Controller and Memory
Like all but the most expensive server-class drives these days, the Kingston V-Series drive uses multi-level cell (MLC) rather than pricey single-level cell (SLC) NAND Flash memory to store its data. Where MLC-based drives used to offer slow speeds, current-generation controller chips have made it possible to get incredibly strong performance.
Just as the CPU is the computer’s brain, the controller chip does all the thinking in SSDs. The Kingston V-Series uses a Toshiba-branded controller that is based on the infamous JMicron JMF602 controller. Those unfamiliar with SSD controller technology probably haven’t heard of the JMF602, but it has developed a negative reputation among reviewers and enthusiasts because many drives with this controller have a tendency to “stutter”—literally freeze in their tracks—in the middle of writing large files.
For example, the OCZ Core Series, an earlier JMicron-based drive we tested last summer, took nearly 21 minutes to complete our zip test, while 5,400-rpm hard drives took less than half that time. Kingston assured us that they have worked extensively with Toshiba and JMicron over a six-month period to solve the stuttering issues through firmware updates. As you’ll see below, the V-Series is no speed demon when it comes to write speeds, but it does not stutter or freeze.
Testing
The Kingston V-Series was placed into our standard testbed, a Gateway P-7808u FX with a Mobile Quad Core processor, 4GB of RAM, and Vista Home Premium 64-bit. We use this high-performance system with all of our drives so we can see their full potential. The V-Series was put through our standard suite of tests, which include:
Synthetic Benchmarks - Measures read transfer rate and seek time under ideal conditions.
File Transfer Tests - Time to copy files from one folder to another.
Zip/Unzip Tests - Time to create and extract large zip files.
Application Open Tests - Time to launch popular applications, both alone and while multi-tasking.
Boot Time - Time from power on to last tray icon loaded.
.jpg)
