Thats why we want solid-state drives in our computers.
Heres what it’s crucial that you know about em.
https://gizmodo.com/giz-explains-everything-you-need-to-know-about-hard-dr-5106129
With an SSD, on the other hand, were talking straight silicon.
Whats inside is a bunch of flash memory chips and a controller running the show.
And, it’s possible for you to drop itat least, a little.
So, lets talk a bit about flash memory itself.
Flash memory is made up of a bunch of memory cells, which are made up of transistors.
https://gizmodo.com/giz-explains-why-quantum-computing-is-the-future-but-5335901
The solution for normal humans is multi-level cell memory.
Currently, up to 4 bits can be stored per cell.
Multi-level refers to the multiple levels of voltage in the cell used to get those extra bits in.
And now, we get into one of the major problems with flash.
This is a huge problem, for one, because MLC flash memory wears out after 10,000 write cycles.
Two, as the drive fills up, performance significantly degrades.
Because where there are problems, there are sorta solutions.
Theyre a big part of what differentiates one companys SSD from anothers.
The controller is the secret sauce, as SanDisks Myersdorf told me.
Because the game, for now, is all about managing flash better, both physically and logically.
In other words, its about algorithms.
More granular algorithms with caching and prediction means theres less unnecessary erasing and writing.
The biggest thing is whatscalled TRIM.
As you probably know, when you delete something from your system, it isnt instantly vaporized.
Your OS basically just marks the data as Hey its cool to pave over this with new stuff.
Your hard drive has no real idea you deleted anything.
This means better performance when youre saving new stuff, since it handles the read-erase-rewrite dance ahead of time.
Windows 7 supports TRIM, and Myersdorf says Windows 8 will be even better for solid-state storage.
The companyjust announceda new 64GB NAND flash module that combines 16 4GB NAND chips.
Okay, the big question then: When are SSDs gonna get seriously affordable?
A 160GB version of one of theone of the most acclaimedSSDs,Intels X25, retails for $470.
By contrast, a 1TB WD old-fashioned hard drive is likea hundred buckson a bad day.
Oh good, Ill be due for a new laptop right around then.
Thanks to SanDisk for helping us out!
Still something you wanna know?
News from the future, delivered to your present.
The Framework 13 now feels like a laptop that’s more than a modular, repairable novelty.
It’s now a gear that’s a joy to both build and use.
We still need to see it to believe it.
