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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
The Monster Digital Le Mans scores 63,418 in the HDD benchmark. This is a very solid score for an SSD with this large of capacity. We can observe that the application loading score of 284 MB/s is very good, and the high score with Windows Media Center also comes in very high with 439 MB/s.
CONCLUSION
There are several things that set the Monster Digital Le Mans right out from the pack. One is the rather large box that it was delivered in. This box represents the complete package that is needed to not only install the SSD, but to install it easily for a newcomer to SSDs.
The key to mainstream adoption of SSDs is to get the users with lower levels of technical know how to make the switch. For many this can be a very daunting task. Easy to use software to begin the migration of the operating system is the first part of the equation, with the second half being to tackle the hardware aspect of the installation. For a user with very little experience in building computers, getting in the case and arranging power and data cables is going to be a tall order.
And you guessed it, that brings us right to the SATA 3 to USB 3.0 connector seen here. Its not hard to see that we are a big fan of this approach. This high-speed transfer that this well thought out and designed component is capable of is very important. This makes the switch fast and easy, and insures that the slowest point in the file transfer will be the HDD.
For the real ‘hardware guys’ out there, this device can be used for many purposes after installation. This is the type of gear that is great to have laying around for that next new build that is always on horizon. The included screwdriver is just icing on the cake, and really completes the package approach.
A big issue that we are seeing with alot of the new entrants into the SSD realm is lack of innovation and shortsightedness. When it comes to product differentiation, there isn’t much between most manufacturers of LSI SandForce SSDs. With this full package approach, Monster Digital has really found a way to make the Le Mans step out of the pack.
The hefty amount of overprovisioning that is included with this SSD is key to longer endurance and superb long term performance. This will negate the performance degradation that is inherent in all SSDs, and keep this SSD running at top speed for years to come. This SSD running for years is also a guarantee, with Monster Digital warrantying the SSD for five years. This is a big vote of confidence in their product, and one that very few manufacturers are willing to match.
Pricing on the Monster Digital is $144 for the 80GB, $189 for the 120GB, $339 for the 240GB, and $684 for the 400GB model at the time of this report. These prices may be a bit higher than the competition, but taken into consideration with the entire package, when most of the competitors come in a single skinny box and nothing more, we feel this is a great deal and one that we could recommend, especially to those new to SSDs!
It’s crazy how the 480 SFs 4k writes totally go tits-up vs the 240 and 120. I’d muuuch rather have 2x240s for almost the same price. That sata3 to usb3 adapter is nice…they’d be crazy not to sell it on the side.
Looks like it comes in at about $680 – $700! I’d much rather have a pair of 240gb V3s for $460 or even 3 240’s for ~$700.
565 seq atto reads is really impressive
scsi = no TRIM with win. 7 need to use 10 series driver
First and foremost, Kingston’s HyperX SSD Upgrade Kits are still the best comprehensive retail box. It includes the tools, adapters, screws, cables, external enclosure (because having an SSD sitting out in plain site isn’t ideal), and Acronis software. In fact, that plate looks just like Patriot Memory’s. That said, just about every SATAIII synchronous and asynchronous SSD offers better 4K write. I would opt to buy any other brand SATAIII for a better price, bundle, and/or desktop experience. Nice try, but the name isn’t enough.