MyDigitalSSD Bullet Proof 128GB mSATA Review

MyDigitalSSD “Bullet Proof” 128GB mSATA SSD – A Basic Review

In response to a short FAQ I wrote about mSATA Solid State Disks, Matt, a representative of MyDigitalDiscount, asked me if I would be interested in reviewing their MyDigitalSSD 128GB mSATA SSD. He offered to send me one; the only thing asked of me was that I mention I was using the drive in my forum signature, something I agreed to. The remaining information is based on my questions to him, his answers, and the basic testing I conducted.

This SSD, like Intel’s 310 “Soda Creek” and Renice’s K3vlar drives, is meant to fit in the mSATA slot in compatible notebooks, primarily found in systems based on Intel’s Huron River platform for the second generation Core i-Series (Sandy Bridge) processors. The great advantage of mSATA on a notebook platform is getting the best of both worlds; that is, having a fast SSD as your operating system drive for quick booting and application load times, while still having a larger, less expensive mechanical drive for storage, all without greatly increasing the size or weight of a notebook. A number of Lenovo’s newest ThinkPads and Dell’s Latitude E-Series laptops support this new technology, and it is likely to experience additional growth in the near future, as ultralight platforms have become increasingly popular.

mSATA SSD installed in a Lenovo ThinkPad W520

MyDigitalSSD is a relative newcomer to this market. Their “Bullet Proof” line of drives currently offers the largest mSATA SSD capacity for purchase at 128GB (Renice’s largest being 120GB, and Intel’s at 80GB). With high demand for the Intel 310 constraining supplies, they have an opportunity to compete with only two other vendors in what can only be a growing niche.

The 128GB model of the MyDigitalSSD drive uses four Toshiba 32nm 32GB MLC NAND flash chips, and a Phison PS3105-S5 controller, lesser known but also found in Patriot's Torqx 2 line of 2.5" SSDs. A Zentel 64MB DDR chip is used for onboard cache. I am told by MyDigitalSSD that the drive has eight channels between the controller and its memory, which would equate to two channels per module. The drive carries a standard two-year warranty through their reseller, MyDigitalDiscount.

Test configuration system:

Lenovo ThinkPad T420, Core i5-2520m processor, 8GB RAM, Windows 7 SP1 x64 Enterprise

MyDigitalSSD 128GB BulletProof mSATA SSD, Intel 310 “Soda Creek” 80GB mSATA SSD

Both drives were run as the boot drive, with a Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB drive as a D: drive.
All benchmark applications were run directly from the C: drive itself. Intel’s latest Rapid Storage Technology (RST) AHCI driver, version 10.1.0.1008 was used.

First, I used HDTune Pro 4.61 to test read speeds of both drives.

HDTune Pro 4.61 Read

Intel 310

MyDigitalSSD

As you can see, the MyDigitalSSD drive has higher minimum read speed, but falls behind the Intel 310 drive slightly in maximum and average read rates. Burst transfer is the one other significant difference, where the Intel drive has a significant advantage over the MyDigitalSSD drive.

As the write test of HDTune Pro requires a formatted drive, I ran the "Extra Tests" instead.

HDTune Pro 4.61 Extra Tests

Intel 310

MyDigitalSSD

In sequential seeks, the MyDigitalSSD drive is only slightly behind the Intel 310. The Soda Creek drive has the upper hand on random seeks.

