Mushkin Delta Review

The Mushkin Delta SSD emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a significant performance upgrade without completely breaking the bank. It consistently delivers strong sequential read and write speeds, making it a solid contender for a primary drive in a gaming rig or a high-performance workstation. While it might not always outshine the absolute bleeding-edge NVMe drives in every single benchmark, its overall responsiveness and competitive pricing make it a smart choice for users looking to maximize their system’s potential in daily tasks, heavy application loading, and fast boot times. This drive often leverages a Phison E12S controller paired with 3D TLC NAND, a combination known for offering a balanced mix of speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. It’s the kind of practical upgrade that delivers tangible results, much like optimizing your workflow to shave hours off your week.

Here’s a quick rundown of some comparable storage solutions to give you a broader perspective:

• Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD

  

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe interface, Samsung Phoenix controller, V-NAND technology, up to 3,500 MB/s sequential read, 3,300 MB/s sequential write.
  • Average Price: Mid-to-High range.
  • Pros: Industry-leading performance for its generation, excellent reliability, widely recognized brand.
  • Cons: Often pricier than competitors, Gen3 speeds max out for newer systems.

• Western Digital Black SN750 SE NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface, NVMe 1.4 support, up to 3,600 MB/s sequential read, 2,830 MB/s sequential write.
  • Average Price: Mid-range.
  • Pros: Entry-level Gen4 performance, good for gaming, solid endurance.
  • Cons: Not as fast as high-end Gen4 drives, lacks DRAM in some variants.

• Crucial P5 Plus NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface, Micron 3D NAND, up to 6,600 MB/s sequential read, 5,000 MB/s sequential write.
  • Pros: Excellent Gen4 speeds, good value, reliable Micron NAND.
  • Cons: Performance can vary slightly based on workload.

• SK hynix Gold P31 NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe interface, custom SK hynix controller, 128-layer 3D NAND, up to 3,500 MB/s sequential read, 3,200 MB/s sequential write.
  • Pros: Exceptional power efficiency, strong sustained performance, good for laptops.
  • Cons: Still Gen3, not as widely available as some brands.

• Kingston NV2 NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface, DRAM-less design, up to 3,500 MB/s sequential read, 2,800 MB/s sequential write.
  • Average Price: Budget-friendly.
  • Pros: Very affordable Gen4 option, good for general use and system builds on a budget.
  • Cons: DRAM-less design can impact sustained write performance, lower endurance.

• ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe interface, Silicon Motion SM2262EN controller, 3D TLC NAND, up to 3,500 MB/s sequential read, 3,000 MB/s sequential write.
  • Pros: Excellent sustained performance for Gen3, competitive pricing, good endurance.
  • Cons: Still Gen3, some users report minor firmware quirks.

• Sabrent Rocket Q4 NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface, Phison E16 controller, QLC NAND, up to 4,900 MB/s sequential read, 3,500 MB/s sequential write.
  • Pros: Good Gen4 entry point, larger capacities available due to QLC.
  • Cons: QLC NAND can lead to slower sustained write speeds and lower endurance compared to TLC.

Understanding the Mushkin Delta’s Core Technology

The Mushkin Delta isn’t just another solid-state drive. it’s a strategically engineered piece of hardware designed to offer high performance at a competitive price point. At its heart, you’ll typically find a powerful Phison E12S controller. This controller is a well-regarded workhorse in the NVMe SSD space, known for its robust performance, efficient power management, and strong queue depth handling. It’s the kind of tech that allows the drive to manage multiple read/write operations simultaneously without getting bogged down, which translates directly into a snappier user experience.

The Phison E12S Controller Explained

The Phison E12S is an evolution of the popular E12 controller, optimized for smaller form factors and slightly lower power consumption, making it suitable for a wider range of systems. It supports NVMe 1.3 and leverages an 8-channel design, which means it can communicate with eight NAND flash chips simultaneously. This parallel processing capability is crucial for achieving high sequential speeds.

• Key Features of Phison E12S:
  • DRAM Cache: The E12S typically pairs with a dedicated DRAM cache usually DDR3L or DDR4 to store the SSD’s lookup table FTL – Flash Translation Layer. This dramatically speeds up random read/write operations, which are vital for OS responsiveness and application loading. Think of it like a super-fast index for your data.
  • LDPC ECC: It incorporates advanced Low-Density Parity-Check LDPC Error Correction Code. This is critical for data integrity and extending the lifespan of the NAND flash by correcting errors before they become unrecoverable. It’s like having a meticulous librarian constantly checking for misplaced books.
  • Toggle 2.0/3.0 & ONFi 3.0/4.0 Support: These are industry standards for how the controller communicates with the NAND flash memory. Supporting multiple standards ensures compatibility with various NAND types from different manufacturers, giving Mushkin flexibility in sourcing components.

The Role of 3D TLC NAND Flash

Complementing the Phison E12S is the use of 3D Triple-Level Cell TLC NAND flash memory. In 3D NAND, memory cells are stacked vertically, allowing for much higher storage densities compared to traditional 2D planar NAND. This means more storage in a smaller physical footprint, which is essential for M.2 NVMe drives.

