The Vertex 3 Max IOPS is presented in a small packet; packaging is similar to other SSDs – being from the Vertex family this is silver/grey/black. All key features are listed and some brief specifications can be found on the reverse of the packet.
Inside this packet there is a box that opens out to reveal a mounting bracket for attaching the drive within the case, some screws and the drive itself within an anti-static bag.
Vertex 3 Max IOPS packaging
Vertex 3 Max IOPS bundle
Removing the Vertex 3 Max IOPS from its packaging we can instantly recognise the way in which OCZ design their SSDs – across all series and ranges. Brand and model name is stamped on the front with the inscription 2.5” ‘Solid State Drive’. As with other Vertex SSDs in the family and indeed the packaging the styling is predominately grey/silver.
The front of Vertex 3 Max IOPS
Over on the back of Vertex 3 Max IOPS is the large white label with instructions on how to treat the drive and various standards involved. On the rear we also have the size specification, capacity and serial numbers should you need them for support. The SATA connectors can be seen at the bottom, being SATA 3 we have the same connector as SATA and SATA 2 for connectivity and power. Whilst the front of Vertex 3 Max IOPS has a plastic fascia, the rear has a metal plate to offer further robustness.
The back of Vertex 3 Max IOPS
Taking the cover off Vertex 3 Max IOPS we can reveal the controller – at the very heart of the SSD. As OCZ have marketed, Vertex 3 Max IOPS is SandForce driven - SF-2281VB1-SDC (the same controller found on Agility 3 and Vertex 3). OCZ have chosen to go with SandForce due to the fact the SSD interacts directly with the flash modules and without any buffer. This helps with energy efficiency, reduces the size of component layout and means RAM doesn’t take up any valuable space since this is 2.5” there isn’t a great deal of this.
Our Max IOPS drive uses Toggle flash. This means it can handle incompressible files much better and will show better stability in terms of performance when dealing with image files, video clips and audio files such as MP3s - tasks that the typical user would undertake on a daily basis. This results in better performance for all types of users.
Vertex 3’s PCB – SandForce driven
In the next stage of our review we will investigate the performance of the Vertex 3 Max IOPS.
