OCZ Octane and Vertex 4 use Marvell SSD controller with custom firmware

Posted on Thursday, April 12 2012 @ 21:08 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
AnandTech received confirmation from OCZ that the firm's Everest SSD (Octane) uses a Marvell 88SS9174 controller with custom Indilinx firmware. The Vertex 4 is also based on a Marvell controller, possibly the new Marvell 88SS9187.
I received a tip yesterday with proof that OCZ's Everest controller was actually a Marvell 88SS9174 controller (the same controller used in Crucial's m4, Intel's SSD 510, etc...) with a custom Indilinx firmware. After a bit of digging, it turns out that this is indeed the case (OCZ confirmed it to me earlier today). Although OCZ is working on non-Marvell based solutions, the Everest 1 (Octane) and indeed the Everest 2 (Vertex 4) are both based on Marvell hardware. The firmware is entirely Indilinx's own development, but the hardware is from Marvell. The hardware implementation isn't completely identical as OCZ claims its solutions run at higher clock speeds than the standard off-the-shelf Marvell components.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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