Kingston HyperX 240GB Review

Performance Analysis

AS-SSD is traditionally a SandForce-based SSD’s worst case scenario, using incompressible data for both its sequential and random tests. However, the Kingston HyperX 240GB still performs very well indeed, as the current-generation SandForce controller on which it's based is now right up there when it comes to performance. A sequential read speed of 519MB/sec is the best we’ve seen from any SSD out of the box and while the write speed of 299MB/sec is 90MB/sec behind the Samsung 830 256GB, it’s still extremely fast.

The HyperX’s random performance is less chart topping, but still extremely good. A 4K Single queue depth random read speed of 21MB/sec is standard for most current-generation SandForce SSDs running the latest 332 firmware, with a 4K single-queue-depth random write speed of 93MB/sec similarly nippy. Meanwhile, 4K 64-queue-depth random reads are a little slower, at 181MB/sec, but are balanced by excellent 4K 64-queue-depth random write speeds of 235MB/sec. Of course, it’s unlikely an end user will put this sort of multi-threaded load on the drive, but it’s clear that the HyperX is a fast drive.

ATTO’s disk benchmark uses compressible data, so can be seen as a best case scenario for SandForce-based SSDs. The 4KB compressible read speeds for the HyperX are great, reaching 220MB/sec, although this is still 60MB/sec off of what we’ve seen the Crucial M4 drives reach in the same test. Moving up to 1,024KB sequential read and write tests sees the drive’s DuraWrite technology kick in and deliver superlative performance, with a read speed of 543MB/sec and a write speed of 512MB/sec.

However, as we’ve found with all drives based on the SandForce 2281 drive controller, performance following heavy use does drop a little even when TRIM is enabled, particularly when it comes to incompressible write speeds. In AS-SSD’s sequential write test, performance dipped from 299MB/sec to 270MB/sec, although read speeds and random performance remained unaffected.

Conclusion

Despite its excellent performance, the Kingston HyperX 240GB finds itself in an incredibly crowded market, not just for SSDs, but also for the SandForce controller. OCZ, Corsair, Patriot, ADATA and half a dozen other partners also offer near identical SF2281-controlled SSDs for comparable prices, and as SandForce supplies the firmware, all the drives will perform similarly.

As we said at the start of this review, this makes differentiating your SSD incredibly difficult. Kingston's approach has been to include a rich bundle with all the extras that you’ll need to back up your data and get your SSD installed. It’s a fair approach, but not one that will appeal to everyone; £40 is more than a ten per cent premium for extras that not everyone will want, unless you live in the US in which case the bundled version comes at no extra cost. Of course, there’s a bundle-less version also available, but at around £320, it struggles even more to stand out from the SandForce crowd.

There’s also the competition from both Samsung’s 830 series and Crucial’s M4 to consider. the Samsung delivers 30 per cent faster sequential write speeds and a higher formatted capacity for the same money, while the Crucial M4 256GB also delivers a higher formatted capacity and is cheaper still at around £290.

All of which leaves the HyperX feeling a little flat, despite its capable performance and fancy bundle. When SandForce 2281-based drives debuted earlier this year they were the undisputed performance champs. However, now Samsung and Crucial have caught up and offer better options for those looking for performance or value respectively.