An mSATA SSD is a specialized solid-state drive designed according to the Mini Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (mSATA) specification established by the SATA International Organization. Its compact size makes it suitable for portable and power-sensitive devices, including laptops and tablets.
Defining mSATA Features
Measuring 50.8 mm x 29.85 mm x 4.85 mm, an mSATA SSD is roughly the size of a credit card. It adheres to all revisions of the SATA interface and contains various notable features:
- Speed: With read speeds up to 550 megabits per second and write speeds reaching around 520 Mbps, mSATA SSDs offer a maximum bandwidth of 6 Gbps.
- Capacity: Typical storage options range from 8 gigabytes to 512 gigabytes, and some models can accommodate up to 1 or 2 terabytes.
- Reliability: These SSDs boast longevity, often performing effectively for 1.5 to 2 million hours. Enhanced durability features are available to protect against shocks and vibrations.
Some mSATA models also incorporate end-to-end data protection to secure data integrity, alongside features like error correction codes and cyclic redundancy checks for error detection.
Applications of mSATA
The mSATA interface facilitates a low-cost, standardized method for connecting storage devices to a computer’s system bus. While mSATA SSDs are compatible with most desktops and laptops, their size limits their use in ultra-thin devices. These drives provide the same data transfer rates as standard SATA drives and can function effectively as cache drives, enhancing access speeds for frequently used data and applications. Common applications for mSATA SSDs include digital signage, point-of-sale systems, retail kiosks, and multifunction printers.
Testing mSATA SSDs
Testing mSATA SSDs involves using software tools that can check for hardware faults, assessing aspects such as read/write speeds, power consumption, and overall performance. Samsung Magician, for instance, is a popular tool specifically for Samsung products, including mSATA SSDs. However, many other testing options are available, such as the open-source CrystalDiskInfo application.
Understanding mSATA vs. SATA
The development of the mSATA format began in 2009, with its specification emerging in 2011, as a part of SATA revision 3.1. It represents a miniaturized version of the SATA standard, sharing the same command set for data transfer. The primary distinctions between an mSATA and a traditional SATA SSD are their physical size and connector configuration; mSATA SSDs fit in smaller devices, while SATA SSDs, with their larger casings, occupy more space and offer similar performance capabilities.
Differences Between mSATA and M.2 SSDs
M.2 SSDs, established in 2013, emerged as a newer form factor, designed to be even smaller than mSATA SSDs. M.2 devices support not only SATA connections but also SATA Express and non-volatile memory express (NVMe), which enhance performance and reduce latency. Key differences between the two include:
- M.2 SSDs support both SATA and PCIe protocols, while mSATA SSDs are limited to SATA.
- M.2 drives come in multiple sizes, whereas mSATA SSDs typically have a fixed size.
- M.2 SSDs can achieve higher data transfer rates, exceeding the 6 Gbps ceiling of mSATA SSDs, with possible rates of up to 20 Gbps.
Comparing mSATA to mini PCIe
Though similar in appearance and size, mSATA SSDs and mini PCIe cards are not interchangeable. Mini PCIe cards can be used for a variety of connectivity purposes, including wireless adapters and additional storage devices. While both fit into the same motherboard slot, their differing protocols and functionalities prevent them from operating interchangeably.
With their unique characteristics, mSATA SSDs continue to be relevant in various applications, although they are progressively being overshadowed by newer technologies like M.2 SSDs.