Final Thoughts
This only being our second SandForce-based solid state drive we really did not have much to compare the Vertex 2 to, but we do know from our testing that it does perform much better and smoother than the SandForce-based Corsair F100. So if there was a choice between the two I would go with the Vertex 2.
This 120GB version (OCZSSD2-2VTXE120G) of the Vertex 2 drive is actually part of what OCZ calls their Extended Series. There really is not change on hardware side between the 100GB and 120GB versions, they both use the same amount of flash, but the amount of flash kept in reserve is lower on the 120GB version so you get more storage capacity. The difference is 28% reserve in the 100GB version and 13% in the 120GB version. 13% is still pretty high when it comes to reserve flash.
I really like the Vertex 2 drives come with a mounting kit. Many older computer cases do not have 2.5-inch hard drive mounting systems, even some new cases do not so having this mounting bracket really helps. I also thought the sticker that comes with the drive is pretty cool. Definitely something you want to put on your case and show off at LAN parties.
These new SandForce drives are bringing solid state drives up to incredibly fast speeds and it will keep on continuing. This will also bring down the price of previous generation solid state drives. Right now you can find the Vertex 2 120GB for around $350 online. As of right now it is the best performing SandForce-based solid state we have tested. Overall ThinkComputers gives the OCZ Vertex 2 120GB Solid State Drive a 10 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award.
Pros:
– Best performing SandForce-based solid state drive to date
– 281MB/s read and 241MB/s write in ATTO
– Best IOPS performance we have seen from a solid state drive
– 3-year warranty
– Included mounting bracket
Cons:
– None that I found
Ehm… “For comparison we will be testing the C300 against these 2 other drives…”
Should this say: “For comparison we will be testing the 'Vertex 2 Extended' against these 2 other drives…”
Thanks for that, it has been changed
OCZ Vertex2 120G SSD does not have 13% reserve space but 8%. The “real” chip size is 128. A 100G has 28% reserve space.
8G of 120G is 6.6% only.
The NAND density is actually 2^37 or 137,438,953,472 Bytes.
The drive density is 120,034,123,776 Bytes.
That’s 12.66%.
Awesome review, Bob!
I just picked up this drive to put in my MacBook Pro. Got it for $199cdn after rebate. Man the prices sure have dropped on these things. Can’t wait till they get to $1/GB or less! 😉
Nice to see that you finally made it over to the site Gary! Prices sure are dropping after CES this year things will go down even more! I can’t wait to see what new SSD stuff they are going to show us at CES!
The last time I was on your site I believe it was a previous theme. I
haven’t been keeping up with PC stuff lately after I switched over to Mac
(the dark side). 😉
I love theme of your site. Lookin’ good man. I’ll be back to see what you
dig up from CES!
The last time I was on your site I believe it was a previous theme. I
haven’t been keeping up with PC stuff lately after I switched over to Mac
(the dark side). 😉
I love theme of your site. Lookin’ good man. I’ll be back to see what you
dig up from CES!