Plextor M5 Pro SSD review

Memory (DDR4/DDR5) and Storage (SSD/NVMe) 367 Page 2 of 17 Published by

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Specifications and Features

Specifications and Features

So the sample that has arrived in our secret test facility is the 256GB version of the drive. The M5 Pro series will come with MLC NAND, flash memory from the Toshiba's new 19nm node. The NAND flash used is labeled: TH58TEG7DDJTA20. 

The 19nm Toggle NAND flash memory is tied towards a new Marvell 88SS9187-BLD2 (Monet) controller. This is an 8-channel NAND flash controller and the third revision from Marvell, it comes with a dual-core architecture.

On the next pages we'll be showing you some PCB photo's as well, and what you'll notice is that it carries DDR memory caches as well. Inbetween the different SKUs the 256GB has a 512MB buffer, and some write speed variation with the lower capacity model. 

Over the SATA3 / SATA 6 Gb/s interface you may expect read speeds up to 540 MB/s and writes up to 450 MB/s depending on volume size of the SSD.

IOPS wise the product will be very strong with an advertised 94,000 random read and 86,000 random write (4K aligned).

Performance
Model PX-128M5P PX-256M5P PX-512M5P
Capacity 128GB 256GB 512GB
Buffer
DRAM Cache 256MB DDR3 512MB DDR3 768MB DDR3
Read/Write Speed (Under Windows NTFS)
Sequential Read Speed
(SATA 6Gb/s)
Up to 540 MB/s Up to 540 MB/s Up to 540 MB/s
Sequential Write Speed
(SATA 6Gb/s)
Up to 340 MB/s Up to 450 MB/s Up to 450 MB/s
Random Read Speed 
(IOPS 4KB)
Up to 91,000 Up to 94,000 Up to 94,000
Random Write Speed 
(IOPS 4KB)
Up to 82,000 Up to 86,000 Up to 86,000
Power Consumption
MobileMark 0.25W 0.25W 0.25W
Environment and Reliability
Temperature 0°C ~ 70°C (Operating)
Shock 1500G(Max), At 1 msec half-sine
Vibration 7 ~ 800Hz, 2.17Grms (Operation)
MTBF >2,400,000 hours
Warranty 5 years Plextor's Warranty Service
Compatibility
Operating System Supported Microsoft Windows Family / Linux / Mac OS
Agency Approval UL, CE, BSMI, WHQL, RoHS, FCC, KCC, VCCI
Command Set Support TRIM, S.M.A.R.T., NCQ, ATA/ATAPI-8
DATA Encryption Supported
Firmware Upgrade Supported
Interface SATA 6Gb/s, compatible with SATA 3Gb/s and 1.5Gb/s
Form Factor and Connectors
Form Factor 2.5 inch form factor
Power Connector 15-pin SATA connector for DC 5V input
Data Connector 7-pin SATA connector
Dimension and Weight
Dimension (W/L/H)
69.85mm x 100mm x 7mm
2.75inch x 4.0inch x 0.276inch
Weight
2.47oz / 70g (Max, with case)
Package Contents
Drive
128GB/256GB/512GB SSD
Document
Quick Installation Guide, Users Manual and Warranty Statement
Accessory
3.5” Bracket

Initial tests straight away show us that the product is seriously fast alright, enthusiast class performance, this product stays in vicinity of the latest SandForce, Indilinx and sure, Intel's previous latest and greatest as well.

True-Protect: Double-Data Protection technology

The Plextor M5 Pro introduces True-Protect: a protection system consisting of two layers to protect the integrity of your data. To confirm that each piece of data is correctly stored with 100% accuracy a 128-bit error correction code (ECC) built into the latest Marvell controller is used. This is complemented by a second layer of read protection offered by the Robust Data Hold-out algorithm in Plextor’s exclusive firmware, allowing the drive to achieve total data accuracy even in the long-term. 

“The M5 Pro is able to automatically check and correct the accuracy of data being read from the flash memory in case ECC decoding fails, thanks to the Robust Data Hold-out Algorithm embedded in Plextors self-developed firmware. The combination of this algorithm with powerful 128bits ECC of the latest Marvell controller is unique in the market.” Maarten Souren, Plextor’s European Marketing Manager comments.

AES Data Encryption

For data confidentiality the drive uses hardware in the US Government AES-validated Marvell controller to provide secure 256-bit full-drive encryption. AES is the U.S. government standard encryption technology, it is divided into three levels 128,192, 256 The Plextor M5 Pro uses the highest level of encryption - 256 bits. 

Reliability Through Extensive Testing

With the M5 Pro, Plextor has focused on developing and supplying one of the most stable drives on the market. To ensure stability and reliability for individual drives, all drives undergo rigorous high-temperature burn-in tests and accelerated usage simulation testing. 

In addition, extensive testing took place during the design phase of the M5 Pro. It was only when the design was able to pass strict enterprise-grade Zero Error standard of 400 units surviving 500 hours of the toughest continuous testing that the drive was manufactured. 

“The M5 Pro is the next step in the evolution of the SSD combining high speed, drive reliability, and data-level protection. In recent years Plextor has been able to develop SSDs that deliver high real-world performance and sustained speed over the long-term. Now with the M5 Pro, we aim to use Plextor’s abilities to offer extreme data protection and give users total confidence in every single aspect of their drive,” according to Mr. Maarten Souren.

Each M5 Pro SSD is backed by an industry leading five-year warranty and Plextor’s extensive international support infrastructure. The Plextor M5 Pro will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities 2012.

Recommended end user prices, including VAT, for the M5 Pro are:

  • PX-128M5P, 128 GB, 164.99 EURO
  • PX-256M5P, 256 GB, 294.99 EURO
  • PX-512M5P, 512 GB, 569.99 EURO 

Untitled-1


The new Marvell 88SS9187-BLD2 (Monet) controller

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