SSD Installations | Memory Upgrades

PC or Laptop Running Slow? A Solid State Drive and a RAM upgrade will boost performance by up to 70%. The difference between SSD Drive and traditional HDD’s (Hard Disk Drives) is that there are no moving parts. Instead of the internal spinning disk in HDD’s, Solid State storage use integrated circuits collectively acting as memory.  We can offer you a sameday  upgrade service for Apple Macs or PC at a fraction of what most computers shops normally charge.

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I recently had the pleasure of dealing with Asetos Computers when my laptop needed urgent attention. From start to finish, their service was impeccable. Here’s why: Timely Repair: My laptop issue was resolved swiftly, allowing me to get back to work promptly. The efficiency was impressive. Professionalism: The entire team, from the front desk to the tech experts, conducted themselves with utmost professionalism. Their knowledge and expertise were evident. Friendly Staff: Asetos Computers is a top-notch IT company that delivers on its promises. Whether it’s laptop repairs, upgrades, or accessories, they’ve got you covered. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable and efficient computer services. Thank you, Asetos Computers, for going above and beyond! 🙌
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Advantages of upgrading to an SSD.

  • Computer will appear to run up to 10 times faster.

  • Longer battery life in laptops due to low energy consumption.

  • They are resistant to physical shock/damage from accidental falls.

  • Faster boot up speeds.  Apps or programs launch faster.

  • Lightweight parts and solid construction suited for mobility.

  • Prices don’t Really burn your pocket. Cost of the has fallen.

  • Your file transfer, copy, and duplication speeds will be blazing fast.

  • Sameday service. Takes about 2 hour (Data transfer opertaions can take longer)

Laptop Performance Test

What will investing in a Solid State drive for your notebook actually give you in terms of performance improvement? We decided to do a field test and grabbed an aging MacBook Pro that our graphics designer uses to do work when he’s on the road. We used four scenarios to find out how much a RAM upgrade or a new SSD drive improves the system operating speed. We were really impressed by the results.

Our test system: “late 2008” MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro (15 inch, late 2008) has been in use since 2008, and is ideal for an authentic real-life test, because we want to see how an upgrade affects a cloned system. Most speed tests we found use a fresh system. Many users, however, shy away from completely reinstalling their system software. So we wanted to see how much these users benefit from the upgrades.

The technical specifications for the test system:

  • 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
  • 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  • 250GB 5400 rpm HDD
  • Mac OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard

The 250GB HDD is 78% full. There are about 250,000 folders and 933,000 files on the drive.

The test setup

We compare four scenarios:

  • Status quo: the existing system unchanged (HDD and 2GB of RAM).
  • RAM upgrade: the system after upgrading the RAM to 8GB (keeping the 250GB HDD).
  • HDD to Solid State upgrade: the system with its original 2GB memory and a Samsung 840 Pro, 256GB, replacing the original 250GB HDD.
  • Full-on tuning: RAM upgrade to 8GB and installing a Samsung 840 Pro, 256GB.

In each scenario we measure performance through

  • booting the system
  • opening Photoshop CS5 Extended
  • opening a 1GB Photoshop image file (3,508 x 4,961 pixels, 300 dpi) containing 174 layers

What is a Solid State Drive in Simple Words?

A solid-state drive is a new, more modern device for storing information compared to mechanical (HDDs) counterparts. The term “Solid State” actually refers to using solid material to carry electrical signals between transistors instead of a passageway based on vacuum tubes, as was done in the past.

An SSD is a static device with no movable parts instead it is built with ICs (integrated circuits) to store the information inside an SSD. These storage devices are significantly faster than Hard Drives as your OS would boot it swiftly and load programs quicker.

In technical terms, SSD is a read-only memory device of a computer based on non-volatile memory chips controlled by a unique controller, totally dispensing with mechanical systems for its operation. As a result, units of this type end up being more economical in energy consumption; after all, they do not need to power supply/motors or similar components.

Also, SSDs are different in shape, and their internal components, but it works the same functions as our Hard drives. But if SSD and HDD have the same function, what’s the big difference between them? Let me show you:

SSD Drive Components

To have a clearer view of ​​the device, for a start, let’s take a look at what components a solid-state drive consists of:

  • Printed circuit board.
  • Flash memory is responsible for storing data (a type of non-volatile memory NAND is widely used).
  • The controller is a special microprocessor that connects the flash memory with the main computer bus, performs read/write operations (the operating speed depends on the firmware version).
  • The cache is used for the temporary storage of data while working with flash memory.
  • Connection interfaces a physical connector and the interface itself for the interaction of the SSD controller with the main system (SATA, PCI-Express).

