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 above, MSATA SSD is mainly used as a storage device in notebook PCs and compact desktop PCs. Because of its thin card shape and compact form, it is often installed in small-sized PCs and notebook PCs.
Contributing to thinner and lighter PCs, MASATA SSD is used as a drive for storing OS, applications, and data in notebook PCs and compact desktop PCs.
Thus, it is an indispensable storage device for PCs that require compact and lightweight specifications.
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.
M.2 SSD
M.2 SSD is the successor to MSATA SSD and, like MSATA SSD, is plugged into the motherboard connector. MSATA SSD has a theoretical transfer rate of 40 Gbps, which is 6.7 times faster than MSATA SSD. It is also stick-shaped and more compact than MSATA SSD.
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 SDD is several times higher than for 2.5-inch HDDs, making them very expensive when large capacities are needed. Maximum capacity is also limited to 1TB for mSATA SSD, while 2.5-inch HDDs are offered in capacities of 4TB or more.