Earlier, with Toshiba/West Digital, Intel and other original pellet manufacturers announced to enter the QLC flash memory market, the discussion on flash granules has been pushed to the forefront. In fact, the debate about SSD is far more than this, such as various interfaces. The impact on speed, theoretical running points, longevity, etc., is one of the reasons for the debate that there is still some vague or erroneous perception of SSD.
Based on the principle of pragmatism, the author will come to talk about the misunderstandings that are easy to walk in when purchasing SSDs and the methods that should be followed.
1, M.2 SSD must be faster than SATA SSD?
In the intrinsic impression of everyone, the SSD with M.2 interface must be faster than the SSD of SATA 3.0 interface. This can be seen from the theoretical bandwidth of the two. The SSD of M.2 interface is divided into two types, one kind It is Socket 2, one is Socket 3, Socket 2 supports SATA and PCI-E 3.0 x 2 channels, Socket 3 supports PCI-E 3.0×4 channels, we know that the bandwidth of each PCI-E 3.0 is 8Gbps, so even The half-speed PCI-E 3.0×2 is also 1.6 times faster than the theoretical bandwidth of SATA 3.0 interface 6Gbps.
Two interfaces of M.2 SSD
When the theoretical bandwidth is taken into the reality of the actual experience, can the M.2 SSD of the PCI-E 3.0×4 channel be faster than the SATA SSD? The answer is no, the actual experience is not theoretical bandwidth. Speed is subject to accuracy.
I believe everyone will be very surprised when they hear this conclusion. I was very confused when I was testing the Samsung 960 PRO. I loaded the Tomb Raider: Rise and the 960 PRO was no better than the MX300. Fast, sometimes it will be slow. Many netizens are also reflected in daily use. The M.2 SSD with PCI-E 3.0×4 channel is no faster than the SATA 3.0 SSD.
2, running high = fast?
When we choose SSD, we always believe in all kinds of running software. We regard 'running high=fast speed' as a standard. This is actually a misunderstanding that exaggerates the role of data. The reason why I say this is because M.2 SSD It seems to be three or five times faster than the SATA SSD read/write speed, but in practice the multiplier speed gap is not fully revealed.
CrystalDiskMark sequential read and write
CrystalDiskMark random read and write
For example, in our previous tests, the sequential read and write of the Samsung 960 PRO 1TB can reach 3514, 2180MB / s, random read and write is 49, 234MB / s, Toshiba TR200 240GB sequential read and write can reach 561 , 500MB / s, random read and write are 30, 99MB / s, 960 PRO sequential read and write is basically 5 times TR200, random read and write is 2 times.
PCMark 8 storage test
But with the PCMark 8 storage test closer to the actual test environment, the 960 PRO did not show a speed difference that was twice as fast as the TR200. It took only a second or two to load the game and process the document, although it took 27 seconds to process the image. However, it still does not show a huge gap in the theoretical stage. In this respect, the actual experience of theoretical running and indirect also proves our previous point of view.
3. Is MLC better than TLC?
SLC/MLC/TLC/QLC flash particle characteristics
From SLC, MLC, TLC to the nearest QLC, whenever a brand new flash granule appears, there will always be such a sound: XXX is not as good as before! XXX has a short life! XXX is slow! True, 10K P The /E's MLC is indeed shorter than the 100K P/E SLC. The 3K P/E TLC is indeed shorter than the 10K P/E MLC, but even the current T/C with the least P/E, you can really Is it running out? I am afraid that this TLC NAND SSD will still be in service before you replace the new SSD. Still, the effect of over-exaggerating the theoretical data can only get you into the vortex of 'revenue theory'.
The principle that should be followed when purchasing an SSD
So, what principles should we follow when purchasing SSD? The author summarizes a 'four-sentence mantra' for everyone to share -The capacity is the first, the form depends on the demand, the grain is selected from the original factory, and the price is lower. Let's explain it one by one.
When we buy SSD, we must first select the capacity according to the purpose. For example, if I want to make a system disk, I choose 240/256GB. If you have software or game requirements, you can choose 480/512GB, or you can say that I have a budget of 200. It is not bad to choose a 120/128GB.
Choose M.2 or SATA key to see the demand
Second, the product form should be selected according to the installation location of the SSD. For example, I am replacing the thin and light, expanding the hard disk. The current thin and light version is generally M.2 interface, so you can only choose the M.2 SSD; for example, I am extending the hard disk to the host, my chassis has If you have enough hard disk, choose SATA SSD; or you say that I want the chassis to be cleaner, and there are enough M.2 interfaces on the motherboard. The M.2 SSD is also optional.
Toshiba original granules
Again, be sure to select the original SSD of the pellet. The so-called original granules refer to the granules produced by the upstream manufacturers of the fabs. There are so many people around the world, and they can count them with their fingers, Intel, Micron, Samsung, Toshiba, and Western Digital (in 2015). Acquisition of SanDisk), Hynix. Among them, Intel, Micron, Samsung, Toshiba, and Western Digital are all SSDs with their own brands. Everyone should look for these vendors when they choose.
Finally, what should I do if I have selected several SSDs based on the above three principles? In the principle of pragmatism, of course, the one that chooses the lower price. In general, the price of M.2 SSD will be greater than the price of SATA SSD. The M.2 of PCI-E 3.0×4 will be greater than the M.2 of PCI-E 3.0×2. The above is the author's purchase of SSD. The easy to walk into the misunderstanding and simple summary of the purchase skills, welcome to leave a message to discuss.
