EDGE Boost Pro SSD Review
Manufacturer: EDGE Tech Corporation
Product Name: 120GB EDGE Boost Pro SSD
Model Numbers: EDGSD25120GBOOSTS6
Price As Tested:$210
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by EDGE Tech.
EDGE Tech Corporation has been a manufacturer of peripheral computer hardware for two decades, but only recently have they offered enthusiast storage solutions. New for 2011, the EDGE Boost Pro SSD offers SATA 6Gb/s transfer speeds using the latest second-generation SandForce SF-2200 solid state controller technology. EDGE Tech specifies the Boost Pro SSD as capable of 550 MB/s read speeds and 85,000 IOPS write operations. In this article, Benchmark Reviews test the EDGE Boost Pro SSD against the leading competitors and we find out just how much speed and performance this new solid state drive offers.
For anyone familiar with the solid state drive industry, there's very little surprise in seeing new names join the performance storage segment. After all, most brands are merely finished goods companies, taking the components supplied to them and adding firmware and label. This happens all the time with video cards, and SSDs are no different. SandForce-driven SSDs are aplenty, as our Featured Reviews: Storage section lends evidence. This article concentrates on the EDGE Boost Pro SSD, which is based on the second-generation SandForce 2281 controller.
The second-generation SF-2281 SSD processor maintains all of the original core technology SandForce originally introduced in the SF-1200 series, but now improves SSD performance with 20% faster IOPS and 40% faster sequential read/write throughput. They've enhanced BCH ECC capability, and the new processor now supports ATA-7 Security Erase. Finally, the new SF-2200 series implements cost-effective 20nm-class NAND flash from all leading flash vendors with Asynch/ONFi1/ONFi2/Toggle interfaces.
For many within the industry, SandForce was seen to control the 2010 market in much the same way that Indilinx did in 2009. The difference now is that SandForce's platform offers several technical benefits that the Indilinx platform was not capable of. Already into the Q3-2011, the landscape is approximately the same, but with some interesting new twists. Benchmark Reviews confirms that they're keeping this promise with tests of the new storage device on a B3-stepping Sandy Bridge platform.
Even after decades of design improvements, the hard disk drive (HDD) is still the slowest component in any personal computer system. Consider that modern desktop processors have a 1 ns response time (nanosecond = one billionth of one second), while system memory responds between 30-90 ns. Traditional hard drive technology utilizes magnetic spinning media, and even the fastest spinning mechanical storage products still exhibit a 9,000,000 ns / 9 ms initial response time (millisecond = one thousandth of one second). In more relevant terms, the processor receives the command and must then wait for system memory to fetch related data from the storage drive. This is why any computer system is only as fast as the slowest component in the data chain; usually the hard drive.
In a perfect world all of the components operate at the same speed. Until that day comes, the real-world goal for achieving optimal performance is for system memory to operate as quickly as the central processor and then for the storage drive to operate as fast as memory. With present-day technology this is an impossible task, so enthusiasts try to close the speed gaps between components as much as possible. Although system memory is up to 90x (9000%) slower than most processors, consider then that the hard drive is an added 1000x (100,000%) slower than that same memory. Essentially, these three components are as different in speed as walking is to driving and flying.
Solid State Drive technology bridges the largest gap in these response times. The difference a SSD makes to operational response times and program speeds is dramatic, and takes the storage drive from a slow 'walking' speed to a much faster 'driving' speed. Solid State Drive technology improves initial response times by more than 450x (45,000%) for applications and Operating System software, when compared to their mechanical HDD counterparts. The biggest mistake PC hardware enthusiasts make with regard to SSD technology is grading them based on bandwidth speed. File transfer speeds are important, but only so long as the operational IOPS performance can sustain that bandwidth under load.
Bandwidth Speed vs Operational Performance
As we've explained in our SSD Benchmark Tests: SATA IDE vs AHCI Mode guide, Solid State Drive performance revolves around two dynamics: bandwidth speed (MB/s) and operational performance (IOPS). These two metrics work together, but one is more important than the other. Consider this analogy: bandwidth determines how much cargo a ship can transport in one voyage, and operational IOPS performance is how fast the ship moves. By understanding this and applying it to SSD storage, there is a clear importance set on each variable depending on the task at hand.