Next, I ran the AS SSD Benchmark, designed specifically for SSD testing.[p]

[B]AS SSD Benchmark[/B][p]
[B]Intel 310[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=03as-ssd_intel.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/03as-ssd_intel.jpg[/img][/URL][p][br][/br]
[B]MyDigitalSSD[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=03as-ssd_mdssd.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/03as-ssd_mdssd.jpg[/img][/URL][p]
The MyDigitalSSD drive has a significant advantage in sequential writes. That said, the Intel 310 doubles the performance of the MyDigitalSSD drive in 4k and random 4k asynchronous/64-Thread reads. These two numbers are what gives the Intel its winning score in this benchmark; the other results go to the Intel, but by a lesser margin.[p]
[B]Crystal DiskMark 3.01 x64[/B][p]
Many consider Crystal DiskMark to be a gold standard in testing. It also has the advantage of making multiple test runs to form its result. I used the default setting of five runs per disk.[p]
[B]Intel 310[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=04cdm_intel.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/04cdm_intel.jpg[/img][/URL][p]
[B]MyDigitalSSD[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=04cdm_mdssd.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/04cdm_mdssd.jpg[/img][/URL][p]

Once again, Intel continues its trend as the leader in random 4k reads and writes. The MyDigitalSSD drive shows its prowess in sequential writes and the larger 512k random writes. The remaining results are relatively close.[p]
Just for a reference, I also ran Crystal Diskmark on a fully defragmented Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB drive, regarded as one of the faster notebook drives available:[p]
[B]Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=04cdm_scorpio.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/04cdm_scorpio.jpg[/img][/URL][p]
As you can see, both SSDs soundly trounce the Western Digital drive.[p]
As a final test, I ran the aging, but still useful HDTach benchmark. While I had to run it in compatibility mode for Windows XP, once set, it ran without obstacles. In this benchmark, I also added the Scorpio Black as a reference comparison. Unlike SSDs, which should not be defragmented, the Western Digital drive was defragmented prior to any testing to ensure best performance.[p]
[B]Intel 310[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=05hdtach_intel.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/05hdtach_intel.jpg[/img][/URL][p][br][/br]
[B]MyDigitalSSD[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=05hdtach_mdssd.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/05hdtach_mdssd.jpg[/img][/URL][p][br][/br]
[B]Western Digital Scorpio Black 500GB[/B][br][/br]
[URL='http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/?action=view&current=05hdtach_scorpio.jpg'][img]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc514/lone-wolf15/05hdtach_scorpio.jpg[/img][/URL][p]
It’s really no surprise that the MyDigitalSSD drive wins over the Intel here, as the drive has consistently tested faster for sequential reads, and also leads the field in burst transfer rates. The Scorpio Black is far behind in sequential reads; oddly enough, it beats the Intel in burst speed. This may be an anomaly in an aging benchmark.[p]
[B]Additional observations:[/B][p]
Since less people have had experience with the MyDigitalSSD drive, I wanted to get a good feel for everyday use. To that effect, I have used the drive in my primary laptop for a month to compare to the Intel, which I had in my system for several months. Installation did not vary between the two drives, and there were no errors or compatibility issues with hardware or software. I would measure the MyDigitalSSD drive as about 2-3 seconds slower from power-on to boot for those of you obsessed with startup times, but I never found it an issue; once again, both drives offer significantly faster startup times than a mechanical hard drive. I have had no issue during regular use, which usually runs from 2-5 hours a day, seven days a week, with periods of sleep mode or hibernation in between, with apps varying from Office 2010, to Adobe Photoshop, to VMWare Workstation, as wel as Mozilla Firefox 5, usually with 10-20 tabs open. I have also tested with streaming video and HD playback and found no performance issues. With all of this in mind, I think that those concerned about reliability have nothing to worry about by using this drive, especially considering that the flash memory has been manufactured by Toshiba, who has a proven track record.[p]
[B]Conclusion[/B][p]
So what does this all mean?[br][/br][p]
In my opinion, your choice comes down to your patterns of usage, and how much space you need. The Intel 310 “Soda Creek” drive does provide a faster performance in random reads/writes, and if random performance is your goal, then that is your choice (note: the 40GB model is slower than the 80GB model reviewed here, which should be taken into account at purchase time).[p]
However, the MyDigitalSSD drive offers a capacity that is currently the highest in the market, at a price that is roughly $60 less than the second-largest drive by Renice, and only $40 more than the Intel drive for over 40 gigabytes of additional storage. If you’re the type that considers Adobe Creative Suite or some other large program bundles to be your daily-use apps, or someone who hopes to save weight by using just an mSATA SSD, this drive will be your go-to choice to ensure you have space to do what you need. Since mSATA drives are often used as a boot/apps drive (with read-speed being the primary factor), write speeds may not be significant in your choice of drives, and the MyDigitalSSD drive does have the upper hand in sequential reads.[p]
In the end, both drives are significantly faster than any mechanical hard drive on the market, and make a good choice for a boot-drive replacement. Where you go from there is up to you.[/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p][/p]

