Unleashing Peak Performance with Sonnet Fusion Dual U.2 SSD PCIe Card

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card
3. Design and Compatibility
4. Performance and Specifications
5. Benchmark Results
6. Pros and Cons
7. Conclusion
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

Welcome to this review of the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card. In this article, we will delve into the features and performance of this unique accessory. We will explore its design, compatibility, and benchmark results to determine its suitability for creative professionals and video editors. So, let's dive in and discover what sets the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card apart from its competitors.

Overview of the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card

The Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card is a full-height, full-length card that can hold two NVMe devices. What makes it stand out is its compatibility with the U.2 enterprise form factor drives. This feature makes it ideal for hardcore video editors and creative professionals who require high-performance and durable storage solutions. Unlike consumer devices that may struggle to handle rigorous workloads, this card is designed to withstand heavy use.

Design and Compatibility

The Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card is built to cater specifically to the needs of creative professionals. Its robust design ensures longevity and efficiency. The card supports two 2.5-inch U.2 enterprise drives, which can be easily installed using screws. Additionally, the card features a PCIe bridge, which connects the drives and presents them to the file system. Unlike some other cards in Sonnet's lineup, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card does not have an onboard RAID chip. Instead, it offers soft RAID or JBOD presentation for optimal performance.

In terms of compatibility, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card is highly versatile. It can be used with both Macs and PCs, as well as servers. However, it is essential to note that for servers, additional space may be required due to its full-height, full-length form factor. In such cases, the included removable piece can be detached to accommodate the card properly.

Performance and Specifications

The Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card boasts impressive specifications and performance capabilities. With a storage capacity of up to 32 terabytes, this card offers ample space for even the most demanding projects. It is important to mention that the drives are sold separately, and the cost can vary depending on the selected enterprise drives.

In terms of speed, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card delivers exceptional performance. With RAID 0 support, it can achieve sequential read speeds of up to 6250 megabytes per second. This makes it perfect for handling data-intensive tasks such as video editing. Additionally, the card offers NVMe compliance and features smart reporting tools for monitoring drive health and performance.

Benchmark Results

To assess the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card's performance, we conducted various benchmark tests. In our peak sequential read test, we exceeded the card's benchmarking claims, showcasing the effectiveness of its design. The sustained performance of the card delivered an impressive sequential write speed of around 2250 megabytes per second.

Furthermore, our random read test resulted in sustained performance of just under 1.4 million IOPS, while the random write test achieved sustained performance of just under 4000 IOPS. These benchmark results demonstrate the card's ability to process data quickly and efficiently, making it an excellent choice for professionals who require high-performance storage solutions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. High-performance storage solution for creative professionals
2. Robust design and compatibility with U.2 enterprise drives
3. Impressive sequential read and write speeds
4. NVMe compliance and smart reporting tools for monitoring performance and health
5. Suitable for both Macs, PCs, and servers

Cons:

1. May require additional space in servers due to its full-height, full-length form factor
2. The cost of drives can be expensive, especially for larger storage capacities

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card proves to be a powerful and reliable storage solution for creative professionals and video editors. With its compatibility with U.2 enterprise drives, it offers increased durability and performance compared to consumer-grade devices. The card's impressive sequential read and write speeds, as well as its NVMe compliance and smart reporting tools, make it a compelling choice for professionals seeking high-performance storage options. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card stands out as a reliable and efficient accessory for enhancing workstation performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card compatible with both Mac and PC systems? A: Yes, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card is compatible with both Mac and PC systems, making it a versatile storage solution.

Q: Can the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card be used in servers? A: Yes, the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card is compatible with servers. However, it may require additional space due to its full-height, full-length form factor.

Q: Are the drives included with the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card? A: No, the drives are not included with the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card. They need to be purchased separately.

Q: Does the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card support RAID configurations? A: While the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card does not have an onboard RAID chip, it supports RAID 0 and can be configured for RAID at the OS level.

Q: What is the advantage of using U.2 enterprise drives with the Sonic Fusion Dual U.2 SSD Card? A: U.2 enterprise drives offer enhanced endurance and sustained performance, making them ideal for professionals dealing with rigorous workloads and demanding projects.