| WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD SSC-D0256SC-2100 |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Storage | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Written by Olin Coles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 09 March 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD ReviewWestern Digital has been the leading name in consumer storage technology since the early 1970's. Just in time for their 40th anniversary, the WD SiliconEdge-Blue Solid State Drive debuts as the first consumer SSD they've ever offered. Based on the JMicron JMF612 SATA-3Gbps SSD processor, the SiliconEdge-Blue promises 250/170MBps read and write transfers with 5000-4KB IOPS. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD, 256GB model SSC-D0256SC-2100, against a myriad of high-performance solid-state enthusiast storage devices. In a very short time span the entire SSD market has created and recreated itself many times over. Counting the generations of SSD processors has become difficult for experienced experts, and keeping-up with controller architecture has come with its own set of challenges. Benchmark Reviews has tested dozens of Solid State Drive products, and we've seen everything from dual-SATA controllers in RAID-0 to extremely large cache buffer modules used inside of them. While the SSD industry grows daily, only a few select manufacturers offer popularly-accepted Flash NAND SSD controllers. As of April 2010 the most popular consumer SSD controllers are designed by: Indilinx, Intel, JMicron, Toshiba, Samsung, SandForce, and Marvell. In this article Benchmark Reviews tests the JMicron JMF612 processor, which is used in the WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD by Western Digital.
For decades, the slowest component in any computer system was the hard drive. Most modern processors operate within approximately 1-ns (nanosecond = one billionth of one second) response time, while system memory responds between 30-90 ns. Traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) technology utilizes magnetic spinning media, and even the fastest spinning desktop storage products exhibit a 9,000,000 ns - or 9 ms (millisecond = one thousandth of one second) initial response time. In more relevant terms, The processor receives the command and waits 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; which is usually the hard drive. The theoretical goal for achieving optimal performance is for system memory to operate as quickly as the central processor, and the storage drive to operate as fast as memory. With present 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, just consider 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. The difference a SSD makes to operational reaction 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 HDD counterparts. About WD: Western Digital Corporation
WD is the brand name for Western Digital Corporation. WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company produces reliable, high-performance drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. WD applies its storage expertise to consumer products for external, portable and shared storage applications. WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's Web site (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information. WD SiliconEdge-Blue Features:Support for advanced features including TRIM, NCQ, and S.M.A.R.T.
WD SiliconEdge Blue Certified in WD FIT Lab:
SSC-D0256SC-2100 Specifications:
First Look: WD SiliconEdge-BlueWestern Digital, the company behind the WD brand name, have joined into the foray of Solid State Drive manufacturers. Long known for their popular WD VelociRaptor series of high-performance Hard Disk Drive (HDD) products, the WD SiliconEdge-Blue now joins the family in 64, 128, and 256GB capacities. In addition to notebook and desktop computer installations, the 256GB WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD could also be utilized for mission-critical backups or high-abuse data systems; but its real focus is on high-performance data transfer speeds. Although the Western Digital SSC-D0256SC-2100 model does not offer an integrated USB Mini-B port, several new enclosures utilize the SuperSpeed USB-3.0 standard for high-performance file transfers.
Standard 2.5" drive bay mounting points are pre-drilled and threaded into the WD SiliconEdge-Blue, which allows for quick upgrade or addition into any existing notebook or desktop system. The mounting positions matched up to the drive bracket on my notebook computer, and after only a few minutes of drive cloning I was quickly loading the Windows O/S. 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. WD utilizes an anodized metal enclosure for their SSC-D0256SC-2100 model, which reveals the internal components after removing just four small counter-sunk Phillips-head screws from the top side. The WD SiliconEdge-Blue has a warranty-void sticker along the seam, and removing the enclosure cover will remove consumer protection with it. Benchmark Reviews will reveal all of the internal components on our next section anyway, so just be patient.
