HP additionally made some less-successful SSDs like its EX900, an entry-level DRAM-less choice that was not as dependable in follow. DRAM-less drives from that period — these based mostly on SMI’s SM2263XT and Phison’s E13T — tended to be problematic. Nonetheless, more moderen DRAM-less drives have confirmed to be strong and even downright quick, like with WD’s SN770. Expectations are that the HP FX900, based mostly on the DRAM-less InnoGrit IG5220 controller, may even shine, notably because it makes use of very quick flash.
The FX900 additionally has a quicker sibling within the FX900 Professional, a drive we are going to assessment at a future date. For now, we need to see how this drive measures up not solely towards the older designs it’s changing however even newer, high-end drives. Is it actually honest to name this “entry-level” and even “mid-grade” in any significant use of these phrases?
Specs
Product
256GB
512GB
1TB
2TB
Pricing
N/A
$64.99
$104.99
N/A
Capability (Person / Uncooked)
256GB / 256GB
512GB / 512GB
1024GB / 1024GB
2048GB / 2048GB
Kind Issue
M.2 2280
M.2 2280
M.2 2280
M.2 2280
Interface / Protocol
PCIe 4.0 x4
PCIe 4.0 x4
PCIe 4.0 x4
PCIe 4.0 x4
Controller
InnoGrit IG5220
InnoGrit IG5220
InnoGrit IG5220
InnoGrit IG5220
DRAM
No (HMB)
No (HMB)
No (HMB)
No (HMB)
Flash Reminiscence
176-Layer Micron TLC (B47R)
176-Layer Micron TLC (B47R)
176-Layer Micron TLC (B47R)
176-Layer Micron TLC (B47R)
Sequential Learn
4,600 MBps
4,900 MBps
5,000 MBps
5,000 MBps
Sequential Write
1,700 MBps
3,300 MBps
4,800 MBps
4,800 MBps
Random Learn
281,000 IOPS
545,000 IOPS
828,000 IOPS
820,000 IOPS
Random Write
325,000 IOPS
501,000 IOPS
663,000 IOPS
645,000 IOPS
Safety
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Endurance (TBW)
100 TBW
200 TBW
400 TBW
800 TBW
Half Quantity
57S54AA
57S54AA
57S54AA
57S54AA
Guarantee
5-12 months
5-12 months
5-12 months
5-12 months
The HP FX900, manufactured with the help of BiWin, is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. Sadly, we might solely discover the center two SKUs accessible for buy on the time of assessment. These are priced competitively however, as all the time, contemplate gross sales earlier than making a purchase order.
Efficiency tops out at 5/4.8 GBps for sequential learn and writes, with IOPS hitting an astonishing 828,000/663,000 peak for learn and write, each respectively. Astonishing as a result of this drive relies on a quad-channel, DRAM-less controller pushing numbers that might put even one of the best PCIe 3.0 NVMe drives to disgrace. We suspect there’s a little bit of fudging right here as these numbers exceed what InnoGrit lists for the IG5220, particularly as we comparable high-balling with the FX900 Professional and IG5236 – though IOPS this excessive will not be realistically achievable, anyway.
The specs point out that is an entry-level to mid-range NVMe SSD, DRAM-less however in a position to profit from PCIe 4.0 bandwidth to a restricted diploma. There are some similarities to drives based mostly on the Phison E16 controller, which has DRAM, however that is clearly newer know-how. As such, it’s positioned extra to compete with WD’s wonderful SN770.
HP presents a 5-year guarantee with 400 TBW per TB of capability. That is lower than typical for the standard NVMe drive however greater than ample for many customers.
Software program and Equipment
The HP SSDs have all the time been no-frills, though they do include an M.2 screw. Whereas it isn’t tough to get M.2 screws and they need to include most motherboards and adapters, customers nonetheless appear to all the time ask if a drive comes with the screw. It’s a bit like asking if a SATA SSD comes with a SATA cable — the reply is that the majority don’t. Nonetheless, this one does include the screw.
A Nearer Look
Picture 1 of 4
(Picture credit score: Tom’s {Hardware})
Picture 1 of 4
(Picture credit score: Tom’s {Hardware})
Picture 1 of 4
(Picture credit score: Tom’s {Hardware})
Picture 1 of 4
(Picture credit score: Tom’s {Hardware})
Picture 1 of 4
We see the controller, two NAND packages on the highest aspect, and no DRAM — a minimalist expertise, to make sure. The again label incorporates fundamental details about the drive. The highest label serves a goal, although, as hinted at within the footage, it’s really a graphene thermal pad that assists with the dissipation of extra warmth.
(Picture credit score: Tom’s {Hardware})
The InnoGrit IG5220, also referred to as the RainierQX, is a 4-channel, DRAM-less PCIe 4.0 controller. It does have a DRAM-equipped sibling within the IG5221 RainierQ, however this has not generally been seen within the wild. The IG5220 could be very highly effective and succesful for what it’s and shouldn’t be underestimated. Might it assist herald a brand new period of super-capable DRAM-less drives? Some folks even surprise if this a lot bandwidth is even vital, however it’s spectacular for a 4-channel controller.
(Picture credit score: Tom’s {Hardware})
The flash is tough to learn however appears to be labeled BW29F4T08ENLEE. This could point out BiWin-binned flash from Micron (MT29-equivalent) in 4Tb or 512GB packages, with 8-bit TLC flash of the 176-layer era. This flash has been used to good impact on many drives using the Phison E18 controller. Some commenters are wanting to say that NAND flash has not improved a lot the place it issues – Q1T1 random efficiency – however that overlooks simply how far you may attain with this flash on the IG5220. Moreover, DirectStorage ought to assist customers take higher benefit of this potential.
MORE: Greatest SSDs
MORE: How We Check HDDs And SSDs
MORE: All SSD Content material
