Adata XPG Atom 50: Modern SSD with low power consumption

The storage experts from Adata have introduced a new product. Another SSD is now to be added to the already broad portfolio in the form of the XPG Atom 50. In addition to the latest specs, such as support for PCIe Gen4 x4 and a data transfer rate of up to 5,000 MB/s, it is supposed to convince with its low power consumption.

Rainier Q ensures energy efficiency

The size selection of the Atom 50 does not really look up-to-date. Adata only wants to launch its M.2 SSD in a 1 TB version. However, the emphasis here is on “launch”. After all, another version with 2 TB of storage is supposed to follow at a later date. Adata seems to go new ways with the controller. The manufacturer uses the IG5220 controller, which is also called “Rainier Q”. This has many advantages. Like many other entry-level SSDs, the upcoming Atom 50 does without a DRAM cache. However, the Rainier Q is supposed to be able to replace the cache’s work. But not only that. On top of that, the controller also saves power. To effectively counteract performance drops, the SSD grabs a bit of memory from the system and uses it as a cache without further ado.

High transfer rates despite missing DRAM cache

The XPG Atom 50 relies on state-of-the-art interface technology with PCIe Gen4 x4. Theoretically, SSDs based on this interface can achieve extremely high transfer rates. In the absence of a DRAM cache, Adata’s latest has to settle for speeds of 5,000 MB/s (read) and 4,500 MB/s (write). These are good values for an SSD without a DRAM cache. First test reports make it clear that the Atom 50 optionally offers an aluminum tray. You should be able to put this on the SSD if the flash memory gets too hot. As mentioned at the beginning, it is primarily the SSD’s thriftiness that stands out from the crowd. If you put the transfer rates in relation to the low power consumption of 2.5 watts, it is quite impressive. Thanks to its low power consumption, the SSD would be ideal for installation in a notebook.

Price and availability

When the SSD will appear in our climes is still unknown so far. The same applies to the price that Adata wants to charge. In the US, the storage expert wants to launch its XPG Atom 50 at an MSRP of about 120 US dollars. That would be a very good price in view of the good technical specs.