1. Introduction2. Angelbird 512GB wrk SSD3. Testing Methodology4. CrystalDiskMark5. ATTO Disk Benchmark6. AS SSD7. IOMETER8. Closing Thoughts9. View All Pages

There is no doubt that the Angelbird 512GB wrk drive is a compelling, high performance solution. This drive is designed to target the serious enthusiast user who may be using his or her system for a variety of tasks.

This is the first time we have had a hands on with a drive using the Silicon Motion SM2246EN controller and it certainly has impressed us. It is extremely well balanced, able to saturate the SATA 3 bus when it comes to sequential reads. Random 4K performance is also noteworthy, holding a steady 72,000k 4k random read, and 71,000 4k random write.

Equally impressive is the way the controller handles incompressible and compressible data at the same high level. If you frequently deal with incompressible data such as PSD, video and ZIP/RAR files this can make a noticeable difference – in real world terms. The widely used Sandforce controller for instance had a tough time dealing with incompressible data – suffering performance reductions due to the time it took dealing with additional processing.

The Silicon Motion SM2246EN controller is fully loaded with reliability features, using an advanced dynamic global wear-leveling and bad block management algorithm. It data shapes to increase reliability through reduced coupling effects. The MTBF is said to be 2,000,000 hours with a data retention level rated for 10 years.

If you want an extremely well balanced drive with no discernible weaknesses, strong IOPS performance and an ability to deal equally well with incompressible and compressible data then the Angelbird 512GB wrk should be taking a position on your final shortlist.

These drives will be available soon from Megamac in the UK. Prices (pre-vat) are 128GB for £59.96, 256GB £99.96 and 512GB for £191.63.

Pros:

• high grade aluminum chassis painted black.
• IOPS performance.
• sequential read.
• incompressible and compressible data performance.

Cons:

• Stiff competition.

Kitguru says: A very high performance drive designed to cope with anything.

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