Fancy some super fast SSD storage? OCZ Technology’s RevoDrive X2 – capable of up to 740MB/s.
Product on Review: RevoDrive X2 PCI-Express SSD
Manufacturer & Sponsor: OCZ Technology
Street Price: £463.18 inc. VAT (At time of review)
Our recent trip to CeBIT revealed OCZ Technology’s endeavours as they remain market leader for SSD storage solutions. They were keen to show off their revolutionary PCIe SSDs at the show, amongst the bunch, the RevoDrive X2 – which is poised to steal the spotlight from the conventional SATA SSD. The RevoDrive utilises the PCIe bus allowing it to access greater bandwidth over the SATA port (even SATA-III).
In terms of performance, the end user is able to take advantage of a claimed read and write throughput of 690MB/s for the 100GB – 160GB models. Whilst 740MB/s and 720MB/s for the 240GB – 960GB models which is jaw-dropping to even think about. SATA-II SSDs will give you around 200MB/s whilst SATA-III 500MB/s so the RevoDrive X2 is a drive in its own league if what on paper is anything to go by. Speaking of which, lets waste no further time and delve into the world of OCZ’s PCIe SSDs by way of RevoDrive X2.
OCZ’s take on RevoDrive X2:
The RevoDrive family gets its edge by eliminating the SATA II (3Gbps) bottleneck and leveraging a PCIe x4 interface, delivering superior speeds over 740MB/s sequential speeds and random small file writes up to 120,000 IOPS, nearly triple the throughput of other high-end SATA based solutions. The RevoDrive X2 uses an onboard RAID 0 design by employing four SandForce-1200 controllers to maximize data access and bandwidth. Unlike competing PCIe solutions the RevoDrive X2 is bootable, ensuring the satisfaction of quicker start-ups, load times, and computing, all while promoting cooler, quieter, and more energy efficient conditions compared to traditional mechanical hard drives.
Technical Specifications
* Available in 100GB to 960GB (1TB) capacities
* PCI-Express interface (x4)
* For use as primary boot drive or data storage
* 4 x SATA
* Internal RAID 0
* 181.07 (L) x 21.59 (W) x 125.08mm (H)
* Shock Resistance: 1500g
* Seek Time: 0.1 ms
* Operating Temp: 0°C ~ +70°C
* Storage Temp: -45°C ~ +85°C
* Power Consumption: 4.3W Idle, 8.3W active
* MTBF: 2,000,000 hours
* 3-Year Warranty
* Compatible with Windows XP 32/64, Vista 32/64, Windows 7 32/64
100GB-160GB Max Performance
* Read: Up to 740 MB/s
* Write: Up to 690 MB/s
* Sustained Write: Up to 550 MB/s
* Random Write 4KB (Aligned): 100,000 IOPS
240GB-960GB Max Performance
* Read: Up to 740 MB/s
* Write: Up to 720 MB/s
* Sustained Write: Up to 600 MB/s
* Random Write 4KB (Aligned): 120,000 IOPS
Packaging & Bundle
The RevoDrive X2 comes packaged within a stylish box. The box contains all the necessary technical information to satisfy the needs of the consumer. OCZ are keen to emphasise the fact this drive is bootable and PCIe. Flipping the box over we have the technical specifications in closer detail, listing the actual dimensions, sequential read/write performance, operating temperature MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and IOPS 4KB Random Write performance. As you can see these details reveal some extremely impressive statistics, the RevoDrive X2 will outlive any individual and will provide the end user with SSD performance that on paper is currently unrivalled.
This drive is also 240GB in capacity, so it will be ideal for a boot-drive – with the stated performance figures booting into Windows should be extremely fast. Blink and you might just miss it!
RevoDrive X2 packaging is attractive
Detailed figured regarding size, performance, operating temp and capacity
The RevoDrive X2 bundle involves a secure, cushioned box protecting the RevoDrive X2, a quick start guide detailing installation tips and good methods to keep to ensure best performance. There is also a sticker included in the bundle “My SSD is faster than your HDD” which is sure to make your friends envious, its always good to rub it in a little more!
RevoDrive X2 bundle
Closer Look
So lets take a closer look at the RevoDrive X2. Obviously, this SSD is completely different to the typical SSD you would usually buy with SATA interface. Our RevoDrive X2 utilises the PCIe interface (4x). The X2 is in fact very similar to the original RevoDrive but the X2 has dual PCB with 4 x Sandforce controllers – SF-1200s. 2 are located on the main PCB and a further 2 on the smaller PCB.
These additional Sandforce Controllers boost sequential performance up to 740MB/s with sustained write speeds up to 600MB/s as you have seen on the packaging.