Thanks to the JMicron JMF612 SSD controller architecture (detailed in the next section), the WD SiliconEdge-Blue Solid State Drive suggests transfer speeds around 250/170 MBps read/write for high-performance enthusiasts. Now that you're acquainted with the basic exterior features for the SiliconEdge-Blue SSD, it's time to peek inside the metal enclosure and inspect the internal components... JMicron JMF612 SSD ControllerWestern Digital depends on the JMicron JMF612 Solid State Drive controller inside their WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD, 256GB model SSC-D0256SC-2100, to produce 250MBps reads and 170MBps write transfers. JMicron has also secured their JMF612 processor in the A-DATA S596, the upcoming Corsair Reactor SSD series, and the yet-to-ever-release Active Media Predator-X7. While the SSD industry grows daily, only a few select manufacturers offer popularly-accepted Flash NAND SSD controllers. The most popular consumer controllers at the moment are: Indilinx IDX110M00-FC "Barefoot", Intel PC29AS21AA0, JMicron JMF612, Toshiba T6UG1XBG, Samsung S3C29RBB01-YK40, Marvell 88SS8014-BHP2, SandForce SF-1200/1500, and the Marvell 88SS9174-BJP2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD processor.
The WD SiliconEdge-Blue features the branded Western Digital Pearl Rev-2 printed circuit board (PCB), with part code 900-700-800A. In most respects, the Pearl-R2 PCB follows in the design of several past SSD products. Illustrated from the top-view image above, you'll notice that the Western Digital circuit board utilizes a dense component layout for the Samsung flash NAND modules and JMicron SSD controller. The 2nd-generation SATA-3.0Gbps JMicron JMF612 SSD processor is joined by up to sixteen flash NAND modules (Samsung K9MDG08U5M MLC flash memory used here), and a single SDRAM chip for buffered transactions. Western Digital offers their WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD in 256, 128, and 64GB capacities, with each using a different NAND part.
Western Digital has laser-etched the JMicron JMF612 processor with their own parts code, which reveals the 'VAIL 1.07' followed by the manufacture data code (2009 production week 45) and the 571J09111 reference code. The JMicron JMF612/Western Digital VAIL-1.07 is a 208-pin LQFP 28x28mm processor package, and is compliant with Universal Serial Bus specification revision 2.0, USB Mass Storage Class specification version 1.0, and Serial ATA International Organization revision 2.6. The JMicron JMF612 32-bit embedded SSD processor features an embedded data buffer of 32KB masked program ROM and 128KB of integrated system RAM, and supports Native Command Queuing (NCQ) with 32 command slot, TRIM garbage collection, and Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) command set.
JMicron, the name known for data-write stuttering problems in the past, have learned that a large cache buffer helps to tame supply line demands. Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology supplies a single DDR2-800 400MHz SDRAM 1.8-volt IC module on the 256GB-capacity WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD, which is marked as ESMT part M14D5121632A-2.5B. ESMT lists this module as a 512MB part, which would result in one of the largest cache buffers we've tested; however Western Digital does not include a cache buffer specification for their SiliconEdge-Blue series on any product documentation.
Sixteen multi-layer NAND flash modules branded as 128GB Samsung K9MDG08U5M-PCB00 parts combine for 256GB of total storage space, but only 238GB of this capacity will be usable since Western Digital reserves 18MB of NAND flash for TRIM garbage-collection cleaning and bad block allocation. Each MLC NAND module is lead-free and RoHS-compliant, and operates on 2.7V~3.6V.
