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Phison Max14um Gen5 SSD Review and Benchmarks

Par : Rob Andrews
10 janvier 2024 à 10:35

Review of the Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD – New King Crowned?

The Phison E26 Controller equipped Max14um SSD is currently on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, where it’s a part of Phison’s exhibit showcasing their latest advancements in solid-state drive technology. Prior to its demonstration at CES, a unit of the Max14um SSD was provided in advance for the purpose of an in-depth review and benchmarking analysis. This review will delve into the hardware specifications of the Max14um SSD, examining the components and design choices that underpin its performance. A key focus will be on the SSD’s unique heatsink, an essential feature given the drive’s high-speed capabilities and the thermal challenges associated with such performance levels. Benchmarking results from a suite of tests, including ATTO, AS SSD, CrystalDiskMark, and AJA, will be presented to quantify the drive’s performance across various scenarios. These tests are designed to push the SSD to its limits and provide a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities in both sequential and random data handling tasks. The findings aim to offer a detailed perspective on how the Max14um SSD stands in the current market, particularly in comparison to its contemporaries.

Note – Video Review of the Phison Max14um SSD on YouTube HERE (Live Later today)

Specification Phison E26 Max14um 2TB Phison E26 Max14um 4TB
Form Factor M.2 2280 M.2 2280
Interface/Protocol PCIe 5.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0 PCIe 5.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0
Controller Phison PS5026-E26 Phison PS5026-E26
DRAM LPDDR4 LPDDR4
NV Memory Micron 2400MT 232L TLC Micron 2400MT 232L TLC
Sequential Read Up to 14,600 MB/s Up to 14,600 MB/s
Sequential Write Up to 12,700 MB/s Up to 12,700 MB/s
Random Read Up to 1,500,000 IOPS Up to 1,500,000 IOPS
Random Write Up to 1,600,000 IOPS Up to 1,600,000 IOPS
Controller Tech Dual-CPU, Arm Cortex-R5, TSMC 12nm Dual-CPU, Arm Cortex-R5, TSMC 12nm
Flash Channels Up to 8 channels, 32 CE Up to 8 channels, 32 CE
Max Flash Transfer Rate Up to 2,400MT/s Up to 2,400MT/s
Security AES 256, SHA 512, RSA 4096, TCG Opal AES 256, SHA 512, RSA 4096, TCG Opal
Temperature Range Operating: 0–70°C, Storage: -40–85°C Operating: 0–70°C, Storage: -40–85°C

Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – Quick Conclusion

In summarizing the capabilities of the Max14um SSD, it’s clear that this drive is a formidable presence in the Gen5 market, setting a new standard for speed and performance. The inclusion of 2400MT/s B58R NAND allows the SSD to fully capitalize on its potential, with the sophisticated cooling solution ensuring that this performance is sustainable over time. The compact form factor of the Max14um SSD is notably impressive, given its proximity to the bandwidth ceiling of Gen 5×4. The support and backing by Phison add a layer of reliability and assurance for the end-user. Additionally, the prospect of a 4TB model caters to the growing demand for high-capacity, fast storage solutions. However, the excellence of the Max14um SSD comes at a price, which is expected to reflect its high-end specifications and performance. Durability ratings, while not yet specified, are projected to be on par with industry averages, potentially around 0.3-0.38 DWPD. It’s important to note the cooling system’s reliance on a 4-pin CPU fan connector, which may not suit all users’ configurations, as it cannot draw power from the M.2 slot or a standard SATA/molex connection. Moreover, the drive’s ability to maintain its peak performance consistently will depend heavily on the specific client system in which it is installed.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
HARDWARE - 10/10
PERFORMANCE - 10/10
PRICE - 7/10
VALUE - 8/10


9.0
PROS
👍🏻Fastest available Gen5 drive
👍🏻Exceptional heatsink and cooling performance
👍🏻Allows full utilization of 2400MT/s B58R NAND
👍🏻Compact design despite high Gen 5 performance
👍🏻4TB option will be available
👍🏻Full backing by Phison
👍🏻Approaches the limits of Gen 5x4 bandwidth
CONS
👎🏻High cost is anticipated
👎🏻Durability ratings are average and not yet specified
👎🏻Cooling relies on a 4-pin CPU fan connector, not M.2 or SATA/molex powered
👎🏻Performance sustainability over time may vary based on client setup


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Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – PCB Chip Layout and Design

The Max14um SSD, equipped with the Phison E26 controller, stands out in the realm of Gen 5 SSDs primarily due to its adoption of Micron’s B58R NAND flash, which operates at 2400MT/s. This specification is a significant step up from the 1600MT/s speeds that are prevalent among other Gen 5 drives currently on the market till now. The higher transfer rate of the NAND directly contributes to the increased performance of the SSD, allowing it to handle larger volumes of data more efficiently and resulting in the elevated sequential read and write speeds observed in this model.

