VisionTek Racer Series 120GB SSD

The VisionTek Racer uses a nice, solid, aluminum case that is a throwback to when SSDs were made like lumberjacks. Over the last few months we've seen a lot of plastic and wimpy cases for next-gen SSDs, this isn't a sissy case.

On the back we found the part and serial number as well as a warning not to open the drive.

The bottom and side mounting points are where they should be.

The SATA power and data connectors are where they should be as well, but the desktop adapter bracket does not offset the drive to the left. This can make cable installation difficult when you have 3.5" form factor drives next to center mounted SSDs and stiff cables, specifically the SATA power cable.

Where did the flash go?! Admittedly we've not found a lot to like about the VisionTek Racer so far, but this is where VisionTek really did an exceptional job. Wait...

Okay, this is where VisionTek did an exceptional job. Eight NAND flash chips use all 8-channels on the SF-2281 controller so you get very good SandForce performance. We've seen 120GB drives ship with just four chips, a lower power configuration, but one that produces less than optimal results in our Data on Disk tests.

We've seen 120GB drives with sixteen IMFT flash chips which can give a little extra performance in some tests, but draws more power. In my opinion the SF-2281 / eight NAND flash design is the best balancing point between performance and power.