Specifications, Pricing and Availability

In their specifications and marketing literature, Corsair is not promoting the SF-2282 controller found in their 180GB drives. Corsair also offers the Force Series GT in 60GB, 90GB, 120GB, the 180GB that we are looking at today, 240GB and finally a massive 480GB. The two odd sizes are the 90GB and 180GB. We know for sure the 180GB model has the SF-2282 controller with 24 synchronous 25nm Micron flash chips, but can't say with certainly if the 90GB is using the same configuration just with half of the flash. Because of that let's just focus on the 180GB capacity size today. We've already reviewed the 240GB Force Series GT and the 120GB Force Series GT.

Looking at the technical specifications not much has really changed on the published side. The numbers are the same for the 180GB as they are the 240GB Force Series GT. Corsair lists a sequential read speed of up to 555MB/s and a write speed of 525MB/s. Random 4K aligned IOPS are stated at 85,000, typical for a SandForce based drive.

Corsair lists an MSRP on their website of $319.99 and you can purchase this model directly from Corsair. Newegg lists the Force Series GT 180GB at 244.99 and that fits in nicely with the 120GB model at $169.99 and the 240GB model at $319.99. At the time of writing Newegg lists a mail in rebate on the Force Series GT 180GB drive that we are looking at today. The MIR takes the cost down to 209.99 which is a very good mark because we see several 120GB drives based on the SandForce SF-2281 controller selling for right around the same amount.

Corsair offers a three year warranty with the Force GT Series. Also, in the retail package Corsair includes a desktop adapter bracket and screws for mounting your drive. Most of this stuff you already know, so let's dive right in and see why this drive is different.