How to choose a SSD-disk to your computer? Basic nuances selection and analysis characteristics

What is SSD-drive computer

SSD stands for Solid State Drive. Translated into Russian as the SSD can be. Its main advantage is the lack of internal moving parts, that is, all operations are carried out electronically blocks.

In fact, the first SSD appeared in 1978. But in those days the benefits of using it was very doubtful, and production - costly. SSD were presented roughly in 2007-2008 for the general public. They were modest in memory sizes and can have about 128 GB. Nowadays, there are already models of solid state drives with capacity of 1 TB and read / write to the 2600/1600 MB / s speed. And not so long ago and the Russian company GS Group has started the production of SSD.

What is the RAM in the computer and which require the knowledge of simple lamer.In a special publication of our portal, we describe in detail about what the RAM in the computer. You will learn the characteristics of memory, how do you know the amount of RAM and RAM species on the computer.

Unlike SSD HDD

The main difference - in the design. SSD has no moving parts, and therefore there is nothing to wear out within it. And as a consequence - the lack of noise. Due to the fact that all the elements within the SSD soldered and fixed, such storage is much more resistant to shocks and vibrations.

On HDD reading files is due to the passage of the magnetic head over the disk surface. reading speed, and recording, in this case depends on the disk rotation speed. The SSD is a magnetic disk is not as such, and the reading is due to verification of the memory cells for the presence of the charge which is undoubtedly faster.

The same is true for random access to data. For example, for the simultaneous reading of several different HDD file its magnetic head, will have to "rush" between different areas of the disk to provide timely data and Inquisitor. SSD can also directly at the same time to find and download multiple files.

Oh and one more significant advantage - low power consumption.

And now it is worth remembering and about the shortcomings. The most important of them, due to which many users initially feared the move to SSD - is a limited number of write cycles. In other words, the more frequently overwritten data on the disk, the sooner it will fail. And it happened in the most unexpected moments for the user. But the technology improved, added mechanisms for monitoring the number of overwriting cells, which allow you to add new data to the less "worn out." Also being upgraded memory, which will allow even more extend the lifetime of the device.

Another factor is the repulsive SSD-drive price. But this is a temporary phenomenon, because the cost is gradually reduced. For example, today the average quality of the disc to 500 GB can be bought for about 9000 rubles. HDD as this volume can be purchased for 2 000-3 000 rubles., With the disk rotation speed of 7200 rev / min.

And finally, it is worth to know about SSD - the inability to restore files after deletion. Although some manufacturers and their supply arrangements device allows it. Perhaps in the future we'll see SSD HDD with all the possibilities, but without its drawbacks.

The main technical characteristics of SSD drives for PC

The main parameters which are considered to be taken to choose SSD: the volume, form factor, connection type, and read / write speeds. But, besides these, there are other, less popular options. Let's see all the subtleties of performance and find out what to choose when buying a SSD.

volume

Especially to explain about the hard drive volume in this digital age is meaningless. In short, it describes the maximum amount of data that can be written on it. Measured in gigabytes and more recently - in terabytes. 1 TB = 1000 GB.

This is interesting: in fact terabytes, as well as with other units - gigabytes and megabytes, there is some confusion. The fact that virtually all applications and OS as a terabyte of use value of 1024 GB. But in a system of measurement units SI prefix "tera" means 1012, ie 1 000 000 000 000 exactly. Virtually all manufacturers of hard drives adhere to the "right" metrics: 1 TB = 1000 GB. But the operating system can calculate and display the amount of their own way, on the basis of 1 TB = 1024 GB.

In general, the main selection criterion - the more, the better.

Form Factor

Basic form factors that are present on the market, can be found 4: 1.8 ", 2.5", 3.5 "and several varieties M.2. The first two standards are commonly used as SSD hard drive for a laptop. The rest are more common in the desktop PC version. If inches all clear, then M.2 worth investigating more.

