mSATA SSDs are compact Solid State Drives that use flash storage and conform to the mSATA interface specifications. These drives feature a smaller form factor compared to standard SSDs, making them ideal for space-constrained devices.
Understanding mSATA SSD
mSATA SSDs adhere to the guidelines set by the Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) International Organization. Their diminutive size makes them perfect for devices with limited space and power, such as laptops and netbooks.
Key Features:
- Size: 50.8 mm x 29.85 mm x 4.85 mm (about the size of a business card)
- Lower power consumption than regular SSDs
- Enhanced shock and vibration resistance
- Faster boot and shutdown times
- Maximum bandwidth: 6 GB/s
- Compatible with SATA I, II, and III interfaces
- Storage capacity: 8 GB to 512 GB (some models up to 1 TB)
- Data reliability: 1.5 to 2 million hours
- Error Correction Code (ECC)
- End-to-end data protection
- Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRC)
mSATA SSDs come in two variants:
- Single Level Cell (SLC) flash: Higher reliability, lower storage capacity
- Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash: Higher storage capacity, slightly lower reliability
Uses of mSATA SSD
mSATA SSDs serve various purposes:
- System drive: Boosts overall computer performance
- External storage solution: Requires an enclosure for protection
- Disk buffer or hard drive cache: Improves speed without sacrificing storage capacity
You'll find mSATA SSDs in devices like:
- Small notebook computers
- Multifunctional printers
- Retail kiosks
- Point of Sale (POS) devices
- Digital signs
- Phone conference systems
- Electronic patient records systems
- Automated care devices
- Electronic smart boards
- Netbooks
- Tablets
- GPS devices
- Mobile internet devices
mSATA vs. Other Storage Technologies
mSATA vs. Standard SSD
mSATA SSDs are essentially compact versions of standard SSDs. They offer similar performance but in a smaller form factor, which often makes them more expensive.
mSATA vs. M.2
While both are compact storage solutions, mSATA and M.2 are not interchangeable:
- mSATA uses only SATA interface
- M.2 supports both PCIe and SATA interfaces
- M.2 is more modern and comes in various sizes
Installing and Using mSATA SSDs
Installing Windows on mSATA SSD
Yes, you can install Windows on an mSATA SSD. Here's a quick guide:
- Access BIOS and disable Intel Smart Response
- Set mSATA SSD as the primary boot device
- Boot from Windows installation media
- Use DISKPART to clean both drives
- Install Windows on the mSATA drive
Using mSATA SSD in Desktop and Laptop Computers
mSATA SSDs can be used in both desktops and laptops, provided they have compatible slots. Installation typically involves:
- Powering down the device
- Locating the mSATA socket
- Carefully inserting the mSATA SSD
- Securing the drive in place
- Reassembling the device
Booting from mSATA SSD
To boot from an mSATA SSD:
- Install disk imaging software
- Back up your files
- Clear space on the hard drive
- Install a boot drive control app
- Clone the hard drive to the mSATA SSD
- Change the boot order in BIOS
- Adjust Windows settings to recognize the mSATA as the C drive
mSATA Performance and Compatibility
- Read speed: Up to 551 MB/s
- Write speed: Up to 304 MB/s
- Typical sequential read speed: 170 MB/s
- Typical sequential write speed: 150 MB/s
mSATA SSDs are backward compatible with SATA I, II, and III interfaces, but performance may be limited by the interface speed.
Conclusion
Despite being gradually replaced by newer technologies like M.2, mSATA SSDs remain useful in various devices. Their compact size, low power consumption, and solid performance make them a valuable storage solution for space-constrained applications.