PNY CS3140 1TB Performance Testing
We test using both the default smaller test size as well as larger test sets on our benchmarks. This allows us to see the difference between lighter and heavier workloads.
CrystalDiskMark x64
CrystalDiskMark is used as a basic starting point for benchmarks as it is something commonly run by end-users as a sanity check.
The PNY CS3140 1TB fares well in CrystalDiskMark. While 7500 MB/s read turns out to be a bit optimistic in terms of sequential read speed, 5872 MB/s sequential write exceeds expectations. Compared to the other drives on my chart, the CS3140 turns in a near-identical result to the FireCuda 530, which makes sense given the components are so similar.
The larger CrystalDiskMark test has a negligible effect on the CS3140. Read speeds remain just behind the rated level, while write speeds continue to slightly overperform.
ATTO Disk Benchmark
The ATTO Disk Benchmark has been a staple of drive sequential performance testing for years. ATTO was tested at both 256MB and 8GB file sizes.
The FireCuda 530 stumbled a bit in ATTO, but the CS3140 does not and comes in with a near identical result to the Rocket 4 Plus, another drive with similar components. Read speeds among the top drives are all in a big tie at the top, with minor variations on the write speed serving as the only real differentiator at the top.
On the larger ATTO test, the CS3140 had a tiny blip in performance exactly at the 32MB data point I base my graphs on. This likely falls into the category of run-to-run variance, but I left it in to show that little dips can happen to any drive. Functionally you should expect identical performance to the Rocket 4 Plus and the FireCuda 530.
Anvil’s Storage Utilities
Anvil’s Storage Utilities is a comprehensive benchmark that gives us a very in-depth look at the performance of the drives tested. This benchmark was run with both a 1GB and 8GB test size.
In Anvil, the PNY CS3140 1TB once again turns in results along with its Phison PS5018 packmates in the FireCuda and Rocket 4 Plus drives. Read scores are strong but not chart-topping, while Phison drives have always performed well in Anvil write tests.
The larger Anvil test results largely mirror the smaller test set, with the trio of Phison drives turning in good read numbers and excellent write scores.
AS SSD Benchmark
AS SSD Benchmark is another good benchmark for testing SSDs. We run all three tests for our series. Like other utilities, it was run with both the default 1GB as well as a larger 10GB test set.
The PNY CS3140 ekes out a minor lead versus the other Phison PS5018 drives here, at least with regard to the write score. The read score is also very good, only losing to the SK hynix Platinum P41, which is a fine drive.
The larger AS SSD once again makes it easy to spot the three Phison-based drives, all of which turn in essentially identical scores.
SPECworkstation, thermals, and our conclusion are up next.
