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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 270MB/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.
Although we have yet to reach SATA 3 bandwidth max, there will be a number of manufacturers introducing SATA 3 drives in the next few months. 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.
PATRIOT WILDFIRE 6GBPS 120GB SSD PCMARK VANTAGE RESULTS
The Patriot Wildfire 120GB SSD placed right where it should for a ‘SandForce Driven’ SSD with 62621 total points which is the clear marking of an ‘upper tier’ new generation SSD. To give an idea where it stands amongst other ‘new generation’ SSDs, we did a comparison with the Intel 510 to ilustrate its Vantage tested transfer speeds.
And here is how it fares in the dog pack of new generation SATA 3 solid state drives:
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Patriot WildFire 120GB SATA 3 SSD is a great entry for Patriot into the SATA 3 SSD arena and performance of the WildFire is found to be excellent. The 120GB version is available at E-tailers now at $309 with the 240GB on the way with a price of $549. While the price of $549 is even with other similar drives, we might suggest the price on the 120GB dip just a bit as we are finding the 120GB pricing just a bit high and this may simply be cause and effect of a newly released SSD. We do believe that the Wildfire is one of the most well rounded drives to date, in that, it is an upper tier SSD supported by the new standard 3 year warranty and it includes a 3.5″ bracket.
We almost forgot a little something. Did you spot the error in the packaging at all? It seems that, although the exterior packaging and specifications sticker of the SSD stated 120GB, the SSDs front displayed 240GB. That is actually the first time we have ever come across such and Patriot has relayed that their ‘first review’ samples had their stickers affixed by staff members in an effort to get them out quickly. In any case, our Wildfire is somewhat like a rare coin misprint or ‘two headed coin’ which means we are two times lucky I guess! Stay tuned for other Patriot reviews in the near future as we receive the 240GB and also put 8 of their ‘SandForce Driven’ SSDs on the new LSI 9265 MegaRAID card for a little test. Can you sense another HWBot World Record coming on?
Pg 1 – INTRODUCTION
Pg2 – TEST PROTOCOL & INTRO TO THE ANVIL PRO BENCHMARK BETA
Pg3 – ATTO, CRYSTAL DISKMARK AND AS SSD TESTING
Pg4 – HDTUNE PRO BENCHMARKS