The Vertex 3 MAX IOPS features an identical casing to the Agility 3, although it does have a slightly different sticker on the top. This isn’t quite as good quality as the other drives on test, but it shouldn’t cause any issues.

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Figure 7: OCZ Vertex 3 MAX IOPS 240 GB

Even though the Vertex 3 MAX IOPS features the same SandForce SF-2281 controller as the Agility 3, it has slightly better claimed read and write figures of 550 MB/s and 500 MB/s, respectively. OCZ has used 16 Toshiba  H58TAG7D2FBAS9 16 GB memory chips, which are distributed evenly between the two sides of the PCB.

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Figure 8: OCZ Vertex 3 MAX IOPS 240 GB PCB

There’s no denying it, the OWC unit has the most striking appearance of the five drives on test, thanks to the attractive metallic blue finish. The casing is constructed from metal and is very good quality.

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Figure 9: OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 240 GB 6G

The OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G drive also features the latest SandForce SF-2281 controller and boasts claimed read and write speeds of 559 MB/s and 527 MB/s, respectively. OWC has chosen to use 16 Micron 29F128G08CFAAB 16 GB memory chips to make up the 240 GB capacity. Eight of these are on the top of the PCB, with the remaining eight on the underside.

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Figure 10: OWC Mercury Extreme Pro 6G 240 GB PCB