For casual users, especially those with laptop or desktop computers that have been upgraded to use an SSD, the naturally quick response time is enough to automatically improve the user experience. Bandwidth speed is important, but only to the extent that operational performance meets the minimum needs of the system. If an SSD has a very high bandwidth speed but a low operational performance, it will take longer to load applications and boot the computer into Windows than if the SSD offered a higher IOPS performance.
Closer Look: EDGE Boost Pro
SSDs are quickly gaining popularity because they work equally well in PC, Linux, or Apple Mac computers. Likewise, they install into both desktop and notebook platforms without modification. For this article Benchmark Reviews is testing the EDGE Boost Pro Solid State Drive, which is specified to reach speeds of 550 MB/s for sequential reads and 515 MB/s sequential writes. The 120GB model EDGSD25120GBOOSTS6 we've received for testing is built using the SandForce SF-2281 SSD controller and Intel-Micron async-NAND flash components. EDGE Tech Corporation offers four capacities for the EDGE Boost Pro series solid state drive: 60GB, 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB. Performance specifications increase with capacity, as a result of larger integrated buffer.
The EDGE Boost Pro SSD is best suited for performance-orientated personal computers, but could also work well for SOHO computer workstation systems. SandForce SF-2200 series SSDs have been designed with a focus on high-performance operational and data transfer speeds, and includes 256-bit encrypted data protection and improved NAND wear-leveling through their proprietary DuraWrite technology. EDGE Tech SSDs are assembled in the United States, and are TAA compliant.
EDGE Tech understands that once installed, the SSD will be hidden away from view inside a notebook computer or desktop workstation, so they've remained conservative towards the design of their solid state drive appearance. The top half of the drive enclosure is given a gunmetal textured finish, which does not show fingerprints or smudges like a gloss surface would. A glossy label is attached to the top of the SSD enclosure, denoting model and capacity.
Standard 2.5" drive bay mounting points are pre-drilled and threaded into the EDGE Boost Pro SSD chassis, which allows for quick upgrade or addition into any existing notebook and other compact computer system. Unfortunately, EDGE Tech does not bundle a drive tray adapter with this kit, which may not be an issue for some consumers even though it occasionally comes bundled with competitor products. The mounting positions matched up to the drive bracket on my notebook computer, and after only a few minutes I was booting from a restored Windows 7 System Image without a hitch.
Unlike most Hard Disk Drive (HDD) storage products, SSDs are nearly impervious to impact damage and do not require (or benefit from) any kind of special vibration dampening or shock-proof enclosures. EDGE Tech utilizes a standard two-piece metal enclosure for their Boost Pro series SSDs, which reveals the internal components after removing four small counter-sunk Allen screws located along the top corners of this solid state drive. The seam along the side is covered with a 'Warranty Void' label, which EDGE Tech attaches to warn consumers against taking apart their product. By removing the SSD cover it will also remove your consumer protection with it, but Benchmark Reviews takes the risk for you and reveals the internal components in our next section.
Although EDGE Boost Pro SSDs do not offer an integrated USB Mini-B port, which appeared on some early-generation SSDs, the diskGO USB enclosure (below) is offered as part of their Boost SSD upgrade kit for high-performance portable file transfers.
While its outward appearance of the EDGE Boost Pro SSD is similar to many other solid state drives, the functionality and value packaged inside are considerably unique. Now that you're acquainted with the basic exterior features of this SSD, it's time to peek inside the metal enclosure and inspect the SandForce SF-2281 internal components...
SandForce SF-2281 SSD Controller
Illustrated below is the printed circuit board of a SandForce SF-2281 solid state drive, which is used on the EDGE Boost Pro SSD. Eight topside NAND flash modules sit in ranks behind the second-generation SandForce SF-2281 SSD processor, and plenty of electronics fill the remaining space in-between. Another benefit of SandForce's SF-2200 architecture is that all data recorded to the SSD remains on the NAND grid and removes the need for a separate cache buffer DRAM module. Once the SandForce SSD board is turned to expose the underside (image below), SandForce's efficient "DRAM-less" design features DuraClass technology to negate a separate memory buffer chip and enables a more flexible compact design. The result is a faster transaction, albeit at the expense of total storage capacity.
Previous SandForce SSDs utilized an over-provisioning technology, which allocated a portion of NAND for data storage and the remainder reserved for transaction and cache buffer space. Their latest controllers still use this technology, however SandForce claims that the 2200 series has 0% minimum over-provisioning, which is an improvement that opens-up additional storage space if the remaining capacity made it necessary to complete a write cycle. Greater levels of over-provisioning are used by their SSDs built to sustain Enterprise duty cycles.
