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PCMARK VANTAGE X64 HDD SUITE
The SSD Review uses benchmark software called PCMark Vantage x64 HDD Suite to create testing scenarios that might be used in the typical user experience. There are eight tests in all and the tests performed record the speed of data movement in MB/s to which they are then given a numerical score after all of the tests are complete. The simulations are as follows:
- Windows Defender In Use
- Streaming Data from storage in games such as Alan Wake which allows for massive worlds and riveting non-stop action
- Importing digital photos into Windows Photo Gallery
- Starting the Vista Operating System
- Home Video editing with Movie Maker which can be very time consuming
- Media Center which can handle video recording, time shifting and streaming from Windows media center to an extender such as XBox
- Cataloging a music library
- Starting applications
If you are new to testing and considering benchmark software, this is the best you can get because the program goes well beyond the results of simulated testing as we have already done. In comparing SATA 2.0 SSDs, we have reached the bandwidth limit and the performance of most new SATA 2 SSDs is as high as it can get with typical high sequential access speeds in the area of 280MB/s read and 270MB/s write.
We needed a way to differentiate these drives and to find a method that can actually put one drive above another and this is exactly what Vantage testing does. Its tests combined can provide an accurate comparison between drives and its tests individually can assist a smart shopper in finding the best SSD for their needs. Next to actual true to life testing which can take an insurmountable length of time, PCMark Vantage is the only program that can compare any SSD, side by side, regardless of SATA interface or controller in use.
FUTURE STORAGE 240GB SATA 3 HDD SUITE TOTAL
The Future Storage SSD came in with a final high of 62726 PCMark Vantage Total Points with a single high transfer speed of 382MB/s in Test 6 which tested transfer speeds while utilizing Windows Media Center. Here is the Vantage result showing speeds attained for each test:
Although our overall comparison with respect to 240GB SSDs is somewhat limited, the final placement of the Future Storage SSD is above that of those utilizing ASync NAND flash memory, albeit below the best of the best in OCZ, Kingston and OWC. Considering this is the first time out of the gate for Future Storage, these are great marks to have. Lets take a look at our SATA 3 SSD Hierarchy:
FINAL THOUGHTS
In checking out prices at Future Storage’s Solid State Disk Shop, we see the 240GB version of their SSD listed at $513 which is within the range of the SSDs of this form factor and capacity. Although Future Storage is a well established company which has been in the business since 2002 and selling SSDs from its UK base since 2007, the SSDs available to North American consumer require no overseas travel as they are built and shipped within the USA, Texas in fact.
By utilizing SandForces highly acclaimed SF-2281 SATA 3 processor, Toshiba Toggle NAND, and throwing their support behind that with a 3 year USA based warranty, Future Storage may have just created a product that may be of interest to the North American consumer market. By opening up their new site for international sales, we know they will have success in those countries where SSDs are still held at a premium cost with limited availability.
The added bonus is that a quick look on both websites shows that they are going beyond sales alone in effort to assist the consumer in their knowledge of SSDs and how they can impact their daily computer use.
INDEX
Pg1 – Introduction, SSD Components and Test Protocol
Pg2 – ATTO, Crystal Disk Benchmark and Anvil Storage Utilities