Super Talent Tera Nova 120GB SSD Review – First SSD Review of The New Year!

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

SUPER TALENT TERA NOVA 120GB SATA 3 SSD VANTAGE RESULTS

The Tera Nova reached 61522 points in the Vantage Total Point Score with an individual test transfer speed high of 384MB/s while using Windows Media Player.  Although this is not amongst the highest we have seen in SATA 3 drives it is typical of that in which we see for drives using asynchronous NAND flash memory.

This drive placed a bit lower than the CT3 in overall results but, remember, these drives represent the current generation of SATA 3 SSDs and a great step forward in SSD technology.  The point divide between the top and bottom asynchronous 120GB SATA 3 SSDs is just over 3000 points which is extremely close.

blankREPORT ANALYSIS AND FINAL THOUGHTS

The Super Talent  Tera Nova 120GB SSD is yet another example of the quality of new generation SATA 3 SSDs being unleashed in the consumer arena today.  Their initial claim that it will reach into the Pro/enthusiast crowd might be a bit ambitious but one never knows as this Tera Nova hits its listed performance specifications of 540MB/s read and 510MB/s write disk transfer speeds dead on. The price point will be crucial as it alone can guarantee the success of the drive or, in contrast, can be a key factor in seeing the Tera Nova simply getting lost in the crowd.

Their inclusion of SandForces latest firmware promises quicker boot times and responsiveness enhanced reliability and data protection in the event of power loss which is a definite plus.

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As seen with releases such as the Super Talent Express RC8 ‘SandForce Driven’ USB 3 flash drive SSD, or even the soon to be released ST Upstream PCIe SSD, Super Talent speaks to innovation very clearly and one never knows what they will introduce next.  Their USB 3 flash drive SSD has already met with great success, their PCIe release just might be the first competition to the OCZ Revo family and we are sure they still have a great deal up their sleeves for the near future.

Super Talent is also a company that has yet to enter the world of Newegg, however, and as much as that can be a testament to their success, its also a hindrance.  I am, by no means, a promoter of NewEgg and our site is probably the only tech site in existence that derives absolutely no income from NewEgg affiliate sponsorship (not a credit to my business sense I know), but so many doors can be opened through sales there. Not only would it open sales up internationally to countries like Canada, but well, lets be honest, anyone looking for an SSD today is checking NewEgg if even for the comments submitted regarding a specific SSD.  Super Talent would hit mainstream in a huge way!

All in all, nice SSD Super Talent and hope to see you at CES, Las Vegas in a week or so!

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Thoughts or comments perhaps?

TAKE IT TO THE FORUMS!!!

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2 comments

    • blank

      Short answer is “NO”

      The SSD in the review uses a newer SATA3 interface. The drive you mention is for SATA2 motherboards. Both drives will work on any motherboard, however the SATA3 drive will be faster on a SATA3 capable motherboard.

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