Kingston Unveils HyperX M.2 PCIe X4 SSD – Computex 2014 Update

Kingston today unveiled a totally unexpected SSD aptly named the HyperX and it is a M.2 PCIe X4 SSD with none other than the Marvell Altaplus 88SS9293 controller at the helm.  The paint hadn’t even dried on our previous post where we spoke of our meeting with Marvell and the importance of a Q4 release.

We found the new HyperX M.2 situated in a running system and displaying performance of just under 1.4GB/s which is more than we expected. Our discussions with Kingston resulted in a very believable Q4 before we see these SSDs on the street.

Initial specifications list the largest capacity as 512GB, DEVSLP compatibility as well as this controller being compatible with 1ynm NAND flash memory.  Considering this, it is entirely conceivable that we just might see this in a 1TB capacity shortly after release as that would be a key volume for those media professionals that need the speed for 4K media manipulation.

The biggest positive seems to be visible with the Altaplus controller is that, as much as it seems to be so close to its target performance, there doesn’t appear to be any residual heat concerns.  This SSD was in use and I had the opportunity to gauge heat no different than one might feel in any SSD.

KINGSTON SATA 3 M.2 SSD

On a similar note, Kingston is also preparing a SATA 3 M.2 SSD for release in the 2280 form factor and the controller is none other than the Phison 3108-S8 controller, in use with Toshiba A19 memory.

This SSD was also set up and running and speeds of 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write were displayed.  Considering that this is a Phison product which has typically been considered middle tier, these are excellent numbers.