Corsair 512MB Flash Voyager

Performance:

Our test setup for all benchmarks was as follows:

First, before torturing the drive at all, we decided to run some speed tests just to see how fast this drive could run compared to other drives. To do this, we used the Linux/UNIX command of hdparm -t /dev/sdc, which times sequential reads to the drive. We ran the disk drive test three times, with the average taken. Results were compared against a generic 512MB USB 2.0 thumb drive and Transcend JetFlash 2A 128MB.

Although the read speeds were dead on with the 19MB/s Corsair stated, we also tested the write speeds; the time required to transfer a 356.215674MB backup file from the hard drive to the 512MB Flash Voyager. It had taken 205.795 seconds to transfer this file, thus the average write speed in this instance was 1.73092482MB/s (356.215674 megabytes / 205.795 seconds). Unfortunately, this wasn't the precise speed we were looking to achieve, but this file was rather large, and with smaller files we managed to achieve faster transfer rates and this large write test wasn't exactly sequential.

To see how well the Flash Voyager could fend off water, we not only decided to plunge the device into a glass of water, but set the glass of water outside during some harsh Michigan weather. After filling up a glass of water, we brought the drive and water outside while it was roughly -15°C. Not having much time before the water would begin to freeze, we dropped the device in the water and allowed it to rest in the glass of water for 15 minutes.

After removing the device from the frigid water, and drying it off, we removed the rubber cap, and much to our surprise the USB connector didn't even have a drop of water anywhere on it. We then plugged in the device, and it worked as good as new.

Conclusion:

Corsair memory has proved to us in the past to be an extremely reliable and fast system memory solution, after examining the Flash Voyager 512MB we see Corsair's flash memory is no different. The thumb drive was water-resistant, shockproof, and offered fast read rates along with write speeds. Although some Corsair's XMS modules can be pricey, the Flash Voyager products are just the opposite. The 512MB version of the Flash Voyager can be found for about $60. Corsair currently manufacturers the Flash Voyager in 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB versions.

Pros:

· Fast read/write performance
· Durable
· Water-resistant
· 10 year warranty
· Linux compatible

Cons:

· Short USB extension cable