(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) A simple, understated, single-sided drive. The lettering on the PCB indicates this is using the Silicon Motion SM2268XT2 controller with BGA308 form factor flash – times two – in the M.2 2280 form factor. No frills, which we actually like.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) Controller confirmed, two NAND flash packages confirmed. SMI’s SM2268XT2 is a four-channel, DRAM-less SSD controller that can compete with the likes of Phison’s E27T and Maxio’s MAP1602. Those two are excellent controllers that can get hit over 7 GB/s with the right flash. The SM2268XT2 is no different, but it’s often seen leaning more budget than its peers. The Biwin M350 is a good example, as is the Kingston NV3 . We found in our M350 review that the hardware, as specified, is selling itself short – it can bring some decent performance numbers.
We expect the QN450 to be no different, as 5 GB/s with this controller and flash is simply significantly below what the hardware can do. Often, hardware will be undersold like this so that you can have hardware swaps down the line – that is, different controllers and flash that can meet a basic spec. That might very well be the case here, as Inland lists the drive as using the Realtek RTS5772DL – a passable but not very good controller – and the Phison E21T, which is good but older. In fact, the main reason to use the SM2268XT2 would be to pair it with faster flash like the 232-Layer Micron TLC that we have here. So, yes, hardware swapping remains open given what Inland lists, but a manufacturer could also run the drive slower with better hardware for other reasons, such as extending the lifespan of weaker flash. However, we discovered nothing to suggest that is the case here; in fact, the configuration of this flash is quite performant with good endurance.
Shane Downing is a Freelance Reviewer for Tom\u2019s Hardware US, covering consumer storage hardware. ","collapsible":{"enabled":true,"maxHeight":250,"readMoreText":"Read more","readLessText":"Read less"}}), "https://slice.vanilla.futurecdn.net/13-4-23/js/authorBio.js"); } else { console.error('%c FTE ','background: #9306F9; color: #ffffff','no lazy slice hydration function available'); } Shane Downing Social Links Navigation Freelance Reviewer Shane Downing is a Freelance Reviewer for Tom’s Hardware US, covering consumer storage hardware.
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/inland-qn450-1tb-ssd-review#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.