G.Skill Phoenix Pro 40GB & 120GB Solid State Drives Review

In recent years G.Skill has gained quiet an enviable reputation for delivering high quality “enthusiast grade” computer components at extremely reasonable price points. A few months ago we took a look at their 100GB Phoenix SSD and walked away extremely impressed. With that drive G.Skill found a very unique and innovative way to overcome what amounted to crippled firmware: they used better components. 

Today we will be looking at the Phoenix PRO line which takes a much more sensible approach it comes to giving their customers the best performance: G.Skill ponied up the money for a full speed firmware from the getgo. This new and improved model comes in three available capacities: 40, 60 and 120GB and we will be looking at the highest and lowest ends of the spectrum in this review. 

Shortly after we looked at the Phoenix 100GB, G.Skill released an extended version which they dubbed the Phoenix 120GB. Sadly, they were unable to use the same slightly faster NAND modules when they released the Phoenix 120GB “extended” model so while it was from all reports a good drive, it was not as fast as the original 100GB product. With very few options available left, G.Skill stuck with SandForce, used the “unlocked” firmware and the Phoenix Pro line was created. 

The fact that G.Skill is effectively paying for a faster firmware does bring up one major question: has the cost associated with this “full speed” firmware been rolled into the cost of these drives? Considering the 40GB and 120GB models are available for about $125 and $200 USD respectively which happens to be only a few bucks more than non-PRO branded drives, we suspect not. In our opinion, that’s a good thing for any potential customers but can G.Skill’s new Phoenix Pro line compete with some of the best drives on the market? 


Part Numbers: 
40GB: FM-25S2S-40GBP2
120GB: FM-25S2S-120GBP2

Price 40GB: ~ $125 USD
Price 120GB: ~ $200 USD

Warranty: 3-years


Specification

from : hardwarecanucks.com