Plextor M5M 256GB mSATA SSD review - Specifications and Features

Specifications & Features

So the sample that has arrived in our secret test facility is the 256GB version of the drive. The M5M mSATA series will come with MLC NAND, flash memory from the Toshiba's new 19nm node. The NAND flash used is labeled: TH58TEG900JBA89.The 19nm Toggle N+++AND 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. VERY similar to the M5 Pro SSD.

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 mSATA or a SATA3  interface you may expect read speeds up to 540 MB/s and writes up to 430 MB/s depending on volume size of the SSD. For usage over SATA3 you'll need a converter of course. We'll be using one today, and we'll show it in the photo session.

IOPS wise the product will be very strong with an advertised 79,000 random read and 77,000 random write (4K aligned).

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 M5M uses 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 M5M 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. 

Each M5M 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, the M5M could be found for:

• PX-128M5M, 128 GB, 105 EURO
• PX-256M5M, 256 GB, 190 EURO
• PX-512M5M, 512 GB, TBA 

The new Marvell 88SS9187-BLD2 (Monet) controller