What is SSD? Discover the types and sizes 2b6251

Finally, SSDs have become increasingly accessible parts to the public, but there are still some doubts about these devices, such as what is SSD? thinking about it the showmetech prepared a complete guide on these components, which in the past were already true “luxury items” in computers and today they become essential parts for good performance. 3334x

What is SSD? 535r23

Before knowing its types and particularities, we first need to understand what SSD is. Also known as Solid State Drive, SSD is a type of storage unit, a device with the same function as your HD (Hard Disk), to store your data, software, operating system, games, etc.

But if SSD and HD have the same function, what is the big difference between them? While the HD has an internal disk and its operation takes place magnetically, the SSD is built around a semiconductor integrated circuit, responsible for storage and has flash memory (a technology similar to those used in memory cards and flash drives). This makes SSDs essentially different from HDDs and LTO tapes — which use magnetic systems, and CDs and DVDs, which use optical systems.

To be more specific, the conventional Hard Disk uses a magnetic disk that rotates at a certain number of times per minute, and the information is read when a small arm, very similar to that piece that played the songs on LPs, touches certain parts. from the disk. This makes writing and writing to these devices slower and more prone to damage, as there are many fragile components that wear out over time.

On the other hand, as we have explained before, the SSD depends on 2 fundamental components to work:

• Flash memory: Directly responsible for saving all files, does not need engines to work.
• Controller: It has the function of managing the exchange of data and information involving the computer and flash memory.

for working electrically,  SSD It manages to make reading and writing functions faster and quieter. The controller is responsible by encrypting information, mapping parts that have defects in the SSD, extend the lifespan of flash memory, and manage file read and write caching.

SSD Types q1x41

Now that you already know what an SSD is and what the differences are for an HD, it's time to get to know the types and formats of these great devices.

SATA SSDs 2i2m2y

When we talk about SATA it is necessary to understand that we are talking about a kind of command/protocol that the industry uses to make the connection between the SSD, the motherboard and consequently the processor. Basically it's a connection format.

SATA is the acronym for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, and was the first type of connection used not only for SSDs, but also for HDs. This fitting is made by a cable that is usually included in the motherboard box, the SATA cable.

SATA is a standard that has been constantly changed and has reached 3 main versions: SATA I, SATA II and SATA III, the most current of this format. Nowadays, SSDs with this slot use the SATA III standard, which can reach up to a maximum of 600MB/s.

SATA is an extremely popular connection and is still very fast, but it's certainly not the most current and fastest type on the market, as we'll see next. Furthermore, Sata SSDs have a size of 2.5 inches, so they work in both desktops and notebooks. It is worth ing that notebook hard drives also have the same size of 2.5 inches and the same Sata connection, so we can connect an SSD that was in a desktop computer to a laptop and vice versa.

SATA Express SSDs 6q54

The SATA Express connection is a hybrid connection, which combines the SATA standard with the possibility of directly fitting the motherboard through PCIe ports. As this technology consists of making two drives work together, it is possible to add two SSDs and thus deliver better performance. something similar to RAID, technique that makes the system faster and safer.

So basically the connection has 3 inputs and outputs very similar to the SATA data, although the fittings are slightly different. Therefore, the data transfer speed can reach up to 10Gb/s. Unfortunately, this technology doesn't seem to have taken hold so well and isn't the most common for everyday use.

NVMe 5mx2v

Before we move on to the next format we need to get one big stumbling block out of our way: the NVMe standard. The acronym refers to the term Non Volatile Memory Express, and unlike what many think, NVMe is not a SSD format, but a kind of interface focused on increasing the performance of the SSD, as file access times are much shorter. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to use the speed of PCI Express to access hardware faster.

It is important to emphasize that it is not priority of this function to decrease the transfer speeds, and yes reduce o access time. In this way, the reading of the files is faster. This is only possible because NVMe is designed to take advantage of what is called superior random access (reading and writing data), very common in SSDs. It is possible that this technology will also appear not only in SSDs, but also in new technologies such as MRAM and RRAM.

PCIe SSDs v2k6z

Now that we know about the previous technology, we can continue the types and formats of SSDs. Now we talk about SSDs in a PCIe form, which are plugged into these ports on your motherboard, in the same way you install an internal audio or network card.

These connections are extremely fast and can even serve as “expansions” for the M.2 format, which we will see shortly. Basically we can put 4 SSDs in a PCIe bracket, fit it on the motherboard and that's it. But there is also the PCIe SSD itself, which does not serve as an expansion.

It is important to note that in order to install PCIe SSDs, there must be x4, x8 or x16 connections available on the motherboard, as in the example below:

Therefore, we have seen so far that SSDs can be connected via SATA cables and directly into specific sockets on the motherboard. And that brings us to the next subdivision…

M.2 SSDs 351q5u

We finally arrived at the M.2 format, which represents a great evolution for this segment. In addition to being faster SSDs, the M.2 models are distinguished by their compact format and different fittings, as they are more than one type of connection, although they are all a little similar.

These devices are very similar to small plaques, all 22 mm wide, but with different lengths: 22 mm x 60 mm, 22 mm x 80 mm and 22 mm x 110 mm. So M.2 SSDs are specified as 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110.

One more positive point is the for AHCI and NVM-Express, two logical interfaces. By ing the Advanced Host Controller Interface, it is possible that SSDs M.2 be compatible with “past” software, older OS and with past generations, not forgetting motherboards and other SATA drives. for NVMe makes better use of the high speeds of a PCIe connector, while also allowing the computer to multitask.