It essence, with these 4 controllers it would be like having 4 x 2.5″ SATA SSDs. Although you would need 4 x SATA ports whereas the RevoDrive X2 just needs 1 – x4 lane. Of course, SATAII would bottleneck at around 200MB/s and SATAIII – 500MB/s. PCIe offers much more bandwidth for the drive to play with, 3Gbps would offer around 300MB/s whereas the PCIe x4 allows peed of up to 1GB/s.
First look at RevoDrive X2 SSD
Dual PCB – 4 x Sandforce
The RevoDrive X2 uses a PCI-X based Raid Controller – Silicon Image 3124. Using the PCIe interface allows us to divert any performance bottlenecks which the traditional SATA SSD would experience.
In simple terms, between the RAID controller and PCIe interface is Pericom PCI-X – PCIe bridge. From here parallel signals from the PCI-X are converted into serial.
Silicon image RAID controller – Model 3124 SoftRaid 5
RevoDrive X2 has 4 x SF1200
To dismantle the 2nd PCB from the RevoDrive X2 – 6 screws have to be removed. With the PCB removed we can see the 2 additional Sandforce Controllers. The secondary board simply clips into the primary board. With this additional board it means the controllers can be duplicated and the NAND flash capacity.
The PCBs dismantled – showing additional Sandforce Controllers
Of course, being a RAID-0 device, the RevoDrive X2 comes with no TRIM support but there is garbage collection at idle state.
RevoDrive X2 BIOS
Featuring the Silicon RAID Controller and BIOS the RevoDrive X2 allows you to access a BIOS interface on bootup. Inside the BIOS there are some important features that the user can take advantage of – RAID configuration is a key element but there are also aspects which come in very handy such as Low Level Format which take each of the drives in the ‘Physical Drive’ section and erases the data for a clean install.
RevoDrive X2 features its own BIOS interface with some important features
Testing Methodologies
At the moment our SSD database is only small but over the coming months it will expand. So to analyse The RevoDrive X2’s performance I will be comparing it against 2 x SATAII SSDs (Kingston V+ and Corsair F40) and a traditional 3.5″ Samsung Spinpoint 250GB HDD.
The system is formatted and a fresh version of Windows is installed with just drives in place – no additional applications. Windows is then updated to the latest release. Included in the list of benchmarks are the following applications:
ATTO Disk Benchmark v2.46
AIDA64
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
Iometer
SiSoftware SANDRA
Windows 7 Boot Time Test
Test system
CPU Intel Core i5 2500K
Motherboard ASUS P8P67
Graphics ZOTAC GTX 480 AMP!
Memory OCZ Reaper 12800 (1600MHz) 8-8-8-24
HDD
Kingston V+ 128GB
Corsair F40 40GB
Samsung Spinpoint 250GB SATA-II
PSU OCZ 750W Fatal1ty
OS Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
ATTO Disk Benchmark v2.46
“The ATTO Disk Benchmark performance measurement tool is compatible with Microsoft Windows. Measure your storage systems performance with various transfer sizes and test lengths for reads and writes. Several options are available to customize your performance measurement including queue depth, overlapped I/O and even a comparison mode with the option to run continuously. Use ATTO Disk Benchmark to test any manufacturers RAID controllers, storage controllers, host adapters, hard drives and SSD drives and notice that ATTO products will consistently provide the highest level of performance to your storage.”
AIDA64
AIDA64 is an industry leading system diagnostics and benchmarking solution for enthusiasts PC users, based on the award-winning AIDA64 Technology. During system optimizations and tweaking it provides essential system and overclock information, advanced hardware monitoring and diagnostics capabilities to check the effects of the applied settings. CPU, FPU and memory benchmarks are available to measure the actual system performance and compare it to previous states or other systems.
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
CrystalDiskMark is a disk benchmark software that analyses different types of hard drive. Giving sequential benchmark write and read statistics in MB/s. A simple program that is very useful.”
Iometer
Iometer is based on a client–server model, where one instance of the Iometer graphical user interface is managing multiple ‘workers’ (each one representing a separate Dynamo.exe process) which are doing the I/O. Iometer performs Asynchronous I/O – accessing files or block devices (later one allowing to bypass the file system buffers).
Iometer allows the configuration of disk parameters such as the ‘Maximum Disk Size’, ‘Starting Disk Sector’ and ‘# of Outstanding I/Os’. This allows a user to configure a test file upon which the ‘Access Specifications’ configure the I/O types to the file.
Iometer allows the configuration of disk parameters such as the ‘Maximum Disk Size’, ‘Starting Disk Sector’ and ‘# of Outstanding I/Os’. This allows a user to configure a test file upon which the ‘Access Specifications’ configure the I/O types to the file.
