Investing in Solid State Drives Offers Significant Cost Advantage

Transcription

1 Whitepaper October 2012 Investing in Solid State Drives A J.Gold Associates White Paper SSDs have always had a speed and power advantage over mechanical hard drives, but at a cost premium that was not always attractive. And while SSD reliability is significantly better than HDD, many felt that the additional cost for SSD was not justified (or simply not affordable) This report will measure and determine the cost benefits related to productivity improvements associated with the use of SSDs when compared to HDDs in typical business settings. Our research will show a substantial cost advantage when deploying SSDs in commercial settings and for various worker types and roles.

2 Contents Introduction...2 Testing User Productivity...2 Test Scenarios...3 Test Comparisons...3 Figure 1: Average SSD vs. HDD SYSmark Speed Improvement... 3 Figure 2: Average SSD vs. HDD SYSmark Speed Improvement by Test Scenario... 4 Scenario Compensation...4 Figure 3: Blended work scenarios for different worker roles in the organization... 5 Scenario Results...5 Figure 4: Average weighted worker role improvements by using an SSD... 5 Average Yearly Savings Calculations...5 Figure 5: Average Yearly Saving Per Worker Role through SSD-enabled Productivity Improvement... 6 Figure 6: Total Savings over 3 Year life of average machine using SSD... 6 Figure 7: 1 Year and 3 Year Return on Investment... 6 Additional Benefits...6 Recommendations...7 Appendix...9 Appendix 1: PC Test Scenarios...9 Appendix 2: PC Test Machine Configurations as Reported by SYSmark Test Suite...12 HDD Machine: SSD Machine: Appendix 3: Machine Specs and List Price per Manufacturer s Web Site:...13 HDD-enabled machine SSD-enabled machine:... 15

3 Introduction Solid state drives (SSD) in desktop and laptop PCs have been available for several years, typically sold as premium additions to higher end machines. Their lower capacity and higher cost when compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDD) have limited their adoption in many businesses. However, following the traditional semiconductor curve, over the past year the market experienced significant SSD price reductions and capacity expansion. In fact, SSDs have recently become quite competitive, with commercial-class PC-targeted devices often breaking through the $1/GB level. Further, the capacity of mainstream SSDs has been increasing to the point where they are no longer relegated to previous limitations of containing only the OS and a few apps. With the sweet spot of SSDs now in the approximately 200GB-250GB range, they offer significant storage capacity for apps and files alike. While PC-targeted sweet spot HDDs are generally in the 500GB-1TB range, this is more capacity than most business-oriented users require, and thus the HDD capacity advantage may be a mute point for many users. SSDs have always had a speed and power advantage over mechanical hard drives, but at a cost premium that was not always attractive. And while SSD reliability is significantly better than HDD, many felt that the additional cost for SSD was not justified (or simply not affordable). Our report, SSDs in Notebooks: Cost Advantage or Cost Liability, estimated a cost advantage of $214 over a 3 year lifecycle for each business class notebook and a Return on Investment (ROI) of 107% above and beyond the additional cost of outfitting the machine with an SSD. However, the above research only evaluated the cost advantage based on lower hardware failure rates and the subsequent savings offered, and not the specific productivity improvements in daily work scenarios. This report will measure and determine the cost benefits related to productivity improvements associated with the use of SSDs when compared to HDDs in typical business settings. Our research will show a substantial cost advantage when deploying SSDs in commercial settings and for various worker types and roles. Testing User Productivity This report will analyze the value obtained through user productivity improvement by comparing an SSD powered commercially available off-the-shelf notebook PC to an identical machine using an HDD (see Appendix 2 for PC hardware configuration). To evaluate productivity, we conducted tests on each machine utilizing a real-world application benchmark (BAPCo s SYSMark 2012). We believe this benchmark offers a realistic suite of actual applications that is similar to work being done in a typical business setting. While no test suite is perfect, we believe application-based tests run under a script moving data into and out of programs and executing program operations produce a more realistic outcome than synthetic tests that do not use actual productivity applications. However, variables such as the number and size of data sets written and read from disk will have a major effect on the test results, with heavy dataset users showing increased advantage using SSDs because of their improved read/write speeds. Nevertheless, we believe this standardized 2

