I'm curious about the role of DRAM in gaming SSDs. My boot drive has DRAM, but since game drives mainly just store installed games, I wonder if having DRAM really makes a difference. I've seen mixed opinions on this topic, so I'd love a clear answer with some reasoning. Should I just prioritize size and opt for the cheapest option, or is it worth looking deeper into finding a quality gaming drive? I'm focusing on M.2 SSDs, as they seem to be similarly priced or even cheaper than SATA models these days.
7 Answers
M.2 NVMe drives can actually use the system RAM as cache through HMB, which is not as good as having dedicated DRAM. But honestly, it’s generally okay for gaming needs.
DRAM does make a minor difference. If you're building a high-end PC and budget isn't a concern, go for it. But it’s something you can skip to save money. Just make sure to choose a reliable drive, ideally with a warranty of at least five years. SSDs like WD Black and Samsung are solid options if the prices are reasonable.
Definitely avoid QLC-enabled drives. They can slow down during long downloads or writes, which can be an issue with platforms like Steam. A decent TLC drive, like the WD SN5000 or 5100, should do just fine without DRAM.
I’ve heard about QLC and TLC but don’t know the difference—should I really avoid QLC?
In my opinion, it's not worth the extra cost for DRAM. Especially in certain regions, a branded 1TB DRAM SSD can cost the same as a 2TB non-DRAM drive. You can save a lot by focusing on non-DRAM options.
DRAM isn't crucial either. It mainly helps with rapid access to data that isn't currently in use. Since your game loads into RAM, DRAM is effectively not doing much during gameplay.
Check out this review from Hardware Unboxed; it covers your question pretty well! [YouTube Link](https://youtu.be/gl8wXT8F3W4?si=kF813iW-kaYsoLwH)
Honestly, no. DRAM isn't necessary for a gaming SSD.
So basically, I should at least aim for something with DRAM or HMB?