 

Great review! Easy enough to understand, but with enough information for the technical minded.

When my T420s arrives, I will seriously consider getting one.

Do you mind comparing the two hard drives with the Renice X3?

 

I do not have a Renice drive at this time.

I will say that the Renice drive may well be the fastest mSATA SSD on the market. However, some Sandforce-controller drives have had stuttering during video playback, possibly due to the compression algorithm the controller chip uses, which is unique to Sandforce controllers. I cannot say whether this is true or not of the Renice drive, as I have not used it.

 

Just wondering, what kind of performance should one expect from the 16gb/32gb models?

Also, which benchmark impacts boot time the most?

 

cool. have been waiting for some review of this thing.

 

Thanks seem to me Intel still better suit for OS drive. Random 4K is twice as fast!

I think this make MDSS price a little high, maybe 199 would get it moving for an unknown brand.

 

Here you are teslakoil

32GB Bench Marks



16GB Bench Marks



Some may say the 16GB and 32GB are a little slow, but when compared to a HDD they are nearly 15 times faster for running your OS and apps.

If you could notice the difference then yes I agree with you but I cannot tell the difference at all while using it vs. the Intel in our Lenovo. But nearly anyone could tell the diff just by clicking on the 1st icon they see when their computer boots vs. an HDD.

I think we need a blind taste test Coke vs. RC hehe.

Let the debate rage.

FYI, it may be an unknown brand but I can tell you this SSD is made at the same fab all the big dogs SSD's are made and we have not had a single complaint from anyone other than it should include screws and those are on the way. We have shipped 900-1000pcs as of now. I have been dealing with SSD since 2007 and have never seen anything (for lack of better words) as Bullet Proof.

 

Interesting results but how is the reliability of the drive? Some people buy Intel for the name/support, and will pay up more money for a slower/more expensive SSD to get reliability.

 

Hi Tsunade_Him, we have not had a single defect or complaint about the drive itself since they started shipping in May. As we have seen in the past most SSD's that brick brick within a few minutes or hours after being installed. That is a good indicator that these drives are reliable

 

Hello there!

I was wondering how the performance of the half-slim version of this drive that you are selling here:
MyDigitalSSD 128GB Bullet Proof Half Slim SATA II SSD | My Digital Discount

Compares? could you run a Crystal Mark or Atto mark on that so I can get a look at the 4K random reads and writes? I've been having a hell of a time finding a half-slim SSD that will actually run an OS without stuttering (the transcend 64GB half-slim is a terrible, terrible, just awful waste of money).

Let me know! I would buy your half-slim immediately if there was no stuttering when used as an OS drive.

 

I do not see why there would be any performance differences between the two.

What computer will you be using it with? Always looking for more ways to promote the full product line and would be grateful if you did a review for others with your device.

MyDigitalSSD

 

Okay,

I'd be happy to. I'm using it in the Acer 3810T, which has an extra internal half-slim mSATA slot available (see my escapades w/ photos here: How to add Bluetooth to your Timeline 3810T and other interesting tidbits).
I find there is a lack of half-slim options on the market, and if this SSD doesn't ruin my computing experience, like that transcend 64GB half-slim which was terrible, then I'll be happy to review it here.

