How important is an SSD drive for games, what does it affect and what is the usefulness of this technology - this is what will be discussed in our article. A solid-state drive has a number of significant advantages compared to a conventional hard drive. One of the most valuable among them is the ability to instantly download files recorded on it. This is due to the fact that this type of device has no moving parts, so no time is wasted moving the disk head.

In addition, SSD drives are lightweight, extremely low power consumption, high write speeds, lack of noise and the ability to fully function with the fastest interfaces. With their help, any files are read much faster than on conventional HDDs, while the operating system itself becomes more responsive.

We’ll talk more about all this, as well as whether an SSD drive is needed for games and why it’s worth installing.

Operating environment

Let's start with the fact that solid-state drives significantly speed up loading programs. For example, the operating system loads in just 13 seconds.

If we talk about games that have an old architecture, where resources are located as a huge number of small files, then a regular hard drive processes them incredibly slowly. As an example, we can take the well-known World of Tanks. Even on the most powerful PCs, a significant drop in performance becomes noticeable during mass firefights, in company battles and battles on the global map.

Using a gaming SSD, you can eliminate the existing drawback and maintain the required gaming speed. As for the increase in frames per second, it is quite insignificant. Developers are well aware that the drive is the weakest link of the computer, so it should not be overloaded. Gaming performance is mainly affected by the processor and video card.

Fast loading levels

One of the most important factors that distinguishes an SSD from a conventional device. Games weigh 50 GB for a reason, and they constantly use the necessary information, throwing it into RAM. In this case, loading from an SSD is much faster. Moreover, the worse the application optimization, the more noticeable the difference between the drives. Therefore, when wondering whether it is possible to install games on an SSD, know that this must be done to improve performance.

If you look at the loading time using the example of Battlefield 3, you can see that the Crucial MX 255 GB SSD significantly outperforms (almost 3 times) the regular Seagate 3TB HDD, despite the fact that they both operate on a faster SATAIII interface .

This feature mainly manifests itself in offline games, although many users say that loading from a solid-state hard drive in online battles is also quite fast and you have to constantly wait for “slow” players. In this case, PC owners with an SSD can discuss tactics in advance, while the rest of us are still admiring the loading screen and drinking tea.

It is also important to say about several windows of one game (applies to MMORPG gamers), which is torture for an HDD, while an SSD can easily withstand such loads. Don’t forget about mods, which are often “screwed” to the engine using third-party scripts and libraries. That is, they are loaded into memory in an abnormal way. Regular drives don't like this kind of activity, while for SSDs there is no difference at all in games.

Stable FPS

A solid-state hard drive is especially useful when the user plays games with a vast open world. No matter how much RAM and video memory the PC has in this case, the application constantly loads the memory with new areas on the map and its details, which heavily loads the system and drains FPS. In this case, the SSD does its job much better, working with a minimum number of delays, than a mechanical drive, the read head of which must move to the desired area and read the information.

youtu.be/9dEsTiOeMQ4

In addition, if you install an SSD for your gaming computer, you will be able to compensate for the lack of RAM in cases where the game turns out to be too power-hungry. The Windows operating system likes to use the swap file “on purpose and without”, while most games do not work at all without activated swap, which takes up gigabytes of hard drive memory for use as RAM.

HDD devices are significantly inferior to solid-state drives in terms of data access speed. Therefore, if with the first one a “slideshow” awaits you, then in the case of an SSD, a PC or laptop will pull out the game even “I can’t.”

Fast loading textures

Basically, in online games, textures and other objects are loaded when the character approaches them, and not when entering. Due to this, it becomes possible to significantly reduce performance if you move through terrain with complex design and architecture.

A standard disk will not be able to load volumetric textures in real time and because of this it will be very slow, which will certainly affect your efficiency and pleasure from the game. Therefore, if you decide to buy an SSD for games, then this is definitely the right decision.

Silence and reliability

As we said earlier, solid state devices have no moving parts. Therefore, computers equipped with them do not make noise or make strange sounds even under heavy load. Taking into account modern technologies used in the production of computer components, it is possible to assemble an absolutely silent device. Moreover, the absence of moving parts makes the disk itself more reliable and minimizes the likelihood of its failure.

It must also be said that an SSD is worth buying and installing for the reason that it will ensure complete safety of information where a conventional magnetic drive will lose it. In standard hard drives, memory sectors “die” without the possibility of recovery, but in SSDs the information simply goes into read mode. That is, the saved gameplay can be transferred to another drive.

