Conclusions
Contents
We can see from our tests that the OCZ Vertex 4 and Kingston HyperX 3K have strengths and weaknesses in different areas. This makes it quite difficult to make clear-cut judgments about which one performs best.
The differences in performance between the two drives can be attributed to the different controllers used in each model.
We’re quite familiar with the Sandforce SF-2281 controller that is featured in the Kingston HyperX 3K, as we’ve tested a number of SSDs featuring it in the past. It performs particularly well in compressible data tests, as it compresses data when writing to boost speeds. This explains the sizeable difference in performance between the compressible and incompressible data tests.
The OCZ Vertex 4 features the Indilinx Everest 2 controller, which offers more consistent performance between compressible and incompressible data. It performed much better than the HyperX 3K in the incompressible data write tests as a result.
In real world scenarios, it’s unlikely that many users would be able to tell the difference between the performance of the two drives, even when compared side by side. Both drives offer excellent performance, which makes the most of the bandwidth available from a SATA-600 interface.
There isn’t much of a difference between these drives when it comes to price, either. There is only a USD 1 difference in price between the two drives as tested, although there is a version of the HyperX 3K available with no bundle for about USD 10 less.
If we were forced to choose between the two drives, we would edge towards the OCZ Vertex 4. OCZ offers a five year warranty and a 256 GB capacity, compared to three years and a 240 GB capacity for the Kingston HyperX 3K. The Kingston drive features a more plentiful upgrade bundle though, which is ideal for users who want to upgrade their system but don’t have the technical knowhow.