In our file transfer tests we copied 2GB of files between a 120GB OCZ Vertex SSD and the Intel X25-M, and we also transferred files within the same drive.
2GB File Copy Results
Time in Seconds (S)
Shorter bars are better
2GB File Transfer Results
Firmware 8610 - OCZ Vertex as source drive
Time in Seconds (s)
Shorter bars are better
Firmware 8820 - OCZ Vertex as source drive
Time in Seconds (s)
Shorter bars are better
The new firmware was consistently better than the original version and we ended up with a warm happy glow that the X25-M had taken a big step forward.
PCMark05 Results
Longer bars are better
The only note of caution we would offer is that you'd be rash to update the firmware on your Intel SSD without first backing up of your data, just in case.
Verdict
Intel’s 8820 SSD firmware update makes the performance of its mainstream family of solid-state drives more consistent, and the update process is now as simple as we could wish for. ®
More SSD Reviews...
Samsung PB22-J 256GB |
OCZ Apex 120GB |
Crucial N125 64GB |
Intel X-25M 80GB |
Intel X25-M solid-state drive firmware update
COMMENTS
Final Graph
Who drew that final graph? Because it completely misrepresents the facts.
It makes it appear as if the OCZ drive is more than twice as fast where as the truth is, in that particular test it's more like 5%
No no no no
TeeCee
I have awarded the 90 percent for the firmware update not for the X25-M i.e. if you have an X25-M I strongly recommend you update it
May this be the first of many
Product and product review aside, top marks to Intel for the firmware design - I'd be happy to install all firmware this way (bootable downloadable .iso). Firmware flashes can be hit and miss, either through finding the right app, finding the right supported OS (linux is quite often overlooked for example) and binary file, or worse still, needing to boot DOS from a floppy.
Firmware updates can be rather nerve-wracking processes - the simplest "plug in, forget" approach works for me!
So.
You've handed that one a 90% rating. The OCZ Vertex comparison unit is either within spit of the performance or honking all over it in most of the benchmarks and all without any tedious poncing around with firmware updates too. A quick not-trying-very-hard search reveals that the 120Gb Vertex comes in at a similar price to that you've got quoted as "from" for the 80Gb Intel.
So, 110% for the Vertex would be fair then? I know where my money would be going.......