• TLC Triple-Level Cell: Each cell stores three bits of data. While not as fast or as durable as MLC Multi-Level Cell or SLC Single-Level Cell, TLC offers a fantastic balance of capacity, performance, and cost-effectiveness. It’s the sweet spot for consumer-grade SSDs.
• SLC Cache: To mitigate the inherent speed limitations of TLC for burst writes, the Mushkin Delta, like most TLC drives, employs an SLC cache. A portion of the TLC NAND is temporarily operated in SLC mode storing only one bit per cell, which is much faster. When you write a large file, data is initially written to this fast SLC cache, and then asynchronously moved to the slower TLC blocks. This gives the user the impression of consistently high write speeds for typical tasks.
  • Performance Impact: The size of the SLC cache can significantly impact sustained write performance. Once the cache is full, write speeds will drop to the native TLC speed. For most daily users and even many gamers, the SLC cache is large enough that they rarely hit this “full cache” scenario. However, for professionals regularly transferring hundreds of gigabytes, this is a factor to consider.

Real-World Performance Benchmarks

When you’re looking at an SSD, synthetic benchmarks tell one story, but real-world performance is where the rubber meets the road.

The Mushkin Delta consistently performs admirably in both.

While specific numbers can vary based on system configuration, thermal conditions, and the benchmark software version, we can generally expect it to deliver speeds that significantly enhance the user experience.

Sequential Read/Write Speeds

These are the big numbers you often see advertised.

They represent how fast the drive can read or write large, contiguous blocks of data, which is crucial for tasks like:

• Loading large game files: Imagine a 50GB game loading in seconds instead of minutes.
• Copying massive video files: Shaving hours off your workflow if you’re a content creator.
• Operating system boot times: From pressing the power button to your desktop in a flash.

The Mushkin Delta, powered by the Phison E12S controller and TLC NAND, typically achieves sequential read speeds of up to 3,400 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,000 MB/s. These figures put it squarely in the high-performance PCIe Gen3 category, often rivaling or even surpassing some older Gen4 entry-level drives.

• CrystalDiskMark: This is a popular benchmark tool that provides sequential and random performance metrics. You’ll typically see results for QD1 Queue Depth 1 for light everyday tasks and QD8/QD32 for heavier, more parallelized workloads. The Delta shines in both.
• ATTO Disk Benchmark: This tool measures performance across various file sizes, giving you a better understanding of how the drive handles different data block sizes. The Delta tends to show very consistent performance across a wide range of block sizes, indicating a well-optimized firmware.

Random Read/Write IOPS

While sequential speeds are great for large files, random read/write performance, measured in IOPS Input/Output Operations Per Second, is arguably more important for overall system responsiveness. This is what dictates how fast your operating system feels, how quickly applications launch, and how smoothly multitasking performs. Avg Tuneup Review

• Operating System Functions: Every time you click an icon, open a folder, or launch a program, your OS performs countless small, random read/write operations.
• Application Loading: Complex software, like Adobe Photoshop or a large IDE, requires rapid access to thousands of small files.
• Gaming: Loading textures, assets, and game states often involves a high number of random reads.

The Mushkin Delta typically boasts random read IOPS in the range of 300,000 to 450,000 and random write IOPS between 400,000 and 550,000. These are excellent figures for a Gen3 drive and contribute significantly to its snappy feel. The dedicated DRAM cache plays a crucial role in achieving these high IOPS numbers.

Real-World Scenarios

Beyond synthetic tests, how does the Mushkin Delta perform in scenarios you actually care about?

• Gaming: For game loading times, the Delta provides a massive upgrade over traditional HDDs and even older SATA SSDs. You’ll spend less time staring at loading screens and more time in the action. While a high-end Gen4 drive might shave off a few more milliseconds, the difference is often imperceptible to the human eye.
• Content Creation: Editing 4K video or working with large image files involves frequent reads and writes. The Delta handles these tasks with ease, making scrubbing through timelines or saving large projects much faster. Its strong sustained write performance, thanks to the SLC cache, means it won’t bog down during longer transfer operations until the cache is completely exhausted.
• Daily Computing: For general web browsing, office applications, and multimedia consumption, the Mushkin Delta provides an incredibly smooth and responsive experience. Boot times are near-instant, and applications launch with remarkable speed. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes your entire system feel brand new.

Endurance and Longevity

One of the often-overlooked aspects of SSDs is their endurance, which refers to how much data can be written to the drive before it potentially wears out. This is typically measured in TBW Terabytes Written or DWPD Drive Writes Per Day. While all SSDs have a finite lifespan for writing, modern drives, especially those with TLC NAND and robust controllers like the Phison E12S, are incredibly durable for typical consumer use.

Understanding TBW and DWPD

• TBW Terabytes Written: This is the total amount of data, in terabytes, that is guaranteed to be written to the drive over its lifetime. For a 1TB Mushkin Delta drive, you might see a TBW rating of 600 TBW. To put that into perspective:
  • If you write 100GB of data every single day, it would take over 16 years to reach 600 TBW 600,000 GB / 100 GB/day = 6,000 days, or ~16.4 years.
  • Most average users write far less than 100GB per day. Unless you are running a server, constantly encoding video, or performing intense data analysis all day, every day, it’s highly unlikely you will hit the TBW limit within the drive’s expected lifespan.
• DWPD Drive Writes Per Day: This is another way to express endurance, indicating how many times the entire capacity of the drive can be written per day for the duration of its warranty period. For a 1TB drive with a 5-year warranty, a DWPD of 0.3 means you can write 300GB per day for five years. The Mushkin Delta typically offers ratings that translate to ample DWPD for consumer use.

