just say that SSD drives have more or less the same principles with Flash Drives/Cards and so they come with zero moving parts making them faster, cooler and completely silent. Of course i don't really think that this technology will ever get to replace normal HDDs for good (we will most likely witness the introduction of other storage technologies) not anytime soon, but that is just a wild guess.

 

 

 

 

     Today we bring you 11 different SSD units by a total of 8 different companies in the field, namely OCZ, Kingston, Corsair, Intel, Gskill, OWC, Apacer and Walton Chaintech. Although we are talking about SSDs with quite large capacities ranging from 100 to 160GB still all 11 drives have been selling like crazy around the world and that was mainly the reason as to why we chose these particular models, aside their performance levels of course. However we do feel we have to apologize to certain people because this roundup took too much time to complete. The why is not important, what is important is that we feel quite sorry for that and so we felt the need to apologize. So with that behind us let’s dig a bit deeper and learn a thing or two about the companies in this roundup.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT OCZ

 

 

 

     Founded in 2002, San Jose, California-based OCZ Technology Group, Inc. has built on its expertise in high-speed memory to become a dominant player in the manufacturing and distribution of solid state drives (SSDs), a disruptive, game-changing technology that is replacing traditional rotating magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs are faster, more reliable, run cooler, and use significantly less power than the HDDs used in the majority of computers today. In addition to SSD technology, OCZ also offers high performance components for computing devices and systems, including enterprise class power management products as well leading edge computer gaming solutions.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT KINGSTON

 

 

 

     Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s independent memory leader. Founded in 1987 with a single product offering, Kingston® now offers more than 2,000 memory products that support nearly every device that uses memory, from computers, servers and printers to MP3 players, digital cameras and mobile phones. In 2009, the company's sales reached $4.1 billion. With global headquarters in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston employs more than 4,000 people worldwide. Regarded as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in America” by Fortune magazine, Kingston’s tenets of respect, loyalty, flexibility and integrity create an exemplary corporate culture. Kingston believes that investing in its people is essential, and each employee is a vital part of Kingston’s success. Kingston serves an international network of distributors, resellers, retailers and OEM customers on six continents. The company also provides contract manufacturing and supply chain management services for semiconductor manufacturers and system OEMs.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT CORSAIR

 

 

 

     Corsair has been a leader in the design and manufacture of high-speed modules since 1994. Our focus has always been on supporting the special demands of mission-critical servers and high-end workstations, as well as the performance demands of extreme gamers. While maintaining this core focus, in recent years, we've also brought our expertise, technology leadership and legendary quality and reliability to memory and other technology products for the more mainstream consumer. As a pioneer in high-speed module design, Corsair is a trusted supplier to many computer manufacturers. In high-density memory solutions, Corsair has always been one of the first suppliers to achieve advanced qualifications on Intel, Tyan and SuperMicro server platforms. We also work closely with other major server platform manufacturers to release product that is 100% compatible with their latest server products.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT INTEL

 

 

 

     Intel pushes the boundaries of innovation so our work can make people's lives more exciting, fulfilling, and manageable. And our work never stops. We never stop looking for the next leap ahead—in technology, education, culture, manufacturing, and social responsibility. And we never stop striving to deliver solutions with greater benefits for everyone. It began with the Intel® microprocessor, the invention that sparked a revolution. Intel's history of developing groundbreaking technology continues today. We attract the most brilliant minds in science to push the boundaries of innovation and further our position as the world's leader in semiconductor technology.  Our passion is to create technology that changes the world.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT GSKILL

 

 

 

     G. SKILL", established in 1989 by enthusiasts, is a leading memory module Manufacturer based in Taipei, Taiwan. With traditional strengths, we have built an excellent reputation by meeting market demand and fostering business competitiveness both locally and internationally with our dedications to provide competitive prices, On-Time Delivery, Assured Quality, Customer-Oriented Services and Diversity of Products. We are here to provide superior memory products, with satisfactory services in order to keep pace with our customers' growing needs, and help them by adding value to their purchases. We pledge we will continue to do so and enable both sides to obtain significant competitive advantages in the market segments.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT WALTON CHAINTECH

 

 

 

     The Chaintech Computer Corporation was founded in November of 1986 and introduced its own motherboards and video cards into the computer hardware market. Before long, Chaintech earned a reputation for producing state-of-the-art motherboards, boasting unsurpassed performance, extreme reliability, and aesthetical design. Its video cards were also praised by critics and consumers alike, earning recommendations and awards throughout the international community. With an established, technologically sound foundation, Chaintech was now primed to focus on product diversification. In 2005, a partnership was formed between Chaintech and Walton Advanced Engineering in order to introduce new products into the memory modules markets. Walton Advanced Engineering, known for their integrated circuits (IC) testing and packaging, provided valuable expertise and insight in designing, manufacturing, and packaging the newly introduced products. The partnership was further solidified by Chaintech’s membership into the Passive System Alliance (PSA), whereby a total of twenty companies, five of which are publicly traded, would ultimately mutually collaborate and share resources.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT APACER

 

 

 

     Apacer Technology Inc. is a global leader in memory module and digital storage hardware and software. Since the company's inception, Apacer's focus on recording, reproducing and retaining all types of digital data has been the driving force in providing customers with the best memory products and services. Apacer understands the importance of data and how consumers use data. Through customer feedback and strong market research, Apacer's young, creative and dynamic team culture develops products that are innovative in design, engineered for high reliability using state-of-the-art technology, and that match consumer needs. The Apacer brand promises consumers they can "Access the best" memory modules and digital storage products and services.

 

 

 

 

ABOUT OTHER WORLD COMPUTING

 

 

 

     Other World Computing (OWC) has been providing quality hardware products and support to the computer industry since 1988 and features one of the largest online catalogs of computer, iPod, and iPhone enhancement products through its e-commerce portal www.macsales.com. As a Premiere Level Apple Developer Connection member, OWC also provides extensive US based technical support for Macintosh users around the world as well as Internet access via www.fastermac.net and www.owc.net.