While the JMicron JMF612 processor is an ambiguous component available market-wide, Benchmark Reviews respects that our sample was fitted to the WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD series. Please continue on for details and performance results for this Solid State Drive... SSD Testing MethodologySolid 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 32 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 DisclaimerEarly 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
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| Manufacturer | Indilinx | Intel | JMicron | Samsung | Toshiba | SandForce | Marvell |
| Controller | IDX110M00-FC | PC29AS21AA0 | JMF612 | S3C29RBB01-YK40 | T6UG1XBG | SandForce SF-1200 | 88SS9174-BJP2 |
| Max Cache | 64MB | 16MB | 128KB+256MB | 128MB | 128MB | Integrated | 128MB |
| Max Capacity | 256GB | 160GB | 256GB | 256GB | 512GB | 512GB | 256GB |
| Read/Write Speed | 230/170 MBps | 250/70 MBps | 250/200 MBps | 220/200 MBps | 230/180 MBps | 260/260 MBps | 355/215 MBps |
| Interface | SATA-II 3-Gbps | SATA-II 3-Gbps | SATA-II 3-Gbps | SATA-II 3-Gbps | SATA-II 3-Gbps | SATA-II 3-Gbps | SATA-III 6-Gbps |
| Garbage Collection | GC/TRIM | None | TRIM | GC/TRIM | GC/TRIM | GC/TRIM | GC/TRIM |
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Chart By: |
BmR |
Garbage Collection (GC) is the current solution for keeping flash NAND in 'clean' condition, while maintaining optimal performance. Windows 7 offers native TRIM support, and most retail SSDs also include this special GC function or at least offer a firmware update that brings the drive up-to-date. For anyone using an Operating System or SSD that does not offer Garbage Collection functionality, you'll be using 'dirty' flash NAND modules and suffering sub-optimal performance for each write-to request. A few SSD manufacturers offers free tools to help restore peak-level performance by scheduling GC to 'clean' used NAND sectors, but these tools add excessive wear to the NAND the same way disk defragmenting tools would. SLC flash modules may resist wear much better than MLC counterparts, but come at the expense of increased production cost. The best solution is a more durable NAND module that offers long-lasting SLC benefits at the cost of MLC construction. Adoption is further stalled because keen consumers aware of this dilemma further continue their delay into the SSD market.
Getting back to price, the changes in cost per gigabyte have come as often as changes to the technology itself. At their inception, high-performance models such the 32GB MemoRight GT cost $33 per gigabyte while the entry-level 32GB Mtron MOBI 3000 sold for $14 per gigabyte. While an enjoyable decline in NAND component costs forced consumer SSD prices down low in 2009, the price of SSD products has been on the rise during 2010. Nevertheless, Solid State Drives continue to fill store shelves despite price or capacity, and there are a few SSD products now costing only $2.03 per gigabyte. Although the performance may justify the price, which is getting dangerously close to the $1.00 per gigabyte WD VelociRaptor hard drive, costs may still close some buyers out of the market. Price notwithstanding, the future is in SSD technology and the day when HDDs are obsolete is nearing; but there are still a few bumps in the road to navigate.
WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD Conclusion
Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate. The first section is performance, which considers how effective the WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD performs in operations against direct competitor products. For reference, Western Digital specifies the 256GB model SSC-D0256SC-2100 Solid State Drive promises a maximum 250MBps read and 170MBps write performance. In many of our benchmark tests, the WD SiliconEdge-Blue performed above this rating.
The WD SiliconEdge-Blue delivered 245/186 MBps peak read and writes speeds within ATTO Disk Benchmark, trailed by 246/187 MBps in CrystalDiskMark, while Everest reported a 238/181 MBps linear bandwidth speed. The read performance appears to average 243 MBps, which is slightly below spec, while the 185 MBps average read is above it. Input/Output performance was modest in Iometer and HD-Tune produced 4820 (18.83 MBps) read-IOPS with 2788 (10.9 MBps) write, indicating that the 256GB SSC-D0256SC-2100 model would perform extremely well for enthusiast consumers but not offer the high operational functionality needed for Enterprise server application.
Solid State Drives are low-visibility products: you see them just long enough to install and then they're forgotten. Despite this, WD has taken the added step of upgrading the SSD enclosure from the standard black painted chassis used on nearly all other SSD products, and uses a polished metal finish. Because Solid State Drives, like their Hard Disk Drive counterparts, are meant to place function before fashion, anything above and beyond a simple metal shell is more than what's expected of the appearance. As SSD controllers become faster and more advanced, heat dissipation through the enclosure walls in critical.
