I'm choosing between two 1TB Acer Predator SSDs: the GM7000 with a DRAM cache for $188 and the DRAM-less GM9 for $180. I originally considered the GM9000, but its price has gone up. Which drive would be the better choice, and is the GM7000's DRAM worth paying an extra $8 for?
2 Answers
For only $8 more, I’d choose the GM7000. Its DRAM cache helps with mapping data and sustained workloads, so performance is generally more consistent, especially during large file transfers or when the drive is getting full. The GM9 may advertise higher peak read/write speeds, but those numbers don’t always translate into a faster everyday experience. The GM7000 is the safer overall choice unless you specifically need the GM9’s newer interface.
Keep temperatures in mind with the GM7000. Its IG5236 controller can run fairly hot, so it should be installed under a proper motherboard or aftermarket heatsink. The heatsink included with a decent motherboard should usually be enough, as long as it makes good contact and has its thermal pad installed correctly.
I’m using an ROG Strix B850-I, so I’ll check that the motherboard heatsink covers the controller and that the thermal pad is fitted properly.
That helps. So the higher advertised speeds on the DRAM-less drive may not matter as much in normal use compared with having a DRAM cache?