Mushkin Callisto 120GB SSD Review

Testing:

To test the Mushkin Callisto SSD, I will put it through our extensive testbed of both synthetic and real-world applications to gauge its overall performance. All testing will be done using a fresh install of Windows 7 Professional. In the comparison charts for the review, the SandForce SF-1200 will be going head to head against the SF-1222 (also a SandForce controller) and the more widely used INDILINX Barefoot controller. For good measure, a standard 7200 RPM HDD from Seagate will also be included in the comparsion.

Testing Setup:

• Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 965
• Motherboard: ASUS M4A89GTD Pro/USB3
• Memory: Mushkin Blackline 2 x 2GB  1600MHz 7-8-7-20
• Video Card : XFX Radeon HD 5870
• Power Supply: Zalman 750 Watt modular power supply
• Hard Drive: Mushkin Callisto 120GB SSD
  
• Optical Drive: Lite-On DVD-RW
• OS: Windows Windows 7 Pro

Comparison Modules:

• Comparison Drive: OCZ Vertex 2
• Comparison Drive: Patriot Torqx 64GB
• Comparison Drive: Corsair Nova 128GB
• Comparison Drive: Seagate 750GB 7200.11 HDD

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. I/O Meter
8. PCMark Vantage
9. Windows Startup / Shutdown