 

I had bad experience with mydigitaldiscount. I purched a mSATA SSD and paid for UPS ground. But, they shipped with USPS first class. I chose UPS because I'll be out of town next week. I want to receive the SSD by the end of this week which UPS can guaranty. The mydigitaldiscount's CS refund me $2 shipping different, and told me that USPS's Expected Delivery Date is today. But I didn't receive it today.

 

As what I worried, USPS changed Expected Delivery Date to: September 6, 2011. I'll not receive it in time and use it during the vacation.

 

Fortunately, USPS delivered mydigitialssd msata 64gb this afternoon. Bad customer service but good price for this ssd.

 

USPS 1st class is always faster than ground. Not sure why they would have shipped it differently than what you asked for I will ask the shipping department.

FYI, those are by far the fastest bench marks for a 64GB MyDigitalSSD mSATA anyone on this board or anywhere has seen to date.

I am going to ask Phison if there is a new FW on the controller and report back.

What computer are you using it with?

MyDigitalSSD

I talked with Doug in the shipping department he sent it USPS on purpose because he said he got a shipping estimate from UPS and they said it would not have arrived to you until the 6th.

Seems he did you a very nice favor without having to charge you more for upgraded UPS shipping.

Still no answer from Phison on a FW upgrade or as to why your 64GB is so much faster than past 64GB mSATA we have shipped.

More 128GB mSATA are due to land tomorrow. Whom ever gets theirs 1st please post some bench marks as I would like to see if those are also now faster than before.

MyDigitalSSD

 

The MyDigitalSSD 128GB mSATA does not look bad for the price but it's tad bit expensive when shipping to Canada. The shipping charge ruins it and pretty much comes up to a Renice X3 120GB or RunCore Pro V 120GB at Asia online retailers with free shipping.

 

I used Thinkpad T420s to do the test. Clean, aligned partition, no data on the ssd at all. The test was the first read and write.
The 4k is not as good.

The usps first class is downgrade from ups ground. Since you shipped out the same day which was 30th, UPS would have delivered on 1st. The usps first delivered on 3rd. UPS ground is also much more expensive than usps first class. I believe that was the only reason.

 

leshan, they are better than anyone else has gotten with that drive by a mile also 10-40 times faster than an HDD in 4K R/W. If it is not to much trouble do another test in a few weeks to see if there is much of a difference.

MyDigitalSSD

 

Yes, This is a great mSATA for this price, great value, very fast. Perfect for my T420s as a OS and APPs drive.

 

MyDigitalSSD...

Quick question for you. I bought a MyDigitalSSD bulletproof 64GB mSATA 50mm for my new lenovo t420. I clean installed win7 (legacy, not uefi; ahci; trim enabled...) and then some software. I've got about 50% of my sdd free, but my benchmarks seem a bit lower than I'd expect.

CyrstalDiskMark - Random Data
Sequential Read : 137.9 MB/s
Sequential Write : 73.82 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 107.7 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 50.79 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 10.06 MB/s
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 11.05 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 47.14 MB/s
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 11.21 MB/s
Test : 1000 MB [C: 47% (28/60 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2011/09/17 12:27:04
OS : Windows 7 [SP1 - Build 7601] (x64)

Is this slower than I should be seeing with the advertised 270MB/s read & 200MB/s write? I also noticed I have firmware S5FAM007 while some others had S5FAM009. Could this be a problem?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

MyDigitalSSD Folks and others,

I'm new to the use of SSDs in laptops and have just starting reading all the material I can find on them. I have a new Thinkpad W520 on the way and am interested in the largest msata SSD drives available. My machine will be used for professional video editing and transcoding. Based on all I'm reading, msata SSDs will provide an improvement in my area of work. When will you have more of your largest msata SSDs and will they ship with the right screws for fitting into Thinkpad W520s?

Do these msata SSDs require any special settings in Windows 7 Pro to gain maximum performance once the OS and main apps are tranferred to the msata SSD drive?

Thanks for all the great information in this thread.

 

Yes there is a new FW please see my sig for a link to the FW.

As a precaution I urge you to back your data up before doing the update.

