What is an SSD?
A solid-state disk or drive (SSD), also called a flash drive, is the next generation hard disk. Though the architecture of an SSD does not employ disks at all, the name is carried over from standard hard disks. In reality an SSD utilizes a special kind of memory chip with erasable, writeable cells that can hold data even when powered off. It might help to think of an SSD as the larger cousin of the memory stick. Like standard disks, an SSD utilizes a special area for cache memory. Cache memory serves the function of increasing processing speeds by holding data that is needed repeatedly. With the data close at hand in the cache, it does not need to be fetched from the main storage area each time it’s called. Some SSDs use cache that is volatile, as in synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), while others use non-volatile cache. The former requires a power source to retain data, just like computer RAM. The latter type retains data even without power. An SSD has many advantages o
An SSD is an innovative hard drive replacement. It’s a flash-based drive that offers greater reliability and faster performance than traditional magnetic hard drives. SSDs utilize non-volatile (do not lose data when power is removed) flash memory for computing applications that traditionally rely upon a mechanical hard disk drive. Crucial SSDs are designed as industry-standard drop-in replacements (via a SATA connection) for hard drives. More information about Crucial’s SSD products. The SK01 external 2.5-inch storage kit is designed to house an internal 2.5-inch SSD for use in three different ways: • Connection as an external USB 2.0 device for desktops or notebooks • Connection via a SATA 3Gb/s port by way of installation into a 3.5-inch desktop drive bay • Connection via a SATA 3Gb/s port by way of installation into a 5.25-inch desktop drive bay Kit contents • 2.5-inch USB 2.0 external enclosure • 3.5-inch hot swappable SATA drive bay • 5.25-inch bracket • USB cable • SATA cable • P
A solid state drive (SSD) is a storage device that utilizes solid-state memory to store electronic data. An SSD has no moving parts, effectively eliminating the potential for mechanical failure. The drives are typically silent and have a much faster read/write time than conventional hard drives. Since there are no moving parts such as read/write heads to position over tracks and sectors, SSD’s can operate more than 200 times faster than conventional hard drives.In recent tests, when a Windows operating system is loaded on an SSD the computer can fully boot in approximately eight seconds. However, the current cost of SSD’s is a major disadvantage. The cheapest 250GB solid state hard drive is approximately $7,000.00 and a small 32GB solid state hard drives sells for approximately $1,000.00. The major advantage is that operating systems and applications will run much faster. Solid state drives also have a much lower power consumption and heat production and the increased disk access time
