ADATA SU800 ULTIMATE SSD REVIEW
Video & Testing by: Philip Griffiths
Review by: Jennifer Griffiths
The SU800 solid state drive lives up to its Ultimate name with 3D NAND Flash that provides higher storage density, efficiency, and reliability than traditional 2D NAND. It features intelligent SLC caching and a DRAM cache buffer to boost read/write performance even further. Featuring LDPC ECC and technologies such as high TBW (total bytes written) and DEVSLP (Device Sleep), the Ultimate SU800 instantly upgrades notebook and desktop PCs with superior stability, durability, and power efficiency. In addition, users can download ADATA in-house developed SSD Toolbox and Migration Utility software for free to enjoy easy data management and migration. Manufactured from start to finish by Adata you can be assured to improve any laptop or pc with our unrivalled technology, service and 3 year warranty.
About ADATA
The World’s Leady Memory Brand
Founded in May 2001, ADATA Technology Co., Ltd. Is committed to providing top-notch memory solutions that enrich the customer’s digital life. The company’s dedication to integrity and professionalism has made ADATA the leading memory brand with the most award-winning product designs. Backed by technical expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, and premium customer service, ADATA offers complete memory solutions including DRAM modules, USB flash drives, memory cards, solid state drives and portable hard drives.
ADATA understands that professionalism and innovation, as well as the value of its products and services, drive a company’s competitiveness in the market. ATATA’s devotion to quality requires performing at the highest standards as they relate to ID design, purchasing and supply-chain management (raw materials), manufacturing processes, quality control and testing. Through constant innovation and development of products that exceed customer expectations, ADATA has won many of the most recognized international awards including the National Silver Award of Excellence in Taiwan.
RRP £74.99
Available from the following distributors:
TECH SPECS
ADATA ULTIMATE SU800 SATA III SSD
-
Sequential Read: up to 560 MB/s
-
Sequential Write: up to 520 Mb/s
-
Max 4K Random Read Speed: up to 80,000 IOPS Max 4K
-
Random Write Speed: up to 80,000 IOPS
-
Endurance: up to 800TBW MTTF: 2 Million Hours Warranty: 3-year Limited Warranty
-
Software: SSD Toolbox, Migration Software
Packaging:
The packaging of the ADATA SU800 SSD really stands out compared to a lot of other SSDs on the market. The front of the box has a metal/chrome/pearl finish, and this is really eye catching when the light hits it from different angles. In the centre is a picture of the SSD with most of the specs you will need to know. There are only two things I would like to see on the packaging; one is the read/write speed, and the second would be a hanging hook for people who like to display them on slat walls.
Unboxing:
Like most SSDs there is not much in the box. Upon opening, you get a small leaflet, the SSD, and a spacer (to allow the 7.5mm to fit a 9mm device). The drive itself looks as it does on the box. Its top casing is made of plastic and the sides and bottom are made from aluminium. Like most SSDs, it has a metallic/chrome sticker with the drive info on the top. But in most cases when you have installed the SSD into your build, it will be hidden anyway.
The only thing I can mention that I would have liked, but was not included, would have been a SATA Data Lead. Not many SSD makers do this and it would be beneficial for when we sell them to the public.
Extras:
The ADATA SU800 comes with the option of downloading software direct from the website to clone your old drive onto this new SSD. The program is Acronis, and it is probably one of the best-known software providers. You can also download the SSD toolbox that will monitor and manage the SSD in your computer, so you can see if it is working to its full potential or not. Both things are a BIG PLUS, as only a few other SSD manufacturers include programs like these and when they do, they are normally sold with a premium product.
Testing
Our Testing System for the review:
-
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z370XP SLI
-
CPU: Intel Core i5 8600K @ 3.6GHz
-
Cooler: Akasa Watercooler Venom R20 RGB
-
Memory: ADATA 8GB DDR4 2400 AX4U240038G16
-
Card: Onboard Video
-
Case: Open-Sided testing case
-
Power Supply: Cooler Master G750M 750W
-
OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit
Test Results:
I have tested it with Crystal Disk and ATTO. The results were basically the same on both programs. They were as follows:
Max Read Speed: 564 Mbps
Max Write Speed: 478 Mbps
The read speed is slightly higher than advertised, and the write speed is slightly lower than advertised. But, for a 128 GB drive, these results are outstanding in comparison to other makes, such as Kingston UV400 120GB that only produces on our tests 519 MB read and 380 MB write speed and the SanDisk SSD Plus 120GB achieves 520 MB read, but only 215 MB write speed. With that being said, the ADATA drive outperforms its competitors here, by leaps and bounds in this area.
The Conclusion
Overall, we have an attractive product both in and out of its packaging. The performance is outstanding, and the extras included with it (software downloads) really make this SSD stand out and we can honestly say it is great value for money.
Stand Out Point:
I would have to say that the stand out point here is the speed of the product and value for money.
The Pros
-
Packaging is attractive for the retailers to have on display as well as to the customers.
-
Bundled downloadable software
-
Speeds
-
Spacer included
-
3 year warranty*
The Cons
-
No hanging hook on the packaging
-
Slightly lower read speed than advertised (may differ per system)
Mentionable but nothing to cry about:
-
Lack of SATA Data lead
Scores out of 5:
Packaging: 4
Speed: 5
Value: 5
Extras: 4
With this being said, TFT awards the Gold award to ADATA for a well-made and great value for money SSD.
