Got an extra $1,299.99 collecting dust on your desktop specifically set aside for storage? Then Other World Computing has exactly what you need: the OWC Mercury Electra MAX 3G 960 GB 2.5-inch SSD (opens in new tab). That's no typo (this time): the company's latest SSD packs nearly 1 TB of storage in a SSD form factor that doesn't require a PCI-Express connection.
"This high-performance 3.0 Gb/s SATA Solid State Drive offers Mac and PC users maximum storage capacity along with the test-proven, award-winning performance of Mercury brand SSDs to meet real-world software applications demands," the company said on Friday.
According to OWC, the drive was designed specifically for mass storage uses such as A/V files, image libraries, and databases. It also features 7-percent over provisioning, Tier 1/Grade A NAND, and a handy three-year warranty. Even more, it utilizes SandForce DuraClass technology, meaning it offers up to 100x in data protection compared to ordinary SSDs and leading enterprise-class hard disk drives.
"By combining the highest level of Error Correction Code (ECC) and SandForce RAISE (Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements) technology, along with 7-percent over provisioning, the Mercury Electra MAX 3G 960 GB SSD provides RAID-like data protection and reliability without loss of transfer speed due to parity," the company said.
The specs state that it features two SandForce 2181 Series controllers, and offers sustained read and write speeds up to 254 MB/s and 250 MB/s respectively. Intelligent Block Management & Wear Leveling automatically distributes data evenly across the entire SSD, and Intelligent Read Disturb Management spreads the active read/write across the flash components, eliminating data corruption caused by constant use.
Compatible with Macs, PCs and external enclosures that utilize 2.5-inch drives, the Mercury Electra MAX 3G 960 GB SSD is available now from Other World Computing as well as through select retailers. Desktop users wanting to use the SSD can choose from one of five adapters OWC offers (opens in new tab) starting at $3 for utilizing 2.5-inch drives in 3.5-inch bays.