DRAMeXchange, a research division of TrendForce, has tested 42 models of 2.5-inch SSD in its 2012 SSD ranking, covering standard SSD as well as performance SSD used in work stations and high-end notebooks. We tested SATA 2 and SATA 3 SSD – SATA 2 products were still included because many desktops and notebooks only support SATA 2, so it is the most affordable option for improving performance. However, as the market mainstream gradually transitions to SATA 3, the upgraded specification will be a better choice for new notebook and desktop models.

The following chart lists specifications for the SATA 2 60 GB-class SSD products tested:

AS SSD

This program is a good evaluator of SSD performance under different uses. Our tests were run several times, and the average was taken as the result.

In this phase of testing, only SSD products used Micron controller chips. For products that require stability, SLC NAND flash chips are used – Transcend TS64GSSD500 (SLC) provides solid reliability and is ideally suited for users who cannot risk data loss, but retail price is consequently higher.

BIWIN Pro A860GB came out on top in this category.

Four products in this category used a SandForce controller chip. Other differences included NAND flash chip quality and product retail price.

64 GB class products offer entry-level performance at the most affordable prices. For the five products tested, we have made the following recommendations based on overall performance, specifications, and quality:

Best SATA 2 60 GB MLC SSD

BIWIN Pro A813 60GB
Wintec D1 W2SS060G1TA-D11MC2-BS1.A1
ADATA SP800 ASP800S-64GM

Best SATA 2 60 GB SLC SSD

Transcend TS64GSSD500(SLC)

Best Price-Performance Ratio SATA 2 60 GB SSD

SuperSSpeed SSO-SF2160G2-GF25S