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Kingston puts SSD acceleration within reach of the masses with 40GB SDDNow V Series drive

by Parm Mann on 26 October 2009, 16:47

Tags: Kingston 40GB SSDNow V Series, Kingston

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaumc

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Knowing that Kingston Digital believes solid-state drives (SSDs) are for acceleration, not storage, we're not surprised to find that the company's latest solid-state offering is an entry-level 40GB addition to its SSDNow V Series.

The drive (pictured right), is part of Kingston's "Value" range and its branding might have you thinking it's just a smaller-capacity derivative of the relatively-lacklustre 64GB SSDNow V Series drive that we reviewed back in September.

Fortunately, that's anything but the case, as this latest addition is both faster and cheaper than its predecessor. Whilst the original SSDNow V Series range features a JMicron controller, this new 40GB model is based on Intel's second-generation controller and 34nm NAND Flash technology.

The result is sequential read and write speeds of up to 170MB/s and 40MB/s, respectively. Granted, that still pales in comparison to today's high-end SSDs, but Kingston reckons its "40GB Accelerator Drive" will speed up open and close times of everyday applications "by almost 4 times over existing regular desktops hard-disk drives".

Not a bad little upgrade when you factor in near-silent operation, improved reliability and lower power usage, too. But the real kicker here has to be the price - Kingston will ship the standalone drive on November 9th with an MSRP of £71.27. A desktop bundle - featuring cloning software, 2.5in to 3.5in brackets and SATA data and power cables - will also be available priced at £75.27.

It's plenty sufficient for a system drive (Microsoft recommends 20GB of hard disk space for a 64-bit install of Windows 7), and it's one of the most affordable SSD entry routes we've ever seen. Want our verdict before you buy? Stay tuned as an in-depth HEXUS review is coming soon.

In the mean time, here's Kingston's official specification for the drive:

  • Sequential Speed*: up to 170MB/sec. read, 40MB/sec. write
  • Performance: enhances productivity; makes users more efficient
  • Innovative: 2.5" form factor; uses NAND Flash memory components
  • Silent: runs silent and cool with no moving parts
  • Reliable: less likely to fail than a standard hard drive
  • Shock Resistant: no moving parts; handles rougher conditions than a hard drive
  • Supports S.M.A.R.T.: Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology
  • Guaranteed: three-year Kingston warranty, 24/7 tech support
  • Capacity**: 40GB
  • Storage temperatures: -40° C to 85° C
  • Operating temperatures: 0° C to 70° C
  • Vibration operating: 2.17G (7-800Hz)
  • Vibration non-operating: 20G (20-2000Hz)
  • Power specs: Active: 0.15W (TYP); Sleep: 0.06W     
  • Life expectancy: 1 million hours MTBF

*Based on internal testing. Performance may vary based on system settings.
**Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage.



HEXUS Forums :: 20 Comments

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£70 for 40GB….

Thats £140 for 80GB.

Slightly cheaper then the Intel drive but performing noticably below it…..can't see how this represents value TBH.
The intel 40g drive has similar specs - but will it destroy this one on random read/writes which is the only relevant info for a OS drive?

(and how much will the new intel drive cost in the uk?)
Only seems like it would be worthwhile for those who want to install an OS on the drive, then sit and show it off to people. Having no room to install any useful programs, it will then be shunted off into a cupboard somewhere.

So, much like buying a netbook then.
Ah, reading round - this is an intel drive in disguise ((Intel Gen 2 Controller, 34nm Intel MLC NAND, 32 Cache). Bad news is there is no TRIM support on the drive as of yet (the intel one will have this right away) which is a pain. Random reads/writes are (as always good) and one review posted read speeds of 230mb/sec which is way over spec.

Incidentally, 40gb is plenty for a few systems (i've got two that would fit the bill).
40Gb must be good fro a media center PC that's connected to a network with another PC/NAS on it.