The Phison E26 controller itself is a pivotal component, designed to leverage the full potential of the high-speed NAND. It employs a dual-CPU configuration with Arm Cortex-R5 cores and is fabricated using a 12nm process technology. This setup enables the controller to manage the data flow across up to 8 channels with 32 chip enables (CE), which is instrumental in achieving the SSD’s top-tier performance metrics.

Additionally, the Max14um SSD integrates LPDDR4 DRAM, enhancing the controller’s ability to handle the I/O operations effectively. This integration is vital for maintaining the drive’s swift response times and managing the NAND’s high-speed transfers without bottlenecking the system. As a consequence, this design choice facilitates the drive’s capability to reach and sustain its peak performance.

The operational parameters of the Max14um SSD, such as its operating temperature range and power management features, are aligned with the industry standards for high-performance drives. The SSD’s compliance with stringent security protocols, including AES 256 and TCG Opal, without affecting its throughput, reflects a well-rounded approach to design that considers not just performance but also reliability and data security.

The Max14um SSD’s thermal management is integral to its design, particularly notable given the drive’s performance during intensive benchmarking. Even when subjected to the rigorous demands of ATTO and CrystalDiskMark tests, the SSD maintained exceptionally low operating temperatures. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the included heatsink, which has been meticulously engineered to handle the thermal output of the drive under heavy loads.

The heatsink that accompanies the Max14um SSD is slightly taller than those found on alternative SSDs such as the ADATA 970 Legend or the Seagate FireCuda 540. However, this increase in height is marginal and carefully calculated, ensuring that while it provides superior cooling capabilities, it does not significantly impact the overall form factor or the ease of installation in space-constrained environments.

In comparison to other high-performance SSDs on the market, such as the Nextorage Gen 5 drive and the Gigabyte Gen5 Aorus SSD, the Max14um’s heatsink is significantly less obtrusive. These competing drives opt for much taller heatsinks to accommodate their thermal dissipation needs, which can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations or enclosures. The Max14um strikes a balance between efficient cooling and compactness, avoiding the potential pitfalls of larger cooling solutions.

The result is a cooling system that is both effective and unassuming, allowing the Max14um SSD to deliver its robust performance without the need for an overly bulky or cumbersome heatsink. This thoughtful approach to design ensures compatibility with a wide range of hardware setups, maintaining the Max14um’s position as a versatile and user-friendly option in the high-speed SSD market.

Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – Performance & Benchmarks

Performance benchmarks for the Phison E26 Max14um SSD were conducted on a midrange PC rig, in a Windows environment, with the Phison E26 Max14um used as an additional drive. The OS drive was a simple SATA SSD. Depending on the test results, a 2nd round of testing will be conducted on a higher tier Gen4 SSD OS test machine, but for now this arguably more domestic test rig was used in order to better represent an average PC user. The full machine test setup was:

  • Windows 10 Pro (SATA OS Drive, Seagate Firecuda 125)
  • ASUS Intel Z690 ROG MAXIMUS HERO Motherboard
  • 12th Gen Intel i5-12600K 3.7Ghz (4.9Ghz Burst) 10 Core (6P + 4E)
  • 16GB DDR5 4800Mhz Memory (1x16GB)
  • No GFX Card (though CPU has Intel UHD Graphics 770 iGPU)
  • Intel® UHD Graphics 770
  • Phison E26 Max14um 1TB SSD in PCIe 5×4 M.2 Slot


Phison E26 Max14um SSD CrystalDiskMark Tests

The first tests were favoured towards Sequential (big, blocky and in-line) performance, using CrystalDiskMark on the Phison E26 Max14um, on 1GB, 4GB and 16GB Test Files. First up, the 1GB File:

Next up, the 4GB CrystalDiskMark Phison E26 Max14um Test:

