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Maxell SSD 32 GB
| Caractéristiques | |||
| Memory Size | 32 GB | ||
| USB | 2.0 and eSATA | ||
| Write speed | 16 (USB) - 24 (eSata) | ||
| Read speed | 24 (USB) - 75 (eSata) | ||
| Extra features | NC | ||
 Show all specifications
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| Accessories | Case and USB cable |
 Hide specifications | |
Pierre-Jean Alzieu
Test date: September 21, 2009
Test date: September 21, 2009
Connecting the SSD
There are three ways to connect the 32 GB SSD to your computer:
if you have a powered eSATA port (which is quite rare), then you can plug it straight in and enjoy the maximum speeds.
if you have a non-powered eSATA port, then you can plug it in and also connect the USB cable to provide power. You'll still get the maximum speeds.
if you have no eSATA connections, you can connect the key to a USB port using the cable provided, which lowers the speeds available.
if you have a powered eSATA port (which is quite rare), then you can plug it straight in and enjoy the maximum speeds.
if you have a non-powered eSATA port, then you can plug it in and also connect the USB cable to provide power. You'll still get the maximum speeds.
if you have no eSATA connections, you can connect the key to a USB port using the cable provided, which lowers the speeds available.
Like other manufacturers, Maxell has called its eSATA key 'SSD', clearly capitalising on the marketing opportunity that those three letters represent.
Maxell claims that this key can reach data transfer rates that can completely surpass what's available over USB with write speeds of 24 MB/s and read speeds of 75 MB/s. The manufacturer's claims are less ambitious for USB, where Maxell hopes for speeds of 16 MB/s and 24 MB/s respectively.
USB: Excellent Speeds
USB Speeds (MB/s)
 Maxell SSD 32 GB USB  Transcend JetFlash 160 4 GB |
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Over USB, this key managed to produce the speeds claimed by Maxell, even beating them when reading data. Writing files to the key, the 32 GB SSD reaches 12.1 MB/s, which puts it up there with the 8 GB Corsair Voyager GT and beats the 32 GB version of the same key. Reading files from the key, the SSD really takes off and completely beats all of the other USB keys we've ever seen, reaching an average of 26.9 MB/s where Corsair only managed 21.3 MB/s. It's an excellent result for Maxell.
eSATA: Unbeatable speeds
eSATA Speeds (MB/s)
| Maxell SSD 32 GB eSATA Transcend JetFlash 160 4 GB |
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When using eSATA, the data transfer rates are quite simply incredible, soaring to around twice as fast as the very best USB keys. For writing and reading data, Maxell's 32 GB SSD reaches average speeds of 26 MB/s and 57.5 MB/s respectively.
Pluses
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Excellent speeds with USB and eSATA
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32 GB capacity
Minuses
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Fragile plastic case
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Mini USB cable
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Price
This is the fastest key available right now! That doesn't mean it's without fault, though, as its plastic finish is less robust than some Corsair keys.
