Kingston 128GB SSDNow V Series SNV425-S2 Gen 2 SSD Review

By Joe Evans

Kingston 128GB V Series SSD Intro

SSDs are coming out hot and heavy now and Kingston isn’t been shy about setting out to improve on their earlier generation drives. Last July, Legit Reviews had a go at their first generation SSDNow V Series SSD and awarded it the Legit Reviews Value Award. Just six short months later, the second generation of this entry-level SSD is available with the same name and in our hot little hands – but will it earn similar honors? We certainly expect it to be a better performer as it has higher read/write specifications. In addition, this version does sport a new controller which supports the much desired TRIM function for those running Windows 7.

Kingston 128GB V Series box front 2

The newest V Series SSDs (the V stands for value) are served up in three sizes – 30GB, 64GB & 128GB. They are available as a standalone drive anf the two larger drives also come as a desktop bundle or notebook bundle. We’ve already had a look at the 30GB boot drive which is slightly different as it uses a different controller so we won’t reference it’s performance in this article.

Kingston 128GB V Series CONTENTS

As with the first generation V Series review, well be taking a look at the desktop bundle which is retailing for $249. For reference, the other configuration options are listed out below with their respective MSRP pricing. Along with the SSD itself, both bundles include an Acronis True Image software CD & installation guide. The desktop bundle adds 3.5 mounting brackets, a SATA cable and a molex to SATA power cable while the notebook bundle comes with a 2.5 USB SATA external enclosure.

Kingston 128GB V Series CONTENTS

Part Number Capacity & Features MSRP (U.S.Only)
SNV425-S2/64GB 64GB Standalone Drive $208.00
SNV425-S2/128GB 128GB Standalone Drive $362.00
SNV425-S2BN/64GB 64GB Notebook Bundle $216.00
SNV425-S2BN/128GB 128GB Notebook Bundle $377.00
SNV425-S2BD/64GB 64GB Desktop Bundle $216.00
SNV425-S2BD/128GB 128GB Desktop Bundle $377.00

Features:

  • Performance Enhances productivity; makes users more efficient
  • Innovative 2.5″ form factor; uses NAND flash memory components.
  • Silent Runs silent and cool with no moving mechanical parts
  • Reliable Less likely to fail than a standard hard drive
  • Shock Resistant No moving mechanical parts so the SSD handles rougher conditions.
  • Supports TRIM Enhances device wear leveling by eliminating merge operation for all deleted data blocks.
  • Supports S.M.A.R.T.
  • Guaranteed 3-year legendary Kingston warranty, 24/7 tech support
Kingston 128GB V Series front angle

Specifications:

  • Capacity 30GB, 64GB, 128GB
  • Storage Temperatures -40C to 85C
  • Operating temperatures 0C to 70C
  • Vibration Operating 2.17G (7800Hz)
  • Vibration Non-Operation 20G (202000Hz)
  • Sequential Speed
  • 30GB up to 180MB/sec. read; 50MB/sec. write
  • 64GB up to 200MB/sec. read; 110MB/sec. write
  • 128GB up to 200MB/sec. read; 160MB/sec. write
  • PCMARK HDD 2005 Score+
    • 64GB 18,900
    • 64GB 21,317
    • 128GB 20,177
  • Power Specs
    • Active: 5.2W (TYP); Sleep: 0.7W (TYP)
  • Life expectancy 1 million hours MTFB
    • Kingston 128GB V Series FRONT ANGLE

    Now that you know all of the intimate details and fine print, lets have a look at the guts on this thing!

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