OCZ Vertex 3 120GB SSD Review

Vertex 3 Drives Hit Retailers At Last

Back in February, we had our first look at the OCZ Vertex 3 drive featuring the newest rendition of the SandForce SF-2200 controllers. While only a beta drive, it put up some impressive numbers as well as being one of the few SATA 6Gbps consumer drives released this year. It took some time for OCZ to finally roll the drives out for purchase after some delays but now they are in the hands of both retailers and consumers. Originally we looked at the 240 GB version and this time around OCZ sent us over a 120 GB drive to scrutinize and there’s definitely a difference in performance between the two which we will touch on in the article.

The packaging is composed of gradations of black and gray with some silver thrown in which matches the drive design. The package actually bulges slightly, struggling to contain the drive and the accompanying 2.5″ to 3.5″ adapter plate nestled into a foam cushion packing material.

In addition to the 120 GB and 240 GB capacities, OCZ also offers a 480 GB drive for those with large capacity needs and deep pockets. Prices range from $299 to $509 and $1,799 respectively.

Vertex 3 120GB Features and Specifications

• Available in 120GB, 240GB, 480GB Capacities
• MLC NAND Flash
• Interface: SATA 6Gbps / Backwards Compatible 3Gbps
• Native TRIM support
• Seek Time: .1ms
• Slim 2.5″ Design
• 99.8 x 69.63 x 9.3mm
• Lightweight: 77g
• Operating Temp: 0C ~ 70C
• Ambient Temp: 0C ~ 55C
• Storage Temp: -45C ~ 85C
• Low Power Consumption: 3W Active, 1.65W Idle
• Shock Resistant up to 1500G
• RAID Support
• Included 3.5″ Desktop adapter bracket
• Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP 32-bit/64-bit, Mac OSX
• MTBF: 2 million hours
• 3-Year Warranty
• Part Numbers

• 120GB: VTX3-25SAT3-120G
• 240GB: VTX3-25SAT3-240G
• 480GB: VTX3-25SAT3-480G

120GB Max Performance

• Max Read: up to 550MB/s
• Max Write: up to 500MB/s
• Random Write 4KB (Aligned): 60,000 IOPS

240GB Max Performance

• Max Read: up to 550MB/s
• Max Write: up to 520MB/s
• Random Write 4KB (Aligned): 60,000 IOPS

480GB Max Performance

• Max Read: up to 530MB/s
• Max Write: up to 450MB/s
• Random Write 4KB (Aligned): 40,000 IOPS

In addition to the aforementioned adapter plate, included in the package is an installation guide with warranty information along with a sticker that you can use to antagonize friends who haven’t made the leap to SSDs yet. An item of note is that the size of the physical drive was reported to be causing some issues with laptop installations (Lenovo machines were callled out specifically). A few customers were a little miffed about it but as always, OCZ support has stepped up to help. We are told that they have remedied the size issue with the drives currently shipping and will exchange existing drives for anyone who is experiencing issues with the fit from the early models. Follow up with OCZ directly for assistance.

Time to move inside…