SSD by stefan @ 2016-07-07
For the Neutron XTi, Corsair has picked up a controller we have seen with other low-cost TLC SSDs manufactured by PHISON, paired it with quite a bit of DDR3 RAM cache (1GB) and has also used Toshiba 15nm MLC NAND Flash in order to obtain sustained performance, no matter the file sizes we are transferring to it.
At first we would like to thank Corsair for offering us the Neutron XTi 480GB SSD for testing and reviewing.
"Founded in 1994, Corsair has grown from pioneering the high-performance DRAM market to one of the world’s leading providers of enthusiast-grade PC components and peripherals. Our groundbreaking technology and innovation can be found in our high-performance memory, ultra-efficient power supplies, PC cases, PC and CPU cooling solutions, and solid-state storage devices. Under the Corsair Gaming brand, launched in 2014, we provide gaming keyboards, mice, headsets and mouse mats to eSports professionals and anybody who is passionate about competitive PC gaming.
Corsair hardware is regularly featured in showcase “dream systems,” and we have earned the adulation and respect of the press, professional gamers and overclockers, high-end system integrators, and PC enthusiasts worldwide by delivering leading-edge technology backed by renowned service and support.
Corsair has developed a global operations infrastructure with extensive marketing and distribution channel relationships, and our products are available through leading distributors and retailers in over sixty countries worldwide."
Exceptional transfer speeds
The SATA 6Gb/s effectively saturates the SATA 6Gbp/s interface, SSD providing a sequential read of up to 560Mb/s, sequential write of up to 540Mb/s, 4KB random reads of up to 100K IOPS and 4K random writes of up to 90K IOPS.
End-to-End Data Path Protection
ETEP protects the entire data path within the SSD controller. From the host to the NAND gate, ensuring data is protected against corruption.
5 year warranty
Peace of mind. A statement of Corsair product quality and reliability.
High Performance Quad-Core SSD Controller
The first solid-state drive on the market to feature a dedicated quad-core processor for top tier performance with low command latency and sustained performance achieved by utilizing unique quad-core controller.
Consistent Performance
Very high sustained transfer rates enabled by expanded cache make it possible to capture and edit professional Full HD and 4K uncompressed video in real-time, as well as play PC games with absolute maximum detail levels.
Low Power Consumption
95% less power consumption than standard HDDs means better energy efficiency for your desktop machine and longer battery life for your laptop. Also includes support for DEVSLP (device sleep).
Package contents
Neutron Series XTi SSD
Compatibility
SATA 3 6Gb/s
Backward compatible with SATA II and SATA I
Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Mac OS X, Linux
2.5" or 3.5" hard drive bay
Technical specifications
Form Factor: 7mm height, 2.5”
Interface Type: SATA 6Gbps (SATA 3)
Max Sequential Read (ATTO): Up to 560MB/s
Max Sequential Write (ATTO): Up to 540MB/s
Max Sequential Read (CDM): Up to 540MB/s
Max Sequential Write (CDM): Up to 525MB/s
Max Random Read QD32 (IOMeter): 100K IOPS
Max Random Write QD32 (IOMeter): 90K IOPS
DEVSLP: 3.0mW
Endurance: 320TBW
Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Operating Humidity: 90% RH (40° C)
Storage Humidity: 93% RH (40° C)
Shock: 500G
Vibration: 20Hz~80Hz/1.52mm, 80Hz~2000Hz/20G
Not long ago we have taken a look at the Silicon Power S55 TLC SSDs (120GB and 240GB versions), which did incorporate two different PHISON controllers from the same series. In this article we will look upon one of the latest products from Corsair which is the Neutron XTi and its 480GB version which also features a PHISON controller at its core. The most important difference is that this SSD is offered with MLC NAND, which offers sustained performance at much higher speeds versus TLC. The product is offered inside a slim cardboard packaging, which has a photo of the SSD on top, along some of the technical specifications listed; here we will also get to see some of its main features like the quad-core PHISON SSD controller for superior sustained performance, support of real-time capture and playback of uncompressed 4K video but also end-to-end data path protection for the most demanding workloads:
On the back side, Corsair gives us a more detailed product description, in multiple languages:
Inside the box, we will get the Neutron XTI SSD inside a transparent plastic mold, but also a Warranty against defects leaflet:
Besides the SSD which is 7mm high, we do also get an adapter for general compatibility:
Corsair Neutron XTi 480GB comes with an all-red metallic chassis, which has a large sticker applied on top:
Another sticker is also present on the back side of the unit, which lets us know of the total storage capacity, but its part and serial numbers:
The gold-plated SATA Data/Power connectors can be also spotted here:
On the sides, Corsair has placed some small warranty stickers:
As we have seen with the previous SSDs we have reviewed, this model too does come with a design which does not employ screws. After dismantling the chassis, we will get to see the PCB of the drive, which does take about 2/3 of the total available space inside:
On the frontal area of the PCB, we will get to see four MLC NAND Flash chips, a central PHISON controller but also a RAM memory buffer:
A closer look at the MLC chips reveals the TP79G5LASA code name, which tells us that we are dealing with Toshiba 15nm MLC BGA Flash packages; this exact type of package can be also found in some Corsair USB 3.0 Flash Drives:
As with the Silicon Power S55 240GB, the Neutron XTi does have at its heart the PHISON PS3110-S10-X controller, which is a quad-core, eight-channel SATA III part:
The buffer RAM is composed from a NANYA 512MB DDR3 1600MHz chip:
On the back side of the PCB we will get to see four more Toshiba MLC NAND chips, along with a secondary NANYA 512MB buffer:
CPU : Intel i5 3570K Retail
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
Motherboard : ASRock Z77 Extreme6
RAM :GeIL PC3-17000 2133MHz 8GB EVO Leggera
Video : Sparkle X560 Calibre
Power Supply : Cooler Master 850W
SSD : OCZ Vector 150
Case: Cooler Master ATCS 840
The drive is shipped unformatted:
Here is the total free space reported by Windows:
With the help of AIDA64, we could extract more information regarding the drive:
Blank SSD
Filled SSD
Blank SSD
Filled SSD
Blank SSD
Filled SSD
Blank SSD
Filled SSD
Blank SSD
Filled SSD
Blank SSD
Filled SSD
For the Neutron XTi, Corsair has picked up a controller we have seen with other low-cost TLC SSDs manufactured by PHISON, paired it with quite a bit of DDR3 RAM cache (1GB) and has also used Toshiba 15nm MLC NAND Flash in order to obtain sustained performance, no matter the file sizes we are transferring to it.
The drive is able to max out the SATA interface when talking about read speeds and thanks to the significant price drops of the MLC Flash we are able to see more and more models with higher capacities accessible to the general public. While the drive comes in a 7mm height format, but for added compatibility with other systems we are also offered a plastic spacer, in the same red color as the drive itself.
Thanks to the sustained write speeds, the manufacturer is also recommending this model for optimal 4K video recording/playback. Speed is not the only factor when editing large video projects, but also capacity: besides the 480GB reviewed model, there is also a smaller 240GB one, but for people which need more space we can choose the 960GB version or the 1920GB variant which has recently been announced.
The Neutron XTi is backed up by the awesome Corsair 5-year warranty.
Regarding the selling price of the reviewed model, we can find it online for about 235 Euros (including VAT).
We would like to thank again to Corsair for making this review possible!