For SATA 6Gbps testing we use a Kingston HyperX (SF-2281) SSD. We tested USB 3.0 performance using the same Kingston HyperX SSD connected to a SATA 6Gbps to USB 3.0 adapter powered by an ASMedia ASM1053 controller.
SATA
Full-blooded SATA 6Gbps performance is an important parameter for the AM1 platform. Intel's competing configuration is limited to SATA 3Gbps connections.
To users considering the AM1 platform for a low-powered storage system, the SATA 6Gbps support could be a deciding factor, even if its full performance is not yet reached by high-capacity storage drives.
USB 3.0
Support for two USB 3.0 ports is another key selling point for the AM1 platform. The Intel competition typically provides a single USB 3.0 connection.
Speed of the Kabini-provided USB 3.0 ports is likely to be sufficient for entry-level users. The connections are not as fast as those used on mainstream platforms, but they are perfectly adequate for fast transfers between external HDD-based storage.