Infotech
If youre aWindows 10or11user and youre unsure whether your SSD is SATA or NVMe, youre not alone.
Many computer users often face this dilemma when trying to upgrade their SSD or install a new one.
The problem is that differentiating between the two types can be challenging, especially if youre not tech-savvy.
Fortunately, there are several ways to determine what bang out of SSD you have on your Windows rig.
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What is an SSD?
It is a pop in of storage equipment that uses NAND-based flash memory to store data.
SSD Form Factors
This means that they are not only faster, but also more reliable and durable than HDDs.
In addition to theirspeedand reliability, SSDs are also highly efficient in terms of data storage.
Because they have no moving parts, they can access data faster and more efficiently than regular HDDs.
2.5 inch SSD
In todays world, there are different types of SSDs available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Let us look at these different categories of SSDs and their transfer protocols.
Since mechanical hard drives have relatively higher latencies, the AHCI was designed accordingly.
U.2 SSD
It helps to improve the performance, reliability, and flexibility of storage devices in a PC.
AHCI was introduced in 2004 to replace the older IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) protocol.
AHCI also supports SATA features such as hot-swapping and port multipliers.
mSATA SSD
This led to the inevitable invention of the NVMe transfer protocol.
The form factor determines how the SSD will fit into a computer or other machine.
2.5 Inch
The 2.5-inch SSD is the most common form factor and is primarily used in laptops.
M.2 SSD
U.2
U.2 is a relatively recent SSD form factor introduced for high-performance servers and workstations.
However, a U.2 SSD is visually very much similar to the standard 2.5 SSD but slightly thicker.
Nonetheless, their interface is different than all else.
Types of M.2 interfaces
A U.2 SSD uses the same PCIe channels as the M.2, hence providing almost the same transfer speed.
Moreover, they are also compatible with M.2 interfaces if connected through a conversion adapter.
mSATA
mSATA is a miniature version of SATA SSDs, designed for systems where space is limited.
Common SSD interfaces
An mSATA SSD is relatively smaller than a SATA SSD as its shell has been removed.
There are two types of M.2 SSDs currently available that are distinguished by the punch in ofKeys.
The Key defines its pin configuration, as well as the configuration of its notches.
SATA SSD with cable
There are currently two types of Keys, theBand theM.
A downside to the M.2 SSDs is that these currently only support storage spaces of up to 2 TBs.
The interface is the part of the SSD where the SSD connects to the motherboard or cable.
SATAe connector
An interface can have different shapes and a different number of pins.
Below are the different types of SSD connectors that you’re free to find in the market.
Each interface offers a different advantage in terms of transfer speeds (baud rates) and parallel channels/lanes.
SATA vs. SATAe interface
These SSDs come in various storage capacities, ranging from 128GB to 4TB.
The storage capacity you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
This means that SATA SSDs can help reduce boot and load times for applications, files, and games.
PCIe SSDs
This means that it’s possible for you to upgrade your computers storage without breaking the bank.
One downside of the SATA SSDs is that they still widely use the AHCI controller.
SATA Express (SATAe)
SATAe is a newer technology for connecting storage devices to a computer.
PCIe interface slot types
SATA Express allows for faster transfer speeds than the traditional SATA interface, which has been used for years.
The interface is designed to offer higher bandwidth and provide a faster transfer rate of up to 16 Gbps.
The SATAe interface was developed from the base model of SATA 3.2.
IDE hard drive
Its main function was to increase the existing transfer rate.
A SATAe connector was bigger than that of the regular SATA.
However, it was backward compatible with the regular SATA interface.
Open disk properties
The punch in of PCIe slots available on your PC will depend on the motherboard you have.
PCIe standards come in six different generations, with each new generation doubling the bandwidth of the previous one.
So, the higher the PCIe generation your SSD is using, the faster it can transfer data.
Check SSD type from settings
Of course, these are probably the most expensive punch in of SSDs as well.
However, there is one more interface that doesnt belong to SSDs, but you should know about it.
What is Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)?
Open SSD properties from Disk Management Console
IDE was an important standard that played a significant role in the development of personal computers.
It used a 40-pin or 80-pin ribbon cable to connect the storage gadget to the motherboard.
IDE also had slower transfer speeds compared to newer standards, with a maximum speed of 133 MB/s.
View hardware ID
You will find all sorts of information on the internet about your SSD, including its punch in.
Here is how:
Download and extract the portableSSD-Z program.
spin up the SSD-Z software.
Check SSD type from the Disk Management Console
In theDevicetab, look for the SSD key in in the Interface field.
Conclusion
There are many types of SSDs available in the market today.
It is important that you go for the one that satisfies your storage capacity and transfer speeds.
Open disk performance from Task Manager
But the story does not end there.
Identifying the pop in of SSD installed on your Windows PC is crucial for optimizing your systems performance.
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Check SSD info using PowerShell
Check SSD type using PowerShell
Find SSD type using SSD-Z
source: www.itechtics.com
