How to choose the right SSD
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 6:39 am
The first or generation interface used with SSD drives is called Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA). It is the most widely used interface between hard drives and storage devices.
SATA offers speeds of up to 600 MB/s, and its size fits into most laptops and PCs, hence its popularity. SATA also exists in a smaller size, called mini-SATA (mSATA).
SATA is the slowest of all SSD types, but still has up to thailand whatsapp number data5 times the data transfer speed of hard drives.
NVMe
Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is a protocol for SSDs that allows data exchange speeds of up to 2600 MB/s, which is almost 5 times faster than SATA SSDs. NVMe SSDs are newer than SATA SSDs and typically use the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) protocol, which we'll discuss in more detail below.
NVMe SSDs are more expensive than SATA SSDs and typically require more power. That's why they are only used for specific needs, such as for businesses that prioritize high processing and data transfer speeds.
The NVMe protocol also works with flash memory, meaning that even external or portable NVMe SSDs will perform as fast as internally connected NVMe SSDs.
PCIe connector
SSD drives can also be classified based on the connectors used, which define the data transfer speed.
PCIe is the same connector used to connect high-performance graphics cards directly to the motherboard. When NVMe SSDs use PCIe connectors, they offer the highest possible processing and data transfer speeds.
However, the difference in speed, or bandwidth, is most noticeable when dealing with large files (50GB or more), but when starting Windows or launching a game, there won't be much difference compared to using typical SSD drives.
M.2 connector
Previously known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), the M.2 connector ensures that an SSD reaches the highest possible speed (over 2600 MB/s). If the computer’s motherboard does not have an M.2 connector, then a PCIe card with an M.2 connector is used to connect the NVMe SSD to the motherboard.
If your computer’s motherboard already has an M.2 connector, you’ll find the storage labeled “SATA M.2” or “NVMe M.2.” However, if your motherboard doesn’t and you have a PCIe card with a built-in M.2 connector, it will be labeled “PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.”
The M.2 connector is relatively small in size and is there to replace mSATA. It is also suitable for small laptops as well as larger devices. The M.2 connector is compatible with SATA, PCIe, and even USB 3.0.
Advantages and disadvantages of SSD
From what we've discussed so far about SSD drives, you already have a pretty clear idea of their main advantages.
SATA offers speeds of up to 600 MB/s, and its size fits into most laptops and PCs, hence its popularity. SATA also exists in a smaller size, called mini-SATA (mSATA).
SATA is the slowest of all SSD types, but still has up to thailand whatsapp number data5 times the data transfer speed of hard drives.
NVMe
Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is a protocol for SSDs that allows data exchange speeds of up to 2600 MB/s, which is almost 5 times faster than SATA SSDs. NVMe SSDs are newer than SATA SSDs and typically use the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) protocol, which we'll discuss in more detail below.
NVMe SSDs are more expensive than SATA SSDs and typically require more power. That's why they are only used for specific needs, such as for businesses that prioritize high processing and data transfer speeds.
The NVMe protocol also works with flash memory, meaning that even external or portable NVMe SSDs will perform as fast as internally connected NVMe SSDs.
PCIe connector
SSD drives can also be classified based on the connectors used, which define the data transfer speed.
PCIe is the same connector used to connect high-performance graphics cards directly to the motherboard. When NVMe SSDs use PCIe connectors, they offer the highest possible processing and data transfer speeds.
However, the difference in speed, or bandwidth, is most noticeable when dealing with large files (50GB or more), but when starting Windows or launching a game, there won't be much difference compared to using typical SSD drives.
M.2 connector
Previously known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), the M.2 connector ensures that an SSD reaches the highest possible speed (over 2600 MB/s). If the computer’s motherboard does not have an M.2 connector, then a PCIe card with an M.2 connector is used to connect the NVMe SSD to the motherboard.
If your computer’s motherboard already has an M.2 connector, you’ll find the storage labeled “SATA M.2” or “NVMe M.2.” However, if your motherboard doesn’t and you have a PCIe card with a built-in M.2 connector, it will be labeled “PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.”
The M.2 connector is relatively small in size and is there to replace mSATA. It is also suitable for small laptops as well as larger devices. The M.2 connector is compatible with SATA, PCIe, and even USB 3.0.
Advantages and disadvantages of SSD
From what we've discussed so far about SSD drives, you already have a pretty clear idea of their main advantages.