The Vertex range
OCZ currently has no fewer than nine different SSD series in the present line-up, running from the value-oriented Solid to the enterprise-based Vertex EX. All series are based on a standard 2.5in form factor and all drives, bar the Vertex EX, are equipped with cheaper-to-produce MLC (multi-level cell) chips. Capacities range from 30GB to 250GB and the line-up is differentiated with respect to performance.Thinking specifically of the Vertex line, which falls under the performance banner, alongside the Summit series, it comprises of four models, as listed below.
| Vertex drive | 30GB* | 60GB* | 120GB* | 250GB* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read speed (up to) | 230MB/s | 230MB/s | 250MB/s | 250MB/s |
| Write speed (up to) | 135MB/s |
135MB/s |
180MB/s | 160MB/s |
| Sustained write speed | 80MB/s | 70MB/s |
100MB/s | 100MB/s |
| Drive buffer | 64MB |
64MB | 64MB | 64MB |
| Etail price | £95 | £188 |
£298 |
£514 |
| £ per GB | 3.17 |
3.13 |
2.48 |
2.06 |
*OCZ's capacities are quoted in binary rather than SI. For all intents and purposes, each drive is equal in capacity to competitors that offer 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB SSDs.
What's interesting is that the different-capacity drives don't share a common performance standard, with the larger models tending to be a touch faster when reading and writing.
The price per GB comes down as we move up capacities, simply because the additional cost of adding flash ICs is cheaper than having a whole new drive. That's true until IC density increases to an extent where the purchase price becomes exorbitant, and that would happen if OCZ had, say, a 500GB Vertex.
SSD pricing is moving quickly as manufacturers bolster their line-ups with new models at each capacity point. We're seeing lower-speed 60GB drives now come in at under £100 and faster models dropping in price. However, SSDs' performance can vary massively from one drive to the next, and the value proposition is more than just how many GBs you receive for, say, £100.
OCZ's Vertex range isn't cheap by any means, sure, but it's generally competitive with other drives that boast similar speeds and controllers.
We've chosen to look at the 120GB model. SSD manufacturers don't have to put as much emphasis on the packaging as with mechanical hard drives; the shock-proof nature should mean lower RMA rates.
As mentioned, an SSD's performance is determined by more than just peak read and write speeds, which are healthy on the Vertex, coming in at a maximum 250MB/s read and 180MB/s write on the 120GB variant - although the box art states lower limits of 200MB/s and 160MB/s. An efficient controller and optimised firmware are essential ingredients of speedy, smooth performance, and the Vertex is equipped with an ARM-powered Indilinx Barefoot controller, rather than the JMicron found on cheaper drives.
OCZ also has another performance line, Summit, which ships with similar specifications but with a Samsung controller, as found on the Corsair P256.
All Vertex drives carry a 64MB cache that's used a temporary store when reading and writing, helping keep performance topped up.
Measuring 99.8mm x 69.6mm x 9.3mm and weighing in at 77g, one of SSD's advantages lies with sheer portability and 'knockability'. Drop it from a few feet and the only damage should be a slight scuff on the aluminium surround. Should matters go awry in regular usage, OCZ backs it up with a (limited) two-year warranty.
The interface is a standard SATA 3Gbps, positioned alongside a SATA power connector.
Priced at £298 for the 120GB model, high-performing SSDs remain the realm of the enthusiast who wants to lay down some serious cash on speedy storage. It's not lost on us that for the same money you could purchase 5TB - five 1TB mechanical drives - for heavenly storage, albeit not at the same speed.
Speaking of speed, Let's now see how fast it is.