4 test suite with its fixed values is fairly representative for comparative purposes, and our findings are based on these tests. Test Scenarios SYSmark 2012 utilizes 6 test scenarios that perform specific routine operations, based on an analysis by BAPco of typical roles in business settings. While individual usage will vary by user role, responsibility, industry, etc., we believe these scenarios to be a fair representation of a typical work scenario. The test scenarios in SYSmark 2012 include: Office Productivity Media Creation Web Development Data/Financial Analysis 3D Modeling System Management Detailed analysis of the applications and scenarios for each test are provided in Appendix 1, as described in the SYSmark 2012 documentation. Test Comparisons Each machine was re-imaged with a clean, fresh version of Windows 7, and then machinespecific drivers were added. The SYSmark test suite was then installed on each machine. The complete SYSmark 2012 test suite was then run on each machine, with each test run taking multiple hours to complete. The tests were run 3 times on each machine and an average result was then calculated. Figure 1 below indicates the average improvement provided by the SSD over the HDD for the time to complete the test, as well as the final SYSmark score (a weighted average of test results from within the SYSmark test suite, which is used for comparison purposes). The result obtained showed that the SSD enabled machine completed the multi-hour test run 20.14% faster than the same tests run on the HDD enabled machine. Further, the overall test score was 7.2% better for the SSD machine than for the HDD machine. Figure 1: Average SSD vs. HDD SYSmark Speed Improvement T ime To Complete SYSmark Score Avg. SSD Improvement 20.14% 7.20% Figure 2 indicates the average individual scenario test score improvement for the SSD machine compared to the same test run on the HDD machine. This difference was calculated by comparing the individual SYSmark scenario scores for each of the 6 test scenarios. The improvements varied widely based on the test scenario, and is due to the variations in reads and writes to the disk drives (the only real performance difference between the two otherwise identical machines). This is to be expected as applications that require a good deal of I/O to the drive will benefit most from the speed improvements 3

5 available with the SSD. However, it is important to note that in the real world, there may be a wide variation even when running the same application, based on how much and how often data is written (e.g., very large data sets read/write like spreadsheets or databases vs. short data like ). Nevertheless, while the actual numbers may change, we believe the improvements shown here to be valid representations of real work loads and improvements that can be achieved within the various test suite scenarios. Figure 2: Average SSD vs. HDD SYSmark Speed Improvement by Test Scenario Scenario: Office Productivity Media Creation Web Devel Data/Finan. Anal 3D Modeling Sys Mgmt Avg. SSD Improvement 12.49% 2.83% 6.70% 0.37% 2.50% 20.63% Scenario Compensation It is important to note that any test suite creates its scripts based on some normalized concept of what users will likely do on their machine, and its unlikely that a single role represents the only workload that user will encounter. To compensate for this as much as is possible, we have created our own worker-based scenarios that include a sampling of each of the scripted SYSmark scenario tests, but based on the proportion of work we think each role would perform within each of the scenarios based on a percentage of the user s total work time. We believe this blended approach to the test results is a more accurate representation of the varying types of work done by most professionals. It is possible to come up with a virtually endless number of scenarios, but for this paper, we decided on 6 scenarios that we believe reflect common business roles within most organizations. The six worker scenarios we created include: Office Worker general office worker such as a manager, sales person, etc. Engineering a generic engineering professional engaged in design work Admin - a general purpose administrative assistant in an office setting Business Analyst someone who performs data-centric analysis tasks Web Programmer someone engaged in software and/or web page creation IT Staffer general tasks associated with managing and supporting users Once the above roles were defined, we determined an activity blending by building a scenario for each worker type. This assumed that the user would utilize different components of the SYSmark test scenarios for various portions of the work day, and that the various roles would, to varying degrees, utilize the test scenarios not often associated with their direct roles (e.g., a web designer using office productivity tools). This Weighted Task Matrix reflecting the six worker scenarios described above and the percentage of time spent in each SYSmark defined scenario is provided below: 4