Construction is probably the strongest feature credited to the entire SSD product segment, and Western Digital products have never been an exception. The SiliconEdge-Blue SSD is designed and tested in WD's FIT Lab to pass rigorous data integrity and reliability screening before going into production. Solid State Drives are already immune to most abuses, but add this to the protective shell and the chances of drive failure are minimal. If any WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD product does fail during the limited 5-year warranty period, end-users can check the Western Digital warranty status via their warranty support website. Fortunately, there's also a toll-free telephone number for support or customer service questions available at (800) 275-4932.
Benchmark Reviews has tested the WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD, and the performance results were worthy of high-performance enthusiast computing. Based on our benchmark tests, the 256GB model SSC-D0256SC-2100 delivers a noteworthy 0.18 ms response time which assures a nearly-instant reactions when called upon, and showed no signs of real-world data-write stuttering during our tests (although Everest linear write tests shows some moments where the buffer transitioned). Based on the SATA-3.0Gbps JMicron JMF612 processor, the WD SiliconEdge-Blue SSD delivers native TRIM garbage collection and SMART support with impressive transfer speeds. Although a mini-USB port is supported by this JMicron controller and would have been a nice touch, any SATA-to-USB adapter cable or enclosure can be used to simplify the transition from a hard drive (see our Windows 7 System Image Disc Recovery guide). One drawback to Western Digital SSDs is that they lack any publicly available firmware updates and there no enthusiast community supporting the company.
As of March 2010, Western Digital has stocked their WD SiliconEdge-Blue Solid State Drives with worldwide distributors. Benchmark Reviews tested the 256GB SiliconEdge-Blue (model SSC-D0256SC-2100) for this article, which NewEgg lists for $799. If you're not going to need that much premium-priced storage capacity there's also the 128GB SiliconEdge-Blue SSD available (SSC-D0128SC-2100) selling for $449, or the affordable 64GB version (SSC-D0064SC-2100) offered for $249. Since Western Digital products are sold nearly everywhere, you can compare prices online and save money by using the Benchmark Reviews shopping tool.
In summary, the WD SiliconEdge-Blue is a high-performance SATA-3.0 Gbps SSD that upholds Western Digital's brand image as their first Solid State Drive and delivers fast speeds for gamers and enthusiasts. The 256GB model proved to meet or exceed its specifications, and 243/185 MBps read/write speeds are enough to make most systems scream. Unfortunately, most new SSDs coming to market are faster and compliant with 3rd-generation SATA standards. While the current retail prices push the WD SiliconEdge-Blue series into the same territory as faster SATA 6Gb/s SSD products, these high prices are still launch-week fresh and should (hopefully) become more competitive as the after-glow of this newly announced product fades away. Expect even more discounts to come as additional SATA-6G SSDs join the market.
Pros:
+ JMicron JMF612 processor supports TRIM and SMART
+ Good enthusiast-level operational I/O performance
+ Lightweight compact storage solution
+ Resistant to extreme shock impact
+ 256, 128, and 64GB of SSD storage capacity
+ 5-Year Western Digital limited product warranty
+ Low power consumption may extend battery life
Cons:
- Expensive/over-priced enthusiast-level product
- Lacks integrated USB Mini-B data connection
- Not 3rd-Generation SATA 6Gb/s compatible
- No public firmware updates available
Ratings:
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Performance: 8.75
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Appearance: 9.00
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Construction: 9.50
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Functionality: 9.00
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Value: 7.00
Final Score: 8.65 out of 10.
Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
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Comments
I buy into a WD 128 SSD, in spite I donÂÂ� �´t like the MLC memory technology that much. This is why I choose WD, because I assume it will be still reliable in 2015. For this I am ready to overlook some performance drops (-10-40% to top performers), because I donÂÂ� �´t want to spend 1-2 days on reinstalling all my stuff.
I hope I can put the drive into my Dell Studio 17 without any additonal parts needed.