Biwin Black Opal X570 2TB SSD Review: A Solid Mid-Range Choice
▼ Summary
– The Biwin X570 is a DRAM-less SSD that uses an eight-channel controller to achieve full PCIe 5.0 performance, offering benefits like lower cost and higher capacity potential compared to standard four-channel DRAM-less drives.
– It provides high sequential read/write speeds up to 14,500/11,000 MB/s and random read/write IOPS up to 2,000K/1,500K, with a five-year warranty and endurance ratings up to 2,400TBW.
– The drive is single-sided and power-efficient at 6.6W, making it suitable for laptops and mobile devices, unlike high-end PCIe 5.0 drives that require more power and heatsinks.
– Its eight-channel design allows support for larger capacities, potentially up to 8TB or more, using older or cost-effective flash memory while maintaining performance through parallelization.
– The X570 relies on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology instead of DRAM, which reduces controller size and power consumption in general use, though it may sacrifice some efficiency compared to other DRAM-less controllers.
Finding a high-performance SSD without DRAM often feels like searching for a unicorn, yet the Biwin Black Opal X570 2TB model challenges that notion by delivering impressive PCIe 5.0 speeds in a surprisingly affordable package. This drive stands out by using an eight-channel DRAM-less controller, a design choice that balances cost, performance, and power in a way that few competitors manage.
Most budget-focused SSDs sacrifice either sustained performance or advanced controller design, but the X570 takes a different approach. It pairs a sophisticated Maxio MAP1806 controller with high-density YMTC TLC NAND, enabling strong sequential and random performance without the added expense of dedicated DRAM. Instead, it uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology to borrow a small amount of system memory, maintaining responsiveness while keeping costs down.
What really sets this drive apart is its scalability. Thanks to its eight-channel architecture, the X570 supports capacities up to 4TB, and even 8TB in theory, making it an appealing option for users who need ample storage without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t reach the extreme 14 GB/s speeds of flagship Gen5 drives, it offers a compelling blend of speed, value, and future-proofing, especially for those still on PCIe 4.0 systems.
Power consumption is another area where the X570 shines. Rated at just 6.6W under maximum load, it remains cool enough for use in many laptops and compact systems, a stark contrast to power-hungry alternatives like the Phison E26-based models that often require active cooling. The single-sided PCB design further enhances compatibility with slim devices.
On the software side, Biwin provides its own Intelligence Software suite for drive management, health monitoring, and firmware updates. For those who prefer third-party tools, applications like CrystalDiskInfo and Clonezilla offer robust alternatives for benchmarking and data migration.
In a market saturated with either ultra-budget or ultra-premium options, the Biwin Black Opal X570 carves out a sensible middle ground. It may not top every benchmark, but it delivers reliable Gen5 performance, excellent value, and flexibility that power users and upgraders will appreciate.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
