Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 60GB Review

Testing:

To find out how this new revision of the Mushkin Callisto series of solid state drives performs, I will run it through the OverclockersClub benchmark suite, which uses both synthetic benchmarks and a few real world tests to see how this drive stacks up against drives using competing controllers, as well as a pair of traditional mechanical drives that use both the SATA 3GB/s and SATA 6GB/s interface. Each drive tested will be the only drive in the system and will have a fresh install of Windows 7 Professional 64-bit with the latest Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver package and the drive running in AHCI mode set in the BIOS. The only programs installed will be the benchmarks used in this review. This gives a more realistic expectation of performance versus running the drive as a bare slave drive, which would show higher results.

Testing Setup:

• Processor: Intel Core I7 920
• CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-U12P SE 1366
• Motherboard: MSI X58 Eclipse SLI
• Memory: Mushkin Redline Modules 996805 6-8-6-24 1600MHz
• Video Card: XFX HD 5870 1GB
• Power Supply: Mushkin 800 watt Modular power supply
• Hard Drive: 1 x Seagate 1TB SATA
• Optical Drive: NEC DV5700
• OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
• Case: Thermaltake Armor+

Comparison Modules:

• Corsair SSD Force Series 100GB
• Kingston SSD NOW V Series 128GB
• Mushkin Io Series 128GB
• Seagate 1TB 7200.11 SATA
• Seagate 2TB SATA

Benchmarks:

• Drive Tests:

1. HD Tune 3.50 Pro
2. HD Tach
3. SiSoft Sandra 2009
4. Crystal Disk Mark
5. ATTO Disk Benchmark
6. AS SSD
7. PCMark Vantage

The benchmarks will give a broad picture as to how each of the drives performs, so you can make your conclusions based on the performance of each drive. Most benchmarks are not yet optimized for solid state drives, but included in the benchmark suite is a new benchmark designed for testing SSDs, AS SSD.