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TSSDR TEST BENCH AND PROTOCOL
SSD testing at TSSDR differs slightly, depending on whether we are looking at consumer or enterprise storage media. For our Kingston A2000 NVMe M.2 SSD testing today, our goal is to test in a system that has been optimized with our SSD Optimization Guide. To see the best performance possible, the CPU C states have been disabled, C1E support has been disabled, and Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) has been disabled. Benchmarks for client testing are also benchmarks with a fresh drive so, not only can we verify that manufacturer specifications are in line but also, so those buying pre-built systems with the A2000 can replicate our tests to confirm that they have an SSD that is top-notch. We even provide links to most of the benchmarks used in the report.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The components of this Test Bench are detailed below. All hardware is linked for purchase and product sales may be reached by a simple click on the individual item. As well, the title is linked back to the individual build article where performance testing can be validated.
TSSDR ASROCK Z370 TAICHI TEST BENCH (link)
| PC CHASSIS: | Corsair Crystal Series 460X RGB |
| MOTHERBOARD: | ASRock Z370 Taichi |
| CPU: | Intel Coffee Lake Core i7-8770K |
| CPU COOLER: | Corsair Hydro Series H110i GTX V.2 |
| POWER SUPPLY: | Corsair RM850x 80Plus |
| GRAPHICS: | PNY GTX 1080 XLR8 Gaming OC |
| MEMORY: | Corsair Dominator Pl 32GB 2800 |
| STORAGE: | Intel Optane 900P 480GB SSD |
| KEYBOARD: | Corsair Strafe RGB Silent Gaming |
| MOUSE: | Corsair M65 Pro Gaming |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit |
BENCHMARK SOFTWARE
The software in use for today’s analysis is typical of many of our reviews and consists of Crystal Disk Info, ATTO Disk Benchmark, Crystal Disk Mark, AS SSD, Anvil’s Storage Utilities, AJA, and TxBench. Our selection of software allows each to build on the last and to provide validation to results already obtained.
CRYSTAL DISK INFO VER. 7.5.0
Crystal Disk Info is a great tool for displaying the characteristics and health of storage devices. It displays everything from temperatures, the number of hours the device has been powered, and even to the extent of informing you of the firmware of the device.
Crystal Disk Info validates that our SSD is running in PCIe 3.0 x4 (four lane), and also that NVMe 1.3 protocol is in use.
Les, this is a nice review, and the price is unbelievable! However, could you please continue to include the Real World File Transfer Comparison with your reviews? It may be nitpicking, but I like seeing that included. Thanks for introducing us to this excellent SSD!
Thanks for the review! I may buy one or two of these.
From what I can tell the version of Acronis that Kingston gives you for a download is 3 years old, maybe more. I may be wrong, but their download page points to a version that was around in 2016. If that’s the case then you do not get a free copy of software that is worth $59. This drive may still be worth $99, but please try to find out if it does indeed ship with software that retails for $59.
can you tell us what’s the max temp it reaches?
also, does it have any monitoring SW?
I contacted Kingston and was told the A2000 does not come with Acronis.
Hi Bibbit,
Only drives purchased together with bundle kits receive Acronis download keys. This drive does not come with a bundle kit. You can use the free software download Macrium Reflect. I have provided the link below.
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
Thank you for selecting Kingston Technology.
I bought this SSD and yes, I did get a key for Acronis which I could download from Kingston’s website. I don’t know if it’s a regional thing or not, but in Sweden it does come with Acronis.
What retailer in Sweden?
I bought a new 1TB A2000 SSD in the UK from an eBay reseller, a code for Acronis was included with the drive.
Is kingstone acronis limited to kingstone drives ?
I’ve got Corsair MP510 240GB PCIe x4 NVMe as my primary system drive, time came to expand so I want to buy Kingston 1TB M.2 A2000 NVMe PCIe x4 but in my mobo specification second m.2 slot is x2. What would be smart? Leave it be – using MP510 as system and A2000 at half speed or maybe configure RAID (which one?) I’ll just say I’m a casual user but wolud like to do this as best as I can. (MOBO -Aorus b450 elite). Thanks guys
An x2 interface will work just fine. You’ll not get the full speed of the SSD, in particular, the sequential speeds will be down, but it should work.