HighPoint Rocket 7604A Hits 59.8GB/s, No External Power Needed
▼ Summary
– The HighPoint Rocket 7604A is a compact PCIe Gen5 RAID card that delivers nearly 60GBps sequential throughput using four Gen5 SSDs without requiring an external power cable.
– It is half the size of its predecessor, the Rocket 1608A, fitting into a single-slot, half-length configuration while maintaining similar performance.
– The card achieved record-breaking performance in benchmarks, scoring 93,000 points in Anvil and reaching 59.8GB/s in CrystalDiskMark, surpassing previous models.
– It supports both Intel and AMD platforms, with Intel excelling in benchmarks like Anvil and Blackmagic, while AMD performed better in certain file transfer scenarios.
– Priced at $999, the 7604A is targeted at professionals needing high throughput in compact workstations and supports RAID configurations via Windows or HighPoint’s utility.
The HighPoint Rocket 7604A RAID card redefines performance benchmarks by delivering staggering speeds of 59.8GB/s without requiring external power. This compact powerhouse leverages PCIe Gen5 technology to push boundaries, making it ideal for professionals who demand top-tier sequential throughput in space-conscious workstations.
Significantly smaller than its predecessor, the Rocket 7604A adopts a single-slot, half-length design while maintaining exceptional performance. Unlike bulkier alternatives, it draws all necessary power directly from the PCIe bus, eliminating the need for additional cables.
Independent testing by TweakTown revealed groundbreaking results, with the card hitting 59.8GB/s sequential throughput using just four M.2 Gen5 SSDs. Equipped with a Broadcom PEX89048A RAID controller, it outperforms previous record-holders, including HighPoint’s own models. Performance varied slightly between Intel and AMD platforms, with Intel excelling in benchmarks like Anvil and Blackmagic, while AMD showed strengths in specific file transfer scenarios.
When paired with four Samsung 9100 Pro drives, notably requiring bare drives for compatibility, the Rocket 7604A achieved near-theoretical maximum speeds in CrystalDiskMark. TweakTown’s Senior Hardware Editor praised it as “better than any AIC we’ve ever encountered.”
Further testing confirmed its dominance, with 54GB/s throughput in ATTO benchmarks, more than doubling the performance of the 1608A model using eight Crucial T705 drives. The card also shattered lab records, scoring an unprecedented 93,000 points in Anvil’s benchmark, a testament to its flash-based superiority.
Users can configure RAID setups via Windows for RAID 0 and RAID 1 or utilize HighPoint’s proprietary software for advanced options like RAID 10. While compatible with PCIe Gen4 SSDs, performance naturally scales down in this mode.
Priced at $999, a significant drop from its original $1999 MSRP, the Rocket 7604A offers compelling value compared to competing solutions. Though not designed for casual users, it’s a game-changer for professionals needing uncompromising speed in a compact form factor.
TweakTown awarded it a 98% rating, praising its build quality and features while slightly deducting points for value. Earning the prestigious Editor’s Choice designation, the Rocket 7604A stands as a benchmark in high-performance storage solutions.
(Source: TECHRADAR)
