What is SSD?
SSD (Solid State Drive) is a storage device that functions like traditional HDD mechanical hard disk to store data, but the two use different technologies; SSD uses NAND Flash to save and access data. It essentially uses an integrated circuit (a type of solid-state circuit) structure and does not contain any mechanical structure, so it is called a "solid-state drive"; HDD data is stored on multiple magnetic induction disks, and data is read and written through mechanical components such as rotating disks and moving cantilevers, which is why HDD is called a "mechanical hard disk".
Advantages of SSD
Compared with traditional HDD mechanical hard disks, the biggest advantage of SSD solid-state drives is that SSD has faster read and write speeds than HDD; HDD read and write speeds are only about 160 MB/s, while SATA SSD read and write speeds are about 500 MB/s, and M.2 NVMe SSDs using newer technology can read and write speeds of more than 10,000 MB/s. The increase in read and write speeds results in faster boot speeds, application loading time, and data transfer speeds. For example, in terms of Windows boot speed, the boot time of an SSD can be half or even less than that of an HDD. In addition, the loading time of some games will be greatly reduced. If users need to transfer a large amount of data, using an SSD will be more efficient than using an HDD.
In addition, compared to HDDs, SSDs are smaller and lighter, so many portable devices such as laptops and portable game consoles only support the installation of SSDs. At the same time, since there are no moving mechanical parts in the SSD structure, the SSD will not vibrate or make noise when it is in operation, and it will not affect performance or even cause data damage after being impacted like an HDD, so the user experience and durability are better.
Understand the specifications of SSDs
Currently, most SSDs use the "M.2" interface specification, so they are called M.2 SSDs. The interface of M.2 SSD is divided into B key and M key. B key supports SATA and PCIe x2 interface, while M key supports SATA and PCIe x4 interface. Due to the different anti-mock positions of the two interfaces, the B key interface cannot be installed with devices that use M key plugs, and vice versa. However, some M.2 SSDs use a plug called B&M key, which can support both interfaces at the same time; however, most SSDs on the market currently use M key.
M.2 SSD can be divided into SATA and NVMe. The biggest difference between the two is the transmission interface and data transmission speed. SATA SSD uses SATA transmission interface, with a maximum data transmission speed of 6 Gbps; while NVMe SSD uses PCIe interface to transmit data. The maximum data transmission speed depends on the bandwidth of PCIe channel. The current latest generation PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe SSD has a theoretical maximum transmission speed of 16 Gbps.
In addition to M.2 SSD, there are also older 2.5-inch SATA SSDs; however, the current prices of M.2 NVMe SSD and 2.5-inch SATA SSD are not much different, and the 2.5-inch SATA SSD is limited by the number of installations on the motherboard and chassis, and its speed is not as fast as the current mainstream M.2 SSD. Unless the device has no idle M.2 N VMe SSD slots, users are advised to give priority to M.2 N VMe SSD.
SSD Buying Guide
Currently, motherboards and devices with M.2 slots will indicate the number, interface and speed of M.2 SSDs supported by the slots. Users need to be aware that not every motherboard's M.2 slot supports both NVMe SSD and SATA SSD. Sometimes only one of the interfaces is supported. Users should pay attention to the type of SSD supported by the device before purchasing. In terms of speed, since the M.2 slot is backward compatible, for example, a motherboard that supports PCIe 5.0 x4 SSD can install PCIe 4.0 / 3.0 x4 SSD; but on the contrary, if the motherboard supports PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD at most, and the user installs a PCIe Gen 5 SSD, the read and write speed of the SSD can only reach about 3500 MB/s, which is PCIe 3.0. The maximum theoretical transfer speed of x4 is that the speed of the SSD will be limited by the PCIe interface supported by the device. Therefore, users should check the product specifications before purchasing to see whether the device can fully utilize the SSD's performance. In addition, some older motherboards do not support M.2 SSDs, so users can only use them with 2.5-inch SATA SSDs.
Capacity
Currently, the mainstream SSD capacity ranges from 250GB to 4TB. Users can first consider their personal storage needs, such as the number and size of operating systems, applications, and files, and then choose a suitable capacity. At present, since the price of 1TB SSD is already quite affordable, there are basically models available at around $300. It is recommended that users start with the 1TB model when purchasing.
Size
M.2 SSDs are available in various lengths, including M.2 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110. The number after "22" represents the length of the SSD. For example, 2230 means the SSD is 30mm long, 2242 means 42mm long, and so on. Currently, most M.2 SSDs on the market are M.2 2280 in length. Most motherboards and laptops also support 2280 or shorter M.2 SSDs. However, some laptops or portable game consoles only support short M.2 SSDs of 2230, 2242, etc. Users should pay attention to product specifications before purchasing.
