Mixed Workloads
Our mixed workload testing is described in detail here, and our steady state tests are described here.
Mixed workload performance in client workloads has always been an important consideration. But until recently, it was largely ignored since SATA-based drives can only transmit or receive data at one time. PCIe is bi-directional, but the flash controller also needs to take advantage of two-way communication.
Samsung's XP941 delivers around the same mixed workload performance as the best SATA products. When I first tested it, I introduced our mixed workload testing on client SSDs. Since then, Samsung has worked on improving those results. The SM951 is optimized for sending and receiving data simultaneously, outpacing other M.2-based drives. This is an area where we expect the new SM951-NVMe to really stand out once it becomes available.