How to choose an SSD for your computer or laptop 2017
The world of modern electronics is actively developing, and today you will not surprise anyone by buying an SSD. This type of solid state drive has only recently appeared, however, it spread incredibly fast. When choosing an SSD, buyers often have a number of problems with a wide range of different values. At the same time, it is difficult to find exact solutions for them without detailed consideration. In fact, it is enough to spend literally minutes, to clearly understand that, how to choose the right SSD for your computer or laptop 2017 year, while not overpaying for those fancy features, which your computer will not need.
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The difference between SSD and HDD
Classic hard drives are officially called HDDs (English. «Hard Disk Drive»). They have accompanied personal computers and laptops throughout most of their history. They are the most important components, because they store absolutely all files, including the operating system. Accordingly, it was not possible to start the computer without these details.
However, a new type of drive has been actively spreading recently. It's about, of course, about SSD (English. «Solid-State Drive»). Solid state drives are gradually winning the hearts of users with their speed and excellent technical parameters. Even computer manufacturers are switching to SSDs, using them either instead of or together with the HDD. So what's the difference?
Deciding on that, which is better to choose for the computer, hard drive or SSD, the user must have a clear picture of that, what are the pros and cons of both options. Of course, the advantages of a solid state drive are more:
- increased speed, in particular, reading and writing information;
- heat and energy efficiency;
- compactness;
- increased resistance to damage (overheating, mechanical shocks);
- silent operation.
But the hard drive also has its advantages:
- protection against electrical damage;
- low cost;
- the ability to recover information in case of loss.
From a technical point of view, then the difference between the disks is in the specific characteristics. Detailed comparative analysis of these data is quite tedious, therefore it is not necessary to teach it (and this does not make sense), however, its outcome is predictable, if you have the financial means, it is better to choose an SSD, as it will provide the greatest productivity, speed and efficiency of work with the file system.
Criteria for selecting a solid state drive
Solid state drives (as, equally, and hard drive) have a number of technical characteristics, which are also the criteria for choosing an SSD. They include a number of parameters, which determine the operation of the device: types and amounts of memory, connection methods, read and write speed, serviceability to failure, as well as additional properties. It should be noted, that it is impossible to find a perfect combination of all parameters, however, it is quite easy to choose a fast and high-quality SSD: you just need to get acquainted and understand its technical side.
Amount
The most popular criterion for an SSD is the choice of the amount of data to be written. Amount of information, which can be stored by the SSD, is one of the most important parameters. Classic HDDs are traditionally equipped with memory 500 GB and above (older models). Yet, solid state drives have a smaller volume. But there is a logical explanation for this.
For, to choose a good SSD, its role needs to be defined. Computers are the most common, in which the SSD is installed next to the HDD, while the volume of the first is many times less than the second. For example, solid state drive, designed for 60 GB, and hard drive on 500 GB. That says it all, that the SSD is used only under the system, and the main one is a classic hard drive. However, in laptops (usually, gaming) a separate solid state drive is installed on 500 GB (less often - 1000 GB), or the same drive combined with an HDD volume of about 1000 (1500) GB.
If you plan to use an SSD for the system, then buy a drive with a capacity of 64 GB to 128 GB will be more than enough, and will not hit your pocket!
Memory types
SSDs are characterized by the use of different memory cells, which are divided into different types. There are four of them:
- MLC. This species is the most widespread. It involves placing two bits of data in one cell. His rewrite cycle is small (from 3000 to 10000 times), however, a lower price eliminates this disadvantage.
- SLC. In this case, one bit of information per cell. This architecture is suitable for powerful devices, who are constantly working with a huge amount of data. Rewrite cycles can reach 100 000 times, the speed of work is also at an excellent level, however, SSDs with this type of memory are much more expensive than others.
- TLC. The architecture of the drive assumes that one cell corresponds to three bits of information. The number of rewriting acts does not exceed 3000 once (less often - 5000). The price of such a budget SSD is an order of magnitude lower, so fans of savings are better off looking at this option.
- 3D-V-NAND. The latest development in the field of data storage. It does not use MLC or TLC, and a special flash memory, due to which the amount of information per unit area, to be recorded, is growing. This type is still rare, but in the near future he may cause a sensation.