6 Figure 3: Blended work scenarios for different worker roles in the organization Worker Scenario Creations Office Worker Engineering Admin Bus Analyst Web Progrmr IT Staffer Weighted Task Share Office Productivity 65% 20% 30% 30% 25% 20% Media Creation 10% 10% 5% 10% 5% Web Development 40% 5% Data/Financial Analysis 10% 10% 5% 40% 3D Modeling 40% Systems Management 10% 5% 30% 5% 15% 50% Total PC Time 85% 85% 75% 80% 90% 80% It is important to note that none of the total PC times for the various blended scenarios add up to 100%. This is because we assumed various workers would have additional tasks to perform that were not done on the computer (e.g., filing, telephone calls, meetings). And since this calculation will be used to determine the productivity improvements, we felt a more representative basis was necessary. As such the scenario results presented reflect this less than 100% time allotment. Scenario Results The weighted tasks were used to compute a productivity improvement value for each role. The results of the calculations for the determined roles are presented below: Figure 4: Average weighted worker role improvements by using an SSD Worker Scenario Creations Office Worker Engineering Admin Bus Analyst Web Progrmr IT Staffer Avg Weighted Improvement 10.22% 4.85% 10.24% 5.07% 9.18% 13.29% The results show a significant difference in productivity improvement across the various roles. Even the lowest improvement at approximately 5% is still a very significant productivity enhancement, while the highest at approximately 13% indicates a substantial return on investment potential. Average Yearly Savings Calculations From the results obtained showing the various amounts of productivity improvement for the various roles, we determined an actual dollar amount for each. This was determined by creating a representative fully burdened cost for each worker type. Each amount is shown in Figure 5 below. Once the salary and previous percentage of productivity improvement was determined, we calculated the amount of productivity improvement savings per employee available to the organization. As expected, this amount varies by employee type based on percentage improvement and total compensation, but is nevertheless quite significant, ranging from $5,818 to $11,015. 5

7 Figure 5: Average Yearly Saving Per Worker Role through SSD-enabled Productivity Improvement Worker Scenario Creations Office Worker Engineering Admin Bus Analyst Web Progrmr IT Staffer Average Burdened Salary $80,000 $120,000 $70,000 $120,000 $120,000 $75,000 Average Yearly Savings $8,175 $5,818 $7,167 $6,081 $11,015 $9,968 It is important to note that these numbers are per user per year. The average PC remains in service for 3-4 years, so the actual return on vestment for deploying an SSD vs. an HDD for each worker type is 3-4 times higher. The calculation below assumes the shorter 3 year lifecycle for a machine. Organizations deploying SSD enabled machines for longer will find an increased ROI related to the length of service of the device. Figure 6: Total Savings over 3 Year life of average machine using SSD Worker Scenario Creations Office Worker Engineering Admin Bus Analyst Web Progrmr IT Staffer Average 3 Year Savings $24,524 $17,453 $21,500 $18,242 $33,044 $29,904 Many organizations include a Return on Investment (ROI) calculation as part of their planning process, as well as using it to determine whether a particular expenditure is worthwhile. To that end, we have calculated the ROI for a 1 year and 3 year lifecycle, as indicated below. Figure 7: 1 Year and 3 Year Return on Investment Worker Scenario Creations Office Worker Engineering Admin Bus Analyst Web Progrmr IT Staffer 1 Year ROI 2477% 1763% 2172% 1843% 3338% 3021% 3 Year ROI 7432% 5289% 6515% 5528% 10013% 9062% The above calculations represent the 1 year and 3 year ROI based solely on the productivity improvements per worker type obtained by deploying an SSD enabled vs. an HDD enabled machine. The ROI calculations are based on the list prices of the test machines, current at the time of writing of this paper (See Appendix 3 for the manufacturer s specifications and list price for the two test machines). Additional Benefits It is quite common for organizations to waterfall older machines. This essentially moves older machines from users who require the highest performance that the latest technology machine delivers, to those users who can utilize an older generation, lower performing machine, usually on a cycle of 2-3 years. SSD-enabled devices have a longer useful life due to increased lifetimes of the drive as compared to HDD, as well as an increased performance even with older processor technology and/or less on-board memory. It is 6

