Model: Kingston HyperX 120GB Solid State Drive
Manufacturer: Kingston
Provided By: Kingston

As the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products, Kingston Technology doesn't need much of an introduction. The company got its start in 1987, when the computer industry was suffering from a severe shortage of surface-mount memory chips. To provide a solution, Kingston's founders designed a new Single In-Line Memory Module (SIMM) that used readily available, older technology through-hole components. Today, Kingston offers more than 2,000 memory products for everything from computers, servers and printers to MP3 players, digital cameras and cell phones.

Like many other manufacturers, Kingston has set its sights on the growing solid-state drive (SSD) market. This fall, the company launched its first SandForce-based drive, the HyperX SSD. Designed for enthusiasts, gamers and performance users, the HyperX is powered by SandForce's SF-2281 processor and features a SATA 6GB/s interface as well as native TRIM support. Kingston's new SSD also uses Intel 25nm compute-quality MLC NAND flash in 120GB and 240GB capacities to deliver up to 555MB/s read and 510MB/s write transfer rates and up to 60,000 4KB random write IOPS.

The HyperX ships either as a standalone SSD or as a bundle with the HyperX Upgrade Kit for easy installation. For this review, Kingston sent us the 120GB HyperX Upgrade Kit. The 120GB version of the HyperX is capable of delivering up to 555 MB/s sequential read and 510 MB/s sequential write speeds as well as up to 20,000 random read and 60,000 random write IOPS.

 Kingston HyperX 120GB Solid State Drive
General Specifications
Part Numbers SH100S3/120G (Standalone SSD)
SH100S3B/120G (Upgrade Kit)
Capacity 120GB
Flash Type 25nm Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
Controller SandForce SF-2281
Form Factor 2.5-inch
Interface SATA III 6Gb/s

Performance
Sequential Read 555 MB/s Max
Sequential Write 510 MB/s Max
4K Random Read 20,000 IOPS
4K Random Write 60,000 IOPS
Maximum 4K Random Read 95,000 IOPS
Maximum 4K Random Write 70,000 IOPS
Seek Time .1 ms

Reliability
MTBF 1 million hours

Power Consumption
Read 1.6 Watts
Write 2.0 Watts
Idle 0.455 Watts

Environmental
Operating Temperature 0 ºC to 70 ºC
Storage Temperature -40 ºC to 85 ºC
Vibration Operating 2.17G
Vibration Non-Operating 20G
Shock Resistance 1500G

Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions 69.85 x 100 x 9.5 mm
Weight 94g

Other Features
Supports SMART, TRIM, and Garbage Collection
Includes HyperX branded 2.5" to 3.5" desktop mounting plate
Bundle comes with external drive bay, multi-head screwdriver, SATA data cable and Acronis True Image software
Three year warranty

Needless to say, this is only a taste of what the HyperX has to offer. To give you an idea of what to expect, we'll take a closer look at Kingston's new SSD and then see how well it performs. Does the HyperX have what it takes? Can it deliver the performance we've come to expect from Kingston? Keep reading as we find out.


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