OCZ Releases Firmware Enhancement for Vertex 4 Solid State Drives and Introduces New 64GB Capacity

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCZ), a leading provider of high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs) for computing devices and systems, today introduced release candidate firmware v1.4RC, which dramatically improves the performance of its Vertex 4 SATA 3.0 Series SSDs. Most notably, v1.4RC nearly doubles sequential write performance for lower capacity models, significantly boosts sequential read performance at low queue depths, and improves general performance under real-world workloads comprising mixed reads and writes. 

Despite already achieving breakthrough levels of performance with its flagship Vertex 4, OCZ has taken aggressive strides to further distance itself from the competition and to maintain its undisputed leadership in SSD technology. Compared to Vertex 4's original firmware version v1.3, v1.4RC more than doubles sequential write performance of the 128GB model and boosts the 256GB model from 380MB/s to 465MB/s.  These dramatic gains were achieved through proprietary algorithms which orchestrate the sequence of physical NAND programming operations to ensure that each NAND device is optimally utilized at all times. For the mainstream user, entry-level capacities of Vertex 4 can now achieve nearly the same sequential write performance as the industry-leading 512GB model at a mere fraction of the cost. 

OCZ has also responded to customer requests for higher sequential read performance at lower queue depths. To offset performance degradation resulting from the host not utilizing NCQ or higher queue depth, firmware v1.4RC has incorporated a predictive read algorithm which anticipates and responds to commands not yet issued by the host. In addition, v1.4RC performs more consistently under mixed read-write workloads, increases general stability, and improves compatibility with less-prevalent host chipsets.

"OCZ strives to deliver new features and superior performance with our premium Vertex 4 solid state drives by continuing to enhance our firmware and making those improvements available to all our valued customers," said Ryan Petersen, CEO of OCZ Technology. "With firmware v1.4, OCZ continues to fulfill its promise of delivering the most innovative, and highest performing SSDs on the market, regardless of file and data type, I/O workload, queue depth, and drive capacity." 

The v1.4RC firmware upgrade will be available today for customers via the company's website, and Vertex 4 SSDs will soon begin shipping to resellers with final v1.4 firmware in the coming weeks. In addition to the release of the enhanced firmware, OCZ is also broadening the award-winning Vertex 4 Series with the introduction of a new 64GB capacity which is ideal for mobile applications, boot drives, and customers requiring high speed at a more affordable price point. Vertex 4 64GB drives will become available over the next few weeks through the company's global channel.

About OCZ Technology Group, Inc.

Founded in 2002, San Jose, CA-based OCZ Technology Group, Inc. (OCZ) is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of high-performance solid-state storage solutions and premium computer components. Offering the industry's widest range of solid-state drives (SSDs), OCZ features SSDs in a variety of form factors and interfaces (i.e. PCIe, SAS and SATA) to address HDD replacement, SAN acceleration, server and storage virtualization, cloud computing, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) opportunities.  Having developed firmware and controller platforms to virtualization and endurance extending technologies, the company delivers vertically integrated, customizable solutions enabling transformational approaches to how digital data is captured, stored, accessed, analyzed and leveraged across a wide range of client and enterprise applications. For more information, please visit: www.ocztechnology.com.

The OCZ Technology Group, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7439

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release relate to future events and expectations and as such constitute forward-looking statements involving known and unknown factors that may cause actual results of OCZ Technology Group, Inc. to be different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. In this context, words such as "will," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "should" or other similar words and phrases often identify forward-looking statements made on behalf of OCZ. It is important to note that actual results of OCZ may differ materially from those described or implied in such forward-looking statements based on a number of factors and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market acceptance of OCZ's products and OCZ's ability to continually develop enhanced products; adverse changes both in the general macro-economic environment as well as in the industries OCZ serves, including computer manufacturing, traditional and online retailers, information storage, internet search and content providers and computer system integrators; OCZ's ability to efficiently manage material and inventory, including integrated circuit chip costs and freight costs; and OCZ's ability to generate cash from operations, secure external funding for its operations and manage its liquidity needs. Other general economic, business and financing conditions and factors are described in more detail in "Item 1A -- Risk Factors" in Part I in OCZ's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 2011, and amended on May 31, 2011, and statements made in other subsequent filings. The filing is available both at www.sec.gov as well as via OCZ's website at www.ocztechnology.com. OCZ does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

All trademarks or brand names referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.