Specifications, Pricing and Availability

As a prototype there wasn't a lot of information to start with as far as specs go. We already know that the SandForce 1500 and 1200 controller uses the SATA 3G interface and judging from the early numbers by OCZ the Vertex 2 Pro is limited by the interface.

Before we draw too many parallels between the Vertex 2 Pro and the Vertex Limited Edition, there are a few things to discuss. The Vertex 2 Pro we are testing today uses a 16 channel SF 1500 controller like the one that will be issued in the flagship, enterprise bred Vertex 2 Pro EX. The difference between the EX and the non EX model will be the flash; the EX will receive super fast SLC while the Pro 2 non EX receives MLC. For the consumer the Vertex 2 Pro isn't going to matter too much since it will never see a retail shelf. OCZ has removed the product from their roadmap and replaced it with a limited edition model that will be released in just a few days, but in limited numbers. The LE retains the MLC flash but has a controller that is sort of a hybrid between the SF 1200 and SF 1500.

From the start SandForce's big tag line has been the ability to use low cost MLC flash in a way that would make it just as reliable as SLC products. Sounds like an easy task, right? Well, seeing is believing. SandForce has the most advanced solid state controller to date and they have many technical innovations that push the limits of everything we know about solid state drives. In an upcoming editorial we will cover the technology behind SandForce's first round of products that will change the game.

As for pricing and availability, the Vertex 2 Pro is dead in the water. This is one of those cases where the king is dead, long live the king. The Vertex 2 LE will take over for the Vertex 2 Pro, but if you want one you will need to act quickly as supply is limited and there is a chance e-tailers will get a little greedy with their pricing as supply dwindles. The cost is currently set at 399 for the 100GB model and 829 for the 200GB model.