Factors Contributing to Longevity

Several technologies within the Mushkin Delta contribute to its impressive longevity:

• Wear Leveling: The Phison E12S controller employs advanced wear-leveling algorithms. NAND flash cells can only endure a finite number of write/erase cycles. Wear leveling ensures that data is distributed evenly across all NAND cells, preventing any single cell from being overused and extending the overall lifespan of the drive. It’s like a smart manager rotating tasks among employees to prevent burnout.
• Bad Block Management: As NAND cells inevitably degrade over time, the controller identifies and isolates “bad blocks” to prevent data from being written to them. This ensures data integrity and helps maintain drive health.
• LDPC ECC Error Correction Code: As mentioned earlier, LDPC actively detects and corrects data errors before they become critical. This not only ensures data integrity but also allows the NAND to be pushed closer to its limits without compromising reliability, indirectly contributing to perceived longevity.
• Over-Provisioning: A small portion of the NAND flash is typically reserved by the SSD controller for background tasks like garbage collection, wear leveling, and bad block management. This “over-provisioning” helps maintain consistent performance and extend endurance by providing a buffer of healthy cells.

Warranty and Reliability

Mushkin typically offers a 3-year or 5-year limited warranty on its Delta series SSDs, which is standard for high-quality consumer NVMe drives. This warranty period, combined with the generous TBW ratings, provides peace of mind that the drive is built to last. User reviews and long-term data generally indicate that Mushkin SSDs are reliable performers. The crucial takeaway here is that for the vast majority of users, the endurance of the Mushkin Delta will not be a limiting factor. Your system will likely be obsolete before the drive wears out.

Form Factor and Compatibility

The Mushkin Delta is primarily available in the M.2 2280 form factor. Understanding this form factor is crucial for ensuring compatibility with your system.

M.2 2280 Explained

• M.2: This is a specification for internally mounted computer expansion cards and associated connectors. It’s designed to replace the mSATA standard and offers a smaller, more versatile form factor.
• 2280: This refers to the physical dimensions of the M.2 card.
  • 22: Indicates the width of the card in millimeters 22mm.
  • 80: Indicates the length of the card in millimeters 80mm.
  • Other common M.2 lengths include 2230, 2242, 2260, and 22110. The 2280 is the most common for consumer NVMe SSDs due to its balance of size and space for NAND chips and controller.

NVMe Interface

The Mushkin Delta utilizes the NVMe Non-Volatile Memory Express protocol. NVMe is a communication interface developed specifically for SSDs that connects directly to the system’s PCIe Peripheral Component Interconnect Express bus.

• PCIe Gen3 x4: The Mushkin Delta typically operates on a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface.
  • PCIe Gen3: Refers to the third generation of the PCIe standard. Each generation doubles the bandwidth of the previous one.
  • x4: Indicates that the drive uses four PCIe lanes.
  • Bandwidth: A single PCIe Gen3 lane offers approximately 1GB/s of bandwidth. Therefore, a PCIe Gen3 x4 connection provides a theoretical maximum bandwidth of around 4 GB/s 4,000 MB/s. The Mushkin Delta’s quoted speeds of ~3400 MB/s read and ~3000 MB/s write are well within this theoretical limit, indicating efficient utilization of the interface.

Compatibility Checklist

Before purchasing the Mushkin Delta, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

1. M.2 Slot: Your motherboard must have an M.2 slot. Most modern motherboards those released in the last 5-7 years, especially those supporting Intel 6th Gen+ or AMD Ryzen processors will have at least one M.2 slot.
2. NVMe Support: The M.2 slot must support NVMe drives. Some older M.2 slots only support SATA M.2 SSDs. Check your motherboard’s manual to confirm NVMe compatibility. Look for terms like “PCIe M.2,” “NVMe M.2,” or “M.2 PCIe x4.”
3. PCIe Gen3 x4: While the Mushkin Delta is a PCIe Gen3 drive, it is backward compatible with PCIe Gen4 slots. If you install it in a Gen4 slot, it will simply operate at its maximum Gen3 speeds. Conversely, if you install a Gen4 drive in a Gen3 slot, it will be limited to Gen3 speeds.
4. BIOS/UEFI Settings: Sometimes, you might need to adjust BIOS/UEFI settings to enable NVMe support or configure the M.2 slot to operate in PCIe mode if it shares lanes with other components e.g., SATA ports. Consult your motherboard manual for specifics.
5. Operating System Support: Windows 10/11 fully supports NVMe drives out of the box. Linux distributions also generally have excellent NVMe support. Older operating systems like Windows 7 might require specific drivers.

• Physical Installation: Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD is straightforward. It typically involves:
  • Locating the M.2 slot on your motherboard.
  • Inserting the drive at a slight angle.
  • Pushing it down and securing it with a small screw often provided with your motherboard or the SSD itself.

Overall, the M.2 2280 form factor with a PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe interface makes the Mushkin Delta a highly compatible and easy-to-install upgrade for the vast majority of desktop and many laptop systems.

