Intel 510 series 120GB SSD review

 

Review: Intel 510 series 120GB SSD Reviewed by: Wendy Collins Robertson Provided by: Intel Model: SSDSC2MH120A2XX

Intel was kind enough to send me a 510 series 120GB SSD for review. The 510 series is Intel’s first foray into SATA 6Gbps SSD, and also the first SSD that Intel have shipped without their own SSD processor, instead Intel have used the popular Marvell 88SS9174-BKK2 SSD processor coupled with 128GB of their own branded 32nm NAND.

As I write this article there are only two SSD processors in the SATA 6Gbps consumer grade segment, the Marvell 88SS9174-BKK2 and the SandForce SF-2281 SSD processor. Technically the SandForce SF-2281 is more advanced and faster than the Marvell, but will this translate into a noticeable difference in the real world? Let’s find out in this review.

Intel company information

Intel needs no introduction, if you haven’t heard of Intel then you most likely have never owned a PC, but for those of you who would like to find out more about Intel, you can visit their website.

The Intel 510 series 120GB SSD

Now it’s time to take a look at the drive itself and what the drive came shipped with.

Box front

Box rear

The package contained the 510 series 120GB SSD, 3.5 inch to 2.5 inch converter bracket, 4 pin to SATA power converter, 2 packs of fixing screws, instruction manual on CD-ROM, and quick installation booklet.

Specifications

 

Now let’s head to the next page, where we look in more detail at the Intel 510 series SSD.

 

• A closer look at the Marvell 88SS9174-BKK2 SSD controller