You should get much better speeds out of the drive once updated.

Make sure to post the new bench marks.

MyDigitalSSD

Here are the specs of the screws that ship with the package.

M2 x 3mm Stainless Phillips

Those should fit your application no problem as this size is pretty much universal.

Yes this SSD would help speed your work up and more 128GB mSATA Drives are being produced in TW at this time. Baring any set backs they should be shipping out of TW by the end of this week.

There are no special setting that you absolutely must change to do the upgrade except you have to change your boot order in your BIOS so it boots from the SSD. Once you do that install all of your applications and programs. I suggest you keep data on your HDD and save the rest of the SSD for in progress work materials.

There are plenty of SSD tweaks out there. Search this forum and you will find many.

MyDigitalSSD

 

Really appreciate you posting the new FW update. Is there a trick to installing it? I've tried normally in Windows 7 and I get the message "Can't detect any Device!!". When I tried with Windows 7 in safe mode the device is detected, but when I run the update I get the message: "AP-key NOT enabled by Device!"

Any ideas?

 

run it as administrator, AND It will see ssd and hdd.

edit: my bad, i get the same message.

 

Sure. Thanks for the suggestion. I did try running it as admin (and devices show up), but then I get the "AP-key not enabled by device" warning when I press "upgrade" with the device "SATA SSD" selected.

Any other thoughts?

 

Looking into it. I will have some more info for you guys by tonight or tomorrow morning.

 

Great, thanks.

I did realize I have a work-around that could resolve the problem but might not work for others. I have a second laptop (also t420) my wife uses which takes an mSATA. I could swap the SSD into her laptop, boot from her HDD in Windows 7, and then try to flash the firmware. Might work when the drive isn't being used as the bootdrive? Of course, this wouldn't be an option for most people and thus not a very good workaround (if it worked at all).

UPDATE: Tried this on the other laptop, booting from HDD then trying to flash FW in that Windows session, but the update gave the same warning about "AP-key not enabled by device!".

Let me know what you guys come up with.

 

Also getting the same AP-key not enabled error.

I have currently have S5FAM009 firmware.

 

Hi


Are You sure that new Dell (e6420) supports mSata? In Dell e6420 owner's thread, one user post that it doesn't work. He tried everething, but his Dell didn't recognize his Intel mSATA 80GB SSD....

 

I figured out a way to get the firmware to update. Seems the trick was booting in a reduced Windows x64 environment - I used Windows PE - which meant the SSD was not being used to boot from and then the firmware updated.

Here was my method (not terribly hard, but does require a few steps).

BACKUP
1. ***Backup all user data and run system image too (you will need this).*** Flashing the firmware erased my drive, so you will likely NEED this backup. My system image included my 64GB MyDigitalSSD (bootdrive) and a 500GB HDD (datadrive).

MAKE WINDOWS PE USB
2. Create a bootable USB drive with Windows PE - here is the example I followed. This involves formatting a USB drive to be bootable. Then downloading the Windows 7 Automated Installation Kit (WAIK), installing it, and then using it to load Windows PE on your bootable USB drive. I suppose the same thing could be done by creating a bootable CD with Windows PE if you don't have a spare USB drive.
3. Make sure you copy two files on the USB drive after it's created: UpgradeFW_S5FAM011(PreFormat).exe and oledlg.dll. Get that second file from the link I provided since the one in my Windows/System32 was not compatible with Windows PE (due to x64 perhaps?).