Then, a much more dense 16GB File test

Finally, the largest 64GB CrystalDiskMark Phison E26 Max14um Test:


Phison E26 Max14um SSD ATTO Disk Benchmark Tests

The next tests on the Phison E26 Max14um SSD were conducted with Atto Diskbenchmark, once again at three file size types (256MB, 1GB and 4GB). Atto Disk Benchmark has a slight difference in GB calculation to CrystalDiskMark, so do not be alarmed by the slight difference in stats. We looked at the Sequential Performance and the reported IOPS. First up is the 256MB Test File

Next up for the Phison E26 Max14um SSD was a larger round of 1GB tests:

Finally, the 4GB Test file. This was also the area when the SSD reached it’s highest temperature (mentioned earlier)


Phison E26 Max14um SSD AS SSD Tests

Next up was an arguably more SSD-focused test, this time with AS SSD on the Phison E26 Max14um SSD. Again, much like the other test flows, AS SSD has it’s own metrics, so cannot be directly compared against ATTO and CrystalDisk directly. The first test was using the 1GB Test file:

Next Phison E26 Max14um AS SSD test was a 3GB test file:

Finally, there was the larger 5GB test file.

Tests for all three AS SSD benchmarks were pretty comparable.


Phison E26 Max14um Gen 5 SSD Review – Conclusion and Verdict

In conclusion, the Max14um SSD sets a new benchmark for Gen5 SSDs with its exceptional performance and efficient thermal management. It stands out as the fastest drive currently available in its category, a testament to the synergy between its cutting-edge 2400MT/s B58R NAND and the Phison E26 controller. The heatsink design deserves special mention for its capability to maintain optimal temperatures without bulking up the device, ensuring that the high-speed components can operate without thermal throttling. Despite its impressive speeds and cooling system, the drive’s size remains surprisingly compact, particularly when considering its performance metrics that are close to saturating the Gen 5×4 bandwidth. Furthermore, the upcoming availability of a 4TB option adds to its appeal for users seeking high-capacity, high-performance storage solutions. The backing by Phison, not just in terms of the controller but the entire drive, provides a level of assurance in terms of quality and support.

However, potential buyers should be aware of the expected high cost of the drive, which could be a significant factor in purchase decisions. Additionally, while the exact durability ratings (DWPD/TBW) are yet to be disclosed, they are anticipated to be average for high-end SSDs. The requirement of a 4-pin CPU fan connector for cooling may pose a compatibility issue for certain setups, as the fan is not powered directly by the M.2 interface or through SATA/molex power. It’s also important to note that the sustained performance of 14/12GB is contingent upon the client’s environment and workload.

Phison E26 Max14um SSD

Phison E26 Max14um SSD PROS Phison E26 Max14um SSD CONS
  • Fastest available Gen5 drive
  • Exceptional heatsink and cooling performance
  • Allows full utilization of 2400MT/s B58R NAND
  • Compact design despite high Gen 5 performance
  • 4TB option will be available
  • Full backing by Phison
  • Approaches the limits of Gen 5×4 bandwidth
  • High cost is anticipated
  • Durability ratings are average and not yet specified
  • Cooling relies on a 4-pin CPU fan connector, not M.2 or SATA/molex powered
  • Performance sustainability over time may vary based on client setup
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SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review

Par : Rob Andrews
17 janvier 2024 à 18:00

SK Hynix Beetle X31 10Gb/s USB SSD Review

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD enters the storage market with a set of specifications that aim to cater to the mid-range consumer segment. This review sets out to provide an objective analysis of the drive’s performance, build quality, and overall value proposition. More than just the look of the thing, we will also cover benchmark tests including ATTO Disk Benchmark and Crystal Disk Mark, which simulate various usage scenarios to gauge the drive’s capabilities. With a focus on the drive’s advertised sequential read and write speeds, capacity options, and design features, the review will offer potential users a clear perspective on how the Beetle X31 stands against its contemporaries in the current SSD market.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Quick Conclusion

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD meets its advertised speed performance, with a design that is both compact and aesthetically pleasing. However, its storage capacity tops out at 1TB and it carries a three-year warranty, which may not be competitive with other market offerings that provide more storage and longer protection plans. In essence, while the SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD is a solid performer with a distinctive design, its appeal may be tempered by its capacity limitations and shorter warranty period when compared to other SSDs in its class.

