I'm in the process of building a new PC and I'm torn between getting a SATA SSD and a second M.2 drive for my boot drive. I've heard some mixed opinions on whether to go for a DRAM-based M.2 or if a DRAM-less version would suffice. Is there a noticeable performance difference with each option? Also, does having a separate drive for the OS still hold any significance these days?
4 Answers
For your OS drive, I definitely recommend a DRAM SSD. Since the OS constantly reads and writes small bits of data, a DRAM-less SSD could wear out quicker. If you do consider a DRAM-less option, look for one that has a decent SLC cache as a backup, but DRAM is always ideal.
Remember, M.2 refers to the physical form, and you can find both SATA and NVMe options in that format. I'd steer clear of SATA as it's kind of pointless since NVMe drives are similarly priced.
Choosing a separate drive for the OS helps if you're regularly trying out different operating systems, but for many, having one big drive is just easier to manage. While DRAM isn't a must-have, drives equipped with DRAM usually perform better and are often pricier. I recommend the SN850X for solid performance at a fair price.
How much DRAM or SLC cache should I be looking for?
I always prefer to keep my OS and applications on a separate drive from games and data. In case I ever need to reset my OS, my data stays safe on another drive.
If you're going for the OS drive, I'd suggest getting a DRAM M.2. While the performance boost isn’t huge, it can feel a bit snappier and they tend to last longer, though they might run warmer. For comparison, SATA SSDs top out around 600MB/s, but M.2 NVMe drives can hit 7,000MB/s, which is way faster!
Yeah, I’m sold on the m.2 now!
I use a 2TB M.2 for my boot and games, and I constantly delete and swap stuff around. For more important files, I keep them on separate drives. SSDs and M.2 drives are super reliable; mine has been running strong for over 8 years without issues!
What’s the ideal amount of DRAM or cache I should target?