DDRdrive X1 RAM-based PCI-e SSD

by Sze | Filed under Storage

DDRdrive X1 is a PCI-Express Solid State storage solution that utilize both DRAM and NAND memory. The X1 features 4GB DRAM as primary capacity and 4GB SLC NAND flash memory as secondary backup capacity. The DDRdrive X offers up to 215MB/s sequential read speed and 155MB/s sequential write speed. It is priced at $1495.

The DDRdrive X1 has been tested by PCPerspective:

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The DDRdrive was purpose built for pure unadulterated random IO, and from what I have seen, it absolutely delivers. The only thing holding it back from decimating the competition is the single channel PCI-E bandwidth. Enterprise environments requiring hugely random yet persistent storage (i.e. database transaction logs), may benefit from the X1, provided the storage space is sufficient and their IOPS requirements fall within the X1’s respective sweet spots.

Pros:

* Single sector IOPS unmatched by any other device available
* Integrated backup to / restore from SLC flash memory
* Cost vs. IOPS (nearly 1/5th the cost of an ioDrive)
* IOPS / Watt
* Extremely well engineered part

Cons:

* Limited capacity of 4GB
* Cost / GB
* Limited bandwidth
* Not bootable (yet)

While the DDRdrive is not yet bootable, it is worth pointing out that neither is the ioDrive. Both companies have it on the drawing board.