What Is mSATA SSD?
mSATA SSD is used primarily as a storage device in notebooks and compact desktop PCs.
mSATA indicates the connection method and is used by plugging into the connection terminals provided on the motherboard. SSD is also a type of storage device. Unlike HDD, which is a magnetic storage device, SSD is a semiconductor storage device.
mSATA SSDs are characterized by their connection method and bare form. This thin and compact shape allows more space for incorporation in PCs. This contributes to the development of thin and light PCs.
Uses for mSATA SSDs
As mentioned earlier, mSATA SSDs are primarily used as storage devices in notebook PCs and compact desktop PCs due to their thin and compact form factor. Their small size allows them to be installed in devices where space is limited, such as ultrabooks, mini PCs, and even some gaming laptops.
In addition to traditional PCs, mSATA SSDs are also used in embedded systems, IoT devices, and industrial equipment where space and weight are crucial factors. Thanks to their shock-resistant nature, they are ideal for environments where durability is important.
mSATA SSDs are commonly used to store the operating system, applications, and data, contributing to faster boot times and improved system performance. Their compact size makes them an indispensable storage solution for devices that require a balance of performance, space efficiency, and reliability.
Principle of mSATA SSDs
mSATA SSD is a semiconductor storage device equipped with an interface that reads and writes in accordance with the mSATA standard to a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Flash memory records data by storing and releasing electrons in a structure called a cell. The cells in which electrons are stored are insulated so that even if the power supply is cut off, the electrons are retained and can be used as nonvolatile memory.
mSATA (mini serial ATA) is a type of SATA interface standard that uses a single transfer path to send data, eliminating the wait time caused by misalignment of transmission paths that occurs when data is sent over multiple paths, thereby achieving higher speeds.
mSATA achieves a maximum speed of 6 Gbps.
mSATA SSD combines SSD and mSATA technology to achieve both smaller size and lighter weight and higher speed.
Structure of mSATA SSD
The shape of mSATA SSD is that of a card, which is much thinner than the thin rectangular shape of SSDs. This allows for further space saving.
Taking advantage of the small size of mSATA SSD, some models can be retrofitted with mSATA SSD even in PCs equipped with SSDs. In addition, mSATA SSD is characterized by its bare base.
Other Information about mSATA SSD
1. Similar Products to mSATA SSD
There are other storage devices using SSDs besides mSATA SSDs. The differences between them are as follows:
2.5-inch SSD
2.5-inch SSDs are 2.5 inches in size and have a SATA connection interface. 2.5-inch SSDs have the same shape as 2.5-inch HDDs and are used to speed up bootup and data transfer speeds in notebook PCs. They are larger than mSATA SSDs but offer larger storage capacities.They are larger than mSATA SSDs but can offer larger storage capacities, typically ranging from 120GB to several terabytes.
M.2 SSD
M.2 SSD is the successor to mSATA SSD and, like mSATA SSD, connects directly to the motherboard via an M.2 slot. However, M.2 SSDs are more versatile, as they can support both SATA and NVMe interfaces, with NVMe providing much higher speeds. M.2 SSDs have a maximum theoretical transfer rate of up to 32 Gbps (for PCIe Gen 3 x4), which is faster than MSATA SSDs’ maximum rate of 6 Gbps using SATA III. M.2 SSDs are more compact and can offer superior performance, especially when using the NVMe interface.
2. Merits and Demerits of mSATA SSD
The merits and demerits of mSATA SSD are described below, using a 2.5-inch HDD as a comparison target.
Merit
mSATA SSD is smaller and thinner than 2.5-inch HDDs. Although the speed of the connection interface is the same, mSATA SSD is several to ten times faster than 2.5-inch HDDs when considering the access speed including storage devices.
In addition, mSATA SSDs are more resistant to vibration and shock, as they have no mechanical parts.
Disadvantages
The price per GB for mSATA SSDs is several times higher than for 2.5-inch HDDs, making them expensive when large capacities are required. While mSATA SSDs can now offer up to 2TB in capacity, 2.5-inch HDDs are still available in capacities of 6TB or more.