mSATA is a type of solid-state drive (SSD) that uses the mini-SATA specification. It is a flash storage device developed by the SATA International Organization to accommodate the new slimmer devices. The mSATA SSD is smaller in size than other SSDs and also consumes less power. It uses the same specifications as the popular SATA solid-state drive, as both were developed by the same organization.
Uses of an mSATA SSD
This type of SSD is used in sleek and thin devices due to its smaller size. It is used in ultra-thin laptops, tablets, notebooks, etc. It can be used in digital signatures and GPS devices as well. It can also work as a cache drive.
- Speed
An mSATA SSD can have a read and write speed of up to 551 Mbps. It can have a bandwidth of up to 6 GB/s.
- Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of this SSD can reach up to 1 TB. This is quite competitive compared to other storage devices available on the market. However, this storage capacity is much lesser compared to some other SSDs available, which are larger in size.
- Size
The usual size of an mSATA SSD is 50.8 mm x 29.85 mm x 4.85 mm. It is roughly the size of a business card. This is because it was designed with thinner devices in mind.
- Reliability
MSATA SSDs are well-known for being reliable. They can last from 1.5 to 2 million hours. MSATA SSDs offer the best reliability when paired with an SLC flash.
Pros of mSATA SSDs
Due to their small form factors, economical pricing, and low power consumption, mSATA SSDs are still used in devices even though better-performing SSDs are now available in the market. The following are some of the benefits of using this type of SSD:
- Small Form Factor:�An mSATA SSD is much smaller compared to other SSDs like M2 or SATA. Hence, they can be conveniently used in smaller or thinner devices without wasting too much space on the SSD. This allows a small device to have a larger storage capacity and a faster speed.
- Power Savings:�mSATA SSDs consume less power than other SSDs. This is quite an attractive feature, as it can help save the batteries of laptops, notebooks, etc.
- Compatibility:�mSATA SSDs are compatible with most electronic devices. Apart from laptops and notebooks, they are also used in kiosks, GPS trackers, etc.
- Resistance:�mSATA SSDs are fitted in a device in such a way that they are fully protected from vibrations and shocks. These SSDs have good resistance even though they do not have protective cases like most SSDs do.
Cons of mSATA SSDs
There are several drawbacks to using mSATA SSDs as well. Some of them are as follows:
- High price:�It is easy to find other SSDs that have the same storage capacity as an mSATA SSD but have a lower price. Even if we calculate the cost per gigabyte, mSATA SSDs tend to be more expensive than regular SSDs.
- No Major Performance Difference:�Setting aside the small size, the performance of an mSATA SSD is quite similar to that of regular SSDs.
- Requirement of Specific Connectors:�These SSDs need connectors that are different from those of regular SSDs. Compatibility issues can arise if these specific connectors are not available.
- Limited PE Cycle:�mSATA SSDs have shorter PE cycles. This will gradually decrease the available storage. This can result in a decrease in the lifespan of the devices.
Comparison with SATA SSD
Both SATA SSD and mSATA SSD are developed by the SATA International Organization. Hence, both of these SSDs need to meet the same specifications as determined by the organization. Both of them use ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) for transferring data to the storage device.
Despite these similarities, these two are quite different from one another in the:
- Size
MSATA SSDs are smaller than SATA as they were designed for thinner devices. SATA SSDs can only fit into larger devices.
2. Storage Capacity
Due to the small form factor, the storage capacity of mSATA SSD drives is lower than that of SATA SSDs. SATA SSD is far superior in this category.
3. Performance
SATA SSDs and mSATA SSDs usually have almost the same read and write speeds.
Comparison with M2 SSD
The M2 SSD was developed two years later than the mSATA SSD. Both M2 and mSATA are high-performing SSDs. Both are made for thinner and lighter devices like slim laptops, notebooks, and tablets.
- Interface
M2 SSDs support both SATA and PCIe interfaces. On the other hand, mSATA can only support the SATA interface.
2. Price
M2 SSDs are more expensive than mSATA SSDs. M2 SSDs are faster and of better quality than mSATA SSDs. As a result, they are more expensive than mSATA SSD drives.
3. Speed
Generally, M2 SSDs have significantly higher speeds as compared to mSATA SSD drives.
4. Capacity
M2 SSDs offer capacities of up to 1 TB. Average mSATA SSDs offer a speed of 500 MB. However, some variants of mSATA SSDs can also offer a storage capacity of up to 1 TB.
FAQs on mSATA SSD
Some frequently asked questions on mSATA SSDs are:
Can an mSATA SSD be inserted into a regular laptop?
Yes. An mSATA SSD can be inserted into any laptop that has an mSATA SSD slot. Most of the popular laptop brands have this slot in their laptops. This SSD can be used along with a hard disk.
How is an mSATA SSD different from a SATA SSD?
A SATA SSD is larger in size than an mSATA SSD. It also has a different type of connector. The storage capacity of mSATA is lesser than SATA. The read and write speeds of these two SSDs are almost the same.
How do I test an mSATA SSD?
An mSATA SSD can be tested using specialised software and health check tools. These tools check the speed, performance, electricity consumption, etc., of the SSD. The SSD will either pass or fail based on its performance in the test.
What are some uses of mSATA SSD drives?
An mSATA SSD is useful in ultra-thin laptops, tablets, etc. because of its smaller size and small form factor. It can also be used to speed up access to data and applications. They act as cache drives to speed up the computer.
Can an mSATA SSD be installed on a desktop computer?
Yes. An mSATA SSD can be used with a desktop computer as well. Most computers will have an mSATA port on the motherboard. You can open the CPU and fix the SSD onto the motherboard.
The mSATA SSD was developed by the SATA International Organization in 2012 for compact devices. It is a small form-factor flash storage device that can be useful in thinner electronic devices due to its small size, good storage capacity, and competitive speed. MSATA SSDs are fast, reliable, and offer good storage capacities. They also consume less power and are compatible with most electronic devices. They are used in notebooks, laptops, GPS devices, retail kiosks, and tablets.
However, due to the advancement of technology, newer and better-performing SSDs like the M2 are now available on the market. Also, there are cheaper options available on the market at the same price point. While deciding whether to go for an mSATA SSD or not, all the pros and cons should be carefully considered.
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