Thermal Performance and Throttling

Heat management is a critical aspect for NVMe SSDs, especially high-performance ones. When an SSD gets too hot, it can thermal throttle, meaning the controller will intentionally reduce performance to prevent damage and maintain stability. Understanding the Mushkin Delta’s thermal characteristics is important, particularly for users pushing their systems hard. Msi Gl66 Pulse Review

Why SSDs Get Hot

• High-Speed Data Transfer: Moving data at gigabytes per second generates heat. The controller chip and the NAND flash modules are the primary heat sources.
• Compact Form Factor: The M.2 2280 form factor is small, which means less surface area for heat dissipation compared to a larger 2.5-inch SATA SSD.
• Proximity to Other Components: M.2 slots are often located near other hot components like the CPU or GPU, which can contribute to ambient temperatures.

Mushkin Delta’s Thermal Management

The Mushkin Delta typically relies on its controller’s inherent thermal management and potentially a basic label-style heatsink.

• Phison E12S Controller: The E12S is generally power-efficient, but under sustained heavy load e.g., transferring hundreds of GBs continuously, or running demanding benchmarks back-to-back, it can generate noticeable heat.
• Heatsink Optional/Motherboard Dependent: Many modern motherboards include integrated M.2 heatsinks. These are highly effective at dissipating heat and are recommended. If your motherboard lacks one, an aftermarket M.2 heatsink can be a worthwhile investment for optimal performance under load.
• No Integrated Heatsink on Drive Typically: Unlike some high-end Gen4 drives, the Mushkin Delta typically does not come with a bulky integrated heatsink, which allows it to fit into more restrictive M.2 slots, including those under motherboard heatsinks or in laptops.

Throttling Behavior

• Thresholds: SSD controllers have internal temperature sensors and throttling thresholds. Once the drive reaches a certain temperature e.g., 70°C or higher, the controller will reduce its operating speed to cool down.
• Impact on Performance: When throttling occurs, you might notice a drop in sequential read/write speeds, especially during long, sustained transfers. For most typical desktop use gaming, browsing, office work, where workloads are bursty rather than continuous, throttling is less likely to be an issue.
• Monitoring Temperatures: Tools like HWMonitor, CrystalDiskInfo, or the SSD manufacturer’s utility if available can help you monitor your SSD’s temperature. This is a good practice, especially after installing a new drive or if you suspect performance issues under load.

Recommendations for Optimal Thermal Performance

1. Utilize Motherboard Heatsinks: If your motherboard has an M.2 heatsink, use it. This is the simplest and most effective solution.
2. Aftermarket M.2 Heatsink: If your motherboard doesn’t have an integrated heatsink, consider a small, passive aftermarket M.2 heatsink. These are inexpensive and can significantly reduce temperatures.
3. Good Case Airflow: Ensure your PC case has adequate airflow. Proper fan placement and cable management can help dissipate heat from all components, including your SSD.
4. Avoid Blocking Airflow: Don’t place other components e.g., bulky GPUs directly over your M.2 slot if it impedes airflow to the SSD.
5. Location Matters: If your motherboard has multiple M.2 slots, check your manual. Some slots might be better positioned for airflow or might share lanes with other components in a way that affects performance or thermals. Prioritize the slot closest to the CPU for best performance, but ensure it has good cooling.

For the vast majority of users, the Mushkin Delta’s thermal performance is well within acceptable limits.

For power users, content creators, or those with sub-optimal case airflow, investing in an M.2 heatsink is a smart, low-cost way to ensure consistent peak performance.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The Mushkin Delta series SSDs don’t aim to be the absolute fastest drives on the market, nor do they try to be the cheapest. Instead, their strength lies in their excellent value proposition, delivering a compelling balance of performance, reliability, and price. This makes them particularly appealing to specific segments of the market.

What Defines “Value” for the Mushkin Delta

• Performance Per Dollar: The Delta punches well above its weight in terms of speed for its price point. It offers PCIe Gen3 speeds that are more than sufficient for 99% of users, often at a cost significantly lower than premium Gen4 drives.
• Reliable Components: The combination of a proven Phison E12S controller and robust 3D TLC NAND ensures consistent performance and good endurance. This isn’t a budget drive that cuts corners on critical components.
• Consistent Experience: Unlike some DRAM-less budget drives that can suffer from inconsistent performance under heavier loads, the Mushkin Delta’s DRAM cache ensures a consistently responsive experience, whether you’re booting up, loading games, or running applications.
• Established Brand in storage: Mushkin has been a long-standing player in the memory and storage market, known for producing reliable components. While not as large as Samsung or WD, they have a solid reputation among enthusiasts.

Who is the Mushkin Delta For?

1. Mainstream Gamers:

   • Benefit: Significantly reduced game loading times compared to HDDs or SATA SSDs. While high-end Gen4 drives might offer marginal gains in specific game engines, the Delta provides the vast majority of the performance benefit at a lower cost.
   • Recommendation: Ideal for storing your game library and ensuring quick access to your most-played titles.

2. PC Builders on a Budget:

   • Benefit: Allows builders to include a high-performance NVMe drive without eating too much into the budget for other components like the CPU or GPU.
   • Recommendation: A fantastic choice for a primary boot drive and frequently used applications.

