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HDTune, IOMeter and Final Thoughts Page 6 of 6
Performance - HDTune:
HD Tune Pro is a new benchmark for us here at BCCHardware as we don't typically do a lot of storage reviews. This benchmark now allows random read and write tests to be performed, and the results are displayed on a very handy chart. HD Tune tests 512 byte, 4KB, 64KB, 1MB and Random sizes of data over the disk. The results displayed below show total operations per second as well as average access time and average speed. This is quite informative as it shows how the drive responds to different sizes of data - not only in transfer rate, but also in operations/sec, access time and more. The SSD was uses on the boot drive for this test, so we were unable to perform write tests, but the read tests for Windows Vista, Windows 7 and the Western Digital drive are posted below.
In the HD Tune benchmark, the Windows 7 system takes a clear lead over the Windows Vista system in every area. The biggest difference between the two Operating Systems is evidenced with smaller file sizes. Once again the traditional hard drive shows dismal performance - when compared to the speedy 128GB SSD.
Performance - IOMeter:
Our last benchmark today for the Crucial 128GB SSD is IOMeter and this benchmark goes a long way to test out the Input/Output subsystem. This benchmark is used to measure the performance of the drive under a very controlled set of circumstances. The output is in total I/O per sec, average I/O response, maximum I/O response and MB/sec output. Windows 7 takes the lead here once again, with the Western Digital drive lagging considerably. We are using a 32KB chunk of data with 100% read (write is unavailable as this is the boot drive).
Click for larger chart
Final Thoughts:
Solid-State Drives have come a long way since May of 2008 when we looked at the Crucial 32GB SSD. The price of the 128GB version here today is actually less than the 32GB version a little over a year ago. While prices have dropped, performance has improved and this is a win for consumers. The previous problems of performance deterioration seem to have lessened as companies develop better controllers, better firmwares and better algorithms to deal to block writes and re-writes. With the Windows 7 release on the horizon, the TRIM command should help drives stay in top shape even better than they do now. Of course, companies have to support this command, but there is no reason for them not to. The company that does this first will have a lead over the others. Also, Indilinx is working to develop "garbage collection" in their controllers so that they will optimize - even without the TRIM feature.
The last year has been interesting in SSDs, and it will continue to be very interesting as the technology matures.
Pros:
- Very fast 252 MB/sec read speed & 176 MB/sec write in ATTO
- 64MB Cache keeps things smooth
- Insanely low latency - 0.09ms
- Can withstand a paint mixer and/or 1500 G-Forces
- Outstanding 5 year warranty
- Lowest price Indilinx Barefoot controlled drive on the market
Cons:
- Still on the expensive side
(128GB @ $2.58/GB - Seagate 5400.6 500GB @ $0.20/GB)
(You could buy 1.5TB of 2.5" drives for less than the 128GB SSD)
Although I listed the price as a "Con", the reality is that the SSD is still a good value when compared to other drives on the market currently. When you combine the fact the Crucial offers a 5 year warranty while most companies only offer a 3 year warranty, it gets even better.
We've replaced the "Editor's Choice" with the Golden Wrench here at BCCHardware. This is designated to products that score over 9.0 - just like the Editor's Choice award, and certainly the Crucial 128GB SSD earns this award.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop us a line in the forum at the "Comments" link below.
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