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8KB Random Read And Write
To read more on our test methodology visit How We Test Enterprise SSDs, which explains how to interpret our charts. The most crucial step to assuring accurate and repeatable tests starts with a solid preconditioning methodology, which is covered on page three. We cover 8KB random performance measurements on page four, explain latency metrics on page seven and explain QoS testing and the QoS domino effect on page nine.
We note an almost identical performance trend with the 8K random write workload; the Intel offerings take a clear lead at 1 and 2 OIO, which is a direct result of Intel's light workload mantra, but the 9100 speeds off when the workload climbs above 4 OIO. The low performance at 1 and 2 OIO with pure random read/write workloads is an apparent trait of the Microsemi controllers; we have also noticed it with the HGST SN150 and XC100.
The latency-over-IOPS chart reveals the incredible scaling once again, and the 9100 offers 150,000 IOPS at 0.05ms. The QoS characteristics remain impressive, and although the 9100 consumes the most power during the measurement window it also provides the most performance, so its IOPS-per-Watt efficiency measurements take the win again.
The Memblaze PBlaze4 has an affinity for 8K random read workloads, and it almost catches the 9100 at 256 OIO and also beats it during lighter loads. The 9100 takes the lead among the single-ASIC crowd under heavy load, but lags the pool considerably during the 1-32 OIO portions of the test. The higher latency measurements under light random read workloads pop up again during the tests, although the incredibly efficient QoS performance outweighs the higher latency to some extent.
The Micron 9100 comes into its own once again during the mixed workload testing and scores yet another convincing win at 32 OIO. Its QoS measurements easily beat the rest of the test field. The beastly MX6300 rallies again during the 256 OIO mixed workloads, but surprisingly its hopes are dashed as we mix in more writes as the test progresses.
The PBlaze4 also exhibits one of its few weaknesses in the 256 OIO QoS measurements, where its controller takes a turn for the worse as the test progresses. This kind of performance outlier is normally remedied with additional firmware tuning.