BUILD QUALITY - /10
HARDWARE - /10
PERFORMANCE - /10
PRICE - /10
VALUE - /10


0.0
PROS
CONS


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SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Design

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 distinguishes itself in the portable SSD market with its unique design and compact size. The device features a Gold finish, offering a visually appealing alternative to the more common black and silver tones of external SSDs. This choice of color not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also gives the device a distinct identity in a crowded market.

Regarding its dimensions, the Beetle X31 measures 74 X 46 X 14.8 mm, making it quite portable and easy to carry. The weight of 53g, while light, provides a sense of durability and quality. This balance of size and weight is practical for users who need to transport the device regularly, without compromising on build quality.

The hardware interface of the Beetle X31 is a notable feature. It incorporates a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface, supporting up to 10Gbps transfer speed. This technical specification ensures that the drive can handle high-speed data transfers efficiently, catering to needs such as large file handling and quick data access. The interface’s compatibility with a broad range of devices highlights the drive’s adaptability for various professional and personal usage scenarios.

The drive is also designed with durability in mind. It is capable of withstanding a drop from up to 2 meters, and it has been tested for shock and vibration resistance. These features indicate a focus on making the Beetle X31 a reliable option for users who might use the drive in different physical conditions, ensuring data protection under various circumstances.

Overall, the SK Hynix Beetle X31 combines a distinctive design with practical hardware specifications. Its compact size, aesthetic appeal, high-speed interface, and durability features make it a solid choice in the portable SSD category, meeting the requirements of users looking for both performance and portability.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Hardware

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD is an impressive blend of cutting-edge technology and robust design. Launched on June 21st, 2023, and active in production, this solid-state drive offers a substantial storage capacity of 1 TB (1024 GB), with an overprovisioning of 70.3 GB (7.4%), aimed at the consumer market. Its part number, SKHPU3-001T, is a nod to its position in SK Hynix’s lineup of storage solutions, and it currently available at $69 for the 512GB version and $89 for the 1TB version, presenting a competitive option in the SSD market.

Category Specification
General
Capacity 1 TB, 512 GB
Color Gold
Model Names SKHPU3-512G (512GB), SKHPU3-001T (1TB)
Interface USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps)
Operating Voltage 5V
Operating Current 1.5A
Dimensions 74 x 46 x 14.8 mm
Weight 53g
Launch Price 1TB: $89.99, 512GB: $69.99
Production/Assembly South Korea / Malaysia
Performance
Sequential Read Up to 1,050 MB/s
Sequential Write Up to 1,000 MB/s
Reliability
Drop 2 meters
Temperature (Operating) 0℃ to 40℃
Temperature (Non-operating) -40℃ to 60℃
Shock (Non-operating) 1500G, 0.5ms, 6-axis
Vibration (Non-operating) 20~2000Hz, 20G
Controller
Manufacturer SK Hynix
Name Cepheus 2 ACNT038
Architecture ARM 32-bit Cortex-R
Core Count Dual-Core
Foundry TSMC FinFET
Process 12 nm
Flash Channels 4 @ 1,400 MT/s
Chip Enables 4
DRAM (enabled) Yes
NAND Flash
Manufacturer SK Hynix
Name V6
Type TLC
Technology 128-layer
Speed 1200 MT/s
Capacity 1 chip @ 8 Tbit
Endurance Up to 3000 P/E Cycles
DRAM Cache
Type LPDDR4
Capacity Not specified
Warranty
Length 3 Years
Source: https://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2023/0710/495868

At the core of the Beetle X31’s performance is the SK Hynix Cepheus 2 ACNT038 controller. This controller is based on a dual-core ARM 32-bit Cortex-R architecture, produced using TSMC’s 12 nm FinFET process. This modern manufacturing process contributes to the controller’s efficiency and reliability. The controller operates with four flash channels at 1,400 MT/s and supports four chip enables. Notably, it features enabled DRAM, indicating the presence of a cache that aids in speeding up data access and transfer processes.

Source: https://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2023/0710/495868

The bridge chip controller of the Beetle X31 is the ASMedia ASM2364, another crucial component contributing to its performance. This controller, also based on an ARM 32-bit architecture, connects via a USB-C connector and facilitates the downstream PCIe 3.0 x4 port and the upstream USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps port. This setup ensures that the SSD is capable of handling high-speed data transfers, making it suitable for applications requiring quick data access and large file transfers.