How is an SSD Different from an HDD?

These are the metrics that differentiate an HDD from SSD:

  • Read/Write Data

The HDD has a mechanical arm to read and write data, and its operation takes place magnetically by using magnetic systems (a technology similar to those used in CDs and DVDs).

In contrast, the SSD is built around a semiconductor integrated circuit, is responsible for storage, and has flash memory (a technology similar to those used in memory cards and USB sticks). This makes SSDs essentially different from HDDs. This circuit also assists in caching, cleaning, storing, and restoring data.

  • Build:

The main difference from SSDs to HDDs is that the SSD has no moving parts, making it anti-vibrating and shock-proof, while conventional Hard Disk uses a magnetic disk that runs a certain amount of times per minute. This makes writing to these devices slower and more likely to damage as many fragile components wear out over time.

Because SSD works electrically, it can make reading and writing function faster and quieter, increasing the useful life of flash memory and managing the cache for reading and writing files.

  • Heat Resistance:

SSDs are more heat-resistant prevents happening overheating of computer/CPU than HDDs because of the components on HDD that heat quickly.

  • Processing Speed:

Since SSDs have no moving parts and in addition to making them more resistant than HDs, access to files and operations are done through electricity, representing a noteworthy decrease in the operating time of these functions compared to Hard Disk, (However there are some effective ways to speed up your hard drive such as defragmentation of hard disk).

That’s why solid-state drives can speed up the file transfer from 10x to 20x faster than HDD. The processing speed for SSD can go up to 3500 Mbps, while HDDs only limited up to 160 Mbps.

  • Weight:

SSDs are lightweight while HDDs are a bit heavier.

5 Types of SSDs (Solid State Drives) with Connectors

Now that you know what SSD is and how it differs from a hard drive, it’s time to know the types and formats of Solid State Drives. Today, there are five most common SSD form factors used in the commercial segment.

Let’s see what interfaces, connectors, form factors, and functionalities exist for SSDs in today’s market.

1. SATA SSD (SATA I, II, III)

SATA is the acronym for ‘Serial Advanced Technology Attachment’. Speaking of SSD Drive types, SATA-type SSD is the most popular today and also one of the first SSD models to hit the market. It has a dimension of 2.5 inches, the same size as the conventional HD, and the same connector type.

SATA SSD

As a connection interface, SSD uses SATA (Serial ATA) to communicate data with the system. If you own a SATA SSD, I can almost guarantee that it can be used with any desktop or laptop you have now, even if that computer is ten years old.

SATA-based SSDs are also more suitable for older computers that lack newer SSD connector types and only have SATA connections. A great way to speed up an older laptop or desktop is by replacing the old spinning hard drive with the new solid drive, increasing the computer’s ability to read/write data, possibly five times.

SATA is a model that has been constantly changed and has reached three main versions: SATA I, SATA II, and SATA III. The transfer rate of all three versions is given below:

  • SATA 1.0: 5 Gb/s, 150 MB/s
  • SATA 2.0: 3 Gb/s, 300 MB/s
  • SATA 3.0: 6 Gb/s, 600 MB/s

For installing the SATA SSD (I, II, III) on your laptop or desktop, you need a 2.5 Inches Drive Bay and a SATA Cable.

Sata ssd

2. M.2 SATA SSD

The M.2 type of SSD is newer, and its format is lighter and smaller than the SATA type SSD. M.2 SSDs consist of a small printed circuit board with chips, somewhat reminiscent of a RAM bar shape.

m.2-pcie-ssd

Most M.2 drives are 22mm in width and 80mm in length with NAND chips on both sides. M.2 SATA drives are simply more convenient, as they are installed in a slot on the motherboard and do not require wires, but on the motherboard of the PC or laptop must have an appropriate M.2 slot

Another advantage of the M.2 is its format flexibility, making this drive used on small laptops and desktops. These devices are very similar to small plaques, 22 mm wide but with different lengths: 22 mmx60 mm, 22 mmx80 mm, and 22 mmx110 mm. Thus, M.2 SSDs are specified as 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110.

Here is a summary of the various most common M.2 formats and their respective sizes:

M.2 22110 : 110 x 22 mm
M.2 2280 : 80 x 22 mm (perhaps the most common)
M.2 2260 : 60 x 22 mm
M.2 2242 : 42 x 22 mm

types-of-M.2-SATA-SSDs

And the speed of the M.2 SATA SSD is the same as the regular SATA SSD has, i.e. up to 600 MB/s.

