Specifications, Pricing and Availability

Mushkin offers the Chronos Deluxe in several capacity sizes and even in two form factors. The form factors are 9.5mm, or standard notebook size and 7mm, the new ultrabook slim form factor.

The capacity ranges from 60GB to the 480GB model we're looking at today. There are a few odd stops along the way, 90GB and 180GB accompany the usual 60GB, 120GB, 240GB and 480GB. Mushkin also makes a Chronos non-DX model, but this model uses asynchronous flash and is not the same as the DX we are using today.

The performance varies for each capacity size and the largest 480GB size has a few oddities. It offers excellent LSI SandForce sequential performance, but the 4K write speed in this size is lower than the 240GB drive. Mushkin specs the Chronos DX 480GB at 540MB/s sequential read and 455MB/s sequential write speeds.

We've wanted to review this model for a long time because of the price. At the time of writing Newegg lists the 480GB Chronos DX for $339.99. We've seen this capacity size sell off and on at Newegg for as low as $299.99. That makes the Mushkin Chronos Deluxe the lowest priced large capacity on the market today with good synchronous or Toggle Mode flash.

The Chronos Deluxe line ships with a standard three year warranty, desktop adapter bracket and mounting screws for the installation.