ASUS launches ROG RAIDR Express PCI Express-based SSD

ASUS today finally launches their RaidR PCI Express-based SSD. The card has a DuoMode feature that allows it to work with either legacy (traditional) or modern UEFI BIOS.  With 240 GB capacity, sequential 830 MB/s read and 810 MB/s write speeds, and bundled with tons of features that maintain the high-speed performance and extend the lifespan.

Boasting the gorgeous ROG red and black design with double-sided metal shielding and an incredible 620,000 hours mean time between failure (MTBF) to ensure quality, RAIDR Express is built to last.

Exclusive design, exclusive flexibility
RAIDR Express isn't like other SSDs. It's the world's first and only PCIe-based SSD with DuoMode BIOS support. With two BIOS chips onboard, RAIDR Express includes a hardware switch that lets users easily alternate between legacy and UEFI modes, ensuring the best compatibility with PCs old and new.

In legacy mode, the RAIDR Express can be used on older motherboards - those with a traditional (non-UEFI) BIOS. By switching to UEFI mode, users can significantly boost PC startup times. With the flexibility of choosing which mode is best, users can enjoy the benefits of both.

Made for real speed demons
With the latest generation dual LSI SandForce controller, Toshiba-made 19 nm 16K-page size multi-level cell (MLC) sync-NAND flash, 100,000 4K read/write input/output operations per second (IOPS) and 830/ 810 MB/s sequential read/write speeds, RAIDR Express doesn't keep users waiting.

As well, RAIDR Express has several other speed-boosting tricks up its sleeve. The bundled RAMDisk utility that allows users to dedicate up to 80% of a computer's available RAM for use as a high-speed virtual drive that accelerates the loading of favorite applications and games. In ASUS tests, read speeds of over 12,000 MB/s were reached.

Better still, RAMDisk extends the life of RAIDR Express by reducing unnecessary write operations. RAMDisk even backs itself up to the main system drive when the PC is shut down and restores itself automatically at power-up, for maximum speed and minimum hassle. The ROG SSD TweakIt tool ups the speed stakes still further by relocating repetitive write activities to the RAMDisk for even faster operation, while keeping RAIDR Express at peak performance for much longer. SSD TweakIt can also be used to apply a preset profile that refines processor settings automatically to achieve additional speed boosts of up to 5%.

RAIDR Express also includes ROG HybriDisk technology super-charges hard disk drive storage. HybriDisk allows RAIDR Express to act as a solid-state cache for high-capacity hard drives up to 4 TB, but its PCIe architecture means data transfers smash the 600 MB/s SATA limit for traditional PC storage. The included ROG CrystalDiskMark benchmark tool allows users to see for themselves just how fast RAIDR Express can go - and keep on going.

Fast, compatible and built to last
RAIDR Express is fast and offers the widest system compatibility, but it's also built to last. RAIDR Express is rated at an amazing 620,000 hours' mean time between failure (MTBF), so users are assured year after year of trouble-free use and strict testing ensures wide system compatibility.

RAIDR Express also has a highly durable design packed with unique ROG innovations designed to extend its lifespan. Tough, double-sided metal shielding provides great heat dissipation and reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI), improving cooling and overall stability.

Specification

• PCI Express 2.0 x2
• 240 GB capacity
• Dual LSI SandForce SF-2281 controllers
• Toshiba 19 nm 16K page size MLC Sync-NAND Flash
• Sequential read/write speed: 830/810 MB/s
• Up to 100,000 4K read/write IOPS (Input/Output operations Per Second)
• Legacy and UEFI BIOS support
• Driver-free with TRIM support
• Windows 7 / Windows 8 compatible
• Windows 8 Secure Boot compatible
• 157 x 120 x 20 mm