Dispelling some myths

Summarizing

Considering the above information, we can now answer the question of whether an SSD is needed for a gaming PC. For the average user it will not be something revolutionary and will most likely act as a pleasant addition. But if you are a gamer, then if possible, you should undoubtedly take this device and install it on your computer. Especially if you like demanding games with good graphics.

A solid-state hard drive will make your PC more productive in both online and offline games. You can easily play team games with a large number of participants and extensive maps. By owning an SSD, you will not only get maximum comfort, but also gain an edge over other players.

I found a good picture that shows the strengths and weaknesses of each device.

Speaking about whether SSD or HDD is better for games, it is enough just to mention the fact that having a solid-state drive is a mandatory requirement for all participants in eSports competitions. Without this component you would simply not be allowed to compete.

However, if you have a limited budget and have a choice between buying an SSD or investing in a powerful processor or video card, then in this case it is better to resort to the second option to maximize performance.

Also, if you have a limited amount of money, you can limit yourself to a regular hard drive if you have enough RAM.

Now you know whether it is possible to install games on an SSD and what is its main advantage over conventional drives. The decision on choosing an SSD disk is entirely yours. Consider your financial capabilities, as well as the features and advantages of modern hard drives.

Comparison video

youtu.be/sZFMXCYJhOM

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If you are building a powerful computer or want to speed up an old one, then an SSD will come in handy. Finally, the cost of these drives has dropped so much that they can be considered as a reasonable alternative to hard drives (HDD).

The following SSD features will help you choose the best drive that is compatible with your computer and meets your needs.

1. Which form factor to choose: SSD 2.5″, SSD M.2 or another

SSD 2.5″

This form factor is the most common. An SSD looks like a small box that resembles an ordinary hard drive. 2.5″ SSDs are the cheapest, but their speed is sufficient for most users.

Compatibility of 2.5″ SSD with computers

An SSD of this form factor can be installed in any desktop computer or laptop that has a free bay for 2.5-inch drives. If your system only has room for an old 3.5" hard drive, you can fit a 2.5" SSD into it too. But in this case, look for an SSD model that comes with a special lock.

Like modern HDDs, a 2.5″ SSD is connected to the motherboard using the SATA3 interface. This connection provides a throughput of up to 600 MB/s. If you have an older motherboard with a SATA2 connector, you can still connect a 2.5″ SSD, but the drive's throughput will be limited by the old version of the interface.

SSD M.2

A more compact form factor, making it suitable even for particularly thin ones that do not have room for a 2.5″ SSD. It looks like an oblong stick and is installed not in a separate compartment of the case, but directly on the motherboard.

To connect to the board, each M.2 drive uses one of two interfaces: SATA3 or PCIe.

PCIe is several times faster than SATA3. If you choose the first one, then there are a few more things to consider: the interface version and the number of lines connected to the connector for data transfer.

• The newer the PCIe version, the higher the throughput (data transfer speed) of the interface. Two versions are common: PCIe 2.0 (up to 1.6 GB/s) and PCIe 3.0 (up to 3.2 GB/s).
• The more data lines connected to the SSD connector, the higher its throughput again. The maximum number of lines in an M.2 SSD is four; in this case, in the drive description its interface is designated as PCIe x4. If there are only two lines, then PCIe x2.

M.2 SSD compatibility with computers

Before purchasing an M.2 SSD, you should make sure that it will fit your motherboard. To do this, you need to first check the physical and then the software compatibility of the connector on the drive with the slot on the board. Then you need to find out the length of the drive and compare it with the allowable length of the slot allocated for M.2 in your system.

1. Physical compatibility of interfaces

Each connector on the motherboard intended for connecting M.2 format drives has a special cutout (key) of one of two types: B or M. At the same time, the connector on each M.2 drive has two cutouts B + M, less often only one of two keys: B or M.

The B-connector on the board can be connected with a B-connector. To the M-connector, respectively, a drive with an M-type connector. SSDs, the connectors of which have two M + B cutouts, are compatible with any M.2 slots, regardless of the keys in the latter.

Thus, first make sure that your motherboard has an M.2 SSD slot at all. Then find out the key for your connector and select a drive whose connector is compatible with this key. Key types are usually indicated on connectors and slots. In addition, you can find all the necessary information in the documents for the motherboard and drive.

