Introduction

Just days ago we discussed the new SMART series product line from MyDigitalSSD. The SMART series uses the current flagship flash processor unit (i.e. controller) from SandForce and IMFT 25nm synchronous flash in an mSATA package. Although SandForce has dominated the high performance and high value markets in the 2.5" package with their one, two, synchronous / asynchronous punch, manufacturers haven't increased mSATA production volumes to levels that reduce the price at the e-tail level.

Since SandForce mSATA drives are the highest performing on the market today, they come with a high price premium. The SMART series was able to chip away at the premium by a significant margin, but not enough to bring mainstream users on board in a big way. Released at the same time as the SMART series, MyDigitalSSD's new Bullet Proof 3 series SATA 6Gbps mSATA takes over in the low cost, mainstream performance category. The BP3 is the successor to the Bullet Proof 2, an mSATA line that only reached SATA 3Gbps speeds.

The BP3 mSATA products use a similar configuration to the BP3 2.5" models, one of which we ran a world exclusive preview of last month. These product lines use the new Phison S8 controller and pair it with Toshiba's 24nm Toggle Mode NAND flash.

Just like with the new SMART series, the Bullet Proof 3 line has its own little firmware controversy. Phison is working on a new firmware that is built exclusively for the S8 controller. The firmware shipping on the BP3 is a modified version found on the BP2. We're hearing that a full performance firmware will be ready in July due to a lengthy validation cycle by Phison.

Today we'll test the MyDigitalSSD BP3 mSATA 256GB SSD with the early firmware and when available, retest with the new performance firmware.