Solidigm P5810 SSD Review | Endurance-Tested Performance

The Solidigm D7-P1580 is a solid state drive built to withstand endurance-heavy workloads. The drive is offered in 800GB and 1.6TB capacities and runs the PCIe 4.0 interface in a U.2 form factor. This is by all measures a behemoth enterprise-class SSD.

This product is part of the D7 series of Solidigm SSDs and is marketed as high-performance in build and functionality. This drive is distinct in that it is write-intensive rather than read-intensive so it is intended for tasks like caching, data logging, or HPC among others.

The emphasis on endurance is not an afterthought. Solidigm's 144-layer SLC 3D NAND inclusion makes the P5180 a 24/7, long-haul storage machine. For users requiring storage infrastructure for AI and ML databases, this is the one SSD you are looking for.

Here’s a breakdown of the core features and technical specs of the Solidigm P5810 SSD:

Key Features:

·         Enterprise-grade SLC NAND for ultra-high endurance

·         Consistent performance under heavy workloads

·         Extremely low latency for faster data access

·         Strong power-loss protection to maintain data integrity

·         Advanced error correction and thermal control

·         Optimized for write-intensive applications

Specifications:

·         Interface: PCIe Gen4x4, NVMe 1.4

·         Form Factor: U.2 (15mm)

·         Capacity Options: 800GB, 1.6TB

·         Sequential Read: Up to 6,200 MB/s

·         Sequential Write: Up to 5,000 MB/s

·         Random Read IOPS: Up to 1,100,000 IOPS

·         Random Write IOPS: Up to 370,000 IOPS

·         Latency (Read/Write): Sub-20µs (read), sub-8µs (write)

·         Endurance: Up to 73 PBW (Petabytes Written)

·         MTBF: 2 million hours

·         Power Consumption: 13-20W (active), <5W (idle)

The Solidigm P5810 is all about delivering maximum performance with minimum delay. It uses a PCIe Gen4x4 interface and NVMe 1.4 protocol which enterprise users know is the latest in SSD tech. This device achieves 4,000MB/s sequential write bandwidth. The read bandwidth is around 6,400MB/s.

It has shorter latency, faster access to data, and fewer bottlenecks during read and write operations. Not to belabor a point but the P5180 is an ideal data center component as it supports frequents data replacements per day. It performs especially well in write-intensive tasks, which is a major plus for workloads like real-time data logging, cache storage, and transactional databases.

This SSD is not designed for everyday users and that cannot be overstated. With ultra-low queue depth response and excellent quality-of-service (QoS), the P5810 helps reduce delays that could otherwise impact high-speed operations.

Starting with the exterior, the P5180 continues the tradition of metal casings we have seen from the brand since forever. There is a U.2 connector on the side and the 2.5 inch form factor makes it overall quite compact.

On to the inside and this is where the goods start lining up. Mentioned in the intro, this is a 144 layer SLC 3D NAND based drive. What enterprise users may not be familiar with is the Client Storage Abstraction Layer or CSAL, a software that enhances the write performance of hyper-dense SSDs such as the P1580. This combination augments the adoption of the enterprise-grade Single-Level Cell (SLC) NAND flash memory. 

SLC is the most durable type of NAND which makes it capable of handling far more write cycles than other types like TLC or QLC. The equation results in a long-lasting and durable storage system. The drive is also backed by strong error correction mechanisms, power-loss protection, and thermal management features.

Here are some pros and cons of the Solidigm P5810 SSD offering:

Pros:

·         Blazing-fast read and write speeds for enterprise workloads

·         Extremely low latency ensures fast and consistent performance

·         High endurance thanks to SLC NAND, ideal for write-heavy tasks

·         Reliable power-loss protection for data safety

·         Built for 24/7 operation in data center environments

Cons:

·         Not meant for consumer use, too advanced and expensive for casual users

·         Limited capacity options compared to TLC or QLC SSDs

·         The U.2 form factor may not be compatible with all systems

·         Higher power consumption than lower-end SSDs

The comparisons really end when the intended purposes of enterprise-grade SSDs become clear. The Solidigm P5180  is purpose-built for endurance harnessing SLC NAND to elevate its durability and speed metrics. While many modern drives use TLC or even QLC to maximize storage capacity, this SSD focuses on durability and consistent speed, which is why it is a standout choice for write-heavy environments.

As Intel wound up the Optane SSD which was considered an industry leader, cheaper alternatives such as the P1580 are getting their moment to shine. While other drives may show performance drops over time or under heavy loads, the P5810 remains steady. 

The Solidigm P5810 is a solid state drive designed for high-demand, write-intensive environments such as data centers. Its combination of ultra-fast speeds, incredibly low latency, and outstanding durability do not push it overboard in its price point. The Solidigm D7-P5180 is a truly solid, well-built SSD.