Important Note: The M.2 slot on some motherboards of Desktops and laptops can accept either the SATA bus or the PCI-E bus, i.e. such devices have either M.2 SATA slot or M.2 PCI-E slot. But on separate motherboards, M.2 slots can serve only one of them; either M.2 SATA mode or M.2 PCI-E mode. That’s is why you need to find out; is your computer is compatible or not for M.2 SATA SSDs.

And, accordingly, you can connect either M.2 SATA drives or M.2 PCI-E drives to such motherboards.

The connectivity of M.2 type SSDs is more complicated, but it can be done in 3 ways, depending on the type of socket on the motherboard.

The M.2 interface can have three key variations:

  • Switch B
  • Switch M
  • Switch B&M

If you purchase an M.2 SATA (B&M) SSD and the motherboard supports M.2 PCI-Express (B&M), the SSD will not work! The M.2 slot keys on the motherboard and laptop must match the M.2 SATA slot as well as the size of the drive.

M.2-SATA-SSD-on-M.2-SATA-Slot-on-motherboard

When buying a drive with an M.2 connection, it is essential to understand very accurately what kind of slot we have on the motherboard of a PC or laptop – what interface it is for, what key it has, and what sizes of drives it supports.

3. mSATA SSD

mSATA-SSD

An mSATA SSD is the mini version of SATA. It has a smaller form factor mainly used in ultra-compact computers, laptops, and mobile devices (tablets) with an mSATA slot, in which the installation of an extended size SATA SSD Drive is impossible.

The latest mSATA has a capacity of up to 1TB and a read/write speed of up to 6gbps. mSATA has lower power consumption. The performance is not lesser than SATA SSD; however, the price is very economical.

Drives of this format represent a small card with soldered microcircuits installed in unique slots of some devices. The main advantage of mSATA is its miniature; however, it is the same SATA SSD in all other aspects. Experts recommend purchasing such drives only for upgrading those devices in which the mSATA connector is provided.

mSATA-SSD-on-computer-motherboard

The mSATA connector on laptops is now virtually ousted from the market by the M.2 connector. Yet there are very few mSATA drives themselves on the market.

4. M.2 PCI-E SSD

m.2-pcie-ssd

PCIe is one of the solid-state drives type connected to a computer system using a PCIe interface, which has become a new way to increase the speed of servers and storage devices.

PCIe-shaped SSDs fit into ports on your motherboard graphic card, the same way you install internal audio or network cards/components. And when you use NVMe SSD using PCIe SSD, you get the fastest computational speed. Its max read/write bandwidth is 2000mbps and can support up to 32gbps.

M.2-PCI-E-SSD-on-graphic-card

PCI Express SSDs are often costly, which is why they are usually only used in high-performance applications. You can also find other types of smaller SSDs that use the PCI Express (PCIe) connection, allowing a data transfer rate up to 4 times higher than the SATA 3 SSD.

For installing PCIe SSDs, you need PCIe M.2 slots on your motherboard. The M.2 slot keys on the motherboard must match the keys, as well as the size of the M.2 slot, and the M.2 drive must be the same size.

5. M.2 NVMe SSD Drive

NVMe is a type of SSD that stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is five times faster than SATA SSDs due to its protocol for SSD that allows data exchange speeds up to 2600mbps. NVMe SSDs came later than SATA ones, and these slots were initially designed for graphics cards, so they are incredibly fast.

M.2-NVMe-SSD

The objective here is to increase the unit’s performance. An M.2 NVMe SSD can have more data transfer speed (compared to a SATA SSD) due to the connection of this protocol with PCI Express, the latest and fastest technology.

They are more expensive than SATA and consume more power. High-scale businesses, intensive functioning computers, and large servers use NVMe. It also works with flash memory as well as reducing I/O Bridge and latency.

Speeds on NVMe drives can reach an interface rate of 32 Gb/s with 3.9 GB/s throughputs. That can be very useful if you’re doing something that requires a lot of disk performance, like gaming or high-resolution video editing. It has a storage capacity of up to 4TB.

For installing PCIe NVMe, you need a motherboard with the form factor of PCIe, M.2, U.2.

