Summary
Highlights
When buying an SSD, purchasers should consider the underlying technology. Samsung's 840 Series illustrates this: Pro models use 2-bit MLC for faster speed and greater durability (though pricier and with less capacity), standard 840 drives use 3-bit MLC, and Evo models use 3-bit MLC with a 3GB SLC 'turbo buffer' for speed. For most users, a 3-bit MLC SSD is sufficient, but those needing maximum performance or durability might opt for hybrid drives or 2-bit MLC models, respectively.
To optimize performance and lifespan, an operating system must not defragment an SSD, as this causes unnecessary data writes. Trim support should be enabled, which informs the drive when data is marked for erasure. Windows 7 and 8 typically handle these settings automatically. Many manufacturers also provide optimization utilities, like Samsung's SSD Magician software.
SSDs are increasingly used in video production for recording and archiving, such as in field or studio SSD recorders like the Atomos Ninja 2. Since their early days as solid-state discs for handheld computers, SSDs have adopted many form factors, including traditional 2.5-inch drives, PCIe and mSATA cards, USB memory keys, and various flash media and backup devices. It is expected that by the end of the decade, SSDs will largely replace hard drives as the primary storage medium.
A welcome to the video, followed by a re-introduction to Solid State Drives (SSDs) since the last video in 2010. SSDs store data using non-volatile flash memory chips instead of spinning magnetic discs, leading to faster data read/write speeds, quicker boot times, faster program launches, increased robustness, lower power consumption, and less heat generation. They are increasingly used in desktops and laptops, often as a boot drive in multi-drive systems, typically coming in a 2.5-inch casing.
SSDs have disadvantages, including lower capacity and higher cost per gigabyte compared to traditional hard drives. They also have a limited number of write cycles, which leads to performance degradation over time. Proper configuration and system management are essential to maximize their lifespan.
SSDs store data using floating gate transistors. Early SSDs used Single Level Cell (SLC) technology, storing one bit per cell. Most modern SSDs use Multi-Level Cell (MLC) technology, storing more than one bit per cell. Initially, MLC was 2-bit, storing two bits per cell. Now, 3-bit MLC, also known as Triple Level Cell (TLC), stores three bits per cell. MLC (especially 3-bit) allows for higher data densities, thereby increasing capacity and reducing cost per gigabyte, but comes with the trade-off of slower speeds and reduced lifespan compared to SLC.