The technology driving the way our computers store data has undergone some drastic changes over the past several years. While standard spinning drives still have a use-case in some scenarios, solid state based storage has become the clear winner for nearly all desktop and mobile device drives.
Typical Sold State Drives have even evolved past their 2.5” boxy design variant to become a small stick roughly the size of half a credit card, with the ability to store up to 2 TB on them. There are several differences in these variants however, from M.2, NVMe, or even PCIE SSD devices.
- NVMe SSDs: NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs use the PCIe interface to deliver even faster read and write speeds than SATA SSDs. They are more expensive but offer better performance, making them a good choice for demanding workloads.
- PCIe SSDs: PCIe SSDs use the PCIe interface and offer even faster read and write speeds than NVMe SSDs. They are more expensive and often used in high-end workstations or servers.
- 2 SSDs: M.2 SSDs are small form factor drives that use the M.2 slot on your motherboard. They can use either SATA or NVMe interfaces and are often used in laptops or compact desktops.
- SATA SSDs: These are the most common type of SSDs and connect to your motherboard's SATA ports. They offer faster read and write speeds than traditional hard drives and are often the most cost-effective option.
The best SSD to go with depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective option, a SATA SSD should suffice. However, if you need faster performance, an NVMe or PCIe SSD may be a better choice. M.2 SSDs are also a good option if you have limited space in your workstation. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as capacity, speed, and price when selecting an SSD for your workstation.
The read and write speeds of an SSD can be measured in two ways: sequential and random. Sequential speeds refer to the transfer of large files, while random speeds refer to the transfer of small files or random access to data.
Here are some typical speed ranges for different types of SSDs:
- SATA SSDs: Sequential read speeds range from 500 MB/s to 600 MB/s, and sequential write speeds range from 400 MB/s to 500 MB/s. Random read speeds range from 10,000 IOPS to 100,000 IOPS, and random write speeds range from 40,000 IOPS to 90,000 IOPS.
- NVMe SSDs: Sequential read speeds range from 1,500 MB/s to 7,000 MB/s, and sequential write speeds range from 800 MB/s to 5,000 MB/s. Random read speeds range from 150,000 IOPS to 1,000,000 IOPS, and random write speeds range from 150,000 IOPS to 700,000 IOPS.
- PCIe SSDs: Sequential read speeds range from 2,000 MB/s to 15,000 MB/s, and sequential write speeds range from 1,500 MB/s to 10,000 MB/s. Random read speeds range from 150,000 IOPS to 1,000,000 IOPS, and random write speeds range from 150,000 IOPS to 1,000,000 IOPS.
It is important to note that these are general ranges, and specific models may have different specifications. Additionally, the speed of an SSD can also be affected by factors such as the type of data being transferred, the amount of data on the drive, and the age of the drive.
When it comes to choosing the right workstation, laptop, or desktop, with the right SSD, you can work with Natural Networks to ensure you’re getting the best computer with the best Solid State Drive, and for a great price!