The Samsung 850 EVO is a highly-regarded solid-state drive (SSD) that has been a favorite among computer enthusiasts and professionals alike since its release in 2014. One of the key features that set it apart from other SSDs on the market is its use of DRAM, or dynamic random-access memory. But what exactly is DRAM, and how does it impact the performance of the Samsung 850 EVO? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of SSDs and explore the role of DRAM in the Samsung 850 EVO.
What is DRAM and How Does it Work?
DRAM, or dynamic random-access memory, is a type of memory that is used to store data temporarily while a computer is running. It’s called “dynamic” because it needs to be constantly refreshed in order to maintain the data stored in it. DRAM is commonly used in computers as system memory, but it’s also used in other devices, such as SSDs.
In the context of SSDs, DRAM serves as a cache, or a small, fast memory that stores frequently accessed data. This allows the SSD to access data more quickly, which can improve overall performance. The DRAM cache is typically used to store metadata, such as the location of files on the drive, as well as frequently accessed data, such as operating system files.
The Benefits of DRAM in SSDs
The use of DRAM in SSDs has several benefits. One of the main advantages is improved performance. By storing frequently accessed data in a fast, low-latency cache, SSDs with DRAM can access data more quickly than those without. This can result in faster loading times, improved responsiveness, and a overall better user experience.
Another benefit of DRAM in SSDs is improved endurance. By reducing the number of times the SSD needs to access the flash memory, DRAM can help to extend the lifespan of the drive. This is because flash memory has a limited number of write cycles before it begins to wear out, and by reducing the number of writes, DRAM can help to minimize wear and tear on the drive.
Does the Samsung 850 EVO Have DRAM?
So, does the Samsung 850 EVO have DRAM? The answer is yes. The Samsung 850 EVO uses a small amount of DRAM as a cache to store metadata and frequently accessed data. This allows the drive to access data more quickly, which can improve overall performance.
The amount of DRAM used in the Samsung 850 EVO varies depending on the capacity of the drive. The 120GB and 250GB models use 256MB of DRAM, while the 500GB and 1TB models use 512MB of DRAM. The 2TB model uses 1GB of DRAM.
How Does the DRAM in the Samsung 850 EVO Impact Performance?
The DRAM in the Samsung 850 EVO has a significant impact on performance. In benchmarks, the drive has consistently shown high levels of performance, with fast read and write speeds. The drive’s sequential read speed is up to 540MB/s, while its sequential write speed is up to 520MB/s.
The drive’s random read and write speeds are also impressive, with up to 100,000 IOPS (input/output operations per second) for random reads and up to 90,000 IOPS for random writes. This makes the Samsung 850 EVO well-suited for applications that require high levels of performance, such as video editing and gaming.
Comparison to Other SSDs
So how does the Samsung 850 EVO compare to other SSDs on the market? In terms of performance, the drive is competitive with other high-end SSDs, such as the Samsung 950 PRO and the WD Black SN750.
However, the Samsung 850 EVO has a few advantages that set it apart from other SSDs. One of the main advantages is its price. The drive is generally less expensive than other high-end SSDs, making it a more affordable option for those who want high levels of performance without breaking the bank.
Another advantage of the Samsung 850 EVO is its endurance. The drive has a high endurance rating, with a TBW (terabytes written) rating of up to 300TB. This means that the drive can withstand a high number of write cycles before it begins to wear out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Samsung 850 EVO is a high-performance SSD that uses DRAM to improve performance and endurance. The drive’s use of DRAM allows it to access data more quickly, which can result in faster loading times and improved responsiveness. With its competitive performance, affordable price, and high endurance rating, the Samsung 850 EVO is a great option for those who want a high-quality SSD without breaking the bank.
Specifications
Here are the specifications for the Samsung 850 EVO:
- Capacity: 120GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: SATA 6Gb/s
- Controller: Samsung MGX
- DRAM: 256MB (120GB and 250GB models), 512MB (500GB and 1TB models), 1GB (2TB model)
- Sequential Read Speed: up to 540MB/s
- Sequential Write Speed: up to 520MB/s
- Random Read Speed: up to 100,000 IOPS
- Random Write Speed: up to 90,000 IOPS
- Endurance: up to 300TB TBW
- Warranty: 5 years
Final Thoughts
The Samsung 850 EVO is a great option for those who want a high-performance SSD without breaking the bank. With its competitive performance, affordable price, and high endurance rating, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable and fast SSD. Whether you’re a gamer, a video editor, or just someone who wants a fast and responsive computer, the Samsung 850 EVO is definitely worth considering.
| Capacity | DRAM | Sequential Read Speed | Sequential Write Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120GB | 256MB | up to 540MB/s | up to 520MB/s |
| 250GB | 256MB | up to 540MB/s | up to 520MB/s |
| 500GB | 512MB | up to 540MB/s | up to 520MB/s |
| 1TB | 512MB | up to 540MB/s | up to 520MB/s |
| 2TB | 1GB | up to 540MB/s | up to 520MB/s |
Note: The specifications listed above are subject to change and may not reflect the exact specifications of the drive you purchase.
