If you are a computer enthusiast, you are probably familiar with OCZ. OCZ has been making RAM for computers for a very long time and RAM is what put the company on the map for enthusiasts looking for some speedy memory that was up to the task of overclocking for their rigs.
OCZ announced not long ago that it would be leaving the memory market that helped get the firm where it is today. Exiting markets is nothing new to OCZ, the company has also been in the laptop business, which it left, and has stopped making peripherals like mice and keyboards too.
The reason that OCZ is leaving the memory market is to focus its efforts on SSDs. OCZ has quietly built up a large and impressive array of SSD offering and has some crazy fast wares. The market for enthusiast RAM is crowded and the move will let OCZ focus on the SSD market, which is still popular and growing robustly. OCZ has noted that it will continue to support all owners of its RAM products moving forward so if you just bought some OCZ parts don’t worry.
Fast, silent and power-efficient; it seems like the only thing not to like about SSDs is the price. OCZ has sent over its Vertex 2 SSD, a 120GB model that straddles the performance/price boundary at around $220. Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut.
Hardware
The OCZ Vertex 2 on our test bench is a 2.5-inch 120GB model weighing in at 77g and 9.5mm thick. In the retail box, OCZ bundles a 3.5-inch adapter bracket, for using the drive in a desktop rather than a notebook. Maximum speeds on the box are up to 285 MB/s read rate, 275 MB/s write rate and up to 250 MB/s sustained writes.
The Vertex 2 uses the well-esteemed SandForce SF-1200 controller, which has quickly moved to a strong position particularly among OS X users for whom the Mac OS lacks Windows’ TRIM support. TRIM – which the Vertex 2 does support – is used by some platforms to notify not only the OS file system that a file has been deleted but the SSD itself; that means slightly slower deletes but less degradation of performance over time. Apple is yet to add TRIM support to OS X, but the SandForce controller works around that absence with its own “garbage collection” routines at the drive level.
One unfortunate side effect of the SandForce firmware initially used on the Vertex 2 is the amount of NAND memory set aside for over-provisioning leaving a grand total of 119.69GB left of usable storage space. This is used to boost overall write performance and reliability, the latter by replacing bad memory blocks from the reserved memory. On the original Vertex 2, a huge 28-percent of the memory was set aside; newer firmware has slimmed this down to just 13-percent.
Performance
We installed the Vertex 2 into a MacBook Pro running OS 10.6.5 and tested it using Xbench 1.3. In sequential write testing, the SSD managed 191.00 MB/sec with 4K blocks and 153.53 MB/sec with 256K blocks. In random write testing, it achieved 148.42 MB/sec with 4K blocks and 165.07 MB/sec with 256K blocks.
As for read rates, in sequential read tests the SSD scored 29.09 MB/sec with 4K blocks and 179.13 MB/sec with 256K blocks. Finally, in random read tests it managed 22.53 MB/sec with 4K blocks and 172.99 MB/sec with 256K blocks.
Compared to the Samsung 470 Series SSD we tested last month, the OCZ is generally stronger at random reads and writes, but slower at sequential read and writes.
Wrap-Up
As ever, when you’re coming at an SSD from a HDD perspective, it’s tough to argue with the speed increase and the sudden disappearance of noise and vibration from a spinning drive. However, not all SSDs are created equal, as the OCZ’s benchmarks prove.
Samsung’s 470 Series bests it on sequential performance, but the OCZ fights back with random performance; it’s also cheaper, coming in at around $220 street price versus the 128GB Samsung’s roughly $260. Given daily use is more likely to throw up random I/O with various cache files and other temporary documents, and the benefit of the SandForce controller, we’d opt for the OCZ in preference.
While OCZ Technology is busy releasing new Solid State Drives (SSD), it looks like the company isn’t all that happy with the current state of Solid State Storage. With that in mind, they have announced today the unveiling of their proprietary interface, called High-Speed Data Link, or HSDL. OCZ says that they are unsatisfied with the current interface options, and hope to change that with their brand new HSDL.
The idea behind the High-Speed Data Link interface is to remove the I/O bottleneck that happens with other SSD options. In turn, the new proprietary interface is meant to make the SSD technology work at its full potential, and no longer be hindered by day-to-day usage. The ultimate goal, OCZ says, is that they hope to enhance high performance computing, as well as I/O-intensive infrastructures.
With the new HSDL interface, OCZ says that they’re capable of running up to 20Gbps of data bandwidth per channel, which they say out-performs interfaces such as Serial ATA (SATA), as well as Serial Attached SCSI (SAS). Considering the latter offer only 3Gbps/6Gbps respectively, OCZ seems pretty accurate in that estimate. And, to make it better, OCZ has made it possible for the HSDL interface to be linked together, gaining a maximum bandwidth.
This new interface is set to ship with OCZ’s new IBIS Series, a new SSD line-up. The company is currently working with platform partners to make the new standard widely adopted. Check out the full press release below for any more information.