SandForce introduces their new second generation solid state drives to both consumer and enterprise segments, with seven different models to choose from. On the consumer (retail) side you've got models using the older SATA 3Gb/s interface as well as the latest SATA 6Gb/s interface, while all enterprise drives utilize the 3rd-generation SATA 6Gb/s interface. More than any other factor, it's the Flash Channels/Byte Lanes configuration that these separate models. SandForce's SF-2000 series of SSDs continue to feature up to 8 data channels organized into 16 Byte lanes; similar to the previous generation of SF-1222/SF-1565 series SSD controllers, but now some models are scaled down for usage scenarios not requiring massive IO activity.
SandForce second-generation SF-2200 and SF-2100 SSD processors aren't just SATA 6Gb/s on paper - they actually require the bandwidth afforded to the host interface to deliver sustained sequential read/write performance up to 500 MB/s. SandForce DuraClassTechnology is still a staple part of their feature set, but now include Trusted Computing Group (TCG) Opal-compliant Self Encrypting Drives (SEDs) support with AES-256/128 and double encryption. SF-2200 and SF-2100 SSDs also utilize high-speed ONFi2 and Toggle flash interfaces in single-level (SLC) and multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash families from all major suppliers. The last major difference is the reduced minimum over-provisioning requirement, which continues to use an integrated buffer but returns more capacity for storage assignment.
On the EDGE Boost Pro SSD, a new SATA 6Gb/s SandForce SF-2281VB1-SDC processor is part of their SF-2200 family of retail SSD controller chips, although and identical SF-2181 processor exists for older SATA 3Gb/s connections. Offering 8 flash channels with 8 Byte lanes configured (one lane per channel), the SF-2281 maintains a BGA-256 package whereas the top-end SF-2282 delivers two lanes per channel on a BGA-400 package. More detail is available in our SandForce SF-2000 Series SSD Processor Overview article.
All SandForce SSD controllers offer native TRIM garbage collection in supporting Operating System (such as Microsoft Windows-7), Native Command Queuing (NCQ) with 32 command slots, and basic Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) command set. SandForce built the SF-2200 series to produce 500 MB/s Sequential Read and Write bandwidth with 60K (burst)/20K (sustained) IOPS Random Write (4K transfers).
SandForce SF-2281VB1-SDC
The SF-2200 SSD processor provides enhanced ECC with BCH data protection, and also includes SandForce's unique RAISE (Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements) technology. RAISE provides the protection and reliability of RAID on a single SSD drive, thanks to flash architecture, without the significant write overhead of parity. The SandForce DuraClass technology automatically stores data using Trusted Computing Group (TCG) OPAL security with 256-bit AES encryption and automatic, line-rate double encryption with a drive-level password, preventing data extraction directly from the physical flash memory modules.
Micron/Intel 26F64G08CBAAA
SandForce enables support for advanced 30nm- and 20nm-class NAND flash from all leading flash vendors with Asynch/ONFi1/ONFi2/Toggle interfaces with data transfer rates up to 166 Mega Transfers per second. Their latest generation of controllers also offers advanced ECC engine correcting up to 55 bits per 512-byte sector to assure high data integrity and support for future generations of flash memory. On the EDGE Boost Pro SSD, sixteen multi-layer cell Micron/Intel 26F64G08CBAAA NAND flash modules are joined to the SandForce SF-2281 controller. Consumer-level SandForce SSDs generally allocate 7% capacity over-provisioning and 128GB devices will yield 120GB of usable storage space.
Because the SandForce SF-2200 SSD processor is a non-exclusive component available market-wide, Benchmark Reviews expects to see several new solid state storage products using this same controller in the very near future. Please continue on to the next section for details on this particular model, and performance SSD test results...
SandForce SF-2200 Features
Endurance and Longevity
As each generation of flash memory evolves and the silicon geometries shrink - performance, reliability, endurance, and data retention are negatively impacted. DuraWrite technology extends the life of the SSD over conventional controllers, by optimizing writes to the flash memory and delivering a write amplification below 1, without complex DRAM caching requirements.
Performance and Power Optimization
SSDs are capable of significantly outperforming traditional HDDs, but typical controllers haven't delivered the compelling value necessary for mainstream adoption. SandForce DuraClass technology enables the SSD to maximize both the endurance and performance for the life of the drive fulfilling the promise of high speed flash memory in client computing applications and improving system performance by up to 50% as measured by the SYSmark Benchmark.
