OCZ SSD 64GB ‘Core series’ Solid State Disk

Conclusion
  
In testing the Core Series SSD we had high hopes of it being the fastest drive on test today. I honestly wanted to say it’s time to dump the conventional drive and leap into this new technology as not only are OCZ one of our favoured brands but new technology is always appealing to us at OC3D. However, the simple fact is and as our results show, that as a desktop solution, solid state drives have some way to go before they can replace the current high end hard drives available.
 
That isn’t to say the OCZ Core series SSD isn’t a rapid drive as it plainly is but compared to the high end conventional drives available, it cannot quite compete, especially so with the Western Digital Velociraptor. As a laptop solution I have no doubt the SSD is the way forward due to its weight, power consumption and no doubt speed differential compared to 5400rpm drives often used in the mobile computing environment.
 
During the tests I initially felt that the SSD was faulty, however I now believe it could well be the SSD’s inability to work well with Vista or the drive is having conflicts with the controller. Regardless of our concerns, it is the hardware manufacturers responsibility to ensure the product is good to go with the current software and drivers available.
 
So for the time being it has to be said that the OCZ Core series SSD ultimately fails in its quest to be the top end storage solution. With all new advances in technology their are a few obstacles to leap and with a few more tweaks and a little boost to the writing capabilities of the technology on offer, the SSD could well surpass the current cream of conventional drives but as our review has shown, if you want the ultimate in speed, the WD Velociraptor still reigns supreme.
 
 
The Good
– Phenomenal access and read speeds
– Lightweight
– Portable
– 100% Silent
– Cool
 
The Mediocre
– Poor instructions
– Price though better, is still not good value for money
– Size may still be an issue for some
 
The Bad
– Poor write speeds of small files
– No mounting screws/3.5″-2.5″ converters
 
 
Overclock3D Innovation Award
 
Thanks to OCZ for providing the Core SSD for review. Discuss this review in our forums.