Transfer speed and PCIe interface (Gen 3 vs. Gen 4 vs. Gen 5)
M.2 NVMe SSD has different PCIe interfaces, and each PCIe interface has a transfer speed limit. For example, the PCIe Gen 3 x4 SSD read and write speed limit is about 3500 MB/s, while the PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD read and write speed limit is about 7000 MB/s. The latest PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD read and write speed limit can reach 12000 MB/s. Higher transfer speeds also mean faster data read and write performance. Users will feel the performance improvement in certain uses, such as when writing or reading large amounts of data. Currently, PCIe Gen 5 x4 SSD is the latest generation of products, but PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD is still the mainstream in the market, because Gen 4 SSD is more affordable than Gen 5 SSD, and there are relatively more choices, plus there are relatively few devices that support PCIe Gen 5 SSD; PCIe Gen 3 SSD is mainly for basic entry-level users, and the advantage is that PCIe Gen 4 SSD is slow. It is also worth noting that the performance of M.2 SSD will decrease when overheated. Users should pay attention to whether the motherboard or device has a design that helps heat dissipation, such as metal heat sinks, fans, etc. Users can also purchase M.2 heat sinks, or directly purchase models with heat sinks to ensure that the SSD is well cooled.
DRAM vs. DRAM-less DRAM stands for "Dynamic Random Access Memory". Some SSDs are equipped with DRAM particles for caching to increase the read and write speeds. Therefore, SSDs equipped with DRAM cache will have higher performance than SSDs without DRAM cache (i.e. DRAM-less). Some DRAM-less SSDs support HMB (Host Memory Buffer) acceleration technology. The principle is to borrow RAM capacity for SSDs to use as DRAM cache to increase operating speed. Although in the-ory, the performance of DRAM-less SSDs is still not as good as that of SSDs using real DRAM cache after enabling HMB technology, these DRAM-less SSDs are usually cheaper than models with DRAM, providing a higher cost-performance ratio.
NAND particle types
NAND particles on SSDs are used to store data and are composed of multiple units that store bits. NAND particles can be divided into 4 types, namely SLC (1bit/cell), MLC (2bits/cell), TLC (3bits/cell) and QLC (4bits/cell). The more data stored in each cell, the lower the lifespan, but also the cheaper the price. Currently, SLC and MLC have been eliminated by the market, and the mainstream particles on the market are TLC and QLC; SSDs using TLC particles have a longer lifespan and usually have faster read and write speeds, which are more suitable for users who read or write data more frequently; on the contrary, SSDs using QLC particles are usually more affordable and more suitable for pure data storage.
Super popular SSD & M.2 SSD recommendation
There are many SSDs on the market, and the following 8 models will be recommended to readers with different budgets and needs.
ADATA Legend 710 1TB QLC M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 3 x4 interface
2400/1800 MB/s read/write speed
3D QLC NAND particles
3-year warranty
Entry-level M.2 NVMe SSD, using 3D QLC particles, suitable for users with low budget and less read and write data.
A DATA XPG SX8200 PRO 1TB 3D TLC M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 3 x4 interface
3500/3000 MB/s read/write speed
3D TLC NAND particles
Built-in DRAM cache
5-year warranty
An entry-level cost-effective choice, one of the lowest-priced Gen 3 M.2 NVMe SSDs currently, with DRAM cache and 3D TLC NAND particles, the official provides 5-year warranty, suitable for general users with a low budget.
ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 BLADE 1TB 3D TLC M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface
7400/5500 MB/s read/write speed
3D TLC NAND particles
Built-in DRAM cache
5-year warranty
One of the lowest-priced Gen 4 M.2 NVMe SSDs currently, with a read speed of 7400 MB/s, DRAM cache, and 3D TLC NAND particles. The official provides a 5-year warranty, suitable for mainstream users.
Acer Predator GM7 2TB 3D TLC M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x 4 SSD
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface
7200/6300 MB/s read/write speed
3D TLC NAND particles
Support HMB acceleration technology
5-year warranty
Large capacity and cost-effective choice, read speed up to 7200 MB/s, although it is a DRAM-less design but supports HMB acceleration technology, warranty period up to 5 years.
WD Black SN850X 2TB TLC NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 SSD
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface
7450/6900 MB/s read/write speed
3D TLC NAND particles
Built-in DRAM cache
5-year warranty
One of the top-performing Gen 4 M.2 NVMe SSDs, using WD's own controller, equipped with DRAM cache and 3D TLC NAND particles, with a warranty period of up to 5 years, and a version with a heat sink is also available.
Sam-sung 990 PRO 2TB TLC NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 SSD
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface
7300 / 6600 MB/s read/write speed
3D TLC NAND chip
Built-in DRAM cache
5-year warranty
One of the top-performing Gen 4 M.2 NVMe SSDs, using Sam-sung's own controller, DRAM cache and 3D TLC NAND chip, with a warranty period of up to 5 years, and a version with a heat sink.
MSI SPATIUM M570 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD (with heat sink)
M.2 2280 length
PCIe Gen 5 x4 interface
10000/10000 MB/s read/write speed
3D TLC NAND particles
Built-in DRAM cache
Comes with a large heat sink
5-year warranty
The M.2 NVMe SSD with the latest Gen 5 interface has a read/write speed of 10000/10000 MB/s and comes with a large heat sink to help dissipate heat. However, users should pay attention to whether the motherboard M.2 slot supports PCIe 5.0 SSD before purchasing.
WD SN740 1TB TLC NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2230 SSD
M.2 2230 length
Specially for Valve Steam Deck / ASUS ROG ALLY portable game consoles
Can also be used with 2242 / 2280 adapters to support Lenovo Legion Go / AYANEO portable game consoles, just indicate it in the remarks when placing an order.
