TLC NAND flash based SSD has become more common nowadays as a replacement for SLC and MLC NAND flash based SSDs. Apacer as one of the renown brand for memory module and storage devices too is adopting TLC NAND flash for their latest SSD to provide affordable high speed storage solutions for the end users.
Apacer has just launched the AS681 ARMOR SSD few weeks ago, its new TLC NAND flash based SSD. The AS681 ARMOR as according to Apacer, utilizes the most advanced 8-channel synchronous transmission design that makes read/write speed of up to 545/520 MB/s possible on the TLC NAND flash based SSD, making it the ideal storage upgrade for your system.
We got our hands on one with 480GB capacity here today, just to see what kind of performance we can expect from the new AS681 ARMOR – special thanks to Apacer for making this review possible!
Specifications
Capacity
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120GB / 240GB / 480GB / 960GB
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Interface
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SATA III 6Gb/s
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NAND Flash Type
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TLC
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Sustained Read Performance(MB/sec)
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120GB: Up to 495 MB/s;240GB: Up to 515 MB/s;480GB: Up to 520 MB/s;960GB: Up to 545MB/sec
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Sustained Write Performance(MB/sec)
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120GB: Up to 385 MB/s;240GB: Up to 475 MB/s;480GB: Up to 480 MB/s;960GB: Up to 545MB/sec
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IOPs (4K Random Read)
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Up to 95,000
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IOPs (4K Random Write)
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Up to 39,000
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ECC Support
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Up to 72bit/1KB
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Shock
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1500G/ 2ms
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Vibration
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80~2000Hz/20G
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Low Power Consumption
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Active: 1,200/ Idle: 150 (Unit: mA)
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MTBF
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1,000,000 hours
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Humidity
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RH 90% under 40°C
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Standard Operating Temperature
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0 ℃ ~ 70 ℃
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Storage Temperature
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-40°C to 85°C
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Dimensions
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100(L) x 69.9(W) x 7 (H)
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Warranty
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3 years
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Unboxing
Synthetic Benchmark
CrystalDiskMark
ATTO Disk Benchmark
Anvil’s Storage Utilities
AS SSD Benchmark
Real World Usage
Performance
We’ve conducted several test that with several SSD with at least 40% capacity occupied with various commonly used software to simulate the real world scenario.
Software / Firmware Update
Other than doing our test on our test bench, we took our chance to actually use it as an external storage device for the XBox One and PS4 in the lab, and it’s definitely a hell of an experience which we really recommend console gamers who is looking for a high speed external storage device to free up some space for their console units to give it a try.
- Good value
- Decent performance
- Uses metal enclosure instead of plastic
- Backed by 3-year global warranty from Apacer
- 480GB model makes an ideal portable storage for daily usage and consoles like the XBox and PS4
Cons
- No extra accessories provided
- No technical specifications on the box
- Firmware update can be a pain for non-technical users