BOOT WINDOWS PE AND RUN FW UPDATE
3. Reboot your computer with the USB drive plugged (and make sure your BIOS is set to boot from the USB - for me that meant pressing F12 for a boot menu and selecting the USB drive).
4. In the cmd window you will have for Windows PE you will want to execute two commands:
FIRST: copy G:\UpgradeFW_S5FAM011(PreFormat).exe .
where "G:" is the USB drive and the FW file gets copied to X:\Windows\System32 (this is the dummy drive Windows PE sets up)
SECOND: copy G:\oledlg.dll .
again "G:" is the USB drive and the dll gets copied to X:\Windows\System32
5. In the cmd window type: taskmgr. You will get a pop-up window with the TaskManager.
6. Click the "Run" button and type the following path:
X:\Windows\System32\UpgradeFW_S5FAM011(PreFormat).exe
7. The FW update program will run, select your SSD (SATA SSD), click Upgrade. Then wait a few mintutes (it takes a while) for it to complete and tell you to reboot your system. Exit out of the FW update program. Type "exit" in the cmd window and system will reboot.

DO A SYSTEM RESTORE AND RECOVER YOUR DATA FROM THE BACKUP
8. Put in a Windows 7 disk at reboot (or a repair/recovery disk you created in Windows 7). Do a system restore and recover the SSD and Data drive from your system image.

When I did all this it worked flawlessly and the SDD was back to normal, with updated firmware, and the partition was still aligned. I'll post my new benchmarks in the next post. I hope this helps other struggling with the same problem!

My new benchmarks with the FW update (S5FAM011) are.

CyrstalDiskMark - Random Data
Sequential Read : 136.556 MB/s
Sequential Write : 107.044 MB/s
Random Read 512KB : 108.331 MB/s
Random Write 512KB : 97.283 MB/s
Random Read 4KB (QD=1) : 8.751 MB/s [ 2136.5 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=1) : 27.561 MB/s [ 6728.7 IOPS]
Random Read 4KB (QD=32) : 59.052 MB/s [ 14416.9 IOPS]
Random Write 4KB (QD=32) : 28.181 MB/s [ 6880.2 IOPS]
Test : 1000 MB [C: 47% (27.1/60 GB)] (x5)
Date : 2011/09/22 13:39:30
OS : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition SP1 [6.1 Build 7601] (x64)

It's a pretty good improvement, particularly in the 4K writes (almost 3x). Compare with OLD Benchmarks here.

One more quick note... If you want to see an impressive (even if less 'real world') benchmark here is what I got running Cyrstalmark with all zeros:

 

@abdn-android

Lmao... I was creating a windows PE disk last night to try it today... Guess it works so all the searching for guides on how to create one won't go in vain...

 

Glad you got it to work and what an improvement.

We will provide a DOS version next week to make this easier.

MyDigitalSSD

I am not sure if it will work with your computer or not. There is a list of current computers that we have found so far that work with mSATA SSD located here.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/sol...age/541361-msata-1-8-sata-ssds-available.html

I will try to do some more digging. Let me know if you see any evidence suggesting your computer does work with mSATA SSD.

MyDigitalSSD

 

I don't have this notebook, i'm thinking about buying it, Dell e6420....
And I hoped, that you can answer this question to me, and help with my decision...

 

I have been looking at SSD drives for HD replacement in three notebooks. The option of using a PCMCIA or mini-PCIe is very attractive. What will work with a Thinkpad X60s, X200, and X201T.

I know there might be compatability issues with the Mini-PCIe in the X60s (was looking at upgrading WiFi to N but gave up!). Not so farmiliar with the X200 and X201T. All will have W7 Ultimate (probably 6-bit). Would like to put opsys and some apps on the SSD.

Are there PCMCIA or PCI SSDs that will work with these PCs?

PS A contributor on forum.lenovo.com has posted that an Intel 310 80GB in the PCIe will not work on the X201 as a boot or data disk. Might work with an SATA adaptor (???).

 

No retail/commercial possibility of PCMCIA (Dead Technology, btw) or mini-PCIe SSD's that I've ever read/heard about (could still be wrong though).

mSATA is the closest to date (but you need a current chipset/motherboard with not only the appropriate connector, but also the appropriate (SATA) logic properly configured for an SSD connected to be useable/bootable.

I would say that this would be time wasted to continue this search (for too much longer).

Still, good luck.

 

cant wait for dos version....

