Mushkin Packs Four SandForce Controllers into a PCIe SSD

By published

Mushkin is introducing a new lineup of PCIe based SSDs, some which feature some absurd (read: mind-bogglingly high) speeds.

Mushkin has just announced the new Scorpion Deluxe SSDs. Theses SSDs are PCIe-based SSDs and feature a grand total of four SF-2281 controllers. The coalition between these four controllers and the PCIe x8 interface allows the unit to pump out up to 2150 MB/s read, and write at speeds up to 2000 MB/s, depending on the version. The four SandForce SF-2281 controllers work together to emulate a single, large drive.

The drives will also be able to plow through up to 87,000 random read IOPS for the biggest version of the SSDs, and 50,000 random read IOPS for the smallest version. Random writes sit between 105,000 and 107,000 IOPS.

The SSDs will measure 167.5 by 111.5 by 14.2 mm, and thus won't fit in low-profile machines.

If all this wasn't enough, here's the best part: The flagship model has a capacity of 1920 GB. One down from there comes a 960 GB version, after which there's 480 GB and 240 GB version. According to Mushkin, these SSDs are ultimately perfect for content creation.

The units should hit retail around mid-June, with no official word on pricing yet.

Niels Broekhuijsen
Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.
10 Comments Comment from the forums
  • danwat1234
    Well, the MSI GT60-2od and MSI GT70-2od laptops can have 3 mSATA SSDs in RAID 0 for over 1200MB/s read and write speeds.

    So in other words I'd like to see a manufacture pack 2+ controllers in RAID into a 2.5" SATA 3 drive for really good 4K speeds to finally maximize the SATA 3 interface in all scenarios except 4K @ queue depth of 1-2.

    But maybe due to costs we and lack of enthusiasm, we won't see this until SATA 4?
    Reply
  • JOSHSKORN
    Good thing I bought a hacksaw. I'm willing to sell an arm, leg and kidney for one of these. :D
    Reply
  • halcyon
    It would begin something like this, "I. See. See honey. See honey, I need this...in well.... In the largest capacity. It's an investment. I'll be so much more productive that it'll pay for itself. ...and...."
    Reply
  • the great randini
    lol you guys crack me up with the comments, it sure makes me feel better about the two down servers I came into this morning.
    Reply
  • drwho1
    expect the price to be: some absurd (read: mind-bogglingly high)
    Reply
  • codo
    I still would like to know what the 480gb would cost. But then again I'm cringing enough at the thought of spending ~$400 for a regular SSD one that size now
    Reply
  • WithoutWeakness
    Looking at the bottom of the card, it looks like there are just 4 slots for mSATA SSD's. My guess is Mushkin uses a PCIe 4x to 4x SATA controller and then just attaches 4 of their Atlas mSATA SSD's (which run on the SandForce controller mentioned). They would then just run all 4 drives in a RAID-0 using the PCIe to SATA controller. If this is true, I wonder if it's possible to buy this card without the mSATA drives and just attach whichever drives you want.
    Reply
  • zyky
    But does it support TRIM?
    Reply
  • memadmax
    But can it play Crysis?
    Reply
  • Soda-88
    And then you put one of these in your PC and become incredibly annoyed once you realise it takes 30 extra seconds to boot. :)
    Reply