OCZ Accelerates Sequential R/W for Vertex 4 SATA 3.0 MLC SSDs

OCZ Technology Group, Inc. introduced release candidate firmware v1.4RC, which improves the performance of its Vertex 4 SATA 3.0 Series SSDs.

Notably, it nearly doubles sequential write performance for lower capacity models, boosts sequential read performance at low queue depths, and improves general performance under real-world workloads comprising mixed reads and writes.

Compared to Vertex 4’s original firmware version v1.3, v1.4RC more than doubles sequential write performance of the 128GB model and boosts the 256GB model from 380MB/s to 465MB/s.

These gains were achieved through proprietary algorithms which orchestrate the sequence of physical NAND programming operations to ensure that each NAND device is optimally utilized at all times.

For the mainstream user, entry-level capacities of Vertex 4 can now achieve nearly the same sequential write performance as the512GB model at a mere fraction of the cost.

The company has also responded to customer requests for higher sequential read performance at lower queue depths. To offset performance degradation resulting from the host not utilizing NCQ or higher queue depth, firmware v1.4RC has incorporated a predictive read algorithm which anticipates and responds to commands not yet issued by the host. In addition, it performs more consistently under mixed read-write workloads, increases general stability, and improves compatibility with less-prevalent host chipsets.

"OCZ strives to deliver new features and superior performance with our premium Vertex 4 solid state drives by continuing to enhance our firmware and making those improvements available to all our valued customers," said Ryan Petersen, CEO of OCZ Technology. "With firmware v1.4, OCZ continues to fulfill its promise of delivering the most innovative, and highest performing SSDs on the market, regardless of file and data type, I/O workload, queue depth, and drive capacity."

The v1.4RC firmware upgrade is available for customers via the company’s website, and Vertex 4 SSDs will soon begin shipping to resellers with final v1.4 firmware in the coming weeks.

In addition to the release of the enhanced firmware, OCZ is also broadening the Vertex 4 Series with the introduction of a new 64GB capacity for mobile applications, boot drives, and customers requiring high speed at a more affordable price point. It will become available over the next few weeks through the company’s channel.