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Whether you're trying to upgrade from your SATA-based SSD to a faster NVMe drive or looking for a new one to add to your next gaming build, be sure to give Adata’s XPG Gammix S11 Pro a good look. Based on our experience with it, it's easy to recommend.
The drive looks great with the blacked-out PCB and sleek red-and-black heatsink. In other words, it looks just as fast as it is and would be a fine aesthetic addition to many builds. Surprisingly, though, its performance is tuned a bit differently than the SX8200 Pro’s and closer to the Mushkin Pilot-E, or in-between the two during most tasks.
While each of Adata’s Pro SSDs are comprised of the same components, they feature different firmware. This led to some differences in performance during testing, where the SX8200 Pro outclassed the S11 Pro under light workloads, and even during our transfer tests. But, the S11 Pro outperformed its sibling drive during heavier prosumer workloads and was more consistent. And, it was is slightly more efficient, making it the second most efficient overall in in our test pool. That said, if you primarily car about gaming, most NVMe SSDs perform practically the same.
The S11 Pro also priced competitively, and Adata backs the S11 Pro with a 5-year warranty and outfits it with similar endurance as most top-ranking SSDs. The company also includes support via an SSD toolbox and Acronis True Image disk imaging software for free.
In short, Adata’s XPG Gammix S11 Pro offers a lot of performance for not a whole lot more than most entry-level SSDs. It sure as heck is a lot cheaper than the WD Black SN750 and Samsung 970 EVO Plus, which makes it a great value for those looking to balance speed and budget. That said, HP's SSD EX950 is quite similar and is now selling for $10 less. And the Phison E12-powered Corsair Force MP510 is just $125 at this time. But these drives have no heatsinks included. So, if you are trying to pinch pennies while attaining some of the highest NVMe speeds you can, there are some alternatives. But if you want all those things plus good looks, this ADATA drive is tough to beat.
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