SAN JOSE, CA -February 24, 2011 -OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today unveiled its next generation Vertex 3 SATA III SSD product family, a lineup that caters to both client and enterprise applications. Harnessing the 6Gbps speed of the SATA III interface, the new series delivers double the performance of the previous generation.

The Vertex 3 is the first solution to feature the new SandForce SF-2200 SSD processor, and raises the bar in performance with up to 550MB/s read and 500MB/s write transfer rates and up to 60,000 IOPS (4k random write). This maximized speed significantly improves gaming, multimedia, and the overall computing experience over traditional mechanical hard drives, as well as other competing SSDs.

“The new Vertex 3 solid state drive series builds on the success of our previous two generations of products and delivers exceptional performance by utilizing fast synchronous mode 2Xnm MLC NAND flash technology,” said Ryan Petersen, CEO of OCZ Technology Group. “These storage solutions feature both the highest sequential speeds available with a SATA 6GBps SSD and the highest IOPS of any current 2.5 inch SSD on the market today, allowing us to once again set the benchmark for industry leading SSD performance and reliability.”

Also included in the new series is the enterprise-class Vertex 3 Pro which not only delivers industry-leading performance, but is optimized to provide unparalleled reliability, security, and endurance. Featuring the premium SF-2500 SSD SATA III processor, Vertex 3 Pro SSDs are the ideal solution for clients seeking enterprise-grade MLC (Multi-Level Cell) SSD storage for their server farms and IT infrastructures. Due to its ability to implement MLC, Vertex 3 Pro provides an optimized balance of reliability and component-based cost-savings, resulting in superior TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for enterprise clients.

The new Vertex 3 Series will be showcased at next week’s international CeBIT tradeshow in Hanover, Germany, and will begin shipping following the event through OCZ’s global channel. Vertex 3 SSDs will be available in capacities of 120GB and 240GB, while the Pro edition comes in 100GB, 200GB, and 400GB models. The entire Vertex 3 line features TRIM support to optimize performance over the drive’s lifespan and a 3 year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.

About OCZ Technology Group, Inc.
Founded in 2002, San Jose, CA-based OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (“OCZ”), is a leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of high performance and reliable Solid-State Drives (SSDs) and premium computer components. OCZ has built on its expertise in high-speed memory to become a leader in the SSD market, a technology that competes with traditional rotating magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs are faster, more reliable, generate less heat and use significantly less power than the HDDs used in the majority of computers today. In addition to SSD technology, OCZ also offers high performance components for computing devices and systems, including enterprise-class power management products as well as leading-edge computer gaming solutions. For more information, please visit: www.ocztechnology.com.

View Entire Press Release

Introduction

Solid State Drives, or better known by their moniker ‘SSD’s’ have been around for a two years; with differing models available from a myriad of manufacturers. However what is interesting that we have seen no products from the traditional hard drive companies I.E Western Digital and Seagate. Over the past twenty four months we have had drives from Samsung, Corsair, G-Skill, OCZ and Patriot. So much so that SSD hardware has become viable products in their own right.

In the beginning the aforementioned drives had the onboard J-Micron controller, which brought its own set of problems such as drive stuttering and one had to offset the drive partition by 64 bytes in order to compensate for this. Later the more efficient Samsung controller card was used on the Corsair P64 model with critical acclaim; this promised much faster read/write speeds. However Solid State Drives still remained in the province of the enthusiast. Manufacturers decided to try and bring prices down to appeal to laptop owners with lower priced ‘budget’ drives with the Patriot PS100 but with very mixed results.

Last years champion of the SSD drives were any manufacturer that used the Indlinix ‘Barefoot’ controller card; such as the OCZ Solid Two drive, which managed to achieve the coveted ‘Overclockers Tech Gold award!  However there is a ‘new kid on the block’ sporting the much hyped Sandforce based hardware. One such manufacturer that has taken advantage of this new technology is OCZ with their new product the ‘Agility Two’ drive.

Company back ground

Founded in 2002, San Jose, California-based OCZ Technology Group, Inc. has built on its expertise in high-speed memory to become a dominant player in the manufacturing and distribution of solid state drives (SSD’s), a disruptive, game-changing technology that is replacing traditional rotating magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs are faster, more reliable, run cooler, and use significantly less power than the HDD’s’ used in the majority of computers today. In addition to SSD technology, OCZ also offers high performance components for computing devices and systems, including enterprise class power management products as well leading edge computer gaming solutions.