This model can also easily transfer at least 1GB/s, but it all depends on where you're sending the files. It's no use if you can transfer all that amount at the same time, and the receiving storage can't receive it all at once.

According to Kingston, there are 2 reasons for the M.2 length difference. The first is linked to the fact that the bigger the card, the more units of FLASH chips can be allocated, and consequently more storage power. The second factor is related to space, since motherboards may not have enough space to many models and also to be compact enough to integrate components into notebooks.

Now that we understand the size and what it means, why does this M.2 format have different connections and where do we connect it on the motherboard? For the second question, the answer may vary, as motherboards distribute ports over their body, so we can't line up a certainty. In the images below we can see some connections with red arrows, while the red squares show the heatsinks for the SSDs.

The heatsinks can already be integrated into the SSD itself, as is the case with the Western Digital SN750 Heatsink. In other cases the motherboard itself has bays to help with cooling the storage drives. It is the case of ROG XNUMX Hero.

Now we need to talk about the particulars of connections. If we look at an M.2 SSD we can see that the item has yellow connectors at the end. We call these connectors keys, but for ease of understanding, think of them as tiny teeth. Officially there are 12 types of keys, but the vast majority are not yet used in the market. So we need to keep an eye on 3 specific keys:

• Switch connection B has a larger row and a small dent on the left, with 6 pins. This connection s SATA III interface;
• The M-key connection has a large row and a 6-pin tooth on the right, with for PCIe nVME interface. So this connection is faster than the previous one.
• The B+M connection s the previous two, combining these standards and allowing all forms of fitting.

As with the PCIe format, it is necessary to that your motherboard has the previous slots. Just check the box or or the manufacturer's official website. In notebooks this model also obeys the same thought as the Sata: the M.2 SSD can work both in desktops and notebooks, just pay attention to the size that the laptop s and what type of key.

After all, is it worth buying SSD? 6o5lq

There is no other way to answer this question other than with a big YES, an SSD is worth buying in 2021. This storage unit is not necessarily perfect as it is more expensive for a smaller amount of GBs, but it has definitely become an item. almost indispensable for the assembly of a computer or notebook.

With a good SSD, the standard will have the operating system loaded in a few seconds, a lot of agility and fluidity in everyday use. For the most enthusiast, the SSD has already become synonymous with the right purchase, especially if you are thinking about running current games or don't want to have a headache waiting for heavy programs to open.

What is the best type of SSD? i72c

In the end, the best SSD is the one that fits your budget well, but if you were to rank, the default NVMe M.2 seems the most interesting, precisely because of its high data transfer rate. The model has become extremely popular and it is already possible to see a gradual decrease in prices.

To give you an idea, the latest ultra-thin notebooks from brands like Dell, HP, Samsung, etc. use M.2 SSDs because of their super compact size, low temperatures and performance. The same thing happens with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X e S, which use versions of this format together with compression technologies, providing very fast loading.

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SATA III 5l6g10

SATA III SSDs are a great upgrade option for those who already have a notebook or desktop with a SATA HD, just replace using the same power and data cables, and are great options for everyday use. In general, SATA SSDs are very good for games, and there are few brands that use more extravagant designs, with RGB, etc.

Below, we present models that differ more in storage capacity than in performance:

• Kingston A400 960GB SSD, 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write, R$ 747 at Amazon
• Kingston A400 480GB SSD, 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write, R$ 407 at Amazon
• Kingston A400 120GB SSD, 500MB/s read and 320MB/s write, BRL 195 on the Submarine
• WD Green 240GB SSD, 545MB/s read and 465MB/s, R$ 349 at Amazon.

PCIe 4d565o

Unfortunately, PCIe SSDs are not so common in the market and when they are found they cost very high values, but they provide very high data for reading and writing information. In general these models are more geared towards gamers or enthusiasts.

We recommend the Aorus 1TB RGB Gigabyte AIC PCIe NVMe SSD. This model has heatsink to keep the temperature controlled and incredible read speeds of 3480MB/s and writes of 3080MB/s, and can be found by BRL 2.140 at Magazine Luiza.

SSD M.2 6xb14

Finally, the M.2 format also allows this flexibility between desktops and notebooks, being able to be used both in daily occasions, to put only the operating system, as well as for gamers, since they have high transfer rates, perfect for the fast loading of textures, maps, etc.

• Kingston NVME M.2 A2000 SSD 500GB, 2200MB/s read and 2000MB/s write, R$ 699 at Amazon
• Kingston M.2 A400 SSD 480GB, 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write, R$ 499 at Amazon
• Samsung 970 EVO SSD NVMe M.2, 3500MB/s read and 3300MB/s write, R$ 1.599 at Amazon
• Adata XPG Gammix S11 Pro SSD NVMe M.2, 3500MB/s read and 1200MB/s write, R$ 484 at Amazon
• Gigabyte Aorus SSD 512GB RGB NVMe M.2, 3480MB/s read and 2000MB/s write, BRL 847 on the Submarine
• Western Digital WD Black SN750 SSD 1TB NVME M.2, 3470MB/s read and 3000MB/s write, BRL 1.115 on the Submarine

For everyday use, the Kingston or Samsung models are more recommended, while enthusiasts and gamers may be interested in the XPG Adata, the Black line from Western Digital and especially the Gigabyte Aorus with heat sink and RGB lights.

So, have you already cleared your doubt about what SSD is, its types and formats? Enjoy and check out our excellent SSD review session here at Showmetech.

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