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PCMARK VANTAGE X64 HDD SUITE
6. 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
If you are new to testing and are considering software applications, this is the best you can get because if 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 test 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.
VIKING MODULAR 25GB SLC SATSDIMM SSD RESULTS
The Viking Modular SATADIMM SSD pulled off amazing results with a total of 45845 points calculated and is the second highest SSD we have evaluated to date. A bit more intersting, however, is that is also only the second SSD that has ever surpassed our 2xSamsung Series470SSD RAID 0 testing results.
To be a bit clearer, this SSD surpassed two SSDs in RAID 0 during Vantage testing which many would have said was impossible just a few months ago. Yes, its pretty amazing and provides many with an indication of how SSDs fare beside RAID 0 configurations today. Take a look and see for yourself.
PCMARK VANTAGE 40000 POINT CLUB
FINAL THOUGHT
Regardless of whether the Viking Modular SATADIMM is an enterprise product, its probably the most unique product we have reviewed yet. Unlike any other storage medium, the SATADIMM takes up absolutely no additional space in a computer system as it is occupying and feeding off an already empty RAM slot. Couple that with the power of the SandForce enterprise processor and the only negative is its limited availability to the consumer.
Personally, we think this might be an ideal entry (in mlc/emlc) to the consumer market if only for its appeal. Enthusiasts are always trying to find ways to add to the appeal and power of their system and, even for someone looking to upgrade, this is an easier installation for many non-techies than a 2.5″ SSD itself.
NOTE TO VIKING: Your Viking 25GB SATADIMM slc SSD is being held hostage. We understand that you have sent return packaging and shipping instructions but this baby is just not coming back. At 25GB, I am dying to see how it would act as a boot drive for the test bench.
Pg 1 – Introduction
Pg2 – Test Bench and Protocol
Pg 3 – Benchmarks
Pg4 – HDTune Pro Benchmarks
As this only fits into an empty DDR slot, it would not be much good for older DDR2 where we have 8 GB and no empty slot. The OCZ x2 is a better choice but I am waiting for the new SF 2500 controller.
Not much good for my DDR2 with full slots
Editor’s choice award? really this thing is so slow!
Did you notice the date of the review and perhaps that it was the first of its making?
You’re right but weren’t there faster sata 2 SSDs at the time?
SATADIMM?
I guess in that context you’re right.