One of the prerogatives that we as hardware journalists have, is that every now and then we get our hands on some really cool stuff that isn't out yet, engineering class hardware. Typically loaded with bugs and prune to failure, its always cool to sift through the latest and greatest.

OCZ for example submitted today a Vertex 3 PRO SSD, it's a SATA III (also known as SATA 6G and SATA 600) SSD that has been beefed up to shock, awe and conquer. It will pretty much get you that tingly feeling in your tummy once you have it in your hands.

When the device arrived in our test-lab a few days ago we ran a quick first test with ATTO benchmark software, we topped 500 MB/s in both read and writes ... that my friends will get you a severe feeling of l33tness and you'll shout w00t as well ! An SSD that is not in a 'RAID' setup, nope pure unadulterated performance from a single SSD.

Yes over the past year most of you guys on the AMD platform already got the royal SATA 6G treatment as all new 800 series AMD chipsets support that new faster interface. With the release and demise of Sandy Bridge from Intel; as well integrated a SATA 6G controller into their series H67/P67 chipsets, and that last one is darn good --  well at least the 6G connectors :)

With a SATA 6G capable motherboard in my right hand and and a SATA 6G cable in my left hand, there was something missing. Yep - a proper SATA 6G compatible SSD. Without RAID or any tricks the product as tested today makes use of the all new series SandForce 2582 controller, fast performing data channels equals more performance.

Today's product reached read speeds of 550 MB/sec with write speeds of 500 MB/sec. When you think about that performance and place it in relation to real-world performance, now granted that if the source is equally fast, that means you could copy the entire content of a CDROM in just over a second towards the SSD and a DVD in less then 10 seconds.

So without further ado, have a peek at the OCZ Technology SATA III based Vertex 3 PRO. Mind you that today's review is based on a beta / engineering sample product, the final specs might differ a tad. But sheesh, you'll be impressed by it's performance none the less.

Next page please.