2. Logical compatibility of interfaces

In order for an SSD to fit your motherboard, taking into account the physical compatibility of its connector with the connector is not enough. The fact is that the drive connector may not support the logical interface (protocol) that is used in the slot of your board.

Therefore, when you understand the keys, find out what protocol is implemented in the M.2 connector on your board. This could be SATA3, and/or PCIe x2, and/or PCIe x4. Then choose an M.2 SSD with the same interface. For information about supported protocols, see the device documentation.

3. Size compatibility

Another nuance on which the compatibility of the drive with the motherboard depends is its length.

In the characteristics of most boards you can find the numbers 2260, 2280 and 22110. The first two digits in each of them indicate the supported drive width. It is the same for all M.2 SSDs and is 22 mm. The next two digits are the length. Thus, most boards are compatible with drives with lengths of 60, 80 and 110 mm.

Before purchasing M.2, be sure to find out the supported drive length, which is indicated in the documents for the motherboard. Then choose one that matches this length.

As you can see, the issue of M.2 compatibility is very confusing. Therefore, just in case, consult the sellers about this.

Less popular form factors

It’s possible that your computer case won’t have a bay for a 2.5” SSD, and your motherboard won’t have an M.2 connector. The owner of a thin laptop may encounter such an atypical situation. Then for your system you need to choose a 1.8″ or mSATA SSD - check the documents for your computer. These are rare form factors that are more compact than 2.5” SSDs, but inferior in data exchange speed to M.2 drives.

In addition, thin laptops from Apple may also not support traditional form factors. In them, the manufacturer installs an SSD of a proprietary format, the characteristics of which are comparable to M.2. So, if you have a thin laptop with an apple on the lid, check the supported SSD type in the documentation for the computer.

External SSDs

In addition to internal ones, there are also external drives. They vary greatly in shape and size - choose the one that is most convenient for you.

As for the interface, they connect to computers via a USB port. To achieve full compatibility, make sure the port on your computer and the drive connector support the same USB standard. The highest data transfer speeds are provided by USB 3 and USB Type-C specifications.

2. Which memory is better: MLC or TLC

Based on the number of bits of information that can be stored in one flash memory cell, the latter is divided into three types: SLC (one bit), MLC (two bits) and TLC (three bits). The first type is relevant for servers, the other two are widely used in consumer drives, so you will have to choose from them.

MLC memory is faster and more durable, but more expensive. TLC is correspondingly slower and withstands fewer rewrite cycles, although the average user is unlikely to notice the difference.

TLC type memory is cheaper. Choose it if savings are more important to you than speed.

The drive description may also indicate the type of relative arrangement of memory cells: NAND or 3D V-NAND (or simply V-NAND). The first type implies that the cells are arranged in one layer, the second - in several layers, which allows you to create SSDs with increased capacity. According to the developers, the reliability and performance of 3D V-NAND flash memory is higher than that of NAND.

3. Which SSD is faster

In addition to the type of memory, the performance of an SSD is also affected by other characteristics, such as the model of the controller installed in the drive and its firmware. But these details are often not even indicated in the description. Instead, the final indicators of read and write speed appear, which are easier for the buyer to navigate. So, when choosing between two SSDs, with all other parameters being equal, take the drive whose declared speeds are higher.

Remember that the manufacturer indicates only theoretically possible speeds. In practice, they are always lower than stated.

4. What storage capacity is right for you

Of course, one of the most important characteristics when choosing a drive is its capacity. If you are buying an SSD to use as a fast operating system, a 64 GB device is sufficient. If you are going to install games on the SSD or store large files on it, then choose a capacity that suits your needs.

But do not forget that the storage capacity greatly affects its cost.

Buyer's checklist

• If you need a drive for office tasks or watching movies, choose a 2.5″ or M.2 SSD with a SATA3 interface and TLC memory. Even such a budget SSD will work much faster than a regular hard drive.
• If you are engaged in other tasks for which high drive performance is critical, choose an M.2 SSD with a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface and MLC memory.
• Before purchasing, carefully check the compatibility of the drive with your computer. If in doubt, consult the sellers on this issue.

In recent years, SSD drives have become increasingly accessible and cheaper. However, they still remain more expensive than traditional HDDs. So, what is an SSD, what are the advantages of using it, and how will working with an SSD differ from an HDD?

