Improving computer technology takes place in different directions, allowing users to more efficiently use software and overall work resources. The main competition for many years has been observed in the segments of video cards and communication tools, but more recently, hard disk developers have also made a small revolution. As a result, many home PC users are wondering how to choose an SSD? The tips below will help you find the right solution to this highly responsible task.
SSD format features
In terms of performance, the new format offers users a host of benefits. Among them, high speed reading files, compactness, as well as resistance to physical damage. Unlike conventional hard drives, such disks require less time to load the OS, and the difference is felt clearly - the launch takes place in a matter of seconds. Almost any SSD-drive for a computer provides high speed . How to choose the best model from a wide range? This issue should be addressed more likely based on reliability requirements. This is due to the fact that this format also has drawbacks that still stop many from changing the type of drive. For example, SSD, unlike HDD, loses in durability. Therefore, a new selection criterion arises - the period of failure. In addition, you will have to overpay for increased performance, since with the same volume such disks are almost several times more expensive.
Volume Choice
The most popular sizes are 64 and 128 GB. It would seem that such volumes are becoming rare even in computers of undemanding users working with traditional HDDs. But this is precisely due to the high cost of SSDs. On the other hand, there are cases when users acquire capacious storages with a huge supply, which in the future remains unclaimed. In particular, on the market you can find 1 TB drives. But such a volume justifies itself only in rare cases, especially when it comes to home PC use.
Also, when considering the question of how to choose an SSD drive for a computer according to the data capacity, do not forget about the effect of volume on read speed. As in the case of the HDD, the SSD format shows a different speed depending on capacity. Even in the families of the same manufacturer, 32 GB and 64 GB models may differ in performance. In other words, the smaller the volume, the higher the speed. At the same time, you can’t feel much difference at the household level. For many PC owners, the ability to fill a disk with information is much more important.
Interface Mapping
This format also differs in the type of interface. I must say that even HDDs have long been moving away from the classic PCI-Express cable, switching to connecting via SATA. As a result, those users who do not plan to switch to non-mechanical drives should consider this nuance when buying a new format HDD. But if the old format has been acquiring first and second generation SATA connectors for several years, then SSD mainly works with SATA 3. It is this controller that is most preferable if you purchase an SSD drive for your computer.
How to choose the right interface format? It is enough to get acquainted with the characteristics, which will indicate the type of controller SATA 3. In practice, this means a more stable interaction of the disk with other components of the computer. By the way, the noted drive speed is largely due to the advantages of SATA. But if for one reason or another a device with an IDE or old generations of SATA was purchased, then you should not be upset, because manufacturers offer special adapters for connecting such drives to modern motherboards.
Memory type
The influence of the type of memory on the features of the device is not as obvious as in the case of the interface and volume, but it will be useful to take it into account. So, there are 3 options for memory - SLC, TLC and MLC formats. As for the first, it involves storing data for each cell of 1 bit. In this case, you can count on high speed and durability, but the price of such models is higher. Two other types of memory allow storage in each cell of 2 and 3 bits, respectively, for the MLC and TLC formats. And in these cases, there is an inverse relationship between the speed of work and the price at which the SSD-drive for the computer is sold.
How to choose a drive in terms of memory type? Experts still recommend not relying on speed, but on durability, since this is a weak point of a non-mechanical drive. And in this regard, the SLC device will be the best option, since it allows up to 100 thousand overwrites. For comparison: the MLC and TLC formats on average allow 3 and 1 thousand cycles, respectively. But, again, do not forget about the price issue.
Models for computer and laptop - what is the difference?
Differences between drives designed for desktop PCs and laptops are based on external characteristics and are practically not related to the device’s performance. Actually the classic SSD form factor is primarily focused on the laptop. This is a 2.5-inch flash drive, which in its pure form can be integrated into a mobile computer. The main problems with sizes arise for users of desktop machines. That is, the question of how to choose an SSD drive for a computer or laptop in terms of form factor should be decided depending on how it is planned to physically install the drive. Again, the size of 2.5 inches will not cause difficulties for a laptop, but a regular computer may not have the appropriate connector.
There can be two ways out of the situation. Firstly, you can initially purchase a case in which there is space for a 2.5-inch drive. Secondly, if we are talking about a block model with traditional 3.5-inch bays, you will have to buy a special metal adapter in which the disk will be optimally placed.
Intel Model Reviews
Perhaps this manufacturer produces the highest quality models. But it is important to note that in mass consumption these products are rare. This is due to the fact that developers are extremely responsible for components, which leads to high quality. But the big disadvantage of Intel drives is their high cost, so the majority of users of these models are professionals.
Administrators and specialists servicing server stations note the reliability, impeccable assembly and speed that Intel's SSD-drive for a computer provides. How to choose the best model from this family? Unfortunately, you can’t count on budgeting, so you need to immediately prepare for high costs. You can safely buy a model that is suitable for the main characteristics, including the same amount of data.
Crucial Model Reviews
Disks of the Crucial line, unlike the previous company, are produced for the mass segment. At the same time, some series are being developed jointly with Intel, so there will also be a certain quality reserve for these drives. As for the practice of use, the owners indicate the stability of work, high resource and good speed. If a question arose about how you can choose an SSD drive for your computer so that it is high-quality and inexpensive, then you can trust this company. Popular sizes of models of this manufacturer are in the range of 32-128 GB.
Samsung Model Reviews
Korean developers cover several markets, and in each niche they have quite serious successes. This can be said about the segment of solid state drives. According to users, drives show good results in terms of speed and last a long time without interruption. How to choose an SSD hard drive for a computer from the Samsung line? You can rely on different consumer niches, as in all categories the company uses its own memory and controllers, which confirms the high quality. In particular, the 840 Pro recently won a leadership position as one of the fastest in its class.
Sandisk Model Reviews
This manufacturer specializes in the production of flash drives, and if in the class of compact external models it manages to regularly take first places in the ratings, then the situation in the niche of solid-state devices in this segment is not so clear because of competition with large brands. Nevertheless, even experienced users trust the company, noting the low noise and physical reliability of such products. In questions about which SSD to choose, Sandisk product reviews recommend that you turn to small-capacity models of about 32-64 GB.
How to choose the best option?
Many factors should be considered. On the one hand, the characteristics of speed and spaciousness may be paramount, but do not forget about the number of rewriting cycles. In terms of reliability, the best option would be a model from the Samsung or Intel families with an SLC memory type. This option is suitable for amateur use, and for equipping server room equipment. But, products in this category will cost about 10 thousand rubles. for 128 GB models. The question of how to choose an SSD drive for a computer with a small performance is solved at a lower cost. For such purposes, you can limit yourself to the budget version of the Crucial or Sandisk rulers.
Conclusion
Despite the obvious advantages of non-mechanical drives, it cannot be said that they dramatically surpass obsolete HDDs in terms of a combination of qualities. Therefore, the transition to new equipment by itself is not advisable for all users. If the decision is made, then it is important to decide on the next step. The question of how to choose the right SSD drive for the computer is decided individually in each case.
Unfortunately, the considerable price of such drives drives most of the users into a certain framework, so you have to choose between different characteristics. Moreover, this choice is not only between quality and budget. The most unpleasant sacrifice in many cases is the limitation in the amount of memory. So, if buying a 512 GB HDD or even 1 TB is not out of the ordinary and sophisticated amateurs can afford it, then a massive purchase of SSD devices is not expected even in the near future.