Specifications and Closer Look
Key Features:
- TLC 3D NAND flash and “SLC Cache Technology” to improve overall performance
- 15 x faster than a standard 5400 HDD*
*Based on “out-of-box performance” using a SATA Revision 3.0 motherboard. Performance results may vary, depending on system platform, software, interface, and capacity. - 7mm slim design suitable for ultrabooks and ultra-slim laptops
- Supports TRIM command and garbage collection technology
- NCQ and RAID ready
- ECC (error correction code) technology to guarantee reliable data transmission
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring system
- Low power consumption, shock- and vibration-proof, noiseless and low latency
- Free SP ToolBox software download to easily obtain disk information such as self-monitoring analysis report, extent of consumption and SSD diagnostics
The specification seems typical for a Phison based SATA SSD. A maximum speed of 560MB/s read and 530GB write is about what we could already see in other reviews. On the other hand, this specification is quite good for an SSD which is meant to be an upgrade from an HDD.
Below you can see some screenshots from SP Toolbox, a software for SSD management.
We can check device info, its health, perform a diagnostic and performance test. It’s about all we need.
Below is a screenshot from probably the most popular third-party software – CrystalDiskInfo. This small application is showing us S.M.A.R.T. status, drive’s temperature, and many other things.
As we can see, both applications are showing that our drive is in perfect condition and ready for work.
Package and Product Photos
The package is well designed for retail. The drive is well protected, and we can see how it looks like and read product info without opening the package
The A56 SSD is not much different than any other SATA SSD we’ve seen. It’s 7mm thick so can be installed in modern laptops and ultrabooks but also desktops. The drive’s enclosure is made of plastic which is also popular in cheaper SSD series. As you could see on the screenshots above, it’s not getting hot because of that. Average idle temperature is about 30°C while during work it’s no more than 60°C. Of course, it also depends on the environment and ambient temperature, but we can say that constant work temperature is for sure safe and won’t cause throttling or drive’s damage.
I guess those photos say enough. The front side of the drive is covered by a large sticker/label where we can find product and serial numbers, drive’s capacity and its model. Pretty much what we expect to see.
What is more important is performance. Let’s move to the next page to check how fast is Silicon Power A56 SSD.