M.2-NVMe-SSD-on-motherboard

As fast as it is, NVMs have some drawbacks:

  • They are only available on desktop computers and are very expensive for starters, while they can be used as secondary drives to take advantage of their full potential.
  • Most BIOS do not support booting from NVMe at this time. It’s still possible to get one that does, but it could mean replacing the entire mainboard.

If the latest and greatest speeds and efficiencies that come with an NVMe SSD are a must, then there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

  • Make sure the computer has the M.2 connector type. Most consumer NVMe drives only support the M.2 “M” (5-pin) key, which is the M.2 physical edge connector. SATA-based SSDs use the “B” (6-pin) key, but there are some connectors that feature “B + M” that can accept both a SATA and NVMe drive.
  • The computer must support compatibility and boot to an NVMe drive. Due to how new it is, many older computers and operating systems may not support booting or even recognize an NVMe drive.
  • PCIe NVMe drives are the latest in the SSD consumer market, so the cutting edge is paid for at a high price.
  • And finally, make sure an NVMe disk fits the use case. Performance increase will only be seen with large reads/writes to and from the drive or large amounts of small reads/writes. Computers will start up faster, files will transfer and search more quickly, programs will start faster, but it won’t make a Facebook page load faster.

How to choose SSD and their types?

NVMe PCIe SSDs are considered the fastest due to having more bandwidth while transferring data as well as writing/reading. The speed and performance of NVMe PCIe are 3 to 4x times faster than SATA SSDs and 10 to 20x times more than SATA HDDs, which makes them the fastest SSD.

Disc Type Maximum data reading speed
SATA HDD 160 MB/S
SATA 3 SSD 600 MB/s
NVMe PCIe SSD 3500 MB/s

You can step out of your traditional HDD and buy a better SSD for your PC if your primary interest is in faster-performing storage.

Pros and Cons of SSD Drives over HDDs

Factor SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
Speed Faster Slower
Sequential Read Speed (MB/sec 150-1350 120-150
Number of Reboot Cycles 3000-10,000 Not Specified
Power Consumption Lesser More
Movable Parts No Yes
More resistant against physical shocks Yes No
Size Compact Big
Storage Capacity Limited Extended
Cost Somewhat Expensive Affordable
Form Factor SATA 2.5″, M.2 SATA, mSATA. 2.5″- 3.5″
Maximum Capacity 4TB but technology still advancing 20 Terabytes

Due to its fast read-write data and resistance to physical and magnetic damage, the decision to buy an SSD drive for a PC or laptop will be an excellent option for upgrading your computer.

Of course, SSD drives are more expensive than hard drives, although prices decrease as their usage increases. Because of this — in many cases and due to technological limitations — the vast majority of SSD drives offered on the market have much lower storage capacity than hard drives in the same price range.

What is the difference between Expensive and Cheap SSD?

There could be striking differences in the quality of SSDs we buy from the market. There are some high-profile ones, while some of them are on a budget. Here are some aspects we can look into to know the difference:

1. Age: A good SSD can cost you more, but they also protect you from wearing out soon. An expensive SSD could function for more than 20 years; meanwhile, a cheaper SSD would wear out soon after 5 to 10 years.

2. Faster Tasks: Tasks are done slightly faster on expensive SSDs. The reason is the faster loading of the SSDs, which gives them an advantage. However, if you have bought a cheaper SSD, it’s not as highly performative as expensive.

3. Cell-Level: The most commonly used SSD is the triple-level cell or TLC, and it has a higher chance of failure. It’s the cheapest option too. Others are Multi-Level Cell and Single Level Cell, both being a bit expensive with more extended warranties and faster processing.

How to choose SSD and their types?

Before picking your SSD types, there are certain things you need to keep in mind:

  • Budget
  • Building preferences
  • Desktop/laptop compatibility
  • Performance needs.

For Modern PC:

If you have a desktop or laptop with modern or slightly older infrastructure, your system can support both M.2 and 2.5-inch drives. You can opt for one or even a combo – M.2 for the boot drive and latter for additional storage. It would reduce cable clutter and add blazing fast speed to your PC.

For Older PC:

For older desktops, you’ll be more likely to choose a 2.5-inch drive with some M.2 drives. If your motherboard has PCIe 3.0 slots, then you can go for PCIe add-in adapter cards. It will allow you to accept M.2 drives too.

You may consider M.2 SATA SSD if you are updating your laptop and need fast storage of less than 2TB.

For an NVMe Drive:

The NVMe SSDs may work better for you if you’re building a high-end work center or gaming PC with no budget restrictions also if you want to create a server that will host a storage-intensive application.