TRIM Performance:
While SSD's offer many benefits, there are some downsides to using flash memory. One of the biggest issues people run into is performance degradation. Over time, an SSD will run out of fresh blocks and will have to write over data the file system has marked as deleted. This procedure is very complicated and can slow an SSD's write speeds considerably.
To fix this problem, most manufacturers have added TRIM support to their SSDs. The TRIM command allows an operating system, such as Windows 7, to tell an SSD which data blocks are no longer in use. Using this information, the drive pro-actively erases these blocks and adds them to the free block pool.
To test the PC60's TRIM and garbage collection functions, I first put the drive in a "dirty" state. I used Iometer to fill 80% of the drive and then ran a random write test for 30 minutes. This had little impact on the PC60's read speed. However, its average writing speed dropped to 262.86 MB/s.
Silicon Power PC60 - Dirty
To see how well the PC60 could recover, I let the computer sit for about 30 minutes and then reran the test. The drive wasn't able to reach the factory fresh performance shown in our earlier tests. However, its sequential write speed jumped up to 446.14 MB/s.
Silicon Power PC60 - After TRIM
Unfortunately, the PC60 does not support the secure erase function so I was not able to wipe the drive with Parted Magic. Instead, I did a quick wipe and format from within Windows. After this, the PC60 was able to read at 463.70 MB/s and write at 446.27 MB/s.
Silicon Power PC60 - Secure Erased
Final Thoughts:
Silicon Power's PC60 portable SSD is a great choice for the consumer looking for a fast, yet affordable, storage solution that they can use to back up their data while on the go. This lightweight, pocket-sized drive not only looks great, it features a shock-resistant design that can withstand minor drops and bumps as well as a keyhole that lets you attach it to your keychain or bag. The PC60 is also powered by Silicon Motion's SM2259XT controller and is available with up to 1.92TB of Micron's 96-layer 3D TLC NAND flash. Combine this with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and you have a high capacity, portable SSD that's capable of some respectable performance numbers. In our sequential read and write tests, the PC60 was able to read at speeds as high as 506 MB/s and write at speeds in excess of 486 MB/s.
The PC60 is available now in 240GB, 480GB and 960GB capacities. Prices start at $45 and go up to $95 for the 960GB version reviewed here. There is no word yet on when the 1.92TB drive will be available or how much it will be.
Highs:
- Available in 240GB, 480GB, 960GB and 1.92TB capacities
- Lightweight, pocket-sized design
- Silicon Motion SM2259XT controller
- Equipped with Micron 3D TLC NAND
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
- Good sequential read and write speeds
- Shock-resistant
- Works with SP Widget software
- Reasonably priced
- 3 year warranty
Lows:
- Not dust or water proof
- Mediocre random read and write performance
- Write speed drops when SLC cache is full
