OCZ Vector 256GB SSD Review Storage   Page 1

Reviewer: Jon Coulter Article Publish Date: 12/14/2012

 

 

 

 

Introduction

 

 

 

It’s time for another look at Vector. A few days ago RWL presented you with the world’s first RAID 0 review featuring OCZ’s newest flagship SSD. Our Vector array proved to be the fastest 2 drive SATA III array we’ve ever tested or have ever seen. Vector is back again today and this time it’s for a Single drive review.

Like we covered previously Vector is OCZ’s launch platform for their first completely in house silicon; the Barefoot 3 Flash Processing Unit. The Barefoot 3 (8) channel controller is based on an ARM Cortex Processor however it also has an exclusive Co-Processor which is OCZ’s Proprietary Aragon Co-Processor developed by OCZ’s Indilinx and PLX divisions. OCZ’s Aragon is a 400 MHz 32 bit processor that features for the first time Solid State Drive specific RISC instructions. Reduced Instruction Set Computing, or RISC, is a CPU design strategy based on the insight that simplified (as opposed to complex) instructions can provide higher performance if this simplicity enables much faster execution of each instruction. This enables Barefoot to execute SSD specific instructions in a single processor cycle resulting in “Ground Breaking” performance.

 

 

 

Our RAID 0 Review (click here) demonstrated that Vector has incredibly fast access times both reading and writing. This is directly attributable to Barefoot 3’s Aragon Co-processor’s RISC programming. Access times are the foundation of storage performance so OCZ has on their hands a fantastic platform to build upon going forward.

Vectors Performance with data on array was so good that it was able to displace our long standing RAID 0 Champion LSI SandForce as RWL’s performance King. Will a single Vector be able to do the same? RWL rates a drive/array by its real world performance with data on the drive/array; not an empty drive as most other review sites do. We feel this makes sense because who cares if an empty drive/array is fast? Last time I checked most users do plan on filling their drive/array with data.

We will begin where we always begin and that’s by reviewing what the drives manufacturer has to say about their product so we can see for ourselves first hand if what they claim is in fact what our results will show:

• The Vector Series delivers a new industry-leading solid state storage solution for the high-end consumer and workstation user.
• Vector delivers the industry's fastest performance. Rated for 100,000 random read and 95,000 random write IOPS to deliver ultimate responsiveness and a better overall computing and workstation experience than any other storage solution.
• Vector redefines reliability and offers a premium SSD solution designed from the ground up for enhanced stability, quality, and durability.
• Get consistently faster sustained speeds with the complete spectrum of file types and sizes, including both compressible and incompressible data for balanced, long-lasting performance like no other drive out there.
• Built to last, Vector maximizes drive life with low write amplification, efficient garbage collection, and an advanced suite of NAND flash management to provide years of hard drive-humiliating performance that is second to none.
• All Vector SSDs come bundled with a 3.5-inch desktop adapter bracket, and include an Acronis® True Image cloning software registration key with your purchase to easily transfer data from your old hard drive.
• Advanced controller technology allows Vector to excel in high performance and deliver superior endurance without compression or loss of usable capacity. That means more space and more speed from your Vector SSD.
• Vector features OCZ's most stringent hardware and firmware validation cycle to date and rated for 20GB of host writes per day to meet the demands of high-end workstation systems.
• With a sleek 7mm housing, Vector's slim z-height ensures compatibility with the latest thinner form factor notebooks. Alloy casing lends style that matches your taste for modern storage.

Those are some mighty big claims and while we can’t verify all of them we can definitely see if Vectors actual performance reflects what OCZ is claiming.