OCZ Vertex 3 SandForce SF-2000 Based SSD Preview

Performance Summary: The OCZ Vertex 3's performance was impressive throughout our testing. With the exception of just a few tests where the more expensive, enterprise-class Vertex 3 Pro pulled ahead, the standard Vertex 3 was the fastest SSD we've tested. Read performance was consistently at the top of the charts and write performance was equally as good.

OCZ plans to initially introduce two solid state drives in the Vertex 3 line, a 120GB version and a 240GB version. The 120GB version is set to arrive with a $249 MSRP and the 240GB with a $499 MSRP. Looking at current pricing for the Vertex 2 (which has fluctuated significantly in recent weeks), it seems the Vertex 3 will carry a roughly 20% to 25% price premium when it arrives in a few weeks. Considering how strong the Vertex 3's performance was throughout testing and that it's likely to get better as OCZ has more time to work with and tweak the firmware on the drive, we can't help but be excited for this product, despite the price premium it will command.

If you've been waiting to make the move to a solid state drive, the arrival of the Vertex 3 (and a handful of other next-gen SATA III drives) is going to shake things up a bit.  Pricing on many of the current generation offerings is sure to fall somewhat, which we're will make the proposition more attractive to many users. And if you've got a system that doesn't have SATA III ports, by all means, consider the upgrade. If you've got a system with native SATA III support though, the Vertex 3 is one heck of a performer and will be worth the additional investment, as the numbers have shown.