Closer Look: EDGE Boost Pro

SSDs are quickly gaining popularity because they work equally well in PC, Linux, or Apple Mac computers. Likewise, they install into both desktop and notebook platforms without modification. For this article Benchmark Reviews is testing the EDGE Boost Pro Solid State Drive, which is specified to reach speeds of 550 MB/s for sequential reads and 515 MB/s sequential writes. The 120GB model EDGSD25120GBOOSTS6 we've received for testing is built using the SandForce SF-2281 SSD controller and Intel-Micron async-NAND flash components. EDGE Tech Corporation offers four capacities for the EDGE Boost Pro series solid state drive: 60GB, 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB. Performance specifications increase with capacity, as a result of larger integrated buffer.

The EDGE Boost Pro SSD is best suited for performance-orientated personal computers, but could also work well for SOHO computer workstation systems. SandForce SF-2200 series SSDs have been designed with a focus on high-performance operational and data transfer speeds, and includes 256-bit encrypted data protection and improved NAND wear-leveling through their proprietary DuraWrite technology. EDGE Tech SSDs are assembled in the United States, and are TAA compliant.

EDGE Tech understands that once installed, the SSD will be hidden away from view inside a notebook computer or desktop workstation, so they've remained conservative towards the design of their solid state drive appearance. The top half of the drive enclosure is given a gunmetal textured finish, which does not show fingerprints or smudges like a gloss surface would. A glossy label is attached to the top of the SSD enclosure, denoting model and capacity.

Standard 2.5" drive bay mounting points are pre-drilled and threaded into the EDGE Boost Pro SSD chassis, which allows for quick upgrade or addition into any existing notebook and other compact computer system. Unfortunately, EDGE Tech does not bundle a drive tray adapter with this kit, which may not be an issue for some consumers even though it occasionally comes bundled with competitor products. The mounting positions matched up to the drive bracket on my notebook computer, and after only a few minutes I was booting from a restored Windows 7 System Image without a hitch.

Unlike most Hard Disk Drive (HDD) storage products, SSDs are nearly impervious to impact damage and do not require (or benefit from) any kind of special vibration dampening or shock-proof enclosures. EDGE Tech utilizes a standard two-piece metal enclosure for their Boost Pro series SSDs, which reveals the internal components after removing four small counter-sunk Allen screws located along the top corners of this solid state drive. The seam along the side is covered with a 'Warranty Void' label, which EDGE Tech attaches to warn consumers against taking apart their product. By removing the SSD cover it will also remove your consumer protection with it, but Benchmark Reviews takes the risk for you and reveals the internal components in our next section.

Although EDGE Boost Pro SSDs do not offer an integrated USB Mini-B port, which appeared on some early-generation SSDs, the diskGO USB enclosure (below) is offered as part of their Boost SSD upgrade kit for high-performance portable file transfers.

While its outward appearance of the EDGE Boost Pro SSD is similar to many other solid state drives, the functionality and value packaged inside are considerably unique. Now that you're acquainted with the basic exterior features of this SSD, it's time to peek inside the metal enclosure and inspect the SandForce SF-2281 internal components...

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