Numerous tests have proven that MCL chips-based SSD performance levels drop significantly if their controller does not have access to cache memory. Most current mid-range models feature 64 or 128 MB of cache memory, giving resource for the controller to manage and deal with simultaneous multiple requests. Some manufacturers, including Chaintech, decided to launch SSDs with even larger cache memory, 512 MB.
Chaintech SSDs will be based on the new and famous Barefoot controller from Indilinx. Of course with such memory cache, most of the current performance tests might only address the cache memory, and test files will need to be larger than 512 MB to be able to evaluate overall performance of the drive and to be conclusive for providing true comparison with other SSD models with smaller cache memory. The management of this large cache memory in case of power failure will also have to be investigated, as it could lead to important lost of data.