Press Release
OCZ Technology Introduces the High-Speed Data Link (HSDL) Interface to Revolutionize Solid-State Storage Performance
New OCZ HSDL Eliminates the Bandwidth-Saturation of Current Interfaces to Deliver Unparalleled SSD Performance for Both Enterprise and Consumer Clients
SAN JOSE, CA—September 29, 2010— OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) and memory modules for computing devices and systems, has unveiled a proprietary interface called “High-Speed Data Link” (HSDL) to accelerate the progression of solid-state storage. Unsatisfied with existing interface options, OCZ developed HSDL to eliminate I/O bottlenecks and enable SSD technology to operate at its full potential. With this initiative, OCZ aims to enhance high performance computing (HPC) and I/O-intensive infrastructures for its clients.
“Solid State Drive throughput speeds are increasing at a rate in excess of what current storage buses can support, and as a result, storage protocols are quickly becoming the bottleneck to storage subsystem performance,” said Ryan Petersen, CEO of OCZ Technology. “Designed for both high-performance computing and enterprise storage applications, our new High Speed Data Link interface addresses this issue and revolutionizes data storage by significantly outperforming other current interfaces delivering performance at levels that saturate most CPU busses.”
Capable of running up to 20Gbps of data bandwidth per channel, HSDL significantly outperforms existing storage interfaces such as Serial ATA (SATA) and Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) which only offer 3Gbps/6Gbps data rates. Furthermore, multiple HSDL channels can be combined for maximum bandwidth to increase productivity levels in both consumer and enterprise applications.
OCZ’s new HSDL interface is the driving force behind the “OCZ IBIS,” an upcoming 3.5-inch SSD to be launched under the new HSDL initiative. As the first solution to make use of the HSDL interface, the OCZ IBIS Series has the potential to redefine storage and surpass the limitations currently placed on hard drives as well as other SSDs.
HSDL is an open standard and allows other devices to leverage this high-speed internal interconnect technology. OCZ is diligently working with platform partners for mass HSDL adoption, and in the meantime, single port adapter cards will ship with every HSDL solid-state drive such as the IBIS Series, while quad port cards for multiple drive configurations will also be available to clients seeking even greater storage and bandwidth.
Today, OCZ Technology Group announced their brand new Onyx 2 Series of Solid State Drives (SSD), created primarily to bring new options to line-up, and perhaps even drop the prices of Solid State Drives out there in the market. The OCZ Onyx 2 Series is designed for mainstream desktops and mobile systems, offering the same faster speeds and more durable options, but wrapped up in a far more cost-effective package.
OCZ says that the new Onyx 2 Series offers a lower price per gigabyte than the other SSDs on the market, and say that they’re pricing it as such so that everyone can get in on this game-changing technology. Features wise, the Onyx 2 Series features a SandForce-driven 270MB/s write speeds. It can also reach up to 10,000 random write IOPS (4k aligned).
The Onyx 2 Series offers two capacities: 120GB and 240GB. And since the drives features no moving parts, and a more durable housing, OCZ says that the Onyx 2 Series is a perfect option for new SSD adopters, for those looking to get away from the traditional hard drives out there. And OCZ is offering a 2-year warranty. The full press release is below for your browsing pleasure.
Press Release
SAN JOSE, CA—September 27, 2010—OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) and memory modules for computing devices and systems, has unveiled the OCZ Onyx 2 Series, a 2.5 inch SSD with superior affordability designed for mainstream desktops and mobile systems. Offering a faster and more durable alternative to traditional hard drives in a cost-efficient solution, the Onyx 2 delivers excellent performance with lower price per gigabyte than that of other comparable drives on the market.
“While we are constantly looking to push the envelope in solid state drive performance, we are also dedicated to making the technology more affordable to consumers,” said Ryan Petersen, CEO of the OCZ Technology Group. “The new Onyx 2 Series SSDs give customers the very best of both worlds when it comes to performance and value, and they are an ideal solution for mobile and desktop users that want to take advantage of all the benefits that SSDs offer over traditional rotational based drives.”
OCZ continues to expand its consumer SSD lineup with the goals of not only delivering cutting-edge performance, but also of making SSDs more affordable to help foster adoption of this game-changing technology. Designed to offer the best of both worlds, the SandForce-driven Onyx 2 delivers 270MB/s read, 265MB/s write, and up to 10,000 random write IOPS (4k aligned), without the higher costs normally associated with similar multi-level cell (MLC)-based solutions. The Onyx 2 SSD delivers an enhanced computing experience for netbooks, laptops, and home desktops with faster application loading, snappier data access, shorter boot-ups, and longer battery life and feature TRIM support as the ultimate Windows 7 upgrade.
OCZ Onyx 2 SSDs feature a durable yet lightweight housing, and because they have no moving parts, they are more rugged than conventional hard discs. Available in ample 120GB and 240GB capacities, the Onyx 2 is an ideal hard drive replacement for first-time SSD upgraders in need of primary laptop storage or a spacious application and OS boot drive. Designed for superior reliability, Onyx 2 Series is backed by a 2-year warranty and renowned technical support.
