SSDs serve up data quickly, and prices are low enough that some enthusiasts may want SSDs for data storage. Does the file system you use matter? We compare performance between FAT32, NTFS, and the newer exFAT file systems on two popular SSD architectures.
Intel X25-M G1, 80 GB, Firmware 0701, SATA 3 Gbit/s
Test SSDs
Samsung 830 Series, 256 GB, MCX Controller, SATA 6Gb/sZalman F Series F1, 240 GB, SandForce SF-2281, SATA 6Gb/s
Controller
Intel PCH Z68 SATA 6Gb/s
Power Supply
Seasonic X-760 760 W, SS-760KM Active PFC F3
Benchmarks
Performance Measurements
AS SSD 1.6.4067.34354 CrystalDiskMark 3.0.1 x64 PCMark 7 1.0.4
I/O Performance
IOMeter 2006.07.27 Webserver-Benchmark Database-Benchmark Workstation-Benchmark Streaming Reads Streaming Writes 4K Random Reads 4K Random Writes
System Software & Drivers
Driver
Details
Operating System
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate SP1
Intel Inf
9.2.0.1030
Intel Rapid Storage
10.5.0.1026
To condition the SSDs, we performed a two-hour burn-in, which includes scripted runs of I/O-intensive and streaming-intensive workloads. This way, we make sure that all results reflect real performance instead of returning only peak performance numbers, which are less relevant in everyday life and tend to decline over time.
Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
I remember the crossing from Fat32 to NTFS. It was significant even back then. Ever since I have craved a new file system offering to rekindle a fading memory of youth and joy. *sniff*
Enjoyed the article. Sadly, I am still unable to justify spending nearly a dollar per gigabyte for an SSD when HDDs are less than a dime per gig. Maybe when that price difference is a little bit closer.
billafuEnjoyed the article. Sadly, I am still unable to justify spending nearly a dollar per gigabyte for an SSD when HDDs are less than a dime per gig. Maybe when that price difference is a little bit closer.120gb for a 120$ and HUGE performance increase and you still complain? How about you get a job.