 

You need a 2.5" SATA SSD for the X60s and 1.8" SATA SSD for the X200 and X201T.

FYI, you will notice a gigantic increase in speed of your X200 and X201t as those have the slowest hard drives I have ever seen and you will get a very nice boost out of the X60s as well.

Good Luck,

MyDigitalSSD

 

Just placed an order for a 64 Gb drive based on this review!

 

Just got the new FW DOS version I will have it posted up in the morning.

Ok it is confusing to me so I am going to wait to post it until I have some better instructions. I will probably have it up tomorrow at the latest.

MyDigitalSSD

 

MyDigitalSSD

I will be receiving my brand new W520 next week.

I would be happy to post a review of your MyDigitalSSD 128GB 50mm Bullet Proof mSATA SSD. If you send me one.

It would include benchmark tests, install guide, etc. Text, pictures and video.

This is a very new and popular technology, and I predict is going to explode !

The more good info available to members here and the internet in general, the better, and people would be more interested and comfortable in buying.

 

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I've tried the half-slim version of the "Bullet Proof" series of drives at 128GB of capacity. It works very well! Stay tuned for a review thread I'll be posting this weekend.
http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/mydigitalssd-128gb-bullet-proof-half-slim-sata-ii-ssd/

The only thing you have to make sure is that you get the S5 controller on the board, and not the S3. I'll be comparing the S5 the S3 and a transcend half-slim shortly!

 

FYI, everyone following this thread we will be switching to 24nm flash from 32nm flash once the current batch of SSD in the market is sold out. We will be lowering our price but for those of you who want to take advantage of these parts with 32nm flash before the switch over you may want to act now. I will update this thread once they are all gone.

Also got the new FW figured out and will be posting the instructions and files tomorrow.

 

Just curious... so this product will continue, at a lower price, with newer technology right? A bit confused because usually going to a smaller geometry, 32nm to 24nm is considered a technology upgrade, but you've made it sound like it would be advantageous to grab the older technology before it's sold out. Also confused because I think the next step in CMOS manufacturing of flash memory is actually 22nm, not 24nm. Maybe you meant they were going back from 32nm to 45nm (unlikely)? My guess is that they are actually going to a smaller geometry, so 22nm, which is a good thing for new buyers (faster and eventually cheaper b/c smaller = less silicon). Please correct me if I'm wrong though.

 

It is definitely 24nm Toshiba Flash that we are moving to. We have some test units right now and they are slower than the current 32nm product we have out right now. It is not a huge difference but there is a difference and that is why I gave everyone a heads up.

I read about OCZ switching to 2Xnm without any heads up and it lead to many dissatisfied customers due to the fact that they were not seeing the same speeds that reviewers had posted when the products arrived on the market.

MyDigitalSSD

 

Interesting. Wouldn't have guessed slower for a smaller geometry... Guess you guys who have samples would know though! Thanks for the clarification.

 

so wheres the firmware?

 

Also, typically the 34nm is rated at 5000 write cycles while the 24nm has 3000 cycles. However there is a longstanding thread on another forum that shows very many SSDs far exceeding the estimated life of SSDs.

 

MyDigitalSSD is not ready for prime time

nor the internet

they lost a customer here for sure

 

Sorry guys had a weekend where I just shut everything down hung out with the kids trained a new employee at a store I run. Did not touch a computer from Friday Morning till about 1 hour ago.

But I do owe an apology for not getting those instructions out sooner.

1st here they are:

MyDigitalSSD mSATA, Half Slim, and 2.5 Inch SATA SSD Firmware Update | My Digital Discount

Let me tell ya that tutorial took a minute.

2nd the reason it took so long was a simple mistake and miscommunication. I had received a zip file inside the zip file were many more files but unbeknownst to me they were also Zip files. So I needed to add .zip to them and extract them instead I was adding .exe and other extensions to try to get them to work.

Long story short it took more time than expected but I think everyone will be happy with the outcome. FASTER SSD

MyDigitalSSD