Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Conclusion
Over the last year, we've tested a number of low-cost, entry-level SSDs. A few premium SSDs were also released during that time, most of them NVMe-based. A majority of today's launches target value hunters looking for low-cost solid-state storage, though.
To drive prices down, Micron, SK hynix and Toshiba invested in triple-level cell flash before a vertical NAND base was available. And that's why Samsung has the colossal advantage it's been swinging around. Everyone else is still playing catch-up. This includes OCZ, which must play the cards it was dealt now that it's a Toshiba brand.
To be fair, that fact alone doesn't really matter. None of the flash from Micron or SK hynix could help put Toshiba's controller on the same level as Samsung's 850 EVO. All of those companies must step up with a 3D rival for V-NAND.
Selling the 480GB Trion 150 at its current price is going to be difficult, especially since there are still drives out there with MLC flash. OCZ's own ARC 100 with MLC is available on Newegg for the same price as the Trion 150. That's a much better option. But the more compelling competition isn't even in OCZ's portfolio. Aggressive pricing from smaller manufacturers like Zotac is keeping MLC alive at affordable price points.
The Trion 150, along with OCZ's other SSDs, has some nice features that provide extra value. Its SSD Guru software is one of the nicest utilities out there. The ShieldPlus warranty is also a great value-add should you need to return your drive for service. Otherwise, the Trion 150 doesn't include the generous accessory package that helped make OCZ a big player in the SSD game. Those missing extras and uninspiring pricing turned the company into just another name in the SSD business.
MORE: Best SSDs For The Money
MORE: Latest Storage News
MORE: Storage in the Forums
Chris Ramseyer is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware, covering Storage. Follow him on Twitter and on Facebook.