So, now that we know a little about what SSDs are, it would be nice to know why they are better or worse than regular hard drives. Here are a few key differences.

Spindle spin-up time: This characteristic exists for hard drives - for example, when you wake up the computer from sleep, you may hear a click and spin-up sound that lasts a second or two. SSDs have no spin-up time.

Data access time and latency: in this regard, the speed of SSDs differs from conventional hard drives by about 100 times, not in favor of the latter. Due to the fact that the stage of mechanically searching for the necessary places on the disk and reading them is skipped, access to data on the SSD is almost instantaneous.

Noise: SSDs do not make any sound. You probably know how noisy a regular hard drive can be.

Reliability: failure of the overwhelming majority of hard drives is a consequence of mechanical damage. At some point, after several thousand hours of operation, the mechanical parts of the hard drive simply wear out. At the same time, if we talk about lifetime, hard drives win, and there are no restrictions on the number of rewrite cycles.

In turn, solid-state drives have a limited number of write cycles. Most critics of SSDs most often note this factor. In reality, during normal computer use by the average user, reaching these limits will not be easy. There are SSD hard drives on sale with a warranty period of 3 and 5 years, which they usually outlive, and a sudden SSD failure is the exception rather than the rule, it just makes more noise for some reason. For example, 30-40 times more often people come to our workshop with damaged HDDs rather than SSDs. Moreover, if the failure of a hard drive is sudden and means that it’s time to look for someone who will get data from it, then with an SSD this happens a little differently and you will know in advance that it will soon need to be replaced - that’s exactly what it is “aging” rather than suddenly dying, some blocks become read-only, and the system warns you about the state of the SSD.

Energy consumption: SSDs consume 40-60% less energy than conventional HDDs. This allows, for example, to significantly increase the battery life of a laptop when using an SSD.

Price: SSDs are more expensive than regular hard drives per gigabyte. However, they have become much cheaper than 3-4 years ago and are already quite accessible. The average price of SSD drives fluctuates around $1 per gigabyte (August 2013).

Working with an SSD

As a user, the only difference you will notice when working at a computer, using the operating system, running programs is a significant increase in speed. However, when it comes to extending the life of your SSD, you will have to follow a few important rules.

Don't defragmentSSD. Defragmentation is completely useless for a solid-state drive and reduces its operating time. Defragmentation is a way to physically move fragments of files located in different parts of the hard drive to one place, which reduces the time required for mechanical actions to search for them. This is irrelevant in solid-state drives, since they have no moving parts, and the time to search for information on them tends to zero. By default, in Windows 7, defragmentation for SSDs is disabled.

Disable indexing services. If your operating system uses any file indexing service for faster file retrieval (Windows does), disable it. The speed of reading and searching for information is sufficient to do without an index file.

Your operating system must supportTRIM. The TRIM command allows the operating system to communicate with your SSD and tell it which blocks are no longer in use and can be cleared. Without the support of this command, the performance of your SSD will quickly decrease. TRIM is currently supported on Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X 10.6.6 and higher, and Linux with kernel 2.6.33 and higher. Windows XP does not support TRIM, although there are ways to implement it. In any case, it is better to use a modern operating system with an SSD.

No need to fill outFully SSD. Read the specifications of your SSD. Most manufacturers recommend leaving 10-20% of its capacity free. This free space must be left to use utility algorithms that extend the life of the SSD by distributing data into the NAND memory for even wear and higher performance.

Store data on a separate hard drive. Despite the price reduction of SSDs, there is no point in storing media files and other data on an SSD. It is better to store things like movies, music or pictures on a separate hard drive; these files do not require high access speeds, and HDD is still cheaper. This will extend the life of the SSD.

Install more RAMRAM. RAM memory is very cheap these days. The more RAM installed on your computer, the less frequently the operating system will access the SSD for the page file. This significantly extends the life of the SSD.

Do you need an SSD drive?

You decide. If most of the points listed below suit you and you are ready to shell out several thousand rubles, then take the money to the store:

• You want your computer to turn on in seconds. When using an SSD, the time from pressing the power button to opening the browser window is minimal, even if there are third-party programs in startup.
• You want games and programs to launch faster. With an SSD, when you launch Photoshop, you don’t have time to see its authors on the splash screen, and the loading speed of cards in large-scale games increases by 10 times or more.
• You want a quieter and less power-hungry computer.
• You are willing to pay more per megabyte, but get faster speeds. Despite the reduction in the price of SSDs, they are still many times more expensive than conventional hard drives per gigabyte.

