All about SSD: Speed, performance, form factors explained

Although SSDs are frequently used to store data, as we all know, there are several types of SSDs. If you don’t know, you should carefully read this post. We have introduced five different SSD form factors in this post.

Introduction to SSD

What is SSD? It’s a shortened name for a data storage device called a Solid-State Drive. SSDs often operate quietly and have a higher tolerance to physical shocks than electromechanical drives. These devices have faster access time and reduced latency. SSD employs integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data. It is made up of a control unit, a storage unit (a DRAM chip or a NAND Flash chip), an interface, and an optional cache or buffer unit.

Traditional HDD interfaces and form factors can be used by SSDs, or they can adopt more modern interfaces and form factors to benefit from the unique features of flash memory in SSDs.

RELATED POST: What is the difference between SSD vs HDD?

How does an SSD work?

Similar to HDDs, SSDs are used to store data and files for long-term use. The difference is that SSDs employ “flash memory,” a RAM-like form of memory. But unlike RAM, which loses its data every time a computer shuts down, an SSD keeps its data even if there is a power outage.

• Main Control Chip:

Every SSD has a control unit, also known as a master controller, with the main control chip at its heart. The following two tasks are performed by the main controller:

1. Connecting the storage device to the interface will allow the computer to receive the data.
2. Accountable for carrying out various commands inside the SSD. Reading and writing data, wear leveling, managing bad blocks, error checking and rectifying, trash collection, etc. are a few examples.

• Memory chip:

DRAM: The read and write speeds of DRAM, also known as dynamic Random-Access Memory, are quicker than those of NAND flash chips. DRAM, however, will lose data after being turned off. The aforementioned points indicate that DRAM is typically employed in memory banks and that few SSDs use it.

NAND: It is a non-volatile storage technology, meaning that data can be preserved even during a power outage. It is frequently utilized in SSDs because of its benefits such as low power consumption, low cost, and outstanding performance.

• The controller:

The controller, a unique microcontroller, performs read/write operations while connecting the flash memory to the main computer bus.

• Cache:

Next to the controller chip is the buffer chip. SSDs can handle data more quickly using it. However, some inexpensive SSD solutions do not have cache chips to reduce costs. This reduces the performance of SSDs. The cache is utilized for temporary data storage when dealing with flash memory.

• Connection interface:

To transfer data between the host system and the hard drive, they are connected by a device called a hard disk interface. The connection speed between the hard disk and the computer is governed by the hard disk interface.

SSD Form factors?

If you still have a hard drive, you should think about switching to an SSD, especially if you play video games. After making the transition, you’ll notice a difference in your computer’s response time. SSDs won’t drain your battery because they use less power to operate.

1. SATA SSD (I, II, III):

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is known as SATA. Speaking of SSD varieties, SATA-type SSDs were among the first products on the market and are currently the most widely used. Its dimensions are 2.5 inches, making it the same size and connector type as a standard HD.

SSD connects to the system using SATA (Serial ATA), which is used for data transfer. Even if your desktop or laptop is 10 years old, you can almost certainly use a SATA SSD with it if you already have one.

Additionally, SATA-based SSDs are better suited for older PCs that only have SATA connections and lack newer SSD connector types. A solid-state drive can read and write data up to five times faster than an older spinning hard drive, which is a terrific method to speed up an older laptop or desktop.

The SATA model has undergone numerous changes and now exists in three primary iterations: SATA I, SATA II, and SATA III. Below is a list of the transfer rates for all three versions:

• SATA 1.0 150 MB/s
• SATA 2.0 300 MB/s
• SATA 3.0 600 MB/s

2. M.2 SATA SSD:

Compared to the SATA-type SSD, the M.2 type SSD is newer, lighter, and smaller. M.2 SSDs are made up of a tiny printed circuit board with chips that resemble RAM bars in certain ways.

The majority of M.2 drives have NAND chips on both sides and measure 22mm wide by 80mm long. Simply said, M.2 SATA drives are more convenient because they can be mounted without the use of wires in a motherboard slot, but a PC or laptop’s motherboard must have a compatible M.2 slot.

The M.2 drive’s ability to support a variety of file formats makes it suitable for use on desktop computers and compact laptops. The M.2 SATA SSD operates at the same speed as a normal SATA SSD or up to 600 MB/s.

Note: It is crucial to know exactly what type of slot we have on the motherboard of a PC or laptop, what interface it is for, what key it has, and what sizes of drives it supports before purchasing a drive with an M.2 connection.

3. mSATA SSD:

The mSATA SSD is the mini version of SATA. It is mostly used in ultra-compact computers, laptops, and portable (tablet) devices with an mSATA slot because it is not possible to install an extended-size SATA SSD in these devices.

The most recent mSATA offers a read/write speed of up to 6gbps and a capacity of up to 1TB. Less power is consumed using mSATA. Despite the price being significantly lower, the performance is comparable to SATA SSD.

This type of drive looks like a little card with soldered microcircuits that are inserted into specific slots in particular devices. The key benefit of mSATA is its small size; otherwise, it is identical to a SATA SSD.

Note: Only those devices that already have an mSATA port should be upgraded, according to experts, who advise against buying such drives.

4. M.2 PCIE SSD:

One form of solid-state drive known as PCIe is connected to a computer system via the PCIe interface, which has emerged as a new technique for accelerating servers and storage devices.

