SSD Wiki

Browse clear explanations of SSD terms, specs, and buying factors used across SSDrive reviews.

Use this wiki to understand what SSD specifications mean before you compare or buy a drive. Each topic links to a dedicated explanation page written for quick decision-making, not marketing fluff.

All Wiki Topics

Does the SSD Controller Matter for Performance? Does the SSD controller matter? Learn how the controller affects speed, reliability, endurance, and real-world performance more than NAND type. SSD Endurance and TBW Ratings Explained SSD endurance explained: what TBW means, how much you need for gaming and work, and why most users never hit the limit. SSD Interface Explained: SATA vs NVMe vs M.2 SSD interface explained: learn the difference between SATA, NVMe, PCIe, and M.2 so you can choose a fast, compatible drive. SSD NAND Types: TLC vs QLC vs MLC vs SLC Explained SSD NAND types explained: TLC, QLC, MLC, and SLC. Learn how NAND type affects speed, endurance, price, and which is best for gaming and work. SSD Read Speed: Sequential vs Random and What Matters SSD read speed explained: sequential vs random, why faster is not always better, and how much read speed you actually need for gaming and work. SSD Warranty Explained: 3-Year vs 5-Year and What Is Covered SSD warranty explained: 3-year vs 5-year, what TBW limits mean, and what is actually covered when your drive fails. SSD Write Speed: Peak vs Sustained and Why It Matters SSD write speed explained: peak vs sustained, SLC cache, and why headline write specs can mislead. Learn what matters for real use. What Is DRAM Cache in an SSD? Does It Matter? What is DRAM cache in an SSD? Learn how DRAM, HMB, and DRAM-less designs affect speed, multitasking, and long-term performance. What Is SSD Capacity? GB vs TB Explained Learn what SSD capacity means, how GB and TB compare, and how much storage you need for gaming, work, and everyday use. What Is SSD IOPS and How Much Do You Need? SSD IOPS explained: what Input/Output Operations Per Second means, how it affects responsiveness, and why queue depth matters for real performance. What Is SSD MTBF and Does It Matter? SSD MTBF explained: what Mean Time Between Failures really means, how to interpret MTBF ratings, and why it is not as useful as people think.

Random Drives:

ADATA XPG Gammix S5 Review

ADATA XPG Gammix S5

256 Gb / M.2 3.0 x 4

Addlink H90 Review

Addlink H90

1 Tb / M.2 4.0 x 4

OWC Mercury M.2 Review

OWC Mercury M.2

2 Tb / M.2 3.0 x 4

HP FX 900 Review

HP FX 900

256 Gb / M.2 4.0 x 4

Addlink S92 Review

Addlink S92

1 Tb / M.2 4.0 x 4