For many people, replacing a hard drive in a notebook requires them to take it to an expert so the data can be migrated to the new drive. Therefore, speeding up a hard drive to an SSD, can be a rather cumbersome and daunting process. The Mushkin Atlas 30GB mSATA solid state drive is one option that doesn't require a whole drive replacement. It is an SSD in a different form factor (mSATA as opposed to the more tarditional 2.5" SATA form factor) that can be used either as a true SSD, or as a cache drive. A cache drive allows frequently used data or applications to be moved to it which causes them to be accessible much faster.



Before taking a closer look at the Mushkin Atlas 30GB mSATA SSD, let's look at some published information found on the Mushkin website...

Features:

Introducing Atlas Deluxe, the fastest mSATA SSD on the market. Designed to unleash the hidden performance of today’s notebooks and ultrabooks, the Atlas Deluxe easily installs in any device with an mSATA slot.

» Optimal Data Flow - Optimized for dependable and reliable data flow
» SandForce Driven - Approved by the elite SandForce Driven quality program
» TRIM Support - TRIM Support when used with compatible operating system

Specifications:

» Capacity: 30GB, 40GB, 60GB, 120GB, 240GB
» Dimensions: 50.80 x 29.85 x 4.35mm
» Temp. Range: 0-70°C (operating) / -20-85°C (storage)
» Read Speed: up to 555MB/sec *
» Write Speed: up to 365MB/sec *
» MTBF: 2 million hours
» Controller: SandForce
» Interface Type: SATA 3.0 (6Gb/s)
» Warranty: 3 years limited
» IOPS (4K Read): 92,000 *
» IOPS (4K Write): 70,000 *

* Rated speeds were provided by Mushkin on a press release

The remainder of the above listed specifications were taken from the 60GB model's product page, and each of the specific drives has a slightly different read and write speed. At the time of this review, there is no page for the 30GB model. When an official page for the 30GB model becomes available, we will update the review.