OCZ Vector 128GB SSD

Here we get our first look at Vector 128GB. The new case design is really cool and a big step up from the mixed plastic with thin brushed metal used on Vertex 4.

All of the relevant information is on the back label. Here you'll find the part number and the serial number.

All three Vector capacity sizes ship in a slim 7mm case. The 7mm form factor uses the same mounting positions as standard 9.5mm 'notebook' drives so you won't have a problem installing the drive in your existing notebook or new ultrabook as long as it has an open SATA port.

OCZ also includes a desktop adapter bracket that allows you to mount the drive in your desktop 3.5"� form factor bay.

The Indilinx Barefoot 3 controller is fused to the case via thermal transfer material. This aids in moving any heat from the controller to the case keeping the controller cool.

The controller takes up residence in the middle of the PCB and 25nm IMFT NAND flash surrounds the controller. There are two DRAM buffers for caching page table data, one on each side just like what we found on the 256GB model. There is an empty pad next to the controller and we suspect it's used on the larger 512GB model. Hopefully we can acquire a 512GB model soon!

I want to point out that you should never open your SSD. We are trained professionals... well trained by trial and error. If you open your case you will void your warranty and possibly kill your drive.

Our drive arrived with a power on count of 8. It looks like OCZ tests their drives before shipping them. Burn In helps increase the quality of the products you receive.

Our retail purchased Vector 128GB shipped with firmware 1.03. This is a new release for us, our 256GB sample shipped with 1.02. We don't know what changes between the firmware releases.