Introduction, Specifications and Packaging
Silicon Motion SM2246EN at a lower cost, but does it perform?
Introduction:
We first looked at the Silicon Motion 2246EN controller in our Angelbird SSD wrk review. In that review, we noted the highest sequential performance seen in any SATA SSD reviewed to date. Eager to expand our testing to include additional vendors and capacities, our next review touching on this controller is the Corsair Force LX series of SSDs. The Force LX Series is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, and today we will look at the 256GB and 512GB iterations of this line:
Continue reading as we evaluate the Corsair Force LX series:
Specifications:
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SSD Controller: Silicon Motion SM2246EN
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NAND: 128Gbit Micron 20nm ONFI MLC NAND, Synchronous
- Max Sequential Read (ATTO): Up to 560MB/s
- Max Sequential Write (ATTO):
- Up to 150MB/s (128GB)
- Up to 300MB/s (256GB)
- Up to 450MB/s (512GB)
- Max Random Read QD32 (Iometer):
- 68K IOPS (128GB)
- 76K IOPS (256GB)
- Max Random Write QD32 (Iometer):
- 36K IOPS (128GB)
- 70K IOPS (256GB)
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Form Factor: 7mm high 2.5”
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Interface Type: SATA 6.0 Gb/s (SATA 3)
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Operating Temperature: 0⁰C to +70⁰C
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Storage Temperature: -40⁰C to +85⁰C
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Operating Humidity: 90% RH (40° C)
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Storage Humidity: 93% RH (40° C)
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MTBF: 1 million hours
The block diagram shows what appears to be a fairly standard 4-channel configuration, though there are fewer steps in the pipeline as compared to SandForce and other controllers, which should help decrease latency and improve efficiency. There is also no compression engine, which means power consumption should be further reduced.
Packaging:
Sparse packaging for these, which explains the lower cost.