3. Everyday Users Seeking a Snappy Upgrade:

   • Benefit: Transforms the feel of an older PC. Boot times, application launches, and general system responsiveness will feel dramatically faster compared to any HDD or even an older SATA SSD.
   • Recommendation: If you’re still on a spinning hard drive, this is arguably the most impactful upgrade you can make to your system’s perceived speed.

4. Content Creators Entry to Mid-Level:

   • Benefit: Handles large file transfers and application loads with ease. Good sequential speeds benefit video editing, photo manipulation, and large project saves.
   • Recommendation: Excellent for working projects, though professionals handling massive, multi-terabyte uncompressed video files daily might eventually eye high-end Gen4 drives for even faster sustained transfers, but the Delta is a strong starting point.

5. Laptop Users with M.2 slots:

   • Benefit: Many laptops only support PCIe Gen3. The Delta provides top-tier Gen3 performance for these systems, breathing new life into a laptop with slow storage. Its lack of an integrated bulky heatsink also makes it more compatible with laptop enclosures.
   • Recommendation: Verify your laptop’s M.2 slot compatibility and available physical space.

Who Might Look Elsewhere?

• Enthusiasts Chasing Peak Benchmarks: If you’re building a top-tier PC and want the absolute fastest transfer speeds available, or if your workload genuinely involves constant, multi-terabyte file transfers where every millisecond counts, then a bleeding-edge PCIe Gen4 or even Gen5 drive might be more appealing, albeit at a significantly higher cost.
• Users Needing Extreme Endurance: While the Delta’s TBW is more than sufficient for almost all consumers, specialized enterprise or server applications that require incredibly high write cycles might opt for enterprise-grade drives with higher endurance ratings and price tags.

In essence, the Mushkin Delta hits a sweet spot. Mushkin Gamma Review

It’s the equivalent of finding a really well-designed tool that does 95% of what the most expensive option does, but at half the price.

It’s a smart, practical choice that delivers tangible, noticeable performance gains for the vast majority of PC users.

Software and Management

While the Mushkin Delta is largely a “plug-and-play” device, understanding the available software and tools can help you optimize its performance, monitor its health, and ensure data integrity.

Unlike some larger brands that offer extensive proprietary software suites, Mushkin often relies on industry-standard tools and drivers.

Essential Software Utilities

1. Operating System NVMe Driver:

   • Windows 10/11: These operating systems have native, robust NVMe drivers built-in. For most users, the default Microsoft NVMe driver is perfectly adequate and often performs very well. You generally don’t need to install a separate driver.
   • Linux: Modern Linux kernels also have excellent native NVMe support.
   • Older OS e.g., Windows 7: If you’re somehow still running an older OS, you might need to manually install a specific NVMe driver, often provided by Intel or AMD for their chipsets. However, for an NVMe drive, it’s highly recommended to use a modern OS.

2. SSD Management Software Third-Party Recommended:

   • Mushkin doesn’t typically offer a dedicated, comprehensive SSD Toolbox like Samsung Magician or WD Dashboard. However, you can rely on excellent third-party tools.
   • CrystalDiskInfo: This is a free, indispensable utility for checking SSD health. It reads S.M.A.R.T. Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology attributes from your drive, providing critical information such as:
     • Temperature: Current operating temperature.
     • Health Status: An overall assessment Good, Warning, Bad.
     • Total Host Reads/Writes: Cumulative data read from and written to the drive useful for tracking against TBW.
     • Power On Hours/Count: How long the drive has been on and how many times it’s been powered up.
     • Bad Block Count: Alerts to any reallocated sectors due to wear.
     • Features: Shows supported features like TRIM, NVMe version, etc.
   • CrystalDiskMark: While primarily a benchmarking tool, running it periodically can help confirm your drive is performing as expected.
   • HWMonitor / HWInfo64: These system monitoring tools also show NVMe SSD temperatures and other relevant data, useful for overall system health checks.

Firmware Updates

• Importance: Firmware updates can improve performance, fix bugs, enhance compatibility, or optimize power consumption.
• Mushkin Process: Unlike some larger brands that integrate firmware updates into their management software, Mushkin’s firmware updates if available are usually provided as standalone executables downloaded directly from their support website.
• How to Check: It’s a good practice to periodically visit Mushkin’s official support page for the Delta series and check for any available firmware updates. Always follow their instructions carefully when performing a firmware update, as interrupting the process can brick the drive.

TRIM Support

• TRIM: This command allows the operating system to tell the SSD which data blocks are no longer in use e.g., when a file is deleted. This allows the SSD’s controller to perform garbage collection on those blocks proactively, improving write performance and extending endurance.
• Automatic in Modern OS: Windows 10/11 and modern Linux distributions automatically enable and manage TRIM for NVMe SSDs. You typically don’t need to do anything manually.
• Verification: You can verify if TRIM is enabled in Windows by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing: fsutil behavior query disabledeletenotify. If the result is DisableDeleteNotify = 0, TRIM is enabled.

In summary, while the Mushkin Delta might lack a flashy proprietary software suite, its reliance on a well-designed controller and industry-standard tools means you have all the necessary means to monitor, maintain, and optimize your drive effectively.

The simplicity of not requiring dedicated software can even be seen as a benefit by some users.

Comparisons with Competitors

When evaluating the Mushkin Delta, it’s essential to compare it against its key competitors in the PCIe Gen3 NVMe space, and even some entry-level Gen4 drives, to truly understand its standing in the market. The sweet spot for the Delta is its strong performance-to-price ratio, making it a compelling alternative to more expensive options without sacrificing much in real-world usage.