Similar to how you install internal audio or network cards or components, PCIe-shaped SSDs slot into ports on your motherboard’s graphic card. The fastest processing speed is obtained when NVMe SSD is used in conjunction with PCIe SSD. It can support up to 32gbps and has a 2000 Mbps maximum read/write capacity.

Due to their high cost, PCI Express SSDs are often exclusively employed in high-performance applications. There are also several smaller SSD models available that link via PCI Express (PCIe), enabling data transfer rates up to four times greater than those possible with SATA III SSDs.

Note: You need PCIe M.2 slots on your motherboard to install PCIe SSDs. The M.2 drive’s size, the M.2 slot’s size, and the keys on the motherboard for the M.2 slot all need to match.

5. M.2 NVME SSD:

Due to its SSD protocol, which allows for data transfer rates of up to 2600 Mbps, NVMe, which stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express, is a type of SSD that is five times faster than SATA SSDs. NVMe SSDs are much faster because they were created later than SATA SSDs and may fit in slots that were originally intended for graphics cards.

Here, improving the performance of the unit is the goal. Due to the M.2 NVMe SSD’s link to PCI Express, the newest and fastest technology, it can transport data more quickly (than a SATA SSD).

They cost more than SATA and use more electricity. Huge servers, powerful computers, and scale-up organizations are using NVMe. It also works with flash memory and lowers latency and I/O Bridge.

NVMe drives have interface rates of 32 GB/s and throughputs of 3.9 GB/s. If you’re playing games or editing high-definition videos, or doing anything else that demands a lot of disc performance, then that can be helpful. Up to 4TB of storage space is available.

Things to keep in mind:

• Ensure that the M.2 connector type is present on the computer.
• The PC has to boot from an NVMe SSD and support compatibility. Many older computers and operating systems might not be able to boot from or even recognize an NVMe SSD because of how new it is.
• The most recent SSD consumer products are PCIe NVMe drives, so being on the cutting edge comes at a hefty cost.
• Check if an NVMe drive matches the use case before deciding. Large reads and writes to and from the disk or numerous little reads and writes are the only ones that will increase performance.

Which SSD form factor is the fastest?

If faster-performing storage is your main concern, consider upgrading your PC’s HDD by purchasing a better SSD.

Due to the higher bandwidth for writing/reading as well as transferring data, NVMe PCIe SSDs are the quickest. The fastest SSD is NVMe PCIe, which is 3–4 times faster than SATA SSDs and 10–20 times faster than SATA HDDs in terms of speed and performance.

Difference between cheap and expensive SSD:

The SSDs we purchase from the market could range noticeably in quality. Some of them are well-known, while others are on a tight budget. To tell the difference, we can consider the following factors:

• Age:

Although a decent SSD can be more expensive, it will keep you from quickly wearing out. A more expensive SSD might last longer than 20 years, while a less expensive SSD will fail within 5 to 10 years.

• Faster task:

Tasks complete a little more quickly on pricey SSDs. The SSDs have an advantage since they load more quickly, which is the cause. A cheaper SSD, however, won’t perform as high as an expensive one.

• Cell-Level:

The triple-level cell or TLC has a greater failure rate as it’s the least expensive choice. Other options are Multi-Level Cell and Single Level Cell, both of which are quite pricey but offer longer warranties and quicker processing.

How to choose SSD form factors?

There are a few considerations to remember before choosing your SSD types:

• Budget
• Preferred building styles
• The laptop’s or desktop’s motherboard should be compatible
• Performance requirements.

For Modern PC:

Both 2.5-inch and M.2 drives in desktop or laptop computers depend on whether their infrastructure is more recent or slightly more dated. One or even a combination of M.2 for the boot drive and the latter for extra storage are choices. It would make your PC blazingly fast and lessen cable clutter.

For Older PC:

With some M.2 drives, you’ll be more likely to select a 2.5-inch disk for older desktop computers. You may use PCIe add-in adaptor cards if your motherboard has PCIe 3.0 slots. You’ll be able to accept M.2 drives as well.

If you are updating your laptop and require quick storage of less than 2TB, you might want to think about M.2 SATA SSD.

For an NVMe drive:

If you’re building a high-end workstation or gaming PC with no constraints on your spending, or if you want to build a server that will house a storage-intensive application, NVMe SSDs might be a better option for you.

Top most reasons to buy an SSD:

SSD drives have become well-known for replacing conventional Hard Disk solutions over time. They possess a wide range of attributes that guarantee the efficiency and dependability of work. Consequently, there is a rising trend in the demand for them. The following are the benefits of purchasing SSDs:

• Needs lesser time for the OS to boot.
• File transfer, copy, and duplication speeds will be unbelievably quick.
• Saves the documents rapidly.
• Launches every program quickly
• Low noise level
• Several programs concurrently run without lagging.
• An improved gaming experience.
• Light-weight, compact and portable
• Low power consumption.

Our Conclusion:

Many people are curious as to whether SSD technology heralds the end of the hard drive era. In terms of storage capacity, HDs still offer a reasonable cost-benefit ratio, in addition to having acceptable average endurance.

Hard drives have more capacity, whereas SSDs have a greater storage cost. For a very long time to come, the two categories are probably going to coexist “peacefully.”

Did you find the tips in this article to be useful? Let us know about them in the comments section below. There’s more to say about SSD form factors in the next post. Share this post with your friends and coworkers if you liked it!