M.2 - is a relatively new specification connectors and circuit boards. Mainly used to connect the SSD, but there are other devices, such as USB, Wi-Fi modules, and so on. In most cases, there are SSD with M and B keys. It is easy to identify - on the board will be three separate buses: two small and one large middle. Also, the board is divided into 2242, 2260, 2280. This is nothing like the size. The first two digits indicate the width and the rest - length.

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connection interface

connection interface is very closely linked to the form factor. The most popular are two types of connection today - SATA and PCIe. The first embodiment has improved compatibility, as is present in almost all motherboards, including laptops.

PCIe species mostly found in desktop systems. Although it should be noted that the standard M.2 begins to gradually absorb and mobile platforms.

read / write speeds

With speeds in SSD environments it is all very difficult. Naturally, the read and write speed is much higher than that of the HDD. However, many producers like to greatly inflate these options for marketing purposes. Therefore, when choosing a better focus on the review of authoritative resources and publications, as well as customer reviews, already tried the device.

Type of memory and time up to failure

SSD memory, there are three types: SLC, MLC and TLC. Intel Company in early 2017 announced a new type of memory, but the device is still too expensive and still do not know how soon it will reach the average user. So these are three known types.

SLC stands for Single Level Cell, that is, single-level cell. The most productive type with the largest resource of work. However, while their price is relatively high, such SSD is used mainly in server-side solutions.

mlc - multiple levels cell. We can say that this is the average between the SLC and TLC. The average service life, average productivity, average price.

TLC - the most inexpensive, weak performance and service life of the memory type. It is this technology used for conventional flash drives.

TRIM function

This function is needed after the development of the first solid-state drives. The fact that conventional HDD and SSD produce different deletion and formatting. Briefly, to repeat the procedure of the operation on the SSD, like the HDD, speed and resource SSDs have become uncompetitive.

TRIM function can be used to purify the cells before they are overwritten. This saves the access time for SSD. Support systems it started with Windows 7, Linux 2.6.33 and MacOS. In Android since version 4.3, there is an analog TRIM function.

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storage clipboard

Buffer or cache on the HDD accelerated speed recording and reading due to the accumulation of a certain amount of information in a separate area. This allowed us to not "pull" the hard drive once again. The SSD is this approach does not make sense, since the read and write and so happen instantly. However, SSD cache is often used as a repository for service information. Especially the performance is not affected, and rarely specifies the developers in the specification or device information.

What are the differences expensive and cheap SSD

The main parameters affecting the value of a solid state drive, - the type of memory, the view controller and its volume. types of memory have already been discussed in the article just above. Controllers is entirely dependent on the manufacturer. Of the top segment can be distinguished brands such as Intel, Samsung, Marvell. Class or below followed Jmicron Silicon Motion.

Of the last expensive novelties can distinguish the product from Intel with the type of memory 3D Xpoint. True, sold a SSD drive for the computer 500 GB at the price of 40 000 rubles. Asserted read / write speed of such a device can reach 2000/2500 Mb / s.

What is better for a laptop - HDD or SSD

Technological development SSD is still at such a level that it used in the system is not considered acceptable as the primary hard drive. This is due to the fact that they are too easily damaged, compared from the HDD.

Therefore, the best solution for solid-state hard drive for laptop - use it as a pair from the HDD. SSD can be installed on the operating system, and on HDD - programs, games, documents, and other files. If you are planning to buy a SSD drive for notebook M.2 format, you first should make sure that the laptop supports this type of connector.

Which SSD laptop is better to choose? To stay on the budget disk embodiment with a small volume (e.g., 60 GB), the memory type TLC and, if possible, to use the M.2. This volume should be sufficient for most operating systems. All programs and games will be placed on an additional HDD, which will increase the life of the device. In the case of SSD failure, all data saved to the HDD.

What is the best SSD-drive for my computer? A review of several models and rating SSD-drives

SSD-device market is very diverse. Unlike processors, there is no leading players. Production of solid-state drives are involved in both large and famous corporations, and little-known companies. However, often a small company can bring to light interesting, inexpensive and reliable device.