Ways to connect
Solid state drive connection, as well as the hard drive, takes place inside a laptop or computer case using special interfaces. The latter can have different types, among which stand out:
- SATA II
- SATA III
- mSATA
- PCIe
Also, some programmers include here M. 2, but in fact it is an extension of mSATA.
The most popular SATA II and III interfaces. The first model is gradually falling out of circulation, as the latter received a more technological connector and improved contacts, which increase the efficiency of interaction. MSATA works on the same principle, only the model is used in compact computers due to the reduced size. The most effective option is PCIe, which uses third-party drivers to work, due to which data transfer is carried out several times faster.
Write / read speed
As mentioned above, One of the advantages of an SSD for PC is the high speed of writing and reading data. There are some caveats to this parameter, accounting for which will avoid unnecessary issues. The point is, that the reading speed is usually a little higher, than the write speed, or equal to it. The range of indicators can be denoted as:
- record - 350 Mbps
- reading - to 450 Mbps
You should always remember, that the manufacturer may be a little cunning, indicating the maximum speed, which in the vast majority of cases is higher than the real one. To find out the actual picture, you can read reviews and customer reviews.
An important parameter in the selection of the drive is the following indicator, as IOPS (the number of arbitrary data input / output operations per second), than this figure is higher, the better, which will provide good speed when transmitting large amounts of information.
For normal and comfortable operation, the IOPS value should vary within: 45000 – 55000, in more expensive models, this figure can reach and 90000.
Resource of serviceability to failure
Unable to purchase best SSD, not knowing the performance of the drive. The classification by memory type has already been given above. It depends on her, how many times you can rewrite data. The most short-lived (therefore the most economical) option - TLC. He admits from 1000 to 3000 rewrite cycles. For MLC, this figure is from 3 to 5 thousands of times, which is the average. AND, finally, SLC solid state drives have the longest lifespan, which are able to withstand up to 100 thousands of rewrite cycles.
When buying a good SSD, you should not focus on this parameter, as even the simplest drive will last you at least a year 10, or even more.
Additional features
The main task of SSD is to store files and provide the fastest and most reliable access to data. However, there are some other features. Example, TRIM option. It involves deleting data, which are rewritten in a specific cell. When you write new data to your computer's hard drive, the old ones stay the same, as it were, "Under the cells". Before overwriting the SSD, the system deletes data from the cell and only then write new ones there. All modern solid state drives support this feature, the only question is, whether it is supported by the OS (is available with MS Windows 7).
Another interesting feature is the hidden area. Every high-quality SSD has it, however, the user does not have access to it. The point is, that the cells in which the information is stored tend to fail. Yet, when "dying" one of them, is automatically replaced. The volume of the hidden area can be close 30% from the storage capacity. But if you want to buy cheap, but a reliable SSD, then on their packaging you will find an increased volume and a reserve of only c 10%. This allows the user to get more memory at a lower cost.
Complete set
Find the answer to the question, which is better to buy an SSD, often the complete set of a disk helps. When buying the seller can offer, as soon as the device itself, and kit. If the goal is to buy cheap, but a good SSD, then you can prefer the first option. However, it is best to take all the components. These include cables, 3.5-inch slot mount and 2.5-inch USB case. All this will allow you to install the drive without "dancing with the tambourine".
Choose a company of SSDs
After, how all the most important parameters are studied, you can start the main action. Today, not every manufacturer can offer to buy a high-quality and fast SSD for your laptop or computer.. The most popular among them is Kingston, who has been selling various types of PC components for many years (including, HDD, USB drives). Only Sandisk SSDs can compete with them in terms of prevalence, which came to the segment of solid state drives not so long ago, but managed to prove himself on the best side. Premium quality, but quite expensive products are offered by well-known Samsung companies, HP і Intel. ADATA and Transcend can also be mentioned as reliable manufacturers of drives. The choice here depends more on the price preferences of the buyer.
We recommend watching an interesting video about it, how to choose an SSD drive correctly!
Conclusion
Solid state drives are gradually expanding the "sphere of influence" and displacing the classic hard drives. The model range is expanding, component manufacturers are eager to join this segment of the computer parts market. Given these factors, the question is, how to choose the best SSD for your computer 2017 year, acquires special relevance. However, a systematic thoughtful approach to the choice will not only get a reliable SSD in terms of value for money, but also save money, which can be spent on inappropriate options, bought by inexperience.
