Kingston, like other memory manufacturers, wanted to get into the solid state storage game a few years back. At the time they chose to partner with Intel, offering their own label on the chipmaker’s first gen SSDs like enterprise-oriented X25-E. Eventually, they branched out with new controllers from Toshiba and JMicron, resulting in a bewildering array of options. More recently, Kingston switched to second generation SandForce ASICs for the original HyperX, eventually leading to a host of SF-powered offerings for consumer and businesses alike. Part of what made the original HyperX such an interesting product was its use of 5,000PE cycle-rated flash. Due to their longstanding relationship with Intel, Kingston was able to get their hands on Intel’s special stash of 25nm NAND rated at 5K PE cycles for the first HyperX. That drive, and the more value conscious 3K model which followed, went on to become incredibly popular with enthusiasts.

Now with the E100, Kingston has come full circle. Unlike Kingston’s first enterprise drive based on the X25-E, there isn’t a trace of Intel flash or controllers to be found. Unlike the client driven SandForce products that make up the rest of Kingston’s solid state drive portfolio, the E100 is targeted strictly at the enterprise market. Using 30,000 PE cycle-rated Toshiba eMLC and an enterprise-class SF-2582 “flash storage processor”, the E100 brings both endurance and enterprise features to the table.



Link: The SSD Review