Source: https://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2023/0710/495868

The NAND flash in the Beetle X31 is manufactured by SK Hynix and is named V6. This TLC (Triple-Level Cell) NAND flash utilizes 128-layer technology and operates at a speed of 1200 MT/s. The capacity per chip is impressive, at 8 Tbit, which translates to 16 dies per chip at 512 Gbit each. The design of this NAND flash incorporates a charge trap topology, with each die having four planes and two decks. The efficiency of this setup is highlighted by its 87.1% vertical efficiency and an endurance of up to 3000 Program/Erase (P/E) cycles. The page size is 16 KB, with a block size of 1536 pages and a plane size of 722 blocks.

Source: https://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2023/0710/495868

While the exact capacity of the LPDDR4 DRAM cache in the Beetle X31 is not specified, its presence is a critical factor in the SSD’s performance, particularly in enhancing data retrieval speeds and overall responsiveness. The SSD boasts impressive performance metrics with sequential read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s. These speeds indicate the drive’s ability to handle intensive read and write operations efficiently, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from professional content creation to high-end gaming.

Source: https://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2023/0710/495868

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD also includes an SLC (Single-Level Cell) write cache, which enhances its performance under heavy write loads. The durability and reliability of the SSD are further bolstered by its 3-year warranty, providing users with confidence in its long-term performance and stability. The SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD is an advanced storage device that combines state-of-the-art internal hardware with practical design elements. Its sophisticated controller architecture, high-performance NAND flash technology, DRAM caching, and solid endurance and warranty terms make it a standout choice in the SSD market, particularly for users who value both speed and reliability in their data storage solutions.

Source: https://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2023/0710/495868

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Performance

In order to evaluate the prowess of the SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD, we turned to industry-standard benchmarks—ATTO Disk Benchmark and Crystal Disk Mark. These tests are designed to push the drive to its limits, providing a comprehensive picture of its read and write capabilities across a spectrum of file sizes, from the minutiae of 512 bytes to the heft of 64 MB files. With this rigorous testing, we aim to uncover not only the peak performance figures but also the consistency and reliability of the drive across varying workloads.

The benchmarks mirror real-world scenarios, ranging from gaming environments to large file transfers, offering potential users insight into how the drive might perform in their day-to-day tasks.

After extensive testing, the SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD has demonstrated a solid performance that aligns well with its advertised capabilities. The sequential read and write speeds closely approached the 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s marks, respectively, underlining the drive’s proficiency in handling large data transfers efficiently. Even under diverse file sizes and testing conditions, the drive showed commendable endurance and maintained a stable thermal profile, a testament to its well-engineered thermal management system. The benchmark results corroborate the drive’s potential for varied applications, confirming its suitability for users with high-performance demands. The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD stands out as a reliable option for those seeking a blend of speed, durability, and consistent output in their storage solutions.

SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD Review – Verdict

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD has undergone thorough testing and was remarkably consistent (for a USB drive!). The drive consistently achieved near its advertised peak speeds for sequential reads and writes. This performance is adequate for typical usage scenarios such as file transfers and media consumption. The design of the drive is compact and features a Champagne Gold finish, which could be appealing from an aesthetic standpoint. On the other hand, the drive is currently available with a maximum storage capacity of 1TB. While this may be sufficient for average users, it could be restrictive for those with larger data storage requirements. Additionally, the warranty provided is for three years, which, while standard for some, may be less than what is offered by competing brands. The performance metrics, although solid, do not particularly set the drive apart in a market where higher capacities and longer warranties are becoming more common.

The SK Hynix Beetle X31 SSD delivers acceptable performance that aligns with its specifications. It is a competent SSD with an attractive design, suitable for users who require moderate storage capacity and transfer speeds. However, its limitations in storage capacity and warranty duration are points that potential buyers should consider in comparison to other available options.

PROs of the SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD CONs of the SK Hynix Beetle X31 USB SSD
– Achieves advertised sequential read and write speeds
– Consistent performance across a range of file sizes
– Compact and visually distinctive design
– Limited to a maximum of 1TB storage capacity
– Warranty period is three years, potentially less than competitors
– Relative value may be diminished compared to drives with similar specs but better warranties or prices
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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
    
 
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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The Pros and Cons of DRAMless SSDs – Should You Use SSDs with HMB?