8 therefore possible to assume that SSD enabled devices will be more attractive for this waterfalling process, providing an additional benefit to acquiring SSD enabled products. It is also possible to assume that SSD enabled machines will have a higher residual value than HHD enabled machines at end of life. This could partially offset the increased acquisition costs associated with purchasing an SSD powered device. However, the residual value is typically a small portion of the overall lifecycle total cost of ownership. Finally, SSDs can work effectively with machines having reduced amounts of memory (e.g., 2GB instead of 4GB). While memory cost is fairly low when purchased on a new device, it could nevertheless offset some costs associated with the SSD uplift in purchase price. However, we assume most organizations will want to purchase a full recommended compliment of memory regardless if the device is SSD enabled. Recommendations Based upon our model of SSD vs. HDD enabled machines and the results obtained, we recommend that organizations take the following actions: We believe companies should acquire notebooks enabled with SSDs instead of HDDs despite a potentially higher acquisition cost. They offer substantial productivity enhancements and impressive ROI over the lifetime of the device. Current acquisition cost of an SSD equipped machine may add $200-$350 to its price and is dependent on drive capacity, manufacturer s markups and/or enterprise negotiated pricing. This cost differential will decline over the next 1-2 years as drives become less expensive and capacity increases. Despite the increased acquisition cost, the ROI of an SSD equipped PC will offer a payback of up to $30K in increased productivity benefits over the typical 3 year life of a machine. SSDs will continue to decrease in cost and increase in storage capacity, following a typical semiconductor curve. Although current mainstream SSDs offer sufficient storage for the majority of business users, increasing sweet spot capacity in the next 1-2 years will double current device capacities, while maintaining equivalent costs. For companies concerned about storage capacity, waiting a short period of time will provide enhanced capability at comparable cost. However, this should not be an excuse to delay for those companies that can be served by current capacities. Finally, based on our model and calculations, there is no reason why most organizations should delay switching over to SSD enabled PCs immediately. The ROI due to increased worker productivity, lower failure rates and extended device lifetime all add substantial benefit to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the device. 7

9 Many organizations have unique requirements and/or different assumptions than represented here. This model is easily modified to reflect the unique characteristics of individual companies, devices, and failure rates. We encourage any organization that wishes to have a more customized model reflecting its own costs and rates to contact us. Distribution rights to this whitepaper have been licensed to Intel, Inc. for its exclusive use. No third parties are authorized to copy, post and/or redistribute this whitepaper in part or in whole without the express written permission of the copyright holder, J.Gold Associates, LLC. 8

10 Appendix Appendix 1: PC Test Scenarios The test suite utilized in this project was BAPCo SYSmark In an effort to define exactly what test scenarios were included during the test, below are the Usage Model/Scenario Selection, Scenario Workload Descriptions and Application Selection descriptions. This information is copied directly from the BAPCo whitepaper An Overview of SYSmark 2012, July 2011 Revision The full whitepaper is available at The information provided should only be considered in the context of the full whitepaper and benchmark disclaimer. J.Gold Associates makes no claim to ownership of this content and it is inserted here for informational purposes. 2.2 Usage Model/Scenario Selection For SYSmark 2012, BAPCo chose a wide variety of usage models in which the user experience is influenced by system performance. BAPCo then grouped related usage models into these six scenarios: Office Productivity The Office Productivity scenario models productivity usage including word processing, spreadsheet data manipulation, creation/management and web browsing. Media Creation The Media Creation scenario models using digital photos and digital video to create, preview, and render a video advertisement for a fictional business. Web Development The Web Development scenario models the creation of a website for a fictional company. Data/Financial Analysis The Data/Financial Analysis scenario creates financial models to review, evaluate and forecast business expenses. In addition, the performance and viability of financial investments is analyzed using past and projected performance data. 3D Modeling The 3D Modeling scenario focuses on creating, rendering, and previewing 3D objects and/or environments suitable for use in still imagery. The creation of 3D architectural models/landscapes and rendering of 2D images and video of models are also included. System Management The System Management scenario models the creation of data backup sets and the compression, and decompression of various file types. Updates to installed software are also performed. 9

