Mushkin Source 500GB 2.5″ SATA3 SSD Review

Introduction

Mushkin Source 500GB 2.5″ SATA3 SSD Review

Mushkin announced the Source SSD back in January and released it around March. Today, I’ll take the 500GB 2.5-Inch model for a spin on my test bench and see what kind of performance and endurance it can deliver on the SATA3 interface. We’ve previously had a look at the 250GB model too, so today we’ll see the difference between the two, if any.

Mushkin Source SATA3 SSD

Muskin created the Source in two different form factors, each with four different capacity options. There’s a traditional 2.5-inch version as well as a modern M.2 form factor. Both of the form factors have the same capacity options of 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB. With such an arsenal of options, compatibility with your systems shouldn’t be an issue. There’s one for every usage scenario – as long as you got an available SATA connector.

Muskin utilises the Silicon Motion SMI SM2258XT controller which is a DRAM-less controller. It is designed for low write environments which does set some limitations but also allows the products to be affordable. The controller is coupled with Micron 64-layer 3D TLC memory which always is a great choice.

Drive Performance, Endurance, and Warranty

The performance goes a little bit up and down depending on the capacity, but not a lot. The 500GB model which I’m testing today has a maximum sequential read and write performance of 560MB/s and 520MB/s. The random performance is rated at 75K and 81K IOPS when reading and writing.

There is no official TBW rating available for this drive, but we do get an MTBF of 1.5 million hours. Mushkin backs the Source with a 3-year warranty.

Features

Every SSD needs a long list of features to perform as we’ve come to expect it. For Mushkin drives, all those features are combined in the MEDS system. MEDS stands for Mushkin Enhanced Data-protection Suite which ensures that your valuable data is protected. The suite includes Built-in LDPC ECC and StaticDataRefresh technology for data integrity. Also included are Data shaping and global wear-levelling for increased endurance.

The performance numbers are boosted by SLC caching which accelerates burst performance, a common method. Other drive features include Device Sleep mode (DEVSLP) which allows the drive to consume less power when the device is put into sleep mode. Basics such as Security Erase, S.M.A.R.T., and TRIM are also part of the package

What Does Mushkin Have to Say About the Drive?

Source SSDs are ideal for mainstream computing – from gaming desktops and notebooks to mini-PCs (NUCs) and everything in between. Offered in 2.5” and M.2 2280 form factors, the Source Series is an excellent choice for almost any system.

“The market has never been more ready for SSDs,” says Brian Flood, Director of Product Development for Mushkin Enhanced MFG. “With the ultimate balance of value, capacity, and performance, the Source Series leverages all of the great benefits expected from an SSD without breaking the bank.”

Feature Highlights

• High compatibility with M.2 and 2.5-inch models
• Available from 120GB and up to 1TB
• Micron 64-layer 3D NAND and Silicon Motion SM2258XT Controller
• 3-Year Warranty

Package and Accessories

Mushkin packed the Source in a simple blister packaging. While it’s simple, it has the advantage of showcasing the included product really well. There’s an inlet too which highlights some of the advances of the drive.

Inside the box is the drive itself, but also a small thank you for the purchase note and a sticker for your chassis, laptop cover, or somewhere else where you’ll want to show that you own a Mushkin product.