Mobile Computing Security
The SF-2200 series has built in AES-256 bit double encryption controllable by a configurable user password. This feature prevents would-be thieves from extracting data directly from the flash memory should they ever have access to the drive.
Data Protection and Reliability
SF-2200 SSD Processors provide up to 100x greater data protection than today's SSDs, and leading enterprise HDDs. This is a result of superior ECC protection and unique RAISE (Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements) technology. RAISE provides the protection and reliability of RAID on a single drive without the significant write overhead.
SF-2281 Specifications
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DuraClass Technology:
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- DuraWrite extends the endurance of SSDs
- Intelligent Block Management and Wear Leveling
- Intelligent Read Disturb Management
- Intelligent "Recycling" for advanced free space management
- RAISE (Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements)
- Intelligent Data Retention optimization
- Best-in-Class ECC protection for longest data retention and drive life
- Power/Performance Balancing
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Host Interface:
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- SATA 3.0 Compliant, 6.0 Gb/s support
- Native Command Queuing (up to 32 commands)
- SMART Command Transport (basic)
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Capacity Supported:
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- $135 60GB: EDGSD2560GBOOSTS6
- $210 120GB: EDGSD25120GBOOSTS6
- $500 240GB: EDGSD25240GBOOSTS6
- $930 480GB: EDGSD25480GBOOSTS6
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Performance (sustained):
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- Sequential Read Transfer: Up to 550 MB/s
- Sequential Write Transfer: Up to 515 MB/s
- Max IOPS (Write): 85,000 (50,000 sustained)
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Flash Memory Support:
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- 30/20 nm SLC, MLC
- Asynch/Toggle/ONFi2 interfaces
- Up to 166MT
- Binary user capacity points (RAISE off mode)
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Power Consumption:
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- Typical: 2W Operational
- Sleep/Slumber: 50mW
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Security:
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- Data Encryption: TCG OPAL with AES-256/128 and double encryption
- Optional disk password
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Protection:
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- Enhanced ECC with BCH and 55 bits/512 byte sector
- Unrecoverable Read Errors: Less than 1 sector per 1016 bits read
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Reliability:
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- MTTF: 2,000,000 operating hours
- Supports 5-year consumer life cycle
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Operating Temperature:
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0°C to 55°C ambient
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Package:
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256-pin BGA in 14x14mm @ 0.80mm pitch
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Compliance:
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RoHS, Halogen-Free, Green
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Source: EDGE Tech and SandForce
SSD Testing Methodology
Solid State Drives have traveled a long winding course to finally get where they are today. Up to this point in technology, there have been several key differences separating Solid State Drives from magnetic rotational Hard Disk Drives. While the DRAM-based buffer size on desktop HDDs has recently reached 64 MB and is ever-increasing, there is still a hefty delay in the initial response time. This is one key area in which flash-based Solid State Drives continually dominates because they lack moving parts to "get up to speed".
However the benefits inherent to SSDs have traditionally fallen off once the throughput begins, even though data reads or writes are executed at a high constant rate whereas the HDD tapers off in performance. This makes the average transaction speed of a SSD comparable to the data burst rate mentioned in HDD tests, albeit usually lower than the HDD's speed.
Comparing a Solid State Disk to a standard Hard Disk Drives is always relative; even if you're comparing the fastest rotational spindle speeds. One is going to be many times faster in response (SSDs), while the other is usually going to have higher throughput bandwidth (HDDs). Additionally, there are certain factors which can affect the results of a test which we do our best to avoid.
SSD Testing Disclaimer
Early on in our SSD coverage, Benchmark Reviews published an article which detailed Solid State Drive Benchmark Performance Testing. The research and discussion that went into producing that article changed the way we now test SSD products. Our previous perceptions of this technology were lost on one particular difference: the wear leveling algorithm that makes data a moving target. Without conclusive linear bandwidth testing or some other method of total-capacity testing, our previous performance results were rough estimates at best.
Our test results were obtained after each SSD had been prepared using DISKPART or Sanitary Erase tools. As a word of caution, applications such as these offer immediate but temporary restoration of original 'pristine' performance levels. In our tests, we discovered that the maximum performance results (charted) would decay as subsequent tests were performed. SSDs attached to TRIM enabled Operating Systems will benefit from continuously refreshed performance, whereas older O/S's will require a garbage collection (GC) tool to avoid 'dirty NAND' performance degradation.
