When ADATA launched their first NVMe SSD, the XPG SX8000, it was one of the worst performing SSDs on the market. The SX8000 paired Micron first generation 32-Layer MLC flash with SMI's SM2260 NVMe controller. This unfortunate combination conspired to make the SX8000 overpriced and underwhelming on the performance front. True, the SX8000 was one of very few NVMe SSDs that utilized 3D MLC flash, but that contributed nothing to the mix other than driving up production cost.

The SX8000, like first generation 3D Micron flash and SMI's SM2260 controller was a learning experience for all involved. Silicon Motion's SM2260 controller is one that we are sure they would rather forget about, but it set the stage for redemption. Same goes for Micron who's first generation 3D NAND was the worst on the market.