If most of the above sounds like you, then go for the SSD!

Almost every user has already heard about solid-state drives, and some even use them. However, not many people have thought about how these drives differ from each other and why SSD is better than HDD. Today we will tell you what the difference is and conduct a small comparative analysis.

The scope of application of solid-state drives is expanding every year. Nowadays SSDs can be found almost everywhere, from laptops to servers. The reason for this is high speed and reliability. But, let's talk about everything in order, so first let's see what the difference is between a magnetic drive and a solid-state drive.

By and large, the main difference lies in the way the data is stored. Thus, HDD uses a magnetic method, that is, data is written to the disk by magnetizing its areas. In an SSD, all information is recorded in a special type of memory, which is presented in the form of microcircuits.

Features of the HDD device

If you look at a magnetic hard disk (MHD) from the inside, it is a device that consists of several disks, read/write heads, and an electric drive that rotates the disks and moves the heads. That is, the MZD is in many ways similar to a vinyl record player. The read/write speed of such modern devices can reach from 60 to 100 MB/s (depending on the model and manufacturer). And the rotation speed of disks usually varies from 5 to 7 thousand revolutions per minute, and in some models the rotation speed reaches 10 thousand. Based on the special device, there are three main disadvantages and only two advantages over SSDs.

• Noise that comes from electric motors and rotation of disks;
• Reading and writing speeds are relatively low, since some time is spent positioning the heads;
• High probability of mechanical breakdowns.

• Relatively low price per 1 GB;
• Large data storage capacity.

Features of the SSD device

The design of a solid-state drive is fundamentally different from magnetic drives. There are no moving parts, that is, there are no electric motors, moving heads or rotating disks. And all this thanks to a completely new way of storing data. Currently, there are several types of memory that are used in SSDs. They also have two interfaces for connecting to a computer - SATA and ePCI. For the SATA type, the read/write speed can reach up to 600 MB/s, while in the case of ePCI it can range from 600 MB/s to 1 GB/s. An SSD drive is needed in a computer precisely for faster reading and writing of information from the disk and back.

Thanks to their design, SSDs have many more advantages over MZDs, but they are not without their disadvantages.

• No noise;
• High read/write speed;
• Less susceptible to mechanical breakdowns.

• High cost per 1 GB.

A little more comparison

Now that we have understood the main features of the disks, we will continue our comparative analysis further. Externally, SSD and MZD are also different. Again, due to their features, magnetic drives are much larger and thicker (if you do not take into account those for laptops), while SSDs are comparable in size to hard drives for laptops. Also, solid-state drives consume several times less energy.

To summarize our comparison, below is a table where you can see the differences between the disks in numbers.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that SSDs are better than MZDs in almost all respects, they also have a couple of disadvantages. Namely, this is volume and cost. If we talk about volume, then at present solid-state drives are significantly inferior to magnetic drives. Magnetic disks also benefit in cost because they are cheaper.

Well, now you have found out what the main differences between different types of drives are, so all that remains is to decide what is better and more rational to use - HDD or SSD.

The abbreviation SSD stands for Solid-State Drive. Which, in fact, is translated as a solid-state drive. Its peculiarity is that it does not contain moving mechanical parts: inside there are only boards and microcircuits, with the help of which information is recorded, stored and read.

The history of SSDs began quite a long time ago. For the first time, StorageTek was able to implement something similar in 1985. But at that time, the high cost and low manufacturability of components did not allow the mass implementation of solutions among the masses, and there was no particular answer as to why a fast SSD drive was needed in a computer if the interfaces and peripherals still worked slowly. But in the early 2010s, the popularity of SSDs increased greatly. Nowadays, almost every new laptop comes with an SSD or a hybrid hard drive configuration. Next, we will look at what it is - an SSD in a laptop or desktop computer.

Why do you need an SSD drive in a computer?

An SSD is no different from a HDD in its purpose. It is designed to perform the same function - to store data, the operating system, swap files and the like. Naturally, this replacement is more expensive if calculated in terms of gigabytes/ruble. It is more than likely that the situation will change in the near future.

