Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD Review: Budget-Friendly Performance Tested
Solid State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized data storage, offering significantly faster speeds and improved reliability compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Among the various brands and models available, the Patriot Burst Elite series aims to provide an affordable entry point into the world of SSDs. In this review, we’ll delve into the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD, analyzing its performance, features, and overall value proposition. We will dissect the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD test results to determine if it lives up to its claims and if it’s a worthy upgrade for budget-conscious users.
Unboxing and Specifications
The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD comes in a simple, yet informative packaging. The box highlights key features such as its SATA III 6Gb/s interface, 2.5-inch form factor, and the advertised read and write speeds. Inside, you’ll find the SSD itself, securely encased in a protective shell. No additional accessories, such as mounting screws or cables, are included, which is typical for budget SSDs.
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch
- Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s
- Capacity: 240GB (actual usable capacity will be slightly less due to formatting and system files)
- Controller: Phison S11
- NAND Flash: 3D NAND
- Sequential Read Speed: Up to 450 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: Up to 320 MB/s
- Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
The specifications indicate that the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is designed for mainstream use, offering a noticeable performance boost over traditional HDDs. The Phison S11 controller is a common choice for budget SSDs, known for its reliability and decent performance. The use of 3D NAND flash memory is a positive sign, as it typically offers better endurance and efficiency compared to older 2D NAND technology.
Testing Methodology
To accurately assess the performance of the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD, a series of tests were conducted using a modern test bench. This included:
- CrystalDiskMark: A popular benchmark tool used to measure sequential and random read/write speeds.
- AS SSD Benchmark: Another comprehensive benchmark that provides additional metrics such as access times and copy speeds.
- ATTO Disk Benchmark: Focuses on measuring performance at various file sizes.
- Real-World File Transfer Test: Involved transferring a large file (e.g., a 10GB video file) to and from the SSD to simulate real-world usage scenarios.
- PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark: Provides a more holistic assessment of storage performance, simulating typical desktop workloads.
The tests were performed on a system running Windows 10, equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a SATA III enabled motherboard. The SSD was connected directly to the motherboard’s SATA port to ensure optimal performance. Before testing, the SSD was securely erased to ensure consistent results. Multiple runs were performed for each benchmark, and the average scores were recorded.
Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD Test Results
The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD test results provide a clear picture of its performance capabilities.
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark revealed the following sequential read and write speeds:
- Sequential Read (MB/s): 445 MB/s
- Sequential Write (MB/s): 315 MB/s
These results are in line with the manufacturer’s specifications, indicating that the SSD performs as advertised under ideal conditions. The random read and write speeds were also respectable for a budget SSD, allowing for quick loading of applications and files.
AS SSD Benchmark
AS SSD Benchmark provided further insights into the SSD’s performance, including access times and copy speeds. The overall score was competitive for its class, highlighting its ability to handle various workloads efficiently.
ATTO Disk Benchmark
ATTO Disk Benchmark showed that the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD maintained consistent performance across different file sizes, indicating good stability and responsiveness.
Real-World File Transfer Test
In the real-world file transfer test, the SSD demonstrated a significant improvement over traditional HDDs. The 10GB video file was transferred in a fraction of the time, showcasing the benefits of upgrading to an SSD. The transfer speeds were consistent, with minimal fluctuations.
PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark
The PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark provided a comprehensive assessment of the SSD’s performance in typical desktop workloads. The scores were impressive, indicating that the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light gaming with ease.
Performance Analysis
The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD test results demonstrate that it offers a significant performance upgrade over traditional HDDs, especially in terms of read and write speeds. While it may not compete with high-end NVMe SSDs, it provides a noticeable improvement in system responsiveness and application loading times. The Phison S11 controller and 3D NAND flash memory contribute to its overall performance and reliability.
However, it’s important to note that the performance of the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD may degrade under sustained workloads, particularly when writing large amounts of data. This is a common characteristic of budget SSDs, which often rely on SLC caching to boost performance. Once the cache is full, the write speeds may drop to lower levels. Therefore, it’s best suited for users who primarily use their systems for light to moderate tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Noticeable performance improvement over HDDs
- Decent read and write speeds
- 3D NAND flash memory for improved endurance
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Performance may degrade under sustained workloads
- No included accessories (e.g., mounting screws)
- Limited capacity (240GB may not be sufficient for users with large storage needs)
Target Audience
The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is primarily targeted towards budget-conscious users who are looking for an affordable way to upgrade their systems. It’s a great option for:
- Users who want to improve the responsiveness of their desktop or laptop computers.
- Users who primarily use their systems for light to moderate tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and light gaming.
- Users who are building a new system on a tight budget.
- Users looking to replace an aging HDD with a faster and more reliable SSD.
However, it may not be the best choice for users who require high-performance storage for demanding applications such as video editing or gaming. In such cases, a higher-end NVMe SSD would be a more suitable option. [See also: NVMe SSD vs SATA SSD]
Alternatives
If the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD doesn’t quite meet your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Crucial BX500: Another popular budget SSD that offers similar performance and features.
- Kingston A400: A reliable and affordable SSD that is widely available.
- WD Green: A solid choice for users who prioritize power efficiency and reliability.
When choosing an SSD, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Read reviews and compare specifications to find the best option for your situation. [See also: Best Budget SSDs of 2024]
Conclusion
The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD test confirms that it’s a solid budget-friendly option for users looking to upgrade from a traditional HDD. It offers a noticeable improvement in performance, making it a worthwhile investment for enhancing system responsiveness. While it may not be the fastest SSD on the market, its affordability and decent performance make it a compelling choice for mainstream users. The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD delivers on its promise of providing an accessible entry point into the world of SSDs. Considering the price and the performance boost it provides, it’s a recommended upgrade for those seeking better speed without breaking the bank. The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is a great value proposition for its target audience. The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is a budget champion, and the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is worthy of consideration. For users looking to breathe new life into an older system, the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is a good choice. The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD offers a good balance. The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is easy to install. Don’t hesitate to consider a Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD. The Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD has ample storage, and a Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is a good purchase. For those on a budget, consider the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD. A Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD will improve performance. Finally, the Patriot Burst Elite 240GB SSD is a worthwhile product.