Model: SH100S3120G Firmware: 320ABBF0
OcUK Product Page (Note - OcUK selling Drive ONLY)
Introduction:
So here is my review of Kingston's latest SSD offering from the flagship 'HyperX' range. First off, I list my full system specs below but it should be noted that my Asus Rampage II Extreme board (X58) is SATA 2 ONLY and was benchmarked here using the onboard intel SATA 2 controller. This is fine for the Corsair Force F60 drive used here for comparison, but the reviewed Kingston drive is a full fat SATA 3 new Gen SandForce SF-2281 controller based drive. As such, my SATA 2 controller will undoubtably be holding the Kingston drive back. On this note, I offer the Corsair F60 as a real world comparison on a like for like SATA controller purely as a reference point to last gen SATA SSD's and will be benching again next week once my PCI-E SATA 3 controller arrives whcih should allow this hyperX Drive to really stretch its legs.
System Spec
Asus Rampage II Extreme (WC)
intel Core i7 990 Extreme Edition @ 4GHz (200 BLCK)(WC)
6 GB (3 X 2GB) Corsair Dominator GTX@ 2000MHz, 7,8,7,20 (Elpida Hyper)
2 X Gainward GTX 480 SLi (WC)
Creative X-Fi
Corsair Force F60 (System Drive)
2 X WD Velociraptor 150GB in RAID 0
Kingston HyperX 120GB SSD (Drive On Test)
Enermax Revolution 1050W PSU
Kingston Spec & Information
Datasheet Here
Kingston Digital Unveils First SandForce-based SSD: Kingston 120GB HyperX
◦SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s)SSD for Enthusiasts, Gamers, Performance Users
◦Highest Performing Kingston SSD
◦HyperX Upgrade Kit for Easy Installation
Kingston, the independent world leader in memory products, has teamed up with SandForce® Inc., a leader in high-performance SSD (Solid-State Drive) processors, to launch its first SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s) based SSD targeted at enthusiasts, gamers, and performance users. The Kingston HyperX® SSD feature the latest and most reliable SandForce controller to date, and is also available as a bundle with the HyperX Upgrade Kit for easy installation.
Shipping in 120GB and 240GB capacities, the HyperX SSD is based on SandForce SF-2281 controllers featuring SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s). It allows for incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 555MB/5100MB/s, IOPS of 40,000/60,000 (240GB), and SandForce DuraClass™ Technology to provide best in class endurance.
Enthusiasts have long known the Kingston HyperX brand as the industry leader in cutting edge memory. The new HyperX SSD continues this tradition of innovation and high performance by pairing the latest SandForce controller with Intel® 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K) to provide the performance and endurance that the most demanding users require.
Key Features of the Kingston HyperX SSD
◦Intel 25nm Compute NAND (P/E 5K): 5K compute NAND provides significant endurance increase over standard 3K cycle NAND.
◦Advanced Wear-Leveling Technology: Advanced algorithm ensures individual flash memory blocks are consumed at a very balanced rate enabling maximum endurance while maintaining optimal performance.
◦User Configurable Over Provisioning*: The HyperX SSD allows for user configurable over provisioning, which enables the user to tweak the SSD's performance per their specific performance needs. The user can increase the size of the over provisioned spare area; consequently, reducing the overall capacity of the drive while increasing the speed and performance.
◦TRIM and S.M.A.R.T Support: With additional support for both TRIM and S.M.A.R.T., the HyperX SSD is equipped with all essential tools enthusiasts, heavy users and gamers need to make the most of their PC's performance and drive endurance.
◦DuraClass™ Technology: DuraClass Technology represents a set of NAND Flash management features that work in tandem to deliver world-class SSD reliability, performance, and power efficiency that differentiate SandForce SSD Processors from other Flash controllers.
The Kingston HyperX SSD is backed by a three-year warranty, 24/7 tech support and legendary Kingston reliability
Kingston HyperX SSD Features and Specifications
◦Sequential reads 6Gb/s -- 555MB/s
◦Sequential writes 6Gb/s -- 510MB/s
◦Sustained Random 4K Read/Write: 120 GB: 20,000 / 60,000 IOPS
◦Max Random 4K Read/Write: 120GB: 95,000 / 70,000 IOPS
◦Form factor: 2.5"
◦Interface: SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) and Rev 2.0 (3Gb/s)
◦Guaranteed: three-year Kingston warranty, 24/7 tech support
◦Storage temperatures: -40°C - 85°C
◦Operating temperatures: 0°C - 70°C
◦Dimensions: 69.85mm x 100mm x 9.5mm
◦Vibration operating: 2.17G
◦Vibration non-operating: 20G
◦Operating shock: 1500G
◦
Power specs: 120GB: 0.455W (TYP) Idle / 1.6W (TYP) Read / 2.0W (TYP) Write.
Bundle kit includes:, HyperX SSD, Hard drive cloning software and installation guide CD, 2.5" SATA Enclosure with accompanying USB-to-mini-USB Cable, Serial ATA data cable, Brackets w/screws for 2.5” to 3.5” conversion, Screwdriver.
Package Contents and Unboxing
It has to be said that the experience opening this drive up was a joy. I have not seen such a polished and comprehensive package in an SSD before. Every kind of bracket, adaptor, screw, nut, bolt and cable is included and package securely and beautifully. There is even a top quality, HyperX anodised precision screwdriver included as well as a USB 3.0 2.5" portable HDD caddy complete with USB 3.0 Cable (single connection for power and data) which carries a great feature of a sliding lock switch for tool free quick and easy access. So far, an undisputed 10/10 Kingston. Top Job!
Here's the pictures:
Please note, on the outer cellophane of the box was a sticker stating "New improved speeds" of 555MB/s 510MBs read/write.
Benchmarks
Atto:
CrystalDisk:
Corsair F60 (LEFT) vs Kingston HyperX (Right)
Conclusion & Final Thoughts:
As the above results show, the performance is a massive jump over the last generation of SF Controllers which is no doubt helped by Kingston's use of top drawer synchronous chips in this drive. Even throttled by my ageing Rampage II's SATA 2 contoller, the drive is streets ahead of, what only mere months ago, was my prized Corsair Sandforce drive. I CAN'T WAIT to test the HyperX on my incoming PCI-E SATA 3 controller card.
In addition to the obvious performance gains, the drive's packaging and attention to detail regarding the bundle option are second to none and the price/ value is more than reasonable when taking into consideration the flagship nature of a product like this. Everything needed to get you up and running in minutes is included in the bundle should you purchase the bundle product (SH100S3B/120G) or should you just want the bare drive (see OcUK product link towards top of thread) then simply search omitting the "B" from the product code.
For those with deeper pockets, a 240GB version is also available in both standard and bundle options
Support/ Warranty
In my experience, Kingston have always led from the front in terms of warranty and support. As is par for the course with most SSD's, Kingston offer their 3 year warranty.
In addition, they also have a dedicated support/ downloads page.
It is testament to Kingston's support that a new firmware update is already available here:
http://www.kingston.com/support/ssdnow/SH100S3_firmware.asp
A clear indication that they mean business in terms of support for performance, reliability and customer service.
Overall, I'd have no qualms recommending Kingston's latest offerings to the top end, enthusiast SSD market. Everything about the product oozes quality and the performance speaks for itself. All at a price that befits the quality of a premium brand enthusiast product, but at the same time does not extract the urine.
Many thanks to Kingston for the opportunity to review.
I will update thread with SATA 3.0 benchmarks once I'm up and running with the PCI-E SATA 3.0 Adaptor.
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