Are all SSD the same apart from capacity? [closed]
I have a notebook ASUS UX330U and I suspect that the SSD has stopped working. I want to buy a new one to replace it, but before doing so I want to know which SSD I should buy, or what things I should take into account to choose the new SSD. The datasheet of the notebooks reads "256GB SATA3 M.2 SSD".
Is physical size a problem or are all the same size? Is there any problem with connectors or do they all use SATA ports? Do they all consume the same amount of power or should I take this into account too? Any other characteristics that may occur to you are welcome as well.
21 Answer
Just learnt this yesterday so anybody with experience is free to correct my answer.
No SSDs are not the same. The have different storage capacity, speeds, form factors and connectors.
In your particular case your physical connector is M.2 (there exist others SATA, PCIe) which is a small connector directly on the motherboard. Now aside from the connector you need to know which form factors fit into your machine there are a few different ones denoted in mm (ex. m.2 2280 means m.2 connector 22mmx80mm form).
Now aside from being able to connect and fit your SSD into your system you want to be able to use it to it's full speed potential. This will depend on the controller/interface your motherboard supports. You meantioned SATA (currently the fastest one is NVMe) which is an older protocol. You can read the motherboards or manufacturer's manual to know what the motherboard supports.
Basically your SSD performs as fast as the weakest link in the chain even if you get one that can outperform your current computer.
To sum it all up:
- pick a storage capacity (ex. 256Gb)
- get the right form factor that fits your machine (ex. M.2 2280)
- optional: if you really want your SSDs speed to match your machine learn what interface/controller your motherboard supports (most M.2 SSDs are faster than SATA3 therefore your SSD will be slowed down by your motherboard).
