OCZ Vertex 3 240GB SATA 6Gbit/s SSD Review

Since we included a program designed to benchmark SSDs, we will include HD Tune as it benchmarks both hard disks and SSDs. Because the test drive houses the OS itself, HD Tune will not perform any write tests; we will have to be content with both the Read and Access times. HD Tune 4.6 added a new quick benchmark that we will include for users that wish to make a quick comparison with their own drives.

Average throughput is important, although minimum is perhaps even more so as it will give a worst case scenario. This is partly a holdover from HDDs, because as a mechanical hard drive is filled up the drive head moves towards the center of the platter. So for physics-related reasons, it means a HDD will lose performance as it fills with data as can be seen in the first chart.

It is hard not to notice the Vertex 3’s dominance in the same chart, not even the Vertex 2 is able to come close. The second chart handles random file reads, and again the Vertex 3 takes no prisoners, it’s downright ruthless.

Lastly, access times are also looking good. It is worth noting access times are partly what give SSDs their mojo, as in the computer realm the difference between 14 milliseconds and .14 of one millisecond is literally an eternity!