Idiots Guide to NVMe SSD Guide - Before You Buy

Summary

This video offers an in-depth guide to purchasing NVMe SSDs, highlighting crucial considerations. It differentiates between M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe, emphasizing the importance of PCIe generations for performance. The discussion covers durability, indicated by TBW and DWPD ratings, and the impact of NAND types like TLC and QLC on capacity and endurance. Over-provisioning, NVMe revisions, SSD lengths, and thermal management are also key points for ensuring optimal SSD performance and longevity.

Takeaways

• 😀 NVMe SSDs differ significantly from traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs, offering much higher performance.
• 🔍 When purchasing an NVMe SSD, ensure it's M.2 NVMe, not M.2 SATA, as they have different performance capabilities.
• 🚀 PCIe generation is crucial; Gen 3 x4 offers up to 32 Gb/s, while Gen 4 x4 doubles that, impacting SSD performance.
• 🌡 Durability and lifespan of NVMe SSDs are affected by heat, so consider drives with good thermal management.
• 💾 Terabytes Written (TBW) and Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) are key metrics indicating the SSD's endurance and warranty terms.
• ♻️ Over-provisioning can enhance SSD performance by allocating extra storage space for internal management.
• 📦 NAND type (SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC) affects capacity, performance, and cost; TLC is a good balance for most users.
• 🔌 NVMe interface revisions like 1.4 offer improved performance and features over older revisions.
• 📏 SSD length (e.g., 2280, 2210) determines physical size and may affect compatibility with your system.
• ❄️ Heat management is vital for NVMe SSDs; consider using heatsinks or ensuring adequate cooling in your system.

Q & A

What are the key differences between M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe SSDs?

M.2 SATA SSDs utilize the SATA protocol, offering around 6 gigabits per second connectivity, which maxes out at approximately 600 megabytes per second. In contrast, M.2 NVMe SSDs use the PCIe protocol and can reach speeds of thousands of megabytes per second, currently up to around 7.5 gigabytes per second.

Why is it important to check for 'PCIe' when purchasing an M.2 NVMe SSD?

The presence of 'PCIe' indicates that the SSD is an NVMe type, which offers significantly higher performance compared to SATA-based SSDs. PCIe is crucial for achieving the high-speed data transfer rates that NVMe SSDs are known for.

What does PCIe generation mean for the performance of an M.2 NVMe SSD?

The PCIe generation (Gen 3x4 or Gen 4x4) determines the maximum theoretical bandwidth of the SSD. Gen 3 provides up to 32 Gbps (4,000 MB/s), while Gen 4 offers double that, up to 64 Gbps (8,000 MB/s). It's essential to ensure the SSD and the system's slot are compatible in terms of PCIe generation to avoid performance bottlenecks.

How does the durability of an NVMe SSD affect its performance over time?

Durability, influenced by factors like heat and constant writing, can degrade the components over time, potentially leading to a decrease in performance. Manufacturers often provide TBW (Terabytes Written) and DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) ratings to give an estimate of the SSD's lifespan and sustained performance within warranty guidelines.

What is over-provisioning in the context of SSDs, and how does it benefit performance?

Over-provisioning is when a portion of the SSD's storage is reserved as a buffer zone to improve internal data handling and performance. This can lead to better IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), especially for enterprise-level tasks.

Why is the type of NAND used in an SSD important for its performance and endurance?

The NAND type (SLC, MLC, TLC, or QLC) affects the SSD's capacity, endurance, and performance. SLC and MLC offer higher endurance and performance but at a higher cost and lower capacity. QLC provides higher capacity at a lower cost but with reduced performance and durability. TLC is generally considered a good balance for consumer use.

What is the significance of NVMe revision in relation to SSD performance?

The NVMe revision (such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) indicates the version of the NVMe protocol, which can affect performance, power handling, and the interface's efficiency between the SSD and the system. Higher revisions like 1.4 offer improvements over older ones.

Why do some SSDs come with specific length designations like 2280, and how does this affect capacity and compatibility?

The length designation (e.g., 2280) refers to the SSD's size, with the first two digits representing width and the last two representing height in millimeters. Longer SSDs can accommodate more NAND chips, thus offering higher capacities. However, not all systems can physically accommodate longer SSDs, so it's important to check compatibility.

How does heat affect the performance and longevity of an NVMe SSD?

Heat can degrade the SSD's components over time, potentially reducing performance and longevity. SSDs can throttle their performance when temperatures exceed certain thresholds to prevent damage. Using heatsinks or ensuring proper ventilation can help maintain optimal temperatures.

What role do firmware updates play in the performance and functionality of an SSD?

Firmware updates can improve the SSD's performance, fix bugs, and add new features. They are crucial for maintaining the drive's optimal operation and ensuring compatibility with the host system's firmware and NVMe revisions.