If you have heard much about computer hardware, then you must have heard about solid-state drives (SSD).

SSDs are mainly used for expanding the storage space of a computer system and they have been exceptional.

With the development of technology, SSD comes in different types, which include mSATA SSD, SATA SSD, M.2 SSD, etc.

If you need to get a storage space for your system, it's best to go for SSD and do contact a professional  SSD manufacturer for the best product.

What is mSATA SSD?

A Mini-Serial Advanced Technology Attachment SSD is a type of solid-state drive that complies with the mSATA interface specification which is developed by SATA international organization.

mSATA SSD is a small form factor SSD that is designed for usage with power-constrained portable devices such as notebooks, tablets, and laptops.

They can also be used in commercial products like multifunctional printers, point of sale devices, etc.

Apart from having a small form factor, mSATA SSD has low power consumption, fast booting/shutdown capacity, and resistance to vibration or shock.

The Characteristics of mSATA SSD

The mSATA SSD has various features, they are;

1. Capacity

Although, the capacity of this SSD when first introduced ranges from 32GB to 64GB (gigabyte) which was not enough for storage.

Currently, the capacity mSATA SSD has increased to 1TB (terabyte).

2. Reliability

If mSATA SSD comes with a single-level cell (SLC) flash, it has the best reliability storage, while those that come with multi-level cell (MLC) flash has lesser reliability storage but offers greater capacity.

Note that SLC is a type of solid-state storage that stores one bit of data per cell of flash media while MLC stores more than one bit per cell.

3. Speed

Currently, mSATA SSD functions with the use of SATA III and reaches the speed of 6Gb/s (gigabits per second).

Comparison of mSATA SSD and other types of SSDs

As technology develops, solid-state drives develop as well, leading to different interfaces.

1. mSATA SSD vs M.2 SSD

The M.2 SSD emerged in 2013, two years after the specialization of the mSATA form factor.

These two types of SSDs are both high-performance storage devices designed for small devices such as tablets, laptops, notebooks, etc.

The differences are listed below;

a. Performance

The maximum bandwidth of mSATA SSD is 6Gb/s whereas M.2 SSD can extend the data rate beyond 6Gb/s.

b. Capacity

Although, these two types of SSD are both in a small form factor the capacity of M.2 SSD is at 2TB (terabyte) while that of mSATA SSD is at 1TB.

c. Interface used

The mSATA SSDs supports only the SATA interface while M.2 SSDs support both SATA and PCIE (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express).

2. mSATA SSD vs SATA SSD

SATA has been the gold standard for the connectivity of drives for quite a while.

SATA and mSATA follow the specifications determined by SATA-IO, meaning the connectors need to meet the same specification, regardless of the manufacturer.

These two SSDs use Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) as the command for transferring data between devices.

This two types of SSD also have their differences, they are;

a. Capacity

The storage capacity of an interface is determined by the drive size.

The mSATA SSD is a small form factor, therefore, the capacity is lower when compared to the full-sized SATA SSD.

b. Performance

If mSATA SSDs and SATA SSDs are manufactured in the same speed class, then they will have the same read and write speed.

c. Size

The size of mSATA SSD is like that of a business card and only fits in small devices while the SATA SSD is large and can only fit in larger devices.

Conclusion

Overall, it is quite obvious that mSATA SSD can be used for a performance-oriented computer system.

Due to the diverse types of SSDs, you are sure to get the drive that suits your need, be it the SATA SSD, mSATA SSD, portable SSD, or M.2 SSD.

Patronizing a professional  SSD manufacturer assures you of getting the best solid-state drive.