It's critically important to understand that no software for the Microsoft Windows platform can accurately measure SSD performance in a comparable fashion. Synthetic benchmark tools such as HD Tach and PCMark are helpful indicators, but should not be considered the ultimate determining factor. That factor should be measured in actual user experience of real-world applications. Benchmark Reviews includes both bandwidth benchmarks and application speed tests to present a conclusive measurement of product performance.
Test System
- Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 EVO (Intel P67 Sandy Bridge Platform, B3 Stepping)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-2600K 3.4 GHz Quad-Core CPU
- System Memory: 4GB Dual-Channel DDR3 1600MHz CL6-6-6-18
- SATA 6Gb/s Storage HBA: Integrated Intel P67 Controller
- AHCI mode - Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 10.1.0.1008
- SATA 3Gb/s Storage HBA: Integrated Intel P67 Controller
- AHCI mode - Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver 10.1.0.1008
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition 64-Bit with Service Pack 1
Storage Hardware Tested
The following storage hardware has been used in our benchmark performance testing, and may be included in portions of this article:
Test Tools
- AS SSD Benchmark 1.6.4067.34354: Multi-purpose speed and operational performance test
- ATTO Disk Benchmark 2.46: Spot-tests static file size chunks for basic I/O bandwidth
- CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1a by Crystal Dew World: Sequential speed benchmark spot-tests various file size chunks
- Iometer 1.1.0 (built 08-Nov-2010) by Intel Corporation: Tests IOPS performance and I/O response time
- Lavalys EVEREST Ultimate Edition 5.50: Disk Benchmark component tests linear read and write bandwidth speeds
- Futuremark PCMark Vantage 1.02: HDD Benchmark Suite tests real-world drive performance
Test Results Disclaimer
This article utilizes benchmark software tools to produce operational IOPS performance and bandwidth speed results. Each test was conducted in a specific fashion, and repeated for all products. These test results are not comparable to any other benchmark application, neither on this website or another, regardless of similar IOPS or MB/s terminology in the scores. The test results in this project are only intended to be compared to the other test results conducted in identical fashion for this article.
AS-SSD Benchmark
Alex Schepeljanski of Alex Intelligent Software develops the free AS SSD Benchmark utility for testing storage devices. The AS SSD Benchmark tests sequential read and write speeds, input/output operational performance, and response times. Because this software receives frequent updates, Benchmark Reviews recommends that you compare results only within the same version family.
Beginning with sequential read and write performance, the 120GB EDGE Boost Pro solid state drive produced 204.14 MB/s read speed, and only 135.31 MB/s write performance. Because this benchmark uses compressed data, sequential file transfer speeds are reported lower than with other tools using uncompressed data. For this section, we will concentrate on the operational IOPS performance using compressed data. Single-threaded 4K IOPS performance delivers 14.70 MB/s read and 64.21 MB/s write, while the 64-thread 4K reads recorded 92.17 MB/s and write performance was 129.54 MB/s.
AS-SSD 64-thread 4KB IOPS performance results are displayed in the chart below, which compares several enthusiast-level storage products currently on the market. The chart is sorted by total combined performance, which helps to illustrate which products offer the best operational input/output under load:
In the next section, Benchmark Reviews tests transfer rates using ATTO Disk Benchmark.
ATTO Disk Benchmark
The ATTO Disk Benchmark program is free, and offers a comprehensive set of test variables to work with. In terms of disk performance, it measures interface transfer rates at various intervals for a user-specified length and then reports read and write speeds for these spot-tests. There are some minor improvements made to the 2.46 version of the program that allow for test lengths up to 2GB, but all of our benchmarks are conducted with 256MB total length. ATTO Disk Benchmark requires that an active partition be set on the drive being tested. Please consider the results displayed by this benchmark to be basic bandwidth speed performance indicators.
ATTO Disk Benchmark: Queue Depth 4 (Default)
Our basic bandwidth speed tests begin with the EDGE Boost Pro SSD attached to the Intel SATA 6Gb/s controller operating in AHCI mode. Using the ATTO Disk Benchmark tool, the test drive performs file transfers ranging from 0.5 KB to 8192 KB. The 120GB model we received reveals 553 MBps maximum read speed that plateaus from 1024-8192 KB file chunks, and 514 MBps peak write bandwidth plateaus from 64-8192 KB. These results match EDGE Tech's own specifications for the EDGE Boost Pro SSD.
