What is an SSD?

In case you didn't know, SSDs have been around for decades, but it hasn't been until the last fifteen years or so that they became the go to choice for storage. If you're looking to upgrade your gaming PC, laptop or handheld device, or simply want to understand why SSDs are praised over traditional hard drives, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SSDs and why they are a game-changer for digital storage.

Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), which use spinning platters and movable read-write heads to access data, an SSD employs a series of interconnected flash-memory chips that store data persistently. Essentially, an SSD translates data into electricity and back, with no moving parts. This inherent difference results in SSDs being significantly faster, more reliable, and efficient than their HDD counterparts.

Flash Memory

SSDs store data using NAND flash memory—similar to that used in USB drives and memory cards. This non-volatile memory retains data even when disconnected from power, which is crucial for long-term data storage.

Controllers

The brains of the operation, SSD controllers are intricate microchips that manage data stored in the flash memory. High-quality controllers can significantly impact the speed and lifespan of the SSD.

The benefits of SSDs extend beyond speed. So, if we take a closer look at the comparative advantages between the two storage types you'll immediately see that SSDs are much faster than HDDs, with their read and write speeds being several times faster. This is particularly noticeable when booting up a computer, loading software, and accessing large files.

Also, lack of moving parts makes SSDs more durable compared to HDDs, which are highly susceptible to damage from physical shocks and vibrations and because SSDs don't require a spindle to spin, they consume significantly less power, which is advantageous for laptops and can lead to improved battery life. Finally, the absence of the spinning disk means SSDs generate no noise and little heat, especially compared to high-performance HDDs.

SATA SSDs

SATA SSDs are compatible with the majority of desktop and laptop systems, but their performance is capped by the SATA interface limits. They are a powerful upgrade to a traditional HDD but might not be the best option for more demanding users.

NVMe SSDs

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs are the cutting edge of storage technology. They are significantly faster than SATA SSDs, utilizing a PCI Express interface to communicate with the rest of the system. NVMe SSDs are the go-to choice for high-performance computing, gaming, and professional applications. However, not all NVMe SSDs are created equal, comparing a PCIe 5.0 SSD vs a PCIe 4.0 SSD, you'll find some significant performance differences.

M.2 is an industry-standard form factor. It's the socket in the motherboard where the SSD plugs into. You will also find that M.2 drives come in several sizes so when you see M.2 2280, it just means the SSD module is 22mm wide and 80 mm long. Other common sizes are 2224, and 2230.

What is NAND?

NAND is a non-volatile flash memory that retains data without being connected to a power source. In contrast, RAM requires power to maintain data and every time you power down, you clear data from the RAM module. The most common types of NAND in SSDs are QLC and TLC.

Understanding and leveraging the power of SSDs can unlock new possibilities for your digital life. With their incredible speed, durability, and efficiency, SSDs have set a new standard for storage.

When choosing an SSD, it's essential to consider the storage capacity you need. They come in various sizes, from 500GB for a budget option to 4TB or more for high-capacity, high-budget setups. If you're after top-tier performance, NVMe SSDs are your best bet. For general use or older systems not equipped with an M.2 slot, a standard SATA SSD will still offer a noticeable improvement.

You may want to check out the CORSAIR lineup of SSDs available in our webstore where you'll find a large assortment of M.2 NVMe SSDs available to fit your most current needs. Alternatively, we've written up an article explaining our entire lineup right here on Explorer.