11 2.6 Scenario Workload Descriptions The scenario workloads created at the workload development sessions for SYSmark 2012 are described below: Office Productivity Read, create and search for s. Create and execute a rule on inbox. Use multiple browsers to browse a blog, online shopping site, wiki site and social networking site. Check web mail in a private browser session. Combine multiple scanned pages from a complex document into an encrypted PDF document using optical character recognition (OCR). Create a PDF with fillable form fields from scanned pages. Archive a diverse set of files into a single encrypted file. Use an advanced OCR program to convert scanned pages of complex and simple documents into editable word documents. Create a blog post and do a mail merge. Use a spreadsheet program to do data analysis. Create and view complex presentations that include clip art and video. Some of these activities are performed concurrently to model typical multitasking behavior. Media Creation Create a panoramic image using an image editing application, combine a set of photos into one high dynamic range (HDR) image, and adjust and prepare both images for print. Preview and encode a complex video project using a video compositing application. Here, OpenGL is used for all video previews and a software render is used for maximum video quality upon final output as recommended by software vendor documentation. Transcode the video to a format suitable for web publishing using a video editing application. Web Development Combine images, video clips, and audio into a video using a video editing application, then encode the video to a web-ready format. Layout the graphics and create the icons for a website using an image editing application. Use batch processing to manipulate a set of photos for use in a web-based photo gallery. Assemble the graphics, gallery, and video into a functional website using a web development application, fixing links and moving documents as needed. Preview the pages in multiple web browsers. Data/Financial Analysis Generate sales forecasts by region and currency based on historical data, and produce summary graphs and pivot tables using a spreadsheet application. 3D Modeling Create components for a 3D scene, including a panoramic image and texture images, using an image editing application. Create and render views of an architectural model using realistic materials in an architectural modeling application. Add visual features to an existing architectural model, and render "sketch" style views using an architectural modeling application. Create a 3D scene, rendering views and a fly-through animation of the scene's progression through development, using a 3D modeling application. 10

12 System Management Install and then upgrade an application using a complete application installer and patch installers. Perform a (simulated) full system backup using encryption, then after making changes to the initial backup dataset, perform two encrypted incremental backups. Restore both backups. Create an encrypted archive of various sensitive files for transfer across unsecured communications, and another unencrypted archive of various files. Decompress the initial backup and two incremental backups. Decompress the encrypted and unencrypted archive files. 2.3 Application Selection For SYSmark 2012, BAPCo has identified the following representative applications for the six usage scenarios: Table 1: Office Productivity Applications ABBYY FineReader Pro 10.0 Image files, word processing documents Adobe Acrobat Pro 9 Portable document files, image files Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Flash animations Microsoft Excel 2010 Spreadsheets Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (or newer version, if already installed) Web pages Microsoft Outlook s Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 Presentation files, image files, video files Microsoft Word 2010 Word processing documents Mozilla Firefox Web pages WinZip Pro 14.5 Zip files, assorted document files Table 2: Media Creation Applications Adobe After Effects CS5 Video files, image files, audio files Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended Image files Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 Video files Table 3: Web Development Applications Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended Image files Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 Video files, image files, audio files Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 Web pages, image files, video files Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (or newer version, if already installed) Web pages Mozilla Firefox Web pages Table 4: Data/Financial Analysis Applications Application Version Document Type Microsoft Excel 2010 Spreadsheets Table 5: 3D Modeling Applications Application Version Document Type Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended Image files Autodesk 3ds Max 2011 CAD files, image files, video files 11

