First Look: CMFSSD-64GBG2D

When it comes to the appearance of notebook drives, it must be understood that the product you're looking at will be hidden away from plain view once it gets installed. Keeping in mind that this product is solid state, and therefore has no moving parts, it takes some extra-special attention to product presentation in order to help keep the consumer feeling comfortable with their premium purchase. The Corsair P64 CMFSSD-64GBG2D package keeps to a simple black and white motif, with basic product information printed on the back of the package. For anyone familiar with SSDs, it's not what's on the outside that's important; it's the inside that counts.

Unlike desktop computers which utilize a SATA cable system to connect drive to motherboard, nearly all notebooks allow the 2.5" drive to simply slide directly into a connection bay within the system. In addition to notebooks and desktop computer usage, this Corsair P64 CMFSSD-64GBG2D 64GB Solid State Drive can be utilized for NAS storage or mission-critical backups and high-abuse data systems, but it's real focus is high-performance speed. One unfortunate omission from the Corsair P-series SSDs is the integration of a High-Speed USB 2.0 Mini-B port, similar to what we've seen on previous-generation Solid State Drive products. If manufacturers offered a mini-B USB 2.0 port in the SSD chassis, consumers could access their drive without having to attach an SSD cable; similar to external and USB flash drives.

Unlike the average Hard Disk Drive (HDD) storage product, SSD's are nearly impervious to impact damage and do not require or benefit from any kind of special vibration dampening or shock-proof enclosures. Corsair utilizes a brushed-aluminum metal enclosure for the P64 Solid State Drive, which reveals the internal components after removing just four small counter-sunk screws from the top side.

Standard 2.5" drive bay mounting points are pre-drilled and threaded into the Corsair P64 SSD, which allows for quick upgrade or addition into any existing notebook or desktop system. The mounting positions matched up to the drive bracket on my laptop, and after only a few minutes of drive cloning I was quickly booting into the Windows O/S. The Corsair model CMFSSD-64GBG2D SSD kit does not include a 2.5" to 3.5/5.25" converter tray with the kit, similar to what we've seen other manufacturers begin to include.

Now that you're acquainted with the basic exterior features of the Corsair P64 SSD, it's time to peek inside the enclosure and inspect the internal components...

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