Does the Samsung 850 EVO SSD have DRAM?
The Samsung 850 EVO SSD does have DRAM, but it’s not a traditional DRAM cache. Instead, it uses a technology called “TurboWrite” or “TLC” (Triple-Level Cell) caching, which is a type of pseudo-SLC (Single-Level Cell) caching. This technology allows the drive to use a small portion of the TLC NAND as a faster, SLC-like cache to improve write performance.
This caching technology is different from traditional DRAM caching, which uses a separate DRAM chip to cache data. The TurboWrite cache on the 850 EVO is actually a portion of the NAND flash memory that is set aside to act as a faster cache. This design allows the drive to achieve faster write speeds without the need for a separate DRAM chip.
What is the purpose of DRAM in an SSD?
The primary purpose of DRAM in an SSD is to act as a cache to improve performance. DRAM is much faster than NAND flash memory, so it can be used to cache frequently accessed data and improve read and write speeds. In an SSD, the DRAM cache is typically used to store the drive’s mapping tables, which help the controller locate data on the drive.
By storing these mapping tables in DRAM, the drive can access them much faster than if they were stored on the NAND flash memory. This can improve overall performance, especially in applications that require frequent random reads and writes. However, it’s worth noting that not all SSDs use DRAM, and some drives like the Samsung 850 EVO use alternative caching technologies.
How does the Samsung 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache work?
The TurboWrite cache on the Samsung 850 EVO is a portion of the TLC NAND flash memory that is set aside to act as a faster, SLC-like cache. When the drive receives a write request, it first writes the data to the TurboWrite cache. The cache is then flushed to the TLC NAND flash memory in the background, allowing the drive to achieve faster write speeds.
The TurboWrite cache is dynamically allocated, meaning that the drive can adjust the size of the cache based on the workload. This allows the drive to optimize its performance for different types of workloads. For example, if the drive is handling a large number of small writes, it may allocate more space to the TurboWrite cache to improve performance.
Does the Samsung 850 EVO’s lack of traditional DRAM affect its performance?
The Samsung 850 EVO’s use of TurboWrite caching instead of traditional DRAM does affect its performance, but not necessarily in a negative way. In some cases, the drive’s performance may be slightly lower than that of drives with traditional DRAM caching. However, the 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache is designed to provide similar performance benefits to traditional DRAM caching.
In fact, the 850 EVO’s performance is highly competitive with other drives in its class, even those with traditional DRAM caching. This is due in part to the drive’s advanced controller and firmware, which are optimized to take advantage of the TurboWrite cache. Overall, the 850 EVO’s performance is excellent, and its lack of traditional DRAM does not seem to hold it back.
Is the Samsung 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache reliable?
The Samsung 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache is designed to be highly reliable. The cache is implemented using a portion of the TLC NAND flash memory, which is a reliable and well-established technology. The drive’s controller and firmware are also designed to manage the cache and ensure that data is written correctly and consistently.
In addition, the 850 EVO has a number of features that help to ensure the reliability of the TurboWrite cache. For example, the drive has a robust error correction system that can detect and correct errors that may occur during the caching process. The drive also has a number of power loss protection features that help to ensure that data is not lost in the event of a power failure.
Can I upgrade the Samsung 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache?
No, the Samsung 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache is not upgradable. The cache is a fixed portion of the TLC NAND flash memory, and it is not possible to add more cache to the drive. However, the drive’s controller and firmware are designed to optimize the use of the cache, and the drive’s performance is highly competitive with other drives in its class.
It’s worth noting that the 850 EVO’s TurboWrite cache is a key part of its design, and it is not possible to disable it or replace it with a traditional DRAM cache. However, the drive’s performance is excellent, and the TurboWrite cache is a key factor in its ability to deliver fast and reliable performance.
Is the Samsung 850 EVO a good choice for applications that require high performance?
Yes, the Samsung 850 EVO is an excellent choice for applications that require high performance. The drive’s TurboWrite cache and advanced controller and firmware make it highly competitive with other drives in its class. The drive’s performance is excellent, and it is well-suited for a wide range of applications, from gaming and video editing to database and virtualization workloads.
In addition, the 850 EVO has a number of features that make it well-suited for demanding applications. For example, the drive has a high endurance rating, which means that it can handle a large number of write cycles without failing. The drive also has a number of power loss protection features that help to ensure that data is not lost in the event of a power failure.