3.3 Solid State Drive (SSD) Flashcards
What technology do SSDs use for storage?
Flash memory technology for persistent storage with no moving parts.
What are the main advantages of SSDs?
Faster data access, durability (no moving parts), and lower power consumption.
Why are SSDs ideal for portable devices?
They are compact, energy-efficient, and more resistant to damage from drops.
What are the common form factors for SSDs?
2.5 inch (standard), 1.8 inch (compact), and M2 (modern and compact).
What is an M2 SSD?
A compact SSD resembling a memory stick, commonly used in modern laptops and desktops.
What are the speeds of SATA interfaces for SSDs?
SATA 1: 1.5 Gbps (150 MBps), SATA 2: 3 Gbps (300 MBps), SATA 3: 6 Gbps (600 MBps).
What is NVMe, and why is it important?
NVMe is a high-speed protocol designed for SSDs, providing faster data access via direct motherboard connections.
How does PCIe compare to SATA and NVMe?
PCIe is faster than SATA but often slower than NVMe for SSD connections.
What are the limitations of SSDs?
Higher cost per GB and typically smaller storage capacities compared to HDDs.
What are hybrid drives?
A combination of HDD and SSD, storing frequently accessed files on the SSD portion.
Why are hybrid drives less common today?
Dedicated SSDs are faster and more cost-effective than hybrid solutions.
What is the benefit of a dual-drive setup?
SSDs handle speed-critical tasks (OS/apps), while HDDs store large files like videos and backups.
How does SSD energy efficiency benefit laptops?
Lower power consumption extends battery life and reduces heat generation.
What is the main drawback of SSDs compared to HDDs?
Higher cost per GB and lower storage capacity for the same price.
Why are M2 SSDs popular in modern systems?
They are compact, connect directly to the motherboard, and offer high speeds with NVMe protocol.
What is the primary use of SSDs in a computer?
Storing the operating system and frequently used applications for faster access.
Why are HDDs still used alongside SSDs?
HDDs provide larger, cost-effective storage for bulk data like media and backups.
What is the difference between SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs?
SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface, while NVMe SSDs offer faster data transfer over PCIe lanes.
How does an SSD improve system performance?
By reducing load times and data access speeds compared to traditional HDDs.
What types of systems benefit most from SSDs?
Laptops, gaming PCs, and any system requiring fast boot times and application performance.
