Kingston Digital unveils first SandForce-based SSD

Press release

Published June 2nd, 2011 - 08:05 GMT

The Kingston HyperX SSD

Kingston Digital Europe Ltd, an affiliate of Kingston Technology Company Inc., the independent world leader in memory products,today announced it has teamed up with SandForce Inc.,aleader in high-performance SSD (Solid-State Drive) processors, to launch its first SATA 6Gb/s based SSD range targeted at enthusiasts, gamers and performance users. The Kingston HyperX SSD features the latest and most reliable SandForce controller to date and is also available as a bundle with theHyperX Upgrade Kit for easy installation and creation of a HyperX themed PC.

Shippingin 120GB and 240GB capacities, the HyperX SSDsare based on SandForce SF-2281 controllers featuring SATA Rev 3.0(6Gb/s). It allows incredible sequential read/write throughputs of 525/480MB/s, 4KB random read/write, IOPS of 40,000/60,000 (240GB) and SandForceDuraClass Technology to provide best in class endurance.

Enthusiasts have long known the Kingston HyperX brand as the industry leader in cutting edge memory. The new HyperX SSD continues this tradition of innovation and high performance by pairing the latest SandForce controller Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K) to provide the performance and endurance that the most demanding users require.

“This launch is very exciting for us at Kingston. The SandForce controller allows us to deliver the high-end performance that is needed for power-users, gamers, and enthusiasts in the Middle East,” saidAntoineHarb, Business Development Manager – MEA, Kingston.“Integrating a final production quality controller and firmware, and undergoing extensive testing has been an exacting process, but well worth the wait. By pairing SandForce’s latest controller with Intel 25nm compute NAND (P/E 5K), we have built an SSD that meets the requirements set by true enthusiasts.”

Key Features of the Kingston HyperX SSD

Intel 25nm Compute NAND (P/E 5K)

5K compute NAND provides significant endurance increase overstandard 3K cycle NAND.

Advanced Wear-Leveling Technology

Advanced algorithm ensures individual flash memory blocks are consumed at a very balanced rate enabling maximum endurance while maintaining optimal performance.

User Configurable Over Provisioning

The HyperX SSD allows for user configurable over provisioning, which enables the user to tweak the SSD’s performance per their specific performance needs. The user can increase the size of the over provisioned spare area; consequently, reducing the overall capacity of the drive while increasing the speed and performance.

TRIM and S.M.A.R.T Support

With additional support for both TRIM and S.M.A.R.T., the HyperX SSD is equipped with all essential tools enthusiasts, heavy users and gamers need to make the most of their PC’s performance and drive endurance.

DuraClass Technology

DuraClass Technology represents a set of NAND Flash management features that work in tandem to deliver world-class SSD reliability, performance and power efficiency that differentiate SandForce SSD Processors from otherFlash controllers.

Background Information

Kingston Technology

In 1987, Kingston® entered the market with a single product. Founders John Tu and David Sun addressed a severe shortage of surface-mount memory chips with a memory module that would serve to redefine industry standards for years to come

Combining one of the most extensive and stringent testing processes in the memory industry, an exceptional free tech support centre and a consistent roll-out of innovative technologies, Kingston Technology has continually set industry standards of quality and reliability throughout its history.