SPECworkstation 3.0.2 Storage Benchmark
SPECworkstation benchmark is an excellent benchmark to test systems using workstation-type workloads. In this test, we only ran the Storage component, which is fifteen separate tests.
SPECworkstation performance for the CRAS C720 is fine, but not particularly impressive.
Sustained Write Performance
This is not necessarily a benchmark, so much as trying to catch the post-cache write speed of the drive. While I am filling the drive with data to the 85% mark with 10 simultaneous write threads, I monitor the drive for the write performance to dip to the lowest steady point and grab a screenshot.
Post-cache write speed on the KLEVV CRAS C720 is great at 890 MB/s, once again holding very close to the Inland Premium drive.
Temperatures
We monitored the idle and maximum temperature during testing with HWMonitor to get some idea of the thermal performance and requirements of the drive. Please keep in mind that our test bench is an open frame chassis in a 22C room, but with no direct airflow. As a result, this is not representative of a cramped low airflow case and is instead intended to model temperatures of a drive ‘on its own’.
Thermals are decent, but not great, on the KLEVV CRAS C720 1TB, topping out at 69C. That is just below the point where I would want some directed airflow; if your case is particularly cramped this drive may run warm for you.
Final Words
Today the KLEVV CRAS C720 1TB is currently $123 on Amazon. Maybe it was cheaper when Patrick purchased it, because $122 is not an exceptional deal for a value-brand 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD. By comparison the SK hynix Gold P31 is $124, the Samsung 980 is $115 and the Inland Premium drive is $120. For those prices, the SK hynix Gold P31 is a better drive at the same cost, the Samsung 980 is a bit slower but a more trusted brand at a lower price point, and the Inland drive is a performance doppelganger for which you can get warranty service at your local Microcenter (if you have one nearby.)
With all of that said, the KLEVV CRAS C720 is a good drive. It has solid, consistent performance and reasonable thermals. If this drive undercut the Inland Premium 1TB drive by $10, it would get my nod over that drive. As it stands, any PCIe 3.0 drive that essentially costs the same amount of money as the SK hynix Gold P31 will lose out on my recommendation to the P31, but if the price dips just a hair then the KLEVV CRAS C720 may be worthy of your consideration.
