Using an SSD (solid state drive) instead of a hard disk drive, at least as a primary unit to install the operating system and the most used programs and games, is the best option to build a PC with good performance, and the 240/250 GiB drives are getting affordable. We tested a low cost SSD, the SanDisk SSD PLUS of 240 GiB. Let’s see how it performs. The SanDisk SSD PLUS can be found on 120 GiB, 240 GiB, and 480 GiB capacities. The model we tested has 256 GiB total memory, but it is sold as 240 GiB because 16 GiB are reserved for “overprovisioning”. In our tests, we will compare the performance of the SSD PLUS to the Crucial BX100 and the Corsair Neutron XT, both with similar capacity. However, keep in mind that the Neutron XT is not a direct competitor to the reviewed model, since it is a mainstream model, not an entry one like the SSD PLUS. Before proceeding, we highly suggest that you read our “Anatomy of SSD Units” tutorial, which provides all the background information you need to know about SSDs. In the table below, we compared the tested units. All of them use SATA-600 interface and the 2.5” form factor, with 7 mm height.
Prices we researched at Newegg.com on the day this review was published. * This price refers to the BX200 model, which replaced the BX100. In the table below, we compared technical specs of the tested drives.
Corsair releases Vengeance, a new line of headsets that replaces the old digital HS1 model, which we tested before. Let’s take a look at the analog model, the Vengeance 1300.
It is fairly accepted that a fan at the rear of the case improves the CPU cooling. In this review, we will test different situations to determine how much a rear case fan can cool down your processor.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the Corsair AX760 power supply, which comes with a fully modular cabling system, single +12 V rail, and the coveted 80 Plus Platinum certification.