Mushkin Delta vs. Samsung 970 EVO Plus PCIe Gen3 Flagship

• Mushkin Delta: Phison E12S, 3D TLC, up to ~3400/3000 MB/s sequential.
• Samsung 970 EVO Plus: Samsung Phoenix, V-NAND, up to ~3500/3300 MB/s sequential.
• Comparison: The 970 EVO Plus was the undisputed Gen3 king. The Delta comes very close in sequential speeds and often matches or even slightly edges it out in certain random workloads, especially at higher queue depths. Where the Delta wins decisively is price. The 970 EVO Plus often carries a premium due to brand recognition and slightly refined performance, while the Delta offers 90-95% of that performance for significantly less cost, making it a better value for most users. Endurance is similar, but Samsung’s Magician software is a plus.

Mushkin Delta vs. Crucial P5 Plus Entry-Level PCIe Gen4

• Mushkin Delta: PCIe Gen3.
• Crucial P5 Plus: PCIe Gen4, up to ~6600/5000 MB/s sequential.
• Comparison: The P5 Plus is a Gen4 drive, meaning it theoretically offers much higher sequential speeds. However, for real-world gaming and daily computing, the difference between a high-end Gen3 like the Delta and an entry-level Gen4 is often negligible because most applications don’t saturate the Gen3 bandwidth. If your motherboard only supports Gen3, the Delta is the faster choice. If you have a Gen4 slot and consistently move multi-terabyte files or run very specific Gen4-optimized applications, the P5 Plus might be better. But for the average user, the Delta delivers a fantastic experience at a better price point for its category.

Mushkin Delta vs. SK hynix Gold P31 Efficiency King

• Mushkin Delta: Phison E12S, good performance.
• SK hynix Gold P31: SK hynix custom controller, exceptional power efficiency, similar sequential speeds ~3500/3200 MB/s.
• Comparison: The P31 is renowned for its power efficiency and strong sustained performance, making it a favorite for laptop users where battery life and heat generation are concerns. Performance-wise, they are often neck-and-neck in synthetic benchmarks. The Delta might be slightly more aggressive in some random write metrics, but the P31 is undeniably efficient. If power efficiency is your top priority e.g., for a portable gaming rig, the P31 might edge it out. For desktops, it often comes down to price and availability.

Mushkin Delta vs. ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro Strong Gen3 Alternative

• Mushkin Delta: Phison E12S.
• ADATA SX8200 Pro: Silicon Motion SM2262EN, similar sequential speeds ~3500/3000 MB/s.
• Comparison: These two drives are very direct competitors, often trading blows in benchmarks. Both offer excellent Gen3 performance with DRAM caches. The choice often comes down to the better deal at the moment, perceived brand reliability, or specific benchmark results for your desired workload. The SX8200 Pro has also been a very popular choice for its performance-per-dollar.

Mushkin Delta vs. Kingston NV2 Budget Gen4, DRAM-less

• Mushkin Delta: Gen3 with DRAM.
• Kingston NV2: Gen4, DRAM-less, lower sequential speeds ~3500/2800 MB/s and often lower endurance.
• Comparison: The NV2 is a budget-focused Gen4 drive. While it carries the “Gen4” label, its DRAM-less design and often QLC NAND though some variants use TLC mean its sustained write performance can degrade significantly once the SLC cache is exhausted, and its random performance can be less consistent than the Delta. For users on an extremely tight budget or for secondary storage where peak performance isn’t critical, the NV2 is an option. However, for a primary boot drive where responsiveness matters, the Mushkin Delta offers a much more consistent and reliable high-performance experience despite being “only” Gen3. The Delta is the clear winner for stability and sustained performance.

In conclusion, the Mushkin Delta firmly establishes itself as one of the best value propositions in the high-performance PCIe Gen3 NVMe space. Haloitsm Review

It delivers performance that is virtually indistinguishable from older flagships for the vast majority of users, often at a lower price.

It’s the smart choice for those who want serious speed without paying the “early adopter” premium for bleeding-edge Gen4 drives that their current workload or motherboard might not even fully utilize.

Installation and Setup Guide

Installing an M.2 NVMe SSD like the Mushkin Delta is one of the easiest and most impactful hardware upgrades you can perform on a modern PC.

This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth installation and initial setup.

What You’ll Need

• Mushkin Delta M.2 NVMe SSD: The drive itself.
• Phillips Head Screwdriver: Small enough for motherboard screws.
• Motherboard Manual: Essential for locating the M.2 slots and understanding any specific configurations e.g., shared PCIe lanes.
• Optional: Anti-static wrist strap or regularly touch a grounded metal object to discharge static electricity.
• Optional: M.2 heatsink if your motherboard doesn’t have one and you desire optimal thermal performance.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Preparation:

   • Power Down: Completely shut down your computer and unplug it from the wall.
   • Open Case: Remove the side panel of your PC case to access the motherboard.
   • Locate M.2 Slot: Refer to your motherboard manual to find the M.2 slots. They typically look like a small horizontal slot, often near the CPU or under the GPU, with a small standoff screw hole at the end. Many modern motherboards have multiple M.2 slots. check your manual for preferred slots or any performance implications.
   • Remove Motherboard Heatsink if applicable: If your M.2 slot is covered by a motherboard heatsink, carefully remove the screws securing it and lift it off. Set it aside.

