The SSD Review The Worlds Dedicated SSD Education and Review Resource | 
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
KINGSTON SM2280S3 SSD PCMARK VANTAGE RESULTS
The Kingston SM2280S3 240GB SSD achieved a Total Score of 56,954 points. The highest transfer speed of 370.14MB/s was recorded during the “Windows Media Center” benchmark, while the lowest of 224.12MB/s was recorded during the “adding music to Windows Media Player” benchmark.
REPORT ANALYSIS AND FINAL THOUGHTS
In our testing, the Kingston SM2280S3 performed as it should. It was able to achieve its rated specs of 550MB/s read and 520MB/s write with no issue in ATTO. Outside of this, it had just as fast read speeds, but lower write performance was seen when testing with incompressible data, this being a trait of mid-tier controllers such as the Phison controller used in this product. Kingston is aware that cost is of paramount importance for their target market. Compromising on a cheaper controller that delivers the goods with nearly the same performance, helps to keep prices down.
More importantly, however, we think the consumer should be aware that there are different M.2 PCIe SSDs as motherboards are now available with the M.2 connector integrated. While M.2 slots have the same connections, it doesn’t mean they will work with all M.2 SSDs. Some M.2 slots are PCIe only and others are SATA only. This means they only allow for the M.2 SSD to transmit information over the PCIe bus or SATA bus. This can cause some issues for consumers when they buy the wrong type of M.2 drive for their computer and it isn’t recognized by the motherboard or adaptor.
For those looking to make the jump to M.2, they will find the Kingston SM2280S3 will suit their needs well. If anything, this SSD takes up virtually no space whatsoever on a newer motherboard. The M.2 SSD is also the main reason we are seeing ultrabooks available today in such a small footprint. It is available at well under the $1/GB price point and offers a very compact size and light weight for ultra-thin computer designs.
Too bad they didn’t went with something pci-e based. Or atleast a better sata controller. Atleast its decently priced (although there is also mydigitalssd with S9 controller for a little less).
As long as they don’t pull a kingston, this seems like a fair deal for someone needing m.2
The M.2 IS a connector to pci-e lanes. Derp.
Yes, but it can also double as connector to sata aswell and thats exactly what this ssd is doing…
The 120GB version of this is perfect if you need a cheap M.2 just to boot on. I’m putting together a mini-PC and the price is just perfect.