Corsair Neutron XTi Preview

With the Neutron XTi ($189.99 for 480GB), Corsair updates its flagship solid-state drive (SSD) series with a snappy red color scheme and improved specs. But aside from a burst of color, there’s little to distinguish the Neutron XTi in a crowded market.

What’s new? Mostly, a few tweaks from the previous model. This Neutron XTi ( at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) features a switch from the Toshiba 19nm MLC NAND to the 15nm Toshiba MLC NAND. And while it does feature the same quad-core Phison S10 controller, it has been has upgraded to 1GB of DRAM for caching. The XTi’s rated endurance has also been improved to handle up to 320TB, which is definitely more than the average user would be able to get through in the drive’s five-year warranty period. Like its predecessor, the XTi also provides end-to-end data path protection, enhanced error correction, and power-loss protection. In addition to the 480GB configuration mentioned above, the XTi comes in three other capacities: 240GB ($104.99), 960GB ($379.99), and 1.92TB ($864.99).

Corsair also includes a software package that lets you adjust and monitor the XTi. It covers all the basic functions you might need, but in terms of presentation, it falls short of the slicker programs Samsung and Intel offer. This isn’t a major drawback, as you probably won’t use the software more than a handful of times, but it doesn’t win the Neutron XTi any points, either.

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During testing, results from the Neutron XTi were average or less than average compared to the speed delivered by rival SSDs. That said, it will outperform your standard hard drive, and should serve your storage needs just fine. But it’s also true that you could be just as happy with one of the many other SSDs on the market that are cheaper, come with more polished software, and deliver the same or better performance. (That is, unless you absolutely need a red SSD to match your PC’s color scheme.)

For more details, check out the Corsair Neutron XTi (480GB)(Opens in a new window) review on our sister site, Computer Shopper.