2. Install the Mushkin Delta SSD:

   • Handle Carefully: Hold the SSD by its edges to avoid touching the gold contacts or integrated circuits.
   • Insert: Align the notch on the Mushkin Delta SSD with the key in the M.2 slot. Insert the drive gently at an angle usually around 30 degrees until it seats fully into the slot. It should feel snug.
   • Secure: Gently push the drive down until it’s parallel with the motherboard. There will be a small standoff screw or a plastic clip near the end of the M.2 slot. Secure the drive using the small screw provided with your motherboard or the SSD itself. Don’t overtighten.
   • Reinstall Motherboard Heatsink if applicable: If you removed a motherboard heatsink, place it back over the SSD ensure any thermal pads make good contact and secure it with its screws.

3. Close Case and Power On:

   • Replace your PC case side panel.
   • Plug in your computer and power it on.

Initial Setup and Formatting

Once your PC boots up, the Mushkin Delta might not immediately appear in “This PC” or “My Computer”. This is normal for a brand-new, unformatted drive.

1. Access Disk Management Windows:

   • Right-click on the Start button Windows icon.
   • Select Disk Management.
   • Alternatively, type “Disk Management” into the Windows search bar and select “Create and format hard disk partitions.”

2. Initialize the Disk: Sony Srs Ra5000 Review

   • In Disk Management, you should see your Mushkin Delta listed as “Disk 1” or similar, often marked as “Unallocated” and “Not Initialized.”
   • Right-click on the disk number e.g., “Disk 1” and select “Initialize Disk.”
   • Choose a partition style:
     • GPT GUID Partition Table: Recommended for modern systems and drives larger than 2TB. It’s generally the preferred option for Windows 10/11.
     • MBR Master Boot Record: For older systems or if you need compatibility with very old operating systems. Less recommended for new NVMe drives.
   • Click OK.

3. Create a New Simple Volume:

   • Now, the disk should be “Online” but still “Unallocated.”
   • Right-click on the “Unallocated” space on your Mushkin Delta.
   • Select “New Simple Volume.”
   • Follow the New Simple Volume Wizard:
     • Click Next.
     • Specify the volume size default is maximum available, which is usually what you want. Click Next.
     • Assign a drive letter choose any available letter. Click Next.
     • Format Partition:
       • File system: NTFS for Windows.
       • Allocation unit size: Default.
       • Volume label: Give it a name e.g., “Mushkin Delta SSD” or “Games Drive”.
       • Perform a quick format: Check this box.
       • Enable file and folder compression: Leave unchecked unless you specifically need it generally not recommended for performance.
     • Click Next and then Finish.

Your Mushkin Delta SSD is now ready to use! You’ll see it appear in “This PC” or “My Computer” with the drive letter and label you assigned.

You can now begin installing games, applications, or transferring files to your new high-speed storage.

If you plan to install your operating system on the Mushkin Delta, you’ll need to create bootable Windows installation media and select the Delta as your target drive during the OS installation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mushkin Delta?

The Mushkin Delta is a series of high-performance NVMe Solid State Drives SSDs designed for mainstream users and enthusiasts, offering significant speed upgrades over traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs.

It typically utilizes a Phison E12S controller and 3D TLC NAND flash.

Is Mushkin Delta a good SSD?

Yes, the Mushkin Delta is considered a good SSD.

It offers a strong balance of performance, reliability, and value for its price point, delivering impressive sequential and random speeds suitable for gaming, content creation, and general daily computing.

What interface does the Mushkin Delta use?

The Mushkin Delta primarily uses the PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe interface. This means it connects directly to your motherboard’s PCIe lanes for high-speed data transfer.

Is Mushkin Delta compatible with PCIe Gen4 motherboards?

Yes, the Mushkin Delta is backward compatible with PCIe Gen4 motherboards. Nikon Nikkor Z 24 200Mm F4 63 Vr Review

When installed in a Gen4 slot, it will simply operate at its maximum PCIe Gen3 x4 speeds.

Does the Mushkin Delta come with a heatsink?

Typically, the Mushkin Delta SSD itself does not come with a pre-attached, bulky heatsink. It relies on its controller’s internal thermal management and any M.2 heatsink provided by your motherboard. Aftermarket heatsinks can be added for optimal thermal performance under heavy loads.

What kind of NAND flash does Mushkin Delta use?

The Mushkin Delta commonly uses 3D Triple-Level Cell TLC NAND flash memory. TLC NAND offers a good balance of capacity, performance, and cost-effectiveness for consumer SSDs.

Does the Mushkin Delta have a DRAM cache?

Yes, the Mushkin Delta, powered by the Phison E12S controller, typically includes a dedicated DRAM cache. This cache is crucial for excellent random read/write performance and overall drive responsiveness.

What are the typical sequential speeds of the Mushkin Delta?

You can generally expect sequential read speeds of up to 3,400 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 3,000 MB/s for the Mushkin Delta, depending on the specific capacity and firmware.

What is the TBW Terabytes Written rating for Mushkin Delta?