13 Autodesk AutoCAD 2011 CAD files Google SketchUp Pro 8 CAD files, image files Investing in Solid State Drives Table 6: System Management Applications Mozilla Firefox Installers for versions , 3.6.2, 3.6.3, 3.6.4, 3.6.6, Application installer WinZip Pro 14.5 Zip files, assorted media and document files WinZip Command Line 3.2 Zip files, assorted media and document files. Appendix 2: PC Test Machine Configurations as Reported by SYSmark Test Suite HDD Machine: Hardware BIOS Hewlett-Packard 68ICF Ver. F /12/2012 Motherboard type 17A7 CPU type Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320m 2.60GHz CPU frequency 2600 MHz Memory size 4096 MB Screen Resolution 1024 x 60 Hz Disk GB Hitachi HTS727550A9E364 Policies Write caching: Default; Power protected: Default GPU 0 Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 Software OS type Windows 7 Professional x64 Service Pack 1 OS version Virtual Memory 7922 MB Total, 6418 MB Free Visual Effects Let Windows choose what's best for my computer Desktop Composition Enabled Power policy BAPCo SYSmark 2012 SSD Machine: Hardware BIOS Hewlett-Packard 68ICF Ver. F /12/2012 Motherboard type 17A7 CPU type Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320m 2.60GHz CPU frequency 2600 MHz Memory size 4096 MB Screen Resolution 1024 x 60 Hz Disk GB INTEL SSDSC2BW180A3H Policies Write caching: Default; Power protected: Default GPU 0 Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 Software OS type Windows 7 Professional x64 Service Pack 1 12

14 OS version Virtual Memory 7922 MB Total, 6478 MB Free Visual Effects Let Windows choose what's best for my computer Desktop Composition Enabled Power policy BAPCo SYSmark 2012 Investing in Solid State Drives Appendix 3: Machine Specs and List Price per Manufacturer s Web Site: HDD-enabled machine Model: HP EliteBook 8570P Product Number B8V39UT#ABA List Price: $1049 Price and specifications obtained from HP web site on 10/18/2012 System Features See detailed specs: US QuickSpecs» pdf Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64 Processor: Processor technology: Chipset: Featured Model: Intel Core i5-3320m (2.60 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache, 2 cores) Intel Core i5 with vpro technology Mobile Intel QM77 Express SmartBuy Dimensions and Weight Weight: Dimensions (w x d x h): Starting at 5.75 lb (Starting at 2.61 kg) x 9.86 x 1.34 in (37.4 x 25.1 x 3.4 cm) Memory Memory: Memory slots: 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM 1 SODIMM Storage Internal drive: 500 GB 7200 rpm SATA II 13

15 Optical drive: Graphics DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Investing in Solid State Drives Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 Display: 15.6" diagonal LED-backlit HD anti-glare (1366 x 768) Expansion features Ports: 2 USB USB USB 2.0 charging 1 esata/usb 2.0 Combo 1 external VGA monitor 1 DisplayPort a 1 stereo microphone in 1 stereo headphone/line-out 1 AC power 1 RJ-11 1 RJ-45 1 docking connector 1 secondary battery connector 1 serial Slots: Audio: Integrated camera: Keyboard: Input devices: 1 Express Card/54 1 SD/MMC SRS Premium Sound PRO; Integrated stereo speakers; Stereo headphone/line out; Stereo microphone in; Integrated dual-microphone array 720p HD webcam Spill-resistant keyboard with numeric keypad and drain Touchpad with on/off button, two-way scroll, gestures, two pick buttons; Pointstick with two additional pointstick buttons Communications Wireless: Intel Centrino a/b/g/n HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 4.0+ EDR Network interface: 10/100/1000 Power and operating requirements Energy efficiency: ENERGY STAR qualified; EPEAT Gold registered 14

16 Power supply: Battery type: Battery life: 65W HP Smart AC adapter; HP Fast Charge 6-cell (62 WHr) Li-Ion Up to 8 hours and 15 minutes Investing in Solid State Drives Security Management Security management: Standard: HP Disk Sanitizer HP ProtectTools HP Spare Key (requires initial user setup) Central Management for HP ProtectTools Credential Manager for HP ProtectTools Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools Enhanced Pre-Boot Security Face Recognition for HP ProtectTools File Sanitizer for HP ProtectTools Microsoft Security Essentials TPM Embedded Security Chip 1.2 Smart Card Reader Security lock slot Optional: Computrace (sold separately and requires the purchase of subscription) Intel Anti-Theft Technology (requires Absolute Computrace subscription) HP Fingerprint Sensor HP Privacy Filter What's included Software installed: Manageability features: Warranty: Microsoft Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word and Excel only, with advertising. No PowerPoint or Outlook. Buy Office 2010 to use the full featured software. HP 3D DriveGuard (Windows only) HP Services offers limited 3-year standard parts and labor warranty, pick-up or carry-in, and toll-free 24x7 hardware technical phone support (depending on model); 1-year limited warranty on primary battery; On-site service and warranty upgrades are also available. SSD-enabled machine: Model: HP EliteBook 8570P Product Number C1C97UT#ABA List Price: $1379 Price and specifications obtained from HP web site on 10/18/2012 System Features See detailed specs: US QuickSpecs» pdf Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64 15

