Flash memory is once again taking the performance crown by enabling Violin Memory and HP to claim bragging rights today on a TPC-E benchmark. According to the companies, a Violin Memory Array in conjunction with an HP Proliant DL380 G7 server running Microsoft SQL Server 2008 set a record for a dual socket with a tpsE score of 1,284.14.

At first blush, the system doesn’t come cheap — tipping the scales at over $320,000 (US). But considering the workloads the test simulates, it’s a drop in the bucket for intended customers (think brokerages and the like). And for one analyst, this benchmark win for Violin/HP could do wonders for the perception that energy-efficient flash storage solutions are cost-prohibitive.

In a press release, Storage Switzerland lead analyst, George Crump, states, “Solid-state memory solutions like Violin’s are in a unique position to be an affordable, high performance alternative to adding dozens of additional spindles to HDD based storage arrays. It is good to see HP and Violin expand their benchmark records to the DL380 G7 ‘workhorse server’ which will help broaden the potential audience for flash Memory Array solutions.”

Violin’s appeal has broadened since its $35 million financing round in February. In addition to AOL, Microsoft and HP, its tech is now also being used by Brand.net, Tagged.com, Oracle, and Juniper Networks.