Question Looking for a solid 1tb NVME SSD

[Fusion1005]

I was going to purchase the WD sn550 for my PC whenever I decided to buy the parts. However, I've been told that due to the fact it lacks DRAM cache, it is terrible for short burst operations, such as booting Windows. Is there a better alternative for around the same price as the sn550 that I could purchase instead, or should I just stick with the sn550?

 

[WildCard999]

The Crucial P1 or Intel 660P series are good.

 

[Fusion1005]

The Crucial P1 or Intel 660P series are good.

But those use QLC NAND and they slow down significantly as they get full. I'm looking for a TLC NAND SSD with DRAM cache.

 

[USAFRet]

But those use QLC NAND and they slow down significantly as they get full. I'm looking for a TLC NAND SSD with DRAM cache.

Then go for the default choice, a 970 EVO.

 

[WildCard999]

But those use QLC NAND and they slow down significantly as they get full. I'm looking for a TLC NAND SSD with DRAM cache.

The Crucial P5 should fit your needs when it's released which should be soon.

 

[Fusion1005]

Then go for the default choice, a 970 EVO.

all of Samsung’s ssds are overpriced. You could get a 1tb pcie 4.0 ssd for $20 more than the 1tb 970 evo.

 

[USAFRet]

all of Samsung’s ssds are overpriced. You could get a 1tb pcie 4.0 ssd for $20 more than the 1tb 970 evo.

And need the relevant motherboard (and CPU) to go with it, and get not a whole lot more (if any) user facing difference.
And then, choosing among second rate manufacturers.

Which drives do YOU feel are acceptable?

 

[joeacejr15]

Then go for the default choice, a 970 EVO.

Non QLC NVMe: Adata SX 8200, Adata SX 8100, Samsung 970 evo, samsung 970 evo plys, pretty much every Samsung drive with a 9 infront of it is NVMe and TLC.

You said you did not want Samsung, so I would just go with the Adata SX 8100 or SX 8200. If the 8200 is 10 - 20 bucks more, get the 8200. its around 10% faster than the 8100. Also, look up Silicon power, they make some decently priced TLC SSD's.

 

[popatim]

Dram cache only buffer writes, not reads, so it will have no effect on booting windows.

 

[Landstander]

Non QLC NVMe: Adata SX 8200, Adata SX 8100, Samsung 970 evo, samsung 970 evo plys, pretty much every Samsung drive with a 9 infront of it is NVMe and TLC.

You said you did not want Samsung, so I would just go with the Adata SX 8100 or SX 8200. If the 8200 is 10 - 20 bucks more, get the 8200. its around 10% faster than the 8100. Also, look up Silicon power, they make some decently priced TLC SSD's.

Does Adata use TLC in the 512Gb SX8x00 sticks as well?

 

[Maxxify]

However, I've been told that due to the fact it lacks DRAM cache, it is terrible for short burst operations, such as booting Windows.

Not precisely true. The SN550 is actually quite good for general usage including booting Windows. It does lack DRAM but it still has some embedded SRAM and additionally benefits from both the NVMe protocol and its overall design. 96L TLC flash, which is a bit faster since for most things you're hitting single dies, a static SLC cache (as opposed to troublesome dynamic), and a powerful controller based on what's used in the prosumer SN750. It's a client-oriented drive (based on the SN520 originally, in the SN500) so is consistent and reliable, actually. DRAM is much more important on SATA (AHCI) drives, especially as they tend to have large SLC caches and weak controllers.

I've written a ton on the SN550 and I own one, in fact. I also have tons of information on how DRAM works - check my signature.

 

[joeacejr15]

Does Adata use TLC in the 512Gb SX8x00 sticks as well?

Yes they do

 

[Landstander]

Thanks, joeacejr15. Although researching the WD Black SN750, it uses TLC, doesn't lack performance and it isn't priced much higher than Adata. (Right now the 500GB WD is the same price as the 512GB XPG SX8200.) I would hope it doesn't have any short comings the SN550 might have.

I don't think I've ever been badly disappointed with a WD purchase.
PCGamer called it the best all around pick SSD for gaming: https://www.pcgamer.com/best-ssd-for-gaming/

Edit: Not mentioned, but the Sabrent Rocket performs well and is also TLC.