Final Thoughts
When ADATA first sent me this drive I thought to myself wait a minute it is basically the same drive as the ADATA S511 / S510 right? The only thing that really is different is the type of flash memory that is used and the SP900 has the 0 provision programming (firmware) on it. The flash is not going to make big difference as far as performance goes, so the drives are pretty much the same. The 0 provision is done with firmware, so why is ADATA not just giving current S510 / S511 owners the firmware upgrade? So in this case ADATA is giving you almost the same exact drive, with the upgraded firmware that makes it a little bit faster and gives you the 0 provision. Do you see something wrong with this picture? If I was an S510 / S511 owner I would not be that happy. If ADATA wants to release a new drive the only real difference should not just be the firmware.
Note: After speaking with ADATA they informed me that they will be releasing a firmware update for S510/S511 users around July 20th.
This drive is powered by the SandForce SF-2281 chip so performance is going to be just about the same as all of the other drives SandForce-based drives. Since this drive is 0-provision that means if you do happen to fill it up completely the performance is going to go down greatly. I would rather have the 7% still used for provisioning. I mean there really is not a big difference between 120GB and 128GB. Intel gave users more space by turning RAISE off on their 520 series solid state drives, but still kept the 7% to keep the performance up to par.
I like that the drive came with an adapter. Although many new cases have room for mounting 2.5-inch drives many older cases do not. Also the inclusion of Acronis True Image HD software is a nice addition to the total package.
If this is going to be your first solid state drive purchase you will not be disappointed. I think the whole idea of ADATA coming out with this drive and not currently offering the new firmware for the S510/S511 drives just rubs me the wrong way. Other companies such as OCZ and Kingston are already offering this firmware to users (5.0.1 and 5.0.2 is the new firmware).
Right now the 128GB version of the SP900 is selling for $99 at my favorite online retailer. Overall ThinkComputers gives the ADATA SP900 an 8 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Good performance
– Comes with adapter and software
– 3 year warranty
Cons:
– Performance will go down when the drive is full