For the purpose of this test. The 4K 50%/50% read/write file will be under the examination – reporting back on MBs per Second and Average Response Time.
SiSoftware SANDRA 2011
SiSoftware Sandra (the System ANalyser, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant) is an information & diagnostic utility. It should provide most of the information (including undocumented) you need to know about your hardware, software and other devices whether hardware or software.
Sandra is a (girl) name of Greek origin that means “defender”, “helper of mankind”. We think that’s quite fitting.
It works along the lines of other Windows utilities, however it tries to go beyond them and show you more of what’s really going on. Giving the user the ability to draw comparisons at both a high and low-level. You can get information about the CPU, chipset, video adapter, ports, printers, sound card, memory, network, Windows internals, AGP, PCI, PCI-X, PCIe (PCI Express), database, USB, USB2, 1394/Firewire, etc.
Sandra is a (girl) name of Greek origin that means “defender”, “helper of mankind”. We think that’s quite fitting.
It works along the lines of other Windows utilities, however it tries to go beyond them and show you more of what’s really going on. Giving the user the ability to draw comparisons at both a high and low-level. You can get information about the CPU, chipset, video adapter, ports, printers, sound card, memory, network, Windows internals, AGP, PCI, PCI-X, PCIe (PCI Express), database, USB, USB2, 1394/Firewire, etc.
Real-world – Windows 7 Boot Time
Synthetic testing is valuable in the examination of Solid State Drives. But some of the tests may not mean all that much to some readers so the final test in this review is a real world test showing the Windows 7 boot time.
In order to perform this test (and indeed all other benchmarks), a fresh install of Windows 7 Professional was installed on the RevoDrive X2 – the image of this install with no additional applications or drivers was exported for importing onto each drive at the time of testing. This will provide a clean and fair environment for comparing the boot times on each of the drives. The times were monitored using a stopwatch.
In order to perform this test (and indeed all other benchmarks), a fresh install of Windows 7 Professional was installed on the RevoDrive X2 – the image of this install with no additional applications or drivers was exported for importing onto each drive at the time of testing. This will provide a clean and fair environment for comparing the boot times on each of the drives. The times were monitored using a stopwatch.
Conclusion
Rarely do you find a product that is revolutionary in its approach to computing. We have seen many products come into our hands at Vortez which could be classed as innovative, but revolutionary? This is an entirely different thing altogether. The RevoDrive X2 is the perfect example of a product that is both innovative and revolutionary.
Since seeing OCZ’s PCIe solutions at CeBIT 2011. I have been keen to get these drives onto the test bench for examination. Our RevoDrive X2 today features 4 x SF1200 controllers and the PCIe interface so available is a massive expanse of bandwidth when comparing versus the typical SATA SSD. Of course you could go and buy 4 x SATA-II SSDs that are SATA-III and get similar (but not quite on par by any means) performance but then you are going to need 4 x SATA-III ports.
The RevoDrive X2 provides the end user with storage performance that has never been experienced before. Take for example in real-world terms the boot up time with Windows 7. A typical 3.5″ HDD using the SATA-II interface takes over a minute, and SSD using the SATA-II (3G) interface over 30 seconds – so half the time… and then we come to the RevoDrive X2 – PCIe interface, 14 seconds.
Priced at £500 – The RevoDrive X2 equals that of 2 x 120GB SSDs but you get blistering performance in 1 solution. To me that seems like a no brainer, most users have spare PCIe lanes so if you are looking for the fastest drive out there with a fair amount of storage space then the RevoDrive X2 is ideal. Many are using drives are small as 80GB for primary OS anyway.
The bottom line is, the RevoDrive X2 is a record-breaker, it unleashes performance that we have never experience for storage devices. Put simply, if you are looking for the fastest SSD drive for a bootable OS then this is a fantastic choice. You will be the envy if your friends and be able to take advantage of an excellent 3-year warranty deal. At Vortez we are yet to give out the platinum award because as you would imagine a product has to tick every single box in terms of performance, build quality and price. We can confidently affirm that the RevoDrive X2 is a good value for money product (you are going to pay the same amount of money for 2 x 120GB SATA-II SSDs). It is therefore my pleasure to hand out the very first PLATINUM award at Vortez. Congratulations OCZ.
Pros
+ Blistering performance
+ 4 x Sandforce Controllers in 1 solution
+ Frees up SATA ports for more storage
+ 3 year warranty
+ Good value for money product
+ 8W when active
Cons
– There are none
+ Blistering performance
+ 4 x Sandforce Controllers in 1 solution
+ Frees up SATA ports for more storage
+ 3 year warranty
+ Good value for money product
+ 8W when active
Cons
– There are none