17 Processor: Processor technology: Chipset: Featured Model: Intel Core i5-3320m (2.60 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache, 2 cores) Intel Core i5 with vpro technology Mobile Intel QM77 Express SmartBuy Investing in Solid State Drives Dimensions and Weight Weight: Dimensions (w x d x h): Starting at 5.75 lb (Starting at 2.61 kg) x 9.86 x 1.34 in (37.4 x 25.1 x 3.4 cm) Memory Memory: Memory slots: 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM 1 SODIMM Storage Internal drive: Optical drive: 180 GB SATA Solid State Drive DVD+/-RW SuperMulti DL Graphics Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 Display: 15.6" diagonal LED-backlit HD+ WVA anti-glare (1600 x 900) Expansion features Ports: 2 USB USB USB 2.0 charging 1 esata/usb 2.0 Combo 1 external VGA monitor 1 DisplayPort a 1 stereo microphone in 1 stereo headphone/line-out 1 AC power 1 RJ-11 1 RJ-45 1 docking connector 1 secondary battery connector 1 serial 16

18 Slots: 1 Express Card/54 1 SD/MMC Investing in Solid State Drives Audio: Integrated camera: Keyboard: Input devices: SRS Premium Sound PRO; Integrated stereo speakers; Stereo headphone/line out; Stereo microphone in; Integrated dual-microphone array 720p HD webcam Spill-resistant keyboard with numeric keypad and drain Touchpad with on/off button, two-way scroll, gestures, two pick buttons; Pointstick with two additional pointstick buttons Communications Wireless: Intel Centrino a/b/g/n HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 4.0+ EDR Network interface: 10/100/1000 Power and operating requirements Energy efficiency: Power supply: Battery type: Battery life: ENERGY STAR qualified; EPEAT Gold registered 65W HP Smart AC adapter; HP Fast Charge 6-cell (62 WHr) Li-Ion Up to 8 hours and 15 minutes Security Management Security management: Standard: HP Disk Sanitizer HP ProtectTools HP Spare Key (requires initial user setup) Central Management for HP ProtectTools Credential Manager for HP ProtectTools Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools Enhanced Pre-Boot Security Face Recognition for HP ProtectTools File Sanitizer for HP ProtectTools Microsoft Security Essentials TPM Embedded Security Chip 1.2 Smart Card Reader Security lock slot Optional: Computrace (sold separately and requires the purchase of subscription) Intel Anti-Theft Technology (requires Absolute Computrace subscription) HP Fingerprint Sensor HP Privacy Filter 17

19 What's included Software installed: Manageability features: Warranty: Microsoft Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word and Excel only, with advertising. No PowerPoint or Outlook. Buy Office 2010 to use the full featured software. HP 3D DriveGuard (Windows only) HP Services offers limited 3-year standard parts and labor warranty, pick-up or carry-in, and toll-free 24x7 hardware technical phone support (depending on model); On-site service and warranty upgrades are also available. Distribution rights to this whitepaper have been licensed to Intel, Inc. for its exclusive use. No third parties are authorized to copy, post and/or redistribute this whitepaper in part or in whole without the express written permission of the copyright holder, J.Gold Associates, LLC. 18

20 About J.Gold Associates J.Gold Associates provides insightful, meaningful and actionable analysis of trends and opportunities in the computer and technology industries. We offer a broad based knowledge of the technology landscape, and bring that expertise to bear in our work. J.Gold Associates provides strategic consulting, syndicated research and advisory services, and in-context analysis to help its clients make important technology choices and to enable improved product deployment decisions and go to market strategies. J.Gold Associates, LLC 6 Valentine Road Northborough, MA USA