PNY XLR8 120GB SSD low cost low performance: Review & Specs

With maximum speeds of 205 MB / s read and 150MB / s write in real conditions of use, PNY XLR8 120GB SSD is not sparking. But it costs less than 100 euros which may impress anyone.

PNY XLR8 120GB SSD

The promise

PNY launches SSD Sata III 120GB for less than 100 euros. XLR8 model features a SandForce controller and MLC flash memory. PNY also offers 240 GB models (179 euros) and 480 GB (389 euros). What about performance? Our answers, testing support.

Reality

PNY XLR8 SSD comes with a Sata III cable, convenient to connect a desktop PC. However PNY does not deliver the box adapter to attach 2.5-inch & 3.5-inch housing. No cloning software either, forcing to buy one or reinstall Windows. After formatting to NTFS, the XLR8 has a capacity of 111 GB under Windows.

Actual speeds limited

Not surprisingly, the performance of the PNY XLR8 120GB SSD is consistent with those of the entry-level models with SandForce controller. The speeds are excellent – 551 MB / s read and 523 MB / s write with ATTO test – but correspond to ideal conditions rarely encountered (with very highly compressible files). In real conditions, the PNY XLR8 120GB SSD offers speeds up to 205 MB / s read and 150MB / s write. In comparison, the SanDisk Extreme sold at the same price reaches 437 MB / s read and 156 MB / s write. Finally, the scores are poor for small files transfers with a maximum of 95 MB / s read and 147 MB / s write. In the end, XLR8 has the same average performance as the Kingston SSDNow V 200.

The verdict

PNY XLR8 120GB SSD impress by its low price but offers no surprise in performance of entry-level model. If you add twenty euros you can have a much swifter model, for example the excellent OCZ Technology Vertex 4. This was all about one of the PNY XLR8 120GB SSD model which is not as it is promising.

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