In the next section, Benchmark Reviews tests sequential performance using the CrystalDiskMark 3.0 software tool...
CrystalDiskMark 3.0 Tests
CrystalDiskMark 3.0 is a file transfer and operational bandwidth benchmark tool from Crystal Dew World that offers performance transfer speed results using sequential, 512KB random, and 4KB random samples. For our test results chart below, the 4KB 32-Queue Depth read and write performance was measured using a 1000MB space. CrystalDiskMark requires that an active partition be set on the drive being tested, and all drives are formatted with NTFS on the Intel P67 chipset configured to use AHCI-mode. Benchmark Reviews uses CrystalDiskMark to illustrate operational IOPS performance with multiple threads. In addition to our other tests, this benchmark allows us to determine operational bandwidth under heavy load.
Each of our tests with the EDGE Boost Pro Solid State Drive were consistent, and the best results obtained were used in the chart below. Because this benchmark uses compressed data, sequential file transfer speeds are reported lower than with other tools using uncompressed data. For this section, we will concentrate on the operational IOPS performance using compressed data. CrystalDiskMark 3.0 reports 512K results reaching 197.4 MB/s read and 141.2 MB/s write performance. 4K tests produced 27.40 read and 78.36 write performance.
Displayed in the chart below, the maximum 4KB queue depth 32 IOPS performance results for several enthusiast-level storage products illustrate which products offer the best operation under load:
In the next section, we continue our testing using Iometer to measure input/output performance...
Iometer IOPS Performance
Iometer is an I/O subsystem measurement and characterization tool for single and clustered systems. Iometer does for a computer's I/O subsystem what a dynamometer does for an engine: it measures performance under a controlled load. Iometer was originally developed by the Intel Corporation and formerly known as "Galileo". Intel has discontinued work on Iometer, and has gifted it to the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL). There is currently a new version of Iometer in beta form, which adds several new test dimensions for SSDs.
Iometer is both a workload generator (that is, it performs I/O operations in order to stress the system) and a measurement tool (that is, it examines and records the performance of its I/O operations and their impact on the system). It can be configured to emulate the disk or network I/O load of any program or benchmark, or can be used to generate entirely synthetic I/O loads. It can generate and measure loads on single or multiple (networked) systems.
To measure random I/O response time as well as total I/O's per second, Iometer is set to use 4KB file size chunks over a 100% random sequential distribution at a queue depth of 32 outstanding I/O's per target. The tests are given a 50% read and 50% write distribution. While this pattern may not match traditional 'server' or 'workstation' profiles, it illustrates a single point of reference relative to our product field.
All of our SSD tests used Iometer 1.1.0 (build 08-Nov-2010) by Intel Corporation to measure IOPS performance, using a SandForce-created QD30 configuration: 4KB 100 Random 50-50 Read and Write.icf. The chart below illustrates combined random read and write IOPS over a 120-second Iometer test phase, where highest I/O total is preferred:
In our Iometer tests, which use 32 outstanding I/O's per target and a random 50/50 read/write distribution, SandForce SSDs generally outperform the competition when tested which a larger queue depth. Even with clean NAND flash, the 120GB EDGE Boost Pro SSD produced 49,496 peak combined read/write IOPS; falling short of the advertised specification of 50K sustained write IOPS and also trails behind all other SandForce SF-2281 SSDs.
In our next section, we test linear read and write bandwidth performance and compare its speed against several other top storage products using EVEREST Disk Benchmark. Benchmark Reviews feels that linear tests are excellent for rating SSDs, however HDDs are put at a disadvantage with these tests whenever capacity is high.
EVEREST Disk Benchmark
Many enthusiasts are familiar with the Lavalys EVEREST benchmark suite, but very few are aware of the Disk Benchmark tool available inside the program. The EVEREST Disk Benchmark performs linear read and write bandwidth tests on each drive, and can be configured to use file chunk sizes up to 1MB (which speeds up testing and minimizes jitter in the waveform). Because of the full sector-by-sector nature of linear testing, Benchmark Reviews endorses this method for testing SSD products, as detailed in our Solid State Drive Benchmark Performance Testing article. However, Hard Disk Drive products suffer a lower average bandwidth as the capacity draws linear read/write speed down into the inner-portion of the disk platter. EVEREST Disk Benchmark does not require a partition to be present for testing, so all of our benchmarks are completed prior to drive formatting.
