Mar 9, 2021 11:00 EST with 18 comments
Samsung has introduced its first-ever consumer SSD without a DRAM cache, which it s simply called the 980. Naturally, this is a step down from the 980 Pro, and in addition to ditching DRAM, it only supports PCIe 3.0 instead of PCIe 4.0.
Sacrificing the DRAM cache on the drive is likely a bit controversial since DRAM typically helps data on the drive be located by the host PC much quicker, and some DRAM-less drives can be as slow as a traditional hard drive. That s also part of the reason DRAM-less drives tend to be much cheaper. However, Samsung says it overcame the hurdles imposed by removing the DRAM by using Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which links the drive to the DRAM on the host processor instead.
Source: Windows Central
We re approaching a point now where new PCIe 3.0 SSDs will be looked upon in a similar way to a new SATA SSD. As good as they may be, we ve already hit the limits the technology can offer and started moving forward. As Intel finally starts supporting PCIe 4.0, you d hope that we ll see more and more of the new generation going forward.
Samsung already has a PCIe 4.0 SSD. The superb Samsung 980 Pro launched in 2020 and it s an absolute screamer, easily one of the best SSDs on the market today. The latest from the company, the Samsung 980, is perhaps a little confusing since it s another PCIe 3.0 drive instead of a toned-down PCIe 4.0 effort.
Samsung has announced the 980, its latest version in its consumer lineup of NVMe SSDs. Unlike its previous models, this is Samsung’s first NVMe SSD to lack DRAM, so it’s priced for people on a budget.
There are many companies producing quality solid state drives these days in various capacities, speeds, and form factors. SATA variants are perfectly fine, but NVMe models are significantly faster. With all brands considered, one company s offerings have stood out among the rest thanks to speed and reliability Samsung. Remarkably, the wildly popular company s storage drives are competitively priced too, making them an absolute no-brainer.
Samsung on Tuesday introduced its first consumer solid-state drive that doesn’t use DRAM. Samsung says HMB is coupled with other tech like its sixth-gen V-NAND and Intelligent.