SSD-disk for a computer how to choose: overview, description, models and reviews

The improvement of computer technology takes place in different directions, allowing users to more effectively use the software and, in general, the working resources. The main competition has been observed for many years in the segments of video cards and communication media, but only recently a small revolution was made by the developers of hard disks. As a result, many home PC users are wondering how to choose a SSD drive? The councils presented below will help to find the right solution to this very important task.

Features of SSD-format

In terms of performance, the new format offers users a lot of advantages. Among them, high speed of reading files, compactness, as well as resistance to physical damage. Unlike the usual hard disks, such disks require less time to boot the OS, and the difference is felt visually - the launch takes place in a matter of seconds. High speed is provided by almost any SSD-disk for the computer. How to choose the best model from a wide range? This issue should be resolved rather based on the requirements for reliability. This is due to the fact that this format has drawbacks, which 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 work for failure. In addition, for increased work capacity will have to overpay, because with the same amount of such drives are almost at times more expensive.

Select by volume

The most popular sizes are 64 and 128 GB. It would seem that such volumes become a rarity even in the computers of uninspiring users working with traditional HDD. But this is just due to the high cost of SSD. On the other hand, there are cases when users purchase spacious storage with a huge stock, which in the future remains unclaimed. In particular, in the market you can find discs on 1 TB. But this volume justifies itself only in rare cases, especially when it comes to home PC operation.

Also, considering the question of how to choose a SSD-disk for a computer in terms of data capacity, do not forget about the effect of volume on the read speed. As in the case of HDD, the SSD format shows different speeds depending on the capacity. Even in the families of one manufacturer, the 32 GB and 64 GB models may differ in performance indicators. In other words, the smaller the volume, the higher the speed. In this case, a special difference at the household level can not be felt. For many PC owners, it is more important to fill the disc with information.

Interface mapping

This format is different and the type of interface. It should be noted that even the HDD-disks have long been moving away from the classical plume PCI-Express, switching to the connection via SATA. As a result, those users who do not plan to switch to non-mechanical drives, when buying a new format HDD, should consider this nuance. But if the old format has been building SATA connectors for the first and second generations for several years, the SSD mainly works with SATA 3. It is this controller that is most preferable if you purchase an SSD drive for the computer.

How to choose the desired interface format? It is enough to get acquainted with the characteristics in which the type of SATA 3 controller will be indicated. In practice this means more stable interaction of the disk with other components of the computer. By the way, the marked speed of the drive is largely due to the advantages of SATA. But if, for one reason or another, you purchased a device with IDE or older SATA generations, then do not worry, because manufacturers offer special adapters for connecting such drives to modern motherboards.

Memory type

The effect of the memory type on the operation of the device is not as obvious as in the case of the interface and the volume, but it will also be useful to take it into account. So, there are 3 memory options - SLC, TLC and MLC formats. As for the first, it involves storing data for each cell with 1 bit each. In this case, you can rely 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 formats MLC and TLC. And in these cases, there is an inverse relationship between the speed of work and the price at which the SSD disk is implemented for the computer.

How to choose a drive in terms of the type of memory? Experts recommend nevertheless to rely not on speed, but on durability, as this is the weak point of a non-mechanical drive. And in this respect, the best option will be the SLC device, since it allows to carry out up to 100 thousand overwrites. For comparison: formats MLC and TLC on average allow 3 and 1 thousand cycles, respectively. But, again, do not forget about the price issue.

Models for a computer and a laptop - what's the difference?

The differences between drives intended for desktops and laptops are based on external characteristics and are practically unrelated to the device's performance. Actually, the classic form factor SSD is primarily focused on the laptop. This is a 2.5-inch USB flash drive, which can be integrated into a mobile computer in its pure form. The main problems with the size are for users of desktop machines. That is, the question of how to choose a SSD-disk for a computer or laptop in terms of form factor, should be decided depending on how you plan to physically install the drive. Again, a 2.5-inch size will not cause problems for the laptop, but a regular computer may not have the appropriate connector.

There are two ways out of the situation. First, you can initially purchase a case in which there is space for a 2.5-inch drive. Secondly, if we are talking about a model of a block with traditional 3.5-inch compartments, then we'll have to buy a special metal adapter, in which the disk will fit optimally.

Reviews about Intel models

Perhaps, this manufacturer produces the most high-quality models. But it is important to note that in the mass consumption of this product is rare. This is due to the fact that developers are extremely responsible for the components, which causes high quality. But the big disadvantage of Intel drives is their high cost, that's why most of the users of these models are professionals.

Administrators and specialists serving server stations, note the reliability, flawless build and speed, which provides an Intel SSD-disk for the computer. How to choose the best model from this family? Unfortunately, it is not necessary to count on the budget, so we must immediately prepare for big expenses. You can buy a model that is suitable for basic characteristics, among which the same amount of data.

Reviews of models Crucial

The disks of the Crucial line, unlike the previous company, are produced for the mass segment. In this case, some series are developed in conjunction with Intel, so some quality reserve for these drives will also be. As for the practice of use, the owners point to the stability of work, high resource and good speed. If there was a question about how you can choose an SSD-disk for a computer, so that it was qualitative and inexpensive, then you can trust this company. Popular sizes of models of this manufacturer are in the range of 32-128 GB.

Comments about Samsung models

Korean developers cover several markets, and in each niche have quite a lot of success. This can be said about the segment of solid-state drives. As noted by users, the discs show good results in terms of speed and for a long time without interruption. How to choose a hard drive SSD 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 high quality. In particular, the model 840 Pro not so long ago won the leadership position as one of the fastest in its class.

Comments about Sandisk models

This manufacturer specializes in the production of flash drives, and if in the class of compact external models it succeeds in regularly ranking first in the ratings, then in the niche of solid-state devices of this segment the situation is not so unambiguous because of competition with major 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, reviews about Sandisk products are recommended to apply to small-capacity models of the order of 32-64 Gb.

How to choose the best option?

Consider many factors. On the one hand, the characteristics of speed and capacity can be paramount, but do not forget about the number of rewriting cycles. In terms of reliability, the best option will be a model from the Samsung or Intel families with SLC memory type. This option is suitable for amateur use, and for equipping server room equipment. But, the products of this category will cost about 10 thousand rubles. For the model on 128 GB. The question of how to choose a SSD-disk for a computer of small performance, is solved with less expenses. For such purposes, you can confine yourself to the budget version of the rulers of Crucial or Sandisk.

Conclusion

Despite the obvious advantages of non-mechanical drives, it can not be said that they radically outperform the obsolete HDD disks by a combination of qualities. Therefore, the transition to new equipment by itself is not advisable for all users. If the decision is made, it is important to decide on the next step. The question of how to properly choose an SSD-disk for a computer, in each case is solved individually.

Unfortunately, the large price of such drives is driven by a large part of users in certain frames, so you have to choose between different characteristics. And this choice is not only between quality and budget. The most unpleasant victim in many cases is the limitation in the amount of memory. So, if the purchase of a 512 GB HDD or even 1 TB is not something out of the ordinary, and experienced connoisseurs can afford it, then mass acquisition of SSD devices is not foreseen even in the near future.