CONCLUSION

   After checking all of our results the KC300 240GB initially seems to be just another SSD based on the Sandforce SF-2281 controller (not a bad thing by the way) but it only takes one look at our IOmeter results to see that Kingston has actually pushed the performance of the drive quite considerably. Now as you can all see we don't focus our efforts in testing every SSD model out there so our database is not as rich as it could be but still the SSDnow KC300 240GB is second only to the PCIex based REVODRIVE3 240GB by OCZ when it comes to I/Os and that's not something easy. Of course for us this means that the results are somewhat balanced since the SSDnow KC300 240GB didn't do so well in a couple of tests but some people believe that I/Os are the most important test when reviewing storage media so regardless of how one sees it it's actually a win, win scenario. The bundle is also a nice touch both for desktop and notebook owners although Kingston also has the entire SSDnow KC300 line available as standalone SSDs for people who care not about the external enclosure and the 3.5" adapter so it's always good to have that option as well.

   As we speak the Kingston SSDnow KC300 240GB SSD Upgrade Kit (SKC300S3B7A/240G) retails for USD227.51 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 180Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price which lands it right next to numerous equal capacity alternatives. Of course aside its very good performance especially in IOmeter the SSDnow KC300 240GB SSD Upgrade Kit also offers the external USB 2.0 enclosure and an 3.5" bracket so if you don't need those you can save around 10-15% thus giving the drive a much more competitive price/performance ratio. In the end it comes down to what you want but that being said thanks to its very good overall performance the KC300 240GB gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (SF-2281/ Internal Thermal Pads/ Toshiba 19nm NAND)
- Very Good Performance (Especially In IOmeter)
- Bundle (2.5" USB Enclosure/ 3.5" bracket/ 7mm To 9.5mm Adapter/ SATA III Cable/ SATA Power Connector/ Cloning Software)
- 3 Year Warranty With Free Technical Support
- Available As Standalone
- Idle Power Consumption (0.08W)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- SandForce SF-2281 Controller Is Not Getting Any Younger