The TBW rating varies by capacity, but for a 1TB Mushkin Delta drive, you can typically expect an endurance rating of around 600 TBW. This is more than sufficient for the vast majority of consumer uses.

How long is the warranty for Mushkin Delta SSDs?

Mushkin typically offers a 3-year or 5-year limited warranty on its Delta series SSDs, which is standard for high-quality consumer NVMe drives.

Do I need to install drivers for the Mushkin Delta?

For Windows 10/11, you generally do not need to install separate drivers. The operating system’s native NVMe drivers are sufficient. Linux distributions also have excellent native support.

How do I check the health of my Mushkin Delta SSD?

You can check the health of your Mushkin Delta SSD using third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo or HWInfo64. These tools read the drive’s S.M.A.R.T. attributes.

Can I use Mushkin Delta as a boot drive?

Yes, the Mushkin Delta is an excellent choice for a boot drive due to its high speeds, which result in very fast operating system boot times and application launches. Sun Basket Meal Delivery Service Review

Is Mushkin a reliable brand for SSDs?

Yes, Mushkin has been a long-standing and reliable brand in the memory and storage industry for many years, with a good reputation among PC enthusiasts and builders.

What is the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs?

PCIe Gen4 offers double the theoretical bandwidth of PCIe Gen3. While Gen4 drives can achieve significantly higher sequential speeds, the real-world performance difference for most everyday tasks and gaming is often minimal unless you’re regularly working with extremely large files or specific applications designed to saturate Gen4 bandwidth.

Will the Mushkin Delta make my games load faster?

Yes, the Mushkin Delta will significantly reduce game loading times compared to traditional hard drives and often provides noticeable improvements over SATA SSDs.

How does the Mushkin Delta compare to a SATA SSD?

The Mushkin Delta NVMe is substantially faster than a SATA SSD.

NVMe drives communicate directly with the CPU via PCIe, offering much higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to SATA, which has a theoretical limit of 600 MB/s.

Is the Mushkin Delta suitable for content creation?

Yes, the Mushkin Delta is well-suited for entry to mid-level content creation tasks such as video editing, photo manipulation, and large file transfers, thanks to its strong sequential read/write performance.

How do I install the Mushkin Delta in my PC?

Installation involves locating an M.2 slot on your motherboard, inserting the drive at an angle, and securing it with a small screw.

You then typically need to initialize and format the drive in Disk Management Windows or a similar utility for your OS.

What is thermal throttling and how does it affect the Mushkin Delta?

Thermal throttling is when an SSD reduces its performance to prevent overheating. While the Mushkin Delta is generally efficient, under sustained heavy loads without proper cooling like a motherboard heatsink or aftermarket heatsink, it can throttle. For typical use, it’s usually not an issue.

Is Mushkin Delta good for laptops?

Yes, if your laptop has an M.2 NVMe slot and supports the 2280 form factor, the Mushkin Delta is an excellent upgrade. Splendid Spoon Review

Its typical lack of a bulky integrated heatsink makes it more compatible with laptop enclosures.

Can I clone my old drive to the Mushkin Delta?

Yes, you can clone your existing operating system drive to the Mushkin Delta using disk cloning software e.g., Macrium Reflect, EaseUS Todo Backup. This allows you to migrate your OS without a fresh installation.

What are the different capacities available for Mushkin Delta?

The Mushkin Delta series typically comes in various capacities such as 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and sometimes larger, catering to different storage needs.

Does the Mushkin Delta use QLC or TLC NAND?

The Mushkin Delta uses TLC Triple-Level Cell NAND. TLC offers better performance and endurance compared to QLC Quad-Level Cell NAND, which is typically found in more budget-oriented or very high-capacity drives.

What is the difference between random and sequential performance?

Sequential performance measured in MB/s refers to how fast the drive can read or write large, contiguous blocks of data e.g., copying a large video file. Random performance measured in IOPS refers to how fast the drive can read or write many small, scattered blocks of data e.g., loading an operating system or launching multiple applications, which is crucial for overall system responsiveness.

Will the Mushkin Delta benefit from a motherboard M.2 heatsink?

Yes, using a motherboard’s integrated M.2 heatsink is highly recommended for the Mushkin Delta, especially if your system experiences heavy, sustained workloads.

It helps dissipate heat and ensures consistent peak performance by preventing thermal throttling.

Is Mushkin Delta a good value compared to Samsung SSDs?

The Mushkin Delta often provides comparable real-world performance to Samsung’s Gen3 drives like the 970 EVO Plus but at a more competitive price point, making it an excellent value choice for many users.

How does the Mushkin Delta handle large file transfers?

The Mushkin Delta handles large file transfers very well, thanks to its strong sequential read/write speeds and an effective SLC cache.

For most consumer workloads, the SLC cache is large enough to sustain high speeds. Asus Vivobook 17 M712 Review

Only during extremely prolonged, multi-terabyte writes might you see a speed drop once the cache is exhausted.

What are common alternatives to the Mushkin Delta?

Common alternatives in the high-performance PCIe Gen3 NVMe space include the ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro, SK hynix Gold P31, and Crucial P5. For entry-level Gen4 options, drives like the Crucial P5 Plus or WD Black SN750 SE could be considered.

What is the form factor of the Mushkin Delta?

The Mushkin Delta typically comes in the M.2 2280 form factor, meaning it is 22mm wide and 80mm long.