Kingston Digital Unveils First SandForce-based SSD

Kingston Technology, the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it has teamed up with SandForce Inc., a leader in high-performance SSD (Solid-State Drive) processors, to launch its first SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s) based SSD targeted at enthusiasts, gamers, and performance users. The Kingston HyperX SSD feature the fastest and most reliable SandForce controller to date, and is also available as a bundle with the HyperX Upgrade Kit for easy installation.

Shipping in 120GB and 240GB capacities, the HyperX SSD is based on SandForce SF-2281 controllers featuring SATA Rev 3.0 (6Gb/s). It allows for incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 525/480MB/s, 4KB random read/write speeds of up to 95,000/70,000 IOPS, and SandForce DuraClass Technology to provide best in class endurance.

The Kingston HyperX name has long been synonymous with high performance DRAM solutions for enthusiasts looking to achieve maximum system performance. Kingston’s new HyperX SSD is powered by the latest SandForce controller and Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K) to provide the performance and endurance that the most demanding users require.

“This launch is very exciting for us at Kingston. The SandForce controller allows us to deliver the high-end performance that is needed for power-users, gamers, and enthusiasts,” said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston. “Achieving a final production quality controller and firmware has been an exacting process, but well worth the wait. By pairing SandForce’s latest controller with Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K), we have built an SSD that meets the requirements set by true enthusiasts.”

Key Features of the Kingston HyperX SSD:

• Intel 25nm Compute NAND (P/E 5K):

5K compute NAND provides significant endurance increase over standard 3K cycle NAND.

• Advanced Wear-Leveling Technology:

Advanced algorithm ensures individual flash memory blocks are consumed at a very balanced rate enabling maximum endurance while maintaining optimal performance.

• User Configurable Over Provisioning:

The HyperX SSD employs user configurable over provisioning, which allows the user to tweak the SSD’s performance per their specific performance needs. The user can increase the size of the over provision spare area; consequently, reducing the overall capacity of the drive while increasing the speed and performance.

• TRIM and S.M.A.R.T Support:

With additional support for both TRIM and S.M.A.R.T., the HyperX SSD is equipped with all essential tools enthusiasts, heavy users and gamers need to make the most of their PC’s performance and drive endurance.

• DuraClass Technology:

DuraClass Technology represents a set of NAND Flash management features that work in tandem to deliver world-class SSD reliability, performance, and power efficiency that differentiate SandForce SSD Processors from other Flash controllers.

• HyperX Upgrade Kit Includes:
  • Acronis True Image HD migration software
  • 2.5″ Desktop Mounting Plate
  • HyperX USB External Drive Bay
  • HyperX Multi-Head Screwdriver
  • HyperX SATA Data Cable

The Kingston HyperX SSD is backed by a three-year warranty, free tech support and legendary Kingston reliability. It will ship on July 11, 2011. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com/asia

Kingston HyperX SSD Features and Specifications:

• Sequential Speed**:

Sequential read 6Gb/s:  525MB/s

Sequential write 6Gb/s: 480MB/s

• IOPS Random 4K Read/Write:

120 GB: 20,000 / 60,000 IOPS

240 GB: 40,000 / 60,000 IOPS

• Max Random 4K Read/Write:

120GB: 95,000 / 70,000 IOPS

240GB: 95,000 / 60,000 IOPS

• Form Factor: 2.5″
• Interface: SATA Rev. 3.0 (6Gb/s) and Rev 2.0 (3Gb/s)
• Guaranteed: Three-year Kingston warranty, free tech support
• Capacity***: 120GB, 240GB
• Storage Temperatures: -40°C ~ 85°C
• Operating Temperatures: 0°C ~ 70°C
• Dimensions: 69.85mm x 100mm x 9.5mm
• Vibration Operating: 2.17G
• Vibration Non-operating: 20G
• Operating Shock: 1500G
• Power Specs:

120GB: 0.455W (TYP) Idle / 1.6W (TYP) Read / 2.0W (TYP) Write

240GB: 0.455W (TYP) Idle / 1.5W (TYP) Read / 2.05W (TYP) Write

* This over provisioning feature is executed at the user’s own risk and will require third party software to partition the drive. Kingston will not provide any tools to execute this feature.

** Based on internal testing. Performance may vary based on system settings.

*** Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at Kingston.com/Flash_Memory_Guide.

To discuss Kingston products, please visit www.kingston-blog.com. To try the exciting game “Challenge Your Memory”, please go to www.kingston-blog.com/challenge_your_memory/en/

For more information visit www.kingston.com.