14 DAY TRIAL // SATA 3.1 is a version of the SATA III interface that is supposed to allow for a higher transfer speed, but even if it doesn't, it at least enables compatibility with certain older Apple set-ups and operating systems. Since the new SSD kits from Angelbird were made for Mac, they feature this technology.
MacBooks and Apple systems in general tend to have a really low degree of repairability and upgradability compared to normal PCs, which are actually predisposed towards DIY configuration.
Still, some people might want to upgrade their Macs over time instead of buying a new one every other year, so companies like Angelbird occasionally fulfill that wish.
In this instance, Angelbird, the main SSD maker from Austria (or at least one of them) has launched an SSD for Mac and a SATA3 Adapter Kit for MacBook (Pro) systems.
The SSD wrk for Mac and SATA3 Adapter Kit for MacBook (Pro)
The main star in this upgrade kit is the SSD wrk itself, which uses SATA III technology to provide computers with 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB storage space.
The performance is of 563 MB/s when reading data, which is a bit higher than even SandForce SSDs actually. However, the writing speed is a fair bit lower, at 450 MB/s. Still really fast compared to HDDs though. The SMI 2246EN controller allows for all this.
The random performance is of 72,000 Input/Output operations per second, or IOPS for short, while the access time is less than 0.1 milliseconds.
As for durability, the combination of MLC NAND Flash chips and TRIM technology, plus integrated EDC and ECC error correction capabilities, leads to a MTBF of 2 million hours.
Meanwhile, TRIM support makes sure that performance doesn't drop over time due to exhaustion of write cycles. At least not very quickly.
All in all, the SSD wrk is about everything you could expect from a PC SSD, only it's compatible with Apple systems. It is clad in a case made of high quality, matte black anodized aluminum.
That said, the bundle also includes the hardwrks SATA3 Adapter Kit for MacBook (Pro), which lets you choose performance or, via the Fusion Drive mode, more capacity.
Pricing and availability
The SSD wrk for Mac and SATA3 Adapter Kit for MacBook (Pro) bundle is selling through Angelbird's web shop for $160 / €160 to $367 / €267. The prices don't include VAT or shipping though.
