Basic SSD Guide

SSD Popular Sizes

• 3.5"
• 2.5"
• 22mm x 80mm

SSD Connectors

• SATA
• M.2 - B Key, M key, B Key + M Key

SSD Interfaces

• SATA (AHCI) SSD : Slower, cheap, use less power, generate less heat.
• NVME (PCIe) SSD: Faster, expensive, use more power, generate more heat.
• For most users, a SATA SSD hits a sweet spot for price/performance ratio.
• If you do heavy workloads such as running multiple virtual machines, do 4K video editing, etc. and have sufficient cooling, go for a NVME SSD.

SSD DRAM Caching

• There are 2 types of SSD - one which have DRAM and others which do not have DRAM.
• SSDs with DRAM have better performance and last longer compared to a SSDs without DRAM cache.
• Always buy a SSD with DRAM.

SSD Cell Types:

SSD Endurance:

• TBW: Tera Bytes that can be Written on a SSD before it wears completely.
• More the TBW, longer the SSD will last.

Entry-level SATA SSDs (Not recommended unless you have tight bidget)

• Kingston UV 500
• Samsung 860 QVO

Peformance SATA SSDs (Best choice for price/performance ratio)

• Crucial MX 500
• Samsung 860 Evo
• Western Digital Blue 3D

Entry-level NVME SSDs

• ADATA SX 8200 / Pro
• Crucial P1
• Samsung 970 Evo / Evo Plus
• Silicon Power P34A80

Performance NVME SSDs

• ADATA XPG Gammix S50
• Samsung 970 Pro
• Western Digital Black SN750