Optimizing Long-Sustained Write Performance with Emerging NVMe SSDs

When it comes to choosing the right NVMe Solid-State Drive (SSD) for your computing needs, long-sustained write performance is a critical factor. This article delves into the best NVMe SSDs for such performance, focusing on reading benchmark data and real-world application scenarios. Specifically, we will explore the Samsung 980 Pro, Western Digital Black SN85, and Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus, and discuss the key factors to consider when evaluating SSDs for sustained write performance.

Key Players in Sustained Write Performance

One of the NVMe SSDs known for excellent long-sustained write performance is Samsung 980 Pro. This drive features a PCIe 4.0 interface, which significantly enhances throughput and is optimized for high-performance tasks such as gaming and content creation. Another strong contender is the Western Digital Black SN85, which also utilizes PCIe 4.0 technology and is designed for high-end gaming and demanding applications, providing impressive sustained write speeds.

The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is also notable for its sustained performance, particularly in data-intensive workloads. These drives are chosen for their exceptional write capabilities, making them ideal for users who require consistent high-performance in various applications.

Key Factors to Consider for Sustained Write Performance

To select the best NVMe SSD for your needs, it's important to consider several key factors:

Interface: PCIe 4.0 SSDs generally provide better sustained performance than PCIe 3.0 interfaces. The higher bandwidth and data transfer rates of PCIe 4.0 make it ideal for maximizing write performance. Thermal Management: SSDs with good thermal management features, such as heatsinks, can maintain performance over longer periods, ensuring they don't throttle due to overheating. DRAM Cache: SSDs with DRAM cache tend to perform better in sustained write scenarios, as they can temporarily hold data and prioritize writes, improving overall performance.

When evaluating SSDs for sustained write performance, it is essential to look at benchmarks specific to your use case. Real-world performance can vary based on workload and system configuration. Therefore, always check for the latest models and reviews, as new products may have been released since my last update.

Understanding Flash Technology and Write Speeds

Flash technology is the backbone of SSDs, and the type of flash memory used significantly impacts write speeds. Today, most SSDs use TLC (Triple-Level Cell) or QLC (Quad-Level Cell) flash memory, which are very slow compared to older technologies. The Samsung 970 Pro was the last MLC (Multi-Level Cell) based drive, which is known for its higher write speeds.

To provide a clear picture, here are the typical write speeds and latencies for different types of flash:

N TLC: Write speed 130 - 180 MB/s, read latency cca 50us

nQLC: Write speed 20 - 40 MB/s, read latency 80 - 120us, program latency 2 - 3ms

The perceived speed of flash drives is often due to the large number of memories connected in parallel and the use of SLC cache. However, as the SLC cache fills up, write performance drops significantly.

For QLC NVMe drives, the typical write speed is around 130 MB/s. For TLC drives, such as the Samsung 970 PRO, the performance is significantly higher under normal loads, despite the usage of MLC technology.

Conclusion

While the Samsung 980 Pro still stands out as one of the best NVMe SSDs for sustained write performance, it's important to consider the latest models and benchmarks. If budget allows and exceptionally high performance is required, Intel Optane drives remain the top choice, although they are not technically SSDs but Pure Optane drives like the P480, which come at a high cost.