Plextor PX-128S3C - inexpensive SSD-ROM for PC and notebook

Budget solution for desktop or laptop computer. Form factor - 2.5 ", which gives it universality. The type of memory - TLC, which is typical for low-cost devices. Performance Claims write / read up 500/550 MB / s. Test results showed only slight deviation of these values.

The total storage capacity of 128 GB of cache - 256MB. According to the developers, the disc can withstand about 35 terabytes of data overwritten and 1.5 million work hours.

Samsung MZ-75E1T0BW

This SSD is different in that it uses a more modern type of memory 3D V-NAND - an improved version of TLC. It allows you to greatly increase the total volume, which in this 1TB SSD.

The controller uses its own - Samsung MEX. It used in many similar applications and has established itself as a reliable and fast module.

Form Factor - 2.5 ". This means that the device can be applied to a stationary PC and laptop. The claimed read / write speeds - 520/540 MB / s. Own cache is 1024 MB. Declared by the manufacturer the duration of work - 1.5 million hours.

Western Digital Green PC SSD 240 GB

Western Digital, have long engaged in the production storage. Naturally, the format SSD, they could not ignore. This model has a capacity of 240 GB, and therefore, can be used not only as a drive for the operating system, but also as the primary data store. Form Factor 2.5 "will connect it in a stationary PC and laptop. Memory Type - budget TLC. According to the developers, the peak rate can be 465 MB / s - for writing and 540 MB / s - read. However, the tests indicate that the write speed may be in reality about 200 Mb / s.

With regard to resources, it claimed about 1 750 000 hours of operation.

Samsung MZ-N5E250BW

Another representative from a known brand. Differs from the already submitted that it is made in the form factor M.2 with the size of 2280 MB, that is suitable for stationary PC versions. But many of today's laptops are now also equipped with this slot, so you can use this disk here. Before buying should make sure you have the bus on the motherboard.

The volume of the device is 250 GB, memory type - 3D V-NAND. The controller of its own production - Samsung MGX. read / write speed - 500/540 MB / s. The buffer memory - 512 MB.

SmartBuy Ignition 4240 Gb

A little-known brand, is gaining popularity. The amount of disk space - 240 GB. Form factor for laptops and PCs - 2.5 ". It is interesting that such a budget option uses a more powerful and reliable memory MLC.

How to connect the SSD to the computer - the basic nuances

There are no special differences from the standard connection HDD no. However, there are a couple of nuances, which is better to think before mounting the device.

Firstly, if the SSD Form Factor - 2.5 ", you will need to buy a special adapter - 3.5", which will securely attach the drive to the PC chassis. It is connected with the motherboard through the SATA cable. Secondly, the installation, the need to go to the computer's BIOS and make sure that the operation with AHCI enabled drives.

The laptop does not have to insert a separate adapter, as almost all of them support the standard 2.5 ". Connectors rigidly fixed, so you have to "insert" the disc and close the lid.

SSD-drive does not appear on my computer - the main reasons

Very often it happens is that the SSD-drive is detected in the BIOS, but did not want to be displayed in Windows. In most cases this means no volume on the device. Therefore it is necessary to create it.

For Windows 7 will have to go to the utility diskmgmt.msc. You can find it by searching in the "Start" menu. Open the Disk Management window. Required SSD will appear as unallocated space. You must click on it, right click and select "Create Volume".

Less commonly, it happens that the drive is not detected in BIOS. In this case, it should start by checking the SATA-controller status. It must be enabled. More significant problems can arise due to the incompatibility of the motherboard, disk marriage or for other reasons.

As it is most advantageous to buy a SSD-disk to the computer, and how to buy a SSD-drive for notebook - overview table

We have collected some interesting models in a single table, which reflected the characteristics compatible with a PC and a laptop, price and features of SSD.

If you have experience in managing and working with SSD-drives, you can easily share them in the comments.