OCZ made its name in enthusiast memory for computers and has continued to offer popular products in the memory market while it has expanded over the years into other things like SSDs and PSUs. OCZ has pulled the wraps off several new RAM products with some new Ultra-Low and Extreme-Low voltage RAM kits for enthusiasts.
The three new RAM kits that OCZ is talking up all meet the specs for the new JEDEC DDR3L standards to allow RAM to run cooler when used for intensive tasks like gaming. The kits include the OCZ Platinum ELV solutions that operate at 1.35V. That operating voltage puts the RAM well below the maximum threshold for newer Intel CPUs.
The new ULV kits are available in Reaper and Gold series that operate at 1.5V, still below the 1.65V max for the new Intel platforms. The Platinum ELV series will come in 6GB and 4GB kits. The Reaper and Gold kits will be offered in 12GB and 8GB configurations.
OCZ is a memory, PSU, and SSD maker extraordinaire. The company has a huge amount of hardware that it offers for all sorts of computer users from the standard issue type to the hard-core overclocker. OCZ has announced a new range of 4GB memory modules that are speedy.
The company is now offering 4GB memory modules for users who need lots of RAM with only a few available memory slots. The new high capacity RAM modules operate at up to 2133MHz making them fast and offering good performance.
The new modules are being offered in several product lines including the Flex EX, Reaper HPC, and Platinum series. The Platinum series is an entry-level line with the other two series being aimed at overclockers and high-end PC users. The kits will be offered in 8GB dual channel or 12GB triple-channel kits at up to 2133MHz.
OCZ has been unveiling new SSDs with increasing frequency so far this year. The company has now announced that it has launched two new 1.8″ SSDs that are aimed at users of ultrathin notebooks, tablets, and nettops looking for a storage upgrade.
The little 1.8″ SSDs are offered in the Vertex 2 and Onyx series. The Vertex 2 has the same performance as its full-size siblings with 285MB/s read speed and 275MB/s write speed. It can be had in 60GB, 120GB, and 240GB capacities and uses a SandForce controller.
The Onyx SSD is offered in 32GB and 64GB capacities and offers data speeds up to 145MB/s with 64MB of cache. OCZ says that the Onyx SSD needs only a single watt of power to operate. Both SSDs use the SATA 3Gb/s interface.
OCZ has been all about new SSDs so far this year. It seems like every time I turn around they are whipping out a couple more new options for computer users. OCZ has now announced a couple new version of the Vertex 2 SSD that are very similar to each other called the Vertex 2 Pro and the Vertex 2 EX.
Both of the models promise the same performance with read speed of up to 285MB/s and write speed of up to 275MB/sec. Both of the SSDs also use SandForce SF-1500 controller. The big difference comes in the type of NAND flash the SSDs use. The Vertex 2 Pro utilizes MLC NAND and the EX uses SLC NAND.
That difference doesn’t affect performance at all according to OCZ, but it does give the EX version the ability to survive more than ten times the program/erase cycles compared to the Pro version. Both SSDs will come in 50GB, 100GB, and 200GB capacities at undisclosed pricing.
OCZ cut away some of the categories of products that had taken it away from its core offerings over the last year or so like notebooks and gaming peripherals. The company took the energy and money those products required and put it towards its core offerings of PSUs, RAM, and SSDs. It has shown with lots of new PSUs and other gear being unveiled over the last few months.
OCZ has announced a new line of PSUs today called the StealthXStream 2 series. The new series is designed for high efficiency, quiet operation, and a sleek design. The new line of PSUs are designed to be affordable, but robust and reliable.
The series uses a 120mm ball bearing fan to keep internal components cool and to help reduce noise. The line comes in up to 700W versions with 400W, 500W, and 600W versions offered as well. All of the PSUs promise 85% AC to DC conversion at typical loads and use a standard compact ATX form factor. The MSRP for the 700W PSU is $99.99.
For a long time when you said the name OCZ most of us would think RAM for gaming computers. Today OCZ is a much broader maker of hardware and tech goods with offerings including numerous SSDs, flash drives, power supplies and more.
OCZ is at Computex and the company has unveiled a new and very interesting SSD called the RevoDrive. The RevoDrive is a bootable PCI-Express SSD designed to slip into the PCI-E slot on a user’s computer. The RevoDrive is designed for high-speed operation and OCZ claims it is capable of 75,000 IOPS.
The write speed for the SSD is 530MB/s and read speed is 540MB/s. The drive is designed for a number of applications including video editing and multimedia creation. OCZ also showed off its new 1.8-inch Vertex 2 and Onyx SATA II SSDs for mobile devices. Both support Windows 7 TRIM command and will find their way into netbooks and tablets.
OCZ is a memory, PSU, and SSD maker extraordinaire. The company has a huge amount of hardware that it offers for all sorts of computer users from the standard issue type to the hard-core overclocker. OCZ has announced a new range of 
For a long time when you said the name OCZ most of us would think RAM for gaming computers. Today OCZ is a much broader maker of hardware and tech goods with offerings including numerous SSDs, flash drives, power supplies and more.