Linear disk benchmarks are superior bandwidth speed tools in my opinion, because they scan from the first physical sector to the last. A side affect of many linear write-performance test tools is that the data is erased as it writes to every sector on the drive. Normally this isn't an issue, but it has been shown that partition table alignment will occasionally play a role in overall SSD performance (HDDs don't suffer this problem).
The high-performance storage products tested with EVEREST Disk Benchmark are connected to the Intel SATA 6Gb/s controller and use a 1MB block size option. Read performance on the EDGE Boost Pro SSD measured an average 483.2 MBps bandwidth with a relatively close maximum peak speed of 501.8 MBps. Notice from the waveform below that the first 9% of capacity (approximately 10.06GB) produced very low performance results; this was seen in every single test we conducted regardless of NAND flash condition. Everest linear write-to tests were next...
The waveform chart below illustrates how the integrated buffer manages file transfers, and makes linear write performance appears relatively even. The results seen here are still relatively consistent compared to most other SSD products we've tested in the past. The EDGE Boost Pro solid state drive recorded an average linear write-to speed of 459.2 MBps, with a maximum performance of 481.3 MBps.
The chart below shows the average linear read and write bandwidth speeds for a cross-section of storage devices tested with EVEREST:
Linear tests are an important tool for comparing bandwidth speed between storage products - although HDD products suffer performance degradation over the span of their areal storage capacity. Linear bandwidth certainly benefits the Solid State Drive, since there's very little fluctuation in transfer speed. This is because Hard Disk Drive products decline in performance as the spindle reaches the inner-most sectors on the magnetic platter, away from the fast outer edge.
In the next section we use PCMark Vantage to test real-world performance...
PCMark Vantage HDD Tests
PCMark Vantage is an objective hardware performance benchmark tool for PCs running 32- and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows 7. PCMark Vantage is well suited for benchmarking any type of Microsoft Windows Vista/7 PC: from multimedia home entertainment systems and laptops, to dedicated workstations and high-end gaming rigs. Benchmark Reviews has decided to use the HDD Test Suite to demonstrate simulated real-world storage drive performance in this article.
PCMark Vantage runs eight drive tests, each with a specific purpose. Once the benchmarking test were complete, the results are given a PCMark score while the detailed result show actual transaction speeds. The 120GB EDGE Boost Pro Solid State Drive model we tested produced a total HDD Test Suite score of 46024 in PCMark Vantage:
Our tests were conducted on an Intel P67 Sandy Bridge motherboard using the onboard SATA 6Gb/s controller with 64-bit Windows 7. Results are displayed in the chart below:
In the next section I share my conclusion and share the final product rating.
EDGE Boost Pro Conclusion
IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion, as it represents our product rating specifically for the product tested which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.
SandForce SSDs have taken the market by storm, which has helped niche companies like EDGE Tech to expand their reach deep into the high-performance storage hardware segment. Not only are these SandForce-driven solid state drives extremely fast, but more importantly they're capable of SLC-level operational performance I/O and NAND durability. The EDGE Boost Pro SSD builds from the powerful SandForce SF-2281 solid state processor, which brings innovation to the SSD industry by prolonging MLC NAND flash module lifetime and delivering RAID-like data redundancy. When one SandForce product is physically identical to another, the overall value depends on price, warranty, and customer support. If you're price shopping, a quick stroll through our Storage Section reviews will reveal how other SSD options compare.
Our performance rating considers how effective the EDGE Boost Pro solid state drive performs in operations against direct competitor storage solutions. For reference, SandForce specifies the SF-2281 with 500 MB/s read and write, which EDGE Tech increases this to 550 MB/s read and 515 write maximum speeds for this SSD series. In our storage benchmark tests, the 120GB EDGE Boost Pro SSD performed at this rated speed, but I suspect that higher-capacity models could offer better performance potential. Our test results proved the EDGE Boost Pro was good for delivering 553/514 MBps peak read and writes speeds using ATTO Disk Benchmark SSD speed tests. Everest Disk Benchmark produced 483/459 MB/s, confirming the Boost Pro series as a fast SATA 6Gb/s contender among MLC SSD's.