]]> http://www.overclockerstech.com/ocz-agility-2-ssd-review/feed/ 0 http://www.overclockerstech.com/ocz-solid-2-solid-state-drive-review/ http://www.overclockerstech.com/ocz-solid-2-solid-state-drive-review/#comments Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:31:37 +0000 Gilgamesh http://www.overclockerstech.com/?p=2469

Introduction

One lives in interesting times: An old Chinese proverb that this reviewer uses on occasion. Indeed, as far as Solid state drives are concerned we are heading for those aforementioned times. Memory manufacturers are clambering all over each other in their eagerness to gain our attention and our hard-earned cash. However, this is for our benefit as competition is good for all of us! This forces manufacturers to innovate and reduce prices, which of course is for the consumers benefit. Of course since many SSD manufacturers already produce memory, it is only a ‘short hop’ into producing Solid state Drives. However, what is concerning is that we have yet to see any products from the usual hard drive companies (apart from that of Western Digital) such as Seagate and others. Until this happens the market is wide open for the memory producers!

One such manufacturer is OCZ which was founded in 2002, in San Jose California. The company has, from its inception, been one of the world leaders in memory and power supplies. This last year they have branched out into producing solid state drives, with the  30GB  Vertex drive winning many awards.

However today we shall look at a new drive from OCZ namely theSolid 2 model. Before we go further into the review, we would just like to thank our sponsor AriaPC Technology for sending us this review sample.

]]> http://www.overclockerstech.com/ocz-solid-2-solid-state-drive-review/feed/ 0 http://www.overclockerstech.com/patriot-ps100-solid-state-drive-review/ http://www.overclockerstech.com/patriot-ps100-solid-state-drive-review/#comments Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:59:15 +0000 Gilgamesh http://www.overclockerstech.com/?p=1192

Introduction

The Hard disk drive is dead; long live the Solid State Drive! These are the words that many are wishing to hear these days. With the reliability of these devices, combined with a consistent read speed, lower profile, less heat, noise and the fact that they are much more efficient in terms of power usage, then the age of the SSD has indeed begun! Memory manufacturers have already jumped on the bandwagon and have invested a great deal of resources into manufacturing the next revolution in storage technology.  Coming in many flavours such as the 32, 64, 128, 256 gigabytes and above,  one can see that the potential benefits of these drives.

Patriot Memory was established in 1985 in Fremont, California (with a name such as Patriot, this would indeed make sense) and has long since established themselves in their native USA as a force to be reckoned with. However, in the United Kingdom and perhaps the rest of Europe, they have not made quite as big of a splash as was made in the USA. This could be due to that fact of the very name of the company, or with the cynics in the United Kingdom, thinking that this is a company built from American propaganda rather from that of solid products.  However having seen some of their memory in action, nothing could be further from the truth. Patriot has ever so slowly built a fierce reputation in this country and they are slowly growing further.

Today we take a look at Patriot’s latest offering the PS-100 Solid State Drive.  Coming in at the smaller capacity of just thirty two gigabytes and only costing roughly seventy pounds which is inclusive of VAT; from www.aria.co.uk then it could be termed as a bargain. The PS-100′s nearest rival in terms of price would be the INTEL value, and the OCZ Solid-2 drives.  However the price on this drive varies greatly and has been sold for as little as a fifty eight pounds from the aforementioned site!  The question is – what exactly would the consumer get for their hard-earned money? Let us read on and find out.

Specifications

The specifications of the drive are modest in comparison to the more costly of SSD’s; however at this price-point it is still the cheapest one around, and for the money the drive offers some decent specifications.

“The Patriot PS-100 SSD is a great way to upgrade an existing desktop or notebook computer. The PS-100 drive brings faster boot and application load times, reduced power consumption and improved durability. Looking to extend the length of your notebook’s battery? The PS-100 significantly reduces power draw extending battery life and reducing heat. PS-100 drives are more durable than traditional hard drives and are ready for the rough and tumble world of every day computing. What’s more, they are silent. The Patriot PS-100 SSDs use the standard SATA interface and are available in 2.5″ form factor up to 256GB.”

(http://www.patriotmem.com/products/detailp.jsp?prodline=8&catid=21&prodgroupid=166&id=913&type=17 last accessed 29/1/2010)

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