Par : Rob Andrews
29 janvier 2024 à 18:00

Are DRAM free SSDs Worth Your Money and Your Data?

Solid-State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized data storage with their speed and reliability. Among these, DRAMless SSDs have carved a niche, offering unique advantages and disadvantages. With the emergence of models like the Samsung 990 EVO, the Phison E31T controller-based SSDs, and the WD Black SN770, the landscape of DRAMless SSDs is expanding. This assessment delves into the pros and cons of DRAMless SSDs, offering an unbiased perspective on their place in the storage market.

What Are the Advantages of DRAMless SSDs?

Choosing to opt for an SSD inside your client desktop or portable system that does not feature it’s own on-board DRAM/Memory actually opens the door to a lot of benefits that extend way beyond just buying an SSD that has a lower price per TB/GB. Here are a whole bunch of benefits to using DRAMless SSDs, like the Samsung 990 EVO, WD Black SN770 and more in 2024 onwards:

Cost-Effectiveness

The absence of DRAM chips in SSDs like the Samsung 990 EVO and WD Black SN770 makes them more affordable, offering solid-state speed at a lower price point. This is due to reduced manufacturing costs, making these drives a budget-friendly option for consumers.

Energy Efficiency

DRAMless SSDs, including those with the Phison E31T controller, are known for lower power consumption compared to DRAM SSDs. This feature is particularly beneficial in battery-powered devices, extending their battery life.

Compact and Lightweight Design

The elimination of DRAM chips allows for a more compact form factor. This design aspect is crucial in devices where space is limited, such as ultra-thin laptops or compact embedded systems.

Simplicity and Increased Reliability

Fewer components mean a simpler design, which could lead to increased reliability. DRAMless SSDs, by virtue of their simplicity, might have fewer points of failure compared to their DRAM counterparts.

Security Advantages

The volatile nature of DRAM means it can retain data temporarily. In DRAMless SSDs, like the Samsung 990 EVO, the lack of this component might reduce the risk of data recovery after power loss, enhancing data security.

Suitability for Certain Workloads

For applications that are read-intensive and don’t require high write performance, a DRAMless SSD can be a suitable choice. These drives can handle basic tasks and typical consumer workloads effectively. However, it’s important to note that DRAMless SSDs may have limitations in terms of performance, particularly in write speeds and handling large or intensive workloads, compared to SSDs with dedicated DRAM. As such, their benefits are most realized in specific use cases where the cost and power efficiency are prioritized over peak performance.

What Are the Disadvantages of DRAMless SSDs?

Commonly recognized negatives/disadvantages of SSDs that lack onboard DRAM/Memory are:

Compromised Performance

A major drawback, seen in models like the WD Black SN770, is slower write speeds and increased latency due to the absence of a DRAM cache. This impacts performance, especially in write-intensive tasks.

Limited Multitasking Efficiency

Without a high-speed buffer, DRAMless SSDs struggle with multitasking. This limitation affects their ability to handle multiple simultaneous read/write operations effectively.

Dependency on System Memory

Some DRAMless SSDs, including those using the Phison E31T controller, rely on the system’s RAM (Host Memory Buffer) for data management, which could impact overall system performance, especially in RAM-constrained environments.

Reduced Endurance and Longevity

Continuous write operations directly to NAND can accelerate wear, potentially reducing the SSD’s lifespan. This is a concern in DRAMless SSDs where direct NAND writes are more frequent.

Inadequacy for High-End Tasks

High-performance tasks like gaming or video editing may not be ideally suited for DRAMless SSDs due to their limited speed and multitasking capabilities.

DRAMless SSDs – The Verdict?

In conclusion, DRAMless SSDs like the Samsung 990 EVO, Phison E31T-based drives, and the WD Black SN770 offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for basic storage needs. They are particularly well-suited for devices where space and power consumption are key considerations. However, their reduced performance and endurance make them less ideal for high-performance computing or heavy workloads. These SSDs represent a compromise, balancing affordability and efficiency against top-tier performance, making them a viable option for certain consumer segments but not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Here are Three of the leading DRAMless m.2 NVMes in the SSD market right now:

Samsung 990 EVO Gen 5 SSD – $89 / $159 WD Black SN770 Gen 4 SSD $64 / $129
 
Samsung 990 EVO SSD Review and Benchmark Video WD Black SN770 SSD Review and Benchmark Video

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