What is an SSD?

SSD stands for solid state drive. An SSD stores data on your device so that your computer can boot up, function, use applications and store information that you choose to download or save. It stores the information and sends it on to the CPU when requested. 

An SSD is a storage drive with no moving parts and they store information on chips (rather than spinning discs like HDDs or DVDs). SSDs typically use flash memory to store data, making them the fastest storage solutions currently on the market. 

What Does an SSD Do? 

An SSD is a form of storage device, similar to a USB or hard disk drive (HDD). Each of these devices takes information and stores them in a way that your device can access and use when needed (although a USB will need to be plugged in to do this). Unlike RAM (random access memory), an SSD will store information even when the device is powered down, meaning that it houses your information until deleted. 

Unlike hard disk drives (HDDs), an SSD storage device offers practically instant access times as the data is stored in microchips.

What's the Difference Between an HDD and an SSD? 

The main difference between an SSD and an HDD is how data is stored and accessed. HDDs store data on a series of spinning magnetic disks called platters. SSDs read and write data to underlying interconnected flash memory chips made of silicon. Manufacturers build SSDs by stacking chips in a grid to achieve different densities.  This makes SSDs faster than HDDs and often more reliable as no moving parts are needed. 

What are the Different Types of SSD

There are several versions of SSDs depending on how the drive connects to your drive, and their shape and size. 

An SSDs shape and size is determined by it's form factor. SSDs can have a 2.5 Inch (SFF), M.2, mSATA or U.2 form factor and each will look different and maybe use a different interface to connect with your device. For example, M.2 SSDs usually use the M.2 slot in your motherboard. 

However, the speed, performance and capabilities of an SSD can also change depending on the interface they use to transfer data. SSDs can use the SAS, SATA or NVMe interface to transfer data. NVMe is the fastest SSD model currently available and therefore the most popular. However, it is also generally the most expensive option on the market. Find out more about NVMe here. 

What are the Different SSD Interfaces? 

1. SATA SSDs

SATA (serial advanced technology attachment) is a popular interface for SSD technology. SATA communication transfers data one bit at a time, rather than in several parallel streams. Despite the apparent advantage of the parallel model, in practice serial transmission is less susceptible to interference, allowing SATA to operate at significantly higher speeds than PATA, which it has pretty much replaced. The serial model also allows for simpler and slimmer cabling. 

2. NVMe SSDs

Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is a storage interface and transfer protocol with the highest throughput and the fastest response times using the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus. NVMe SSDs are becoming the go-to choice for devices worldwide, primarily due to their speed and reliability. 

For more information about NVMe, head to the Techbuyer blog page.  

Techbuyer's Range of SSDs 

Techbuyer offers a wide range of SSD options and HDDs to suit any business and every budget. Our technical experts will be able to guide you as to the best choice for you and your business. In addition to saving you money, all our SSDs and HDDs come with an industry-leading warranty for added peace of mind.