SSD hard drive device in a laptop and computer

There is essentially no difference between what an SSD is in a laptop and a desktop computer. Externally, the device can be a case similar to a HDD, or it can be made in the form of a board for installation in an M.2 type connector. If you disassemble the SSD or look at the board, it is very similar in design to a regular flash drive. In general, an SSD is a large flash drive with the same operating principle.

The entire device is controlled by a controller that distributes data among cells, monitors their status, deletion, and generally performs all functions similar to the functions of a processor in a computer.

The memory itself is flash memory, the same as on flash drives. SSDs use the NAND type, which characterizes a three-dimensional arrangement of conductors where a number of cells are used at the intersections.

Based on the method of writing data to a cell, there are two types of implementation: SLC - Single-level Cell and MLC - Multi-level Cell. As you might guess, in the first case only one bit is written to one cell, in the second - several. Now another type has emerged from MLC, the name of which has become established in everyday life, although it is part of a subset of this type - TLC, Triple-level Cell.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to each implementation. MLC is cheaper in terms of volume/price ratio. This makes the SSD hard drive cheaper in the long run, which also affects consumer choice. But the multi-layer recording structure imposes limitations on the number of write cycles and performance. The more nesting levels are used, the more complex the algorithm for working with cells becomes and the smaller the resource. SLC is proportionally more expensive and has greater service life and performance.

Manufacturers solve problems with memory resource and reliability using algorithms that allow them to control the process of cell use: recording is done in those areas of memory that were used least often. Another approach is used - memory reservation. Almost every SSD leaves about 20% of the memory “in reserve” in order to replenish it from there in the event of cell loss.

How an SSD drive works

Probably, many people know how a regular hard drive works - the magnetic head runs from the beginning to the edge of the rotating disk and reads data from the tracks. The main problem with magnetic disks is that it takes too much time to position the head in the area with the required data. And if the file is also divided into several pieces in different areas, then the time of the reading or writing process increases significantly.

To understand what an SSD drive is, you need to know the principle of its operation. To access data to read or cells to write, the system only needs to know the address. The controller then simply returns blocks of data. Time is spent only searching for an address and transferring data - literally milliseconds.

Types of hard solid state drives

SSD types can be characterized by form factor and interface type. There are three main form factors:

• 2.5". The disk is housed in a 2.5-inch case. Provides compatibility between almost all types of systems: laptops, servers, PCs.

• As a separate card for the PCIe slot. Provides good speed and reliability, uses the PCI Express interface.

• M.2. A relatively new format, presented mainly in the form of a board that is installed directly on the motherboard in the M.2 connector, which is very compact. This SSD can be found in three different versions depending on the length: 2242, 2260, 2280. The last two digits indicate the length in mm.

There are several other formats that are rare and needed for a narrow range of tasks, for example 1.8”, 3.5” or mSata.

Interfaces are more difficult to understand. There is a mess of standards and specifications here. Let's start with the most popular one - SATA. To date, there are three main revisions and two additional ones. SATA - supports up to 1.5 Gbit/s. Now it is becoming less and less common. SATA II - up to 3 Gbit/s. SATA III - up to 6 Gbit/s. Revision SATA 3.2 received an additional Express prefix. It has speeds of up to 8 Gbps and is backward compatible with other SATA, and what’s most interesting is that it is based on a PCI Express interface. The interface can be implemented in both 2.5-inch and M.2 form factors.

The PCI-E interface is a little easier. It is implemented mainly in M.2 in SSDs. It is worth noting that PCI can be multi-channel. The more channels, the faster the data transfer speed.

General characteristics of SSD (Solid State Disk)

Let's look at the basic characteristics by which we can identify an SSD, figure out what it is, and compare it with an HDD.

Interface and form factor

We have already talked a little about this. Now consider this in the context of choice and relevance for different systems. With interfaces, everything is simple - eSATA is now considered the most productive, which in the specifications in some stores and manufacturers can be designated as PCI-E. This is by far the fastest interface.

The form factor must be chosen depending on the type of PC - laptop or desktop. In a stationary one, for compactness, you can use M.2, which takes up little space on the board and does not require additional power. New laptops also support M.2. For older ones, the 2.5-inch form factor is relevant.

