An extra DRAM chip added to the SSD. It increases SSD performance by allowing data to be processed more efficiently . Buffers typically come in 32MB, 64MB, or 128MB sizes. The larger the buffer size, the greater the performance increase. It is important to note that data is not permanently stored to the buffer - it is just for performance. In other words, a 64GB SSD does not become 64GB+128MB with a 128MB buffer. Not all SSDs have a buffer.
A chip also referred to as a processor, it is essentially the brains of a SSD. The controller is the bridge between the flash memory chips and the input/output interface (such as a SATA connector). It contains the firmware information needed to make the SSD work and plays a significant role in the overall performance of the SSD.
Also called a "cell", it is the basis for which SSDs store data. The flash memory in a SSD is made up of these blocks and is where stored data resides.
Increases the life of the flash inside the SSD by better managing how many times data is written to a data block. SSDs tend to write to data blocks more than necessary, which wears out the SSD more quickly. Durawrite reduces this over-writing and extends the endurance of the flash.
A function of the SSD that helps to avoid errors during data reads and writes, promoting stability. ECC detects if an error is occurring and corrects it.
When you delete data, it still occupies a data block on the SSD. Garbage Collection permanently erases these deleted data blocks and returns the reclaimed space for reuse. If the SSD supports TRIM, Garbage Collection performs even more efficiently.
When a SSD comes with hardware encryption, it is capable of automatically encrypting all data stored to it. A physical encryption chip is attached to the drive. Not all computers support SSD encryption, but if it does, it can be enabled through the computer's BIOS screen.
After the encryption is set, a password must be entered each time the computer is turned on to unencrypt and use the SSD. If the SSD is physically removed from the system, the data is invisible and completely inaccessible. Once encrypted, there is no way to access data stored on the SSD without it being installed in the original computer and knowing the master password.
Refers to a SSD that is 100% encrypted and no temporary files, system files, etc can be accessed without a password. A SSD with a hardware encryption chip is considered FDE.
A common benchmark for SSD performance. IOPS measures how many read and write operations the SSD can perform each second. The higher the number (ex - 20,000 IOPS), the faster the drive. IOPS is a different measurement than read and write speeds, but it is possible to calculate IOPS from a read/write measurement.
A majority of today's SSDs use MLC flash due to significant cost advantages over SLC without sacrificing much (if any) performance. SLC SSDs have a longer theoretical lifespan, but can cost 2-3 times more.
The predicted time of operation before a SSD will fail. This is given in number of hours and is typically 1 million or 2 million hours for most SSDs.
A temperature range at which the SSD can operate. If the SSD is placed in an environment outside of these ranges, the SSD may fail. Most SSDs have a range of 0C - 70C.
The amount of power (typically in Watts) that the SSD consumes. Both idle and active ratings are given. An example rating would be 2.0W (active) / 1.0W (idle).
Similar to ECC functionality, it helps monitor and protects against failures to the SSD.
The type of connection used to attach SSDs to a computer or external enclosure. PATA (Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment) SSDs also exists but is older technology. SATA has gone through various revisions and are as follows:
SATA I, II, and III SSDs are compatible with all SATA computers. So a SATA II SSD can be used with a SATA III computer, but it will only perform at SATA II speeds.
A reporting system that predicts and warns of SSD failure. If the SSD detects things such as abnormal temperature or critical write errors, a system message will appear (either during system boot or when logged in), warning of a possible failure and to take action.
If a SSD supports this function, the computer it is installed in can provide detailed temperature data to the user. If the SSD is at an abnormal temperature, the computer will intervene and attempt to bring it back within normal range by changing various settings. Third party software is needed in order to achieve this.
A function of Windows 7 only. TRIM allows Windows to remove old data blocks on the SSD that are no longer in use. Without TRIM, the SSD does not know these blocks can be deleted and Windows has to "search" for available blocks to write data to. As this happens, SSD performance suffers. TRIM is not an acronym but rather a command name.
Improves the lifetime of the SSD by ensuring that data is written evenly across data blocks. Data blocks in the SSD will wear out overtime, so Wear-Leveling helps to make sure that some blocks are not getting written to more often than others.
Edge Tech Corp, an ISO 9001:2008-certified company founded in 1986, is a leading supplier of computer memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing technology solutions.
At the age of 14, ETC’s president and CEO, Jeff Thompson, began the company with $2,500 he had saved from a newspaper route in Ada, Oklahoma. With a fascination for the technology market, he began buying and selling computer parts in the Dallas Morning News. Today, ETC is one of the largest and most respected companies in its industry... (read more)
Copyright © 2012 Edge Tech Corp. All Rights Reserved. 14901 Quorum Drive, Suite 125 Dallas, TX 75254 | 212 N Broadway Ada, OK 74820