VisionTek Go Drive SSD Review (240GB)

VisionTek is an American-based company  that traditionally has been known for graphic cards, and started to get their feet wet in memory and flash storage back in 2011.  This summer VisionTek released the Go Drive consumer SSD lineup, and here at Technology X we get the opportunity to test out the 240GB VisionTek Go Drive.

Before we get started, it is important to point out that here at Technology X we emphasize the importance of using protocols, software and components that are easily available to the consumer. When we review SSD’s and other storage devices we also prefer to test devices that have not yet been used or powered on, and unfortunately we received a VisionTek Go Drive that had already been powered on 11 times for 36 hours and had already read over two times the number of data that it can hold. This makes it very difficult to give you, the consumer, a fully comprehensive review of the VisionTek Go Drive, as performance will vary from a drive that has never been used.

The VisionTek Go Drive features asynchronous memory and is clearly stated on the front of the packaging. We know that asynchronous memory is the cheaper than synchronous memory, and when comparing the two types you definitely get what you pay for. With the lowering cost of what was once considered premium memory, it is a shame to see companies “skimping-out” on product quality.

GO DRIVE COMPONENTS

The VisionTek Go Drive comes in the 2.5″ form factor and utilizes SATA 3 connectivity, which has the capability of reaching speeds of up to 6Gb/s.

The VisionTek Go Drive is dissembled with ease, as there are only four Philips PH00 screws, two per side, and an additional four holding the SSD to its aluminium casing. Upon removing the SSD from the casing the controller becomes blatantly visible.

A great feature of the VisionTek Go Drive is that it includes the LSI Sandforce controller. As we have previously mentioned, the controller of the SSD is essentially the “Brain” of the drive. Specifically, the LSI Sandforce controller increases the life span and performance of the SSD, but also consumes very little power in the process.

The VisionTek Go Drive features four NAND memory chips, which is 64GB per chip. There are a total 16 slots on the board (8 per side) which would allow for the SSD to expand up to 1TB of storage, before over-provisioning and the installation of necessary firmware.

The NAND memory on the other hand, is un-marked and not branded in any way. We did some research on the serial number of these memory chips, but  no manufacturer could be found.