Disk capacity and speed

SSD capacities are quite expensive. The most budget version of a 32 GB SSD can be purchased for about 1,500 rubles, while an HDD for the same money will already have a capacity of 160 GB or more. As for speed, everything is not so clear. Very often, data read and write speeds in disk specifications are greatly overestimated. And not necessarily only from little-known small companies, but even from famous brands. Therefore, you have to rely on reviews and measurements of authoritative services and testers.

Type of memory chips

It is interesting that now both types of memory - MLC and SLC - are almost the same in terms of performance and write/rewrite resource. Much depends on the implementation of a particular manufacturer. Before purchasing each specific model, we would recommend looking at tests and reviews of these gadgets.

Leading manufacturers of SSD drives for PCs

The top includes well-known drive manufacturers. Their implementations do not differ in anything special. Moreover, controllers made by Samsung or Intel can be found not only in their own drives, but also in devices from competing brands. Main names in the top:

• Samsung. They produce a wide range of SSDs for a variety of tasks;
• Western Digital. One of the oldest media manufacturers. It produces three different lines of drives - Green, Blue and Black;
• Intel. Everything is clear here. Reliability and quality;
• Transcend. Known mainly for its flash drives. Now we are releasing full-fledged SSDs.

Which SSD drive is better to buy?

If the budget is not limited, then there are no problems. If every ruble counts, then it is better to approach the issue thoroughly. Let's look at a couple of models that are worth paying attention to.

This is a drive with an M.2 connector and a size of 2280. Please note that the free space from the connector to the nearest component must be more than 80 mm. Memory type - TLC. The total disk size is 120 GB. This drive is interesting because it is connected using a PCI-E interface with 4 channels via an M.2 connector. This means that the bus does not limit the capabilities of the SSD and fully allows for excellent write and read speeds - which, by the way, are declared by the manufacturer at 650 MB/s for writing and 1640 MB/s for reading. The total resource is 72 TB of data. The device costs 4290 rubles.

Intel SSDPEKKW128G8XT

In general, prices over 5,000 rubles do not inherently imply big leaps in terms of performance. Only the total disk volume changes. By the way, for SSDs, the volume indicator also affects durability. For example, a 120 GB disk with 30 GB daily writes will last approximately 7.5 years. With the same recording rate, a device with a capacity of 500 GB should last 4 times longer.
General advice on choosing can be given as follows: you need a disk only for the system and programs - you can choose a smaller one, 60 or 120 GB, and store all the data, movies, pictures, etc. on another HDD. If you plan to store everything on one SSD, it is better to immediately choose a larger one. PCI-E interfaces are still more expensive than SATA, but they do not limit speed, so if your budget allows, it is better to choose the PCI-E interface.

Answers to frequently asked questions about SSD drive

During its existence, SSDs have acquired myths and legends, as well as constant questions. We will look at a few of them.

Special operating instructions

Many people believe that if you use the disk correctly, you can increase its service life. This includes various optimizations - disabling caches, indexing, paging file, defragmentation. In fact, these actions will not significantly affect the SSD resource. Rather, a decrease in overall performance due to disabling functionality will be less justified than an increase in the total resource by a couple of tens of gigabytes.

The only thing that can be recommended is to make backups: save your important data on alternative media - the cloud or another disk. Although this advice applies to all media in principle.

How is SSD different from HDD?

Read and write speed, shock and vibration resistance, noise level, power consumption and weight. These are the main advantages of SSD over HDD.

What is TRIM in SSD

TRIM is an instruction for ATA interfaces that allows the operating system to tell the disk which memory blocks can be unused and considered empty. Why do SSD drives need it? It was introduced due to the specifics of how solid-state drives operate. When writing new data to a cell, the SSD cannot simply replace the old data with new ones. He has to first read the data into the cache, clear the cell, and then write it - while the access speed decreases significantly. TRIM solved this problem. The system and the drive constantly exchange information about which cells are no longer needed, and upon the TRIM signal, these cells are reset to zero. The next time you write, the SSD just calmly writes data to it immediately.

Do you need an SSD for gaming?

Here, too, not everything is so simple. Firstly, you can’t expect a significant increase in FPS in games from using an SSD. The solid-state drive will be active during the initial loading of worlds and levels - locations will load faster. There is a possibility that an SSD drive can help in cases where performance is limited by the amount of RAM, when this data is dumped into the swap file. But in such a situation, changing the HDD to an SSD instead of increasing the RAM is a dubious pleasure.

By the way, there is an interesting video of testing popular games on different disks: