Patriot 64GB Torqx SSD Review

Testing:

To test the drives, I started with an image of Windows Vista Ultimate 644bit SP1 with all of the latest updates and patches and the testing software. Each drive was filled with data, then imaged to simulate a used drive. Testing is accomplished by using the TORQX as the main drive containing the OS. This is done so that the testing is not just plugging in a raw drive and showing stellar numbers. That's not real life. You don't purchase a new drive to let it go unused. Write testing was completed before the drive was imaged. As many of you probably already know, solid state drives slow down as the pages in the flash memory are filled and must be rewritten to each time data is stored. This is the basis for loading the drives up first and then loading an image to the drive with Acronis True Image. Comparisons will include both SSDs and standard hard drives.

Testing Setup:

• CPU: Intel Core i7 920
• Motherboard: MSI X58 Eclipse
• Memory: Mushkin HP3 12800 7-7-7-20
• Video Card(s): Nvidia GTX 260-216
• Power Supply: Mushkin 800 watt Modular Power Supply
• Hard Drive: Patriot 64GB TORQX SSD
• Optical Drive: Asus DVD-R
• OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1

Comparison Modules:

• Comparison Module #1: Seagate 1 TB 7200.11 SATA
• Comparison Module #2: Western Digital 74GB Raptor 8MB
• Comparison Module #3: Cavalry Pelican 32GB SSD
• Comparison Module #4: Intel 80GB SSD ES

Benchmarks:

• Drive Tests:

1. HDTune 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.