The 120GB retail kit (EDGSD25120GBOOSTS6) that EDGE Tech sent us for testing is advertised to deliver 85,000 maximum write IOPS, or 50,000 sustained. EDGE Tech neglects to specify how this rating was achieved, and under what circumstances these results could be reached. Using a SandForce-provided configuration for our own Iometer operational performance tests, we used a queue depth of 32 outstanding I/O's per target to produce a modest 49,496 combined read/write IOPS performance. In this test, the formatted EDGE Boost Pro SSD trailed all other 2nd-generation SandForce SF-2281 based storage devices benchmarked using this configuration and manages to position itself just ahead of 1st-generation SandForce-driven SSDs. In the 4K 32QD tests with AS-SSD and CrystalDiskMark, the EDGE Boost Pro SSD again settled midway down our charts and placed among the fastest 1st-generation SandForce storage devices. With the results we've received in our tests, hardware enthusiasts can expect good operational performance and storage functionality for demanding applications and extreme I/O environments, but clearly there are better-performing models with tweaked firmware.
Solid State Drives are low-visibility products: you see them just long enough to install and then they're forgotten. Like their Hard Disk Drive counterparts, Solid State Drives are meant to place function before fashion. Anything above and beyond a simple metal shell is already more than what's expected in terms of the appearance. EDGE Tech has created a back-to-basics look with the gunmetal textured finish on their Boost Pro series SSDs. As solid state storage controllers become faster and more advanced, heat dissipation through the enclosure walls may demand that chassis designs become more beneficial than they previously needed to be. This isn't the case yet, and a metal chassis suits SandForce SSDs nicely.
SSDs are not prone to mechanical failure, but if any EDGE Boost Pro solid state storage product does happen to fail during the 3-year warranty period end-users may contact EDGE Tech Corporation via their support website. Fortunately, there's also a toll-free telephone number (800-259-6565) for free technical support and customer service questions.
The EDGE Boost Pro is competitively priced, and available direct from EDGE Tech. As of September 2011, the following EDGE Boost Pro SSD models and pricing are available:
- $135 60GB: EDGSD2560GBOOSTS6
- $210 120GB: EDGSD25120GBOOSTS6
- $500 240GB: EDGSD25240GBOOSTS6
- $930 480GB: EDGSD25480GBOOSTS6
Based on the SandForce SF-2281 SSD processor, the EDGE Boost Pro solid state drive delivers native TRIM garbage collection and basic SMART support with impressive 553 MB/s transfer speeds. More importantly, SandForce DuraClass technology adds their proprietary RAISE and DuraWrite features not available with other SSDs, and the end result is a product that could last up to five times longer with less wear on NAND flash modules.
On paper, the EDGE Boost Pro looks like it competes directly with top-end 2nd-generation SandForce SF-2281 SSDs. While the speed was quite fast, IOPS operational performance results weren't as impressive. We understand that this is a 120GB model, but the specifications are identical for all capacities across the entire Boost Pro series. Considering the comparative level of performance we've experienced with the EDGE Boost Pro SSD, this solid state drive would be a good fit for high-performance power-users. When used to upgrade a notebook computer's hard disk drive, the EDGE Boost Pro SSD enables response speeds that will amaze you.
Pros:
+ Outstanding 553/514 MBps read/write speed with ATTO
+ TCG OPAL security with 256-bit AES encryption
+ SandForce SF-2281 processor supports TRIM, SMART, and RAISE
+ DuraWrite technology extends NAND lifetime
+ High-level enthusiast operational I/O performance
+ 3-Year EDGE Tech product warranty support
+ 60/120/240/480GB high-speed SSD storage capacities
+ Lightweight compact storage solution
+ Resistant to extreme shock impact
+ Low power consumption may extend battery life
Cons:
- Some manufacturers offer five-year warranty
- Expensive enthusiast-level product
- IOPS Performance rating needs examination
Ratings:
- Performance: 9.00
- Appearance: 8.75
- Construction: 9.50
- Functionality: 9.25
- Value: 7.25
Final Score: 8.75 out of 10.
Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award.
Benchmark Reviews invites you to leave constructive feedback below, or ask questions in our Discussion Forum.
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Comments
Sandforce webpages claim it is an option, but I am not aware of any currently available Sandforce based SSD that actually supports it.
The drive webpage (##edgetechcorp.com/) makes no mention of TCG Opal.
ATA password != TCG Opal
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by EDGE Tech.
But thanks for including it.