SLC or MLC

[nine9]

I have basic question, which SSD is faster and better, SLC or MLC ?

[nine9]

Doesn't anyone knows the answer for this ?

[TwoCables]

Don't worry: this is just a slow forum.

Generally speaking, the SLCs are superior to MLCs. Therefore, the SLC drives are considered "Enterprise Class", while the MLCs are considered "Consumer Class" (at least that's the term I would use). That's why the SLCs are so much more expensive than the MLCs.

So, for the consumer who wants a really good SSD but can't afford an SLC, they should focus their shopping on SSDs that have transfer rates of roughly 220-250 MB/s Read, and 135-200 MB/s Write. These are generally the best MLC SSDs right now. So, don't settle for something that has like 170 MB/s Read, and 100 MB/s Write. There's no fine line. But SSDs get even worse: there are some that only have 100 MB/s Read, and maybe 70 MB/s Write. Again, avoid these.

Unfortunately, I don't have any brand/model recommendations, but if you follow these guidelines and stick with the popular brand names, then you should be making the right decision.

[nine9]

But I don't get this, see SLC specs: http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=118 says write 80MB/s and for MLC http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=124 190MB/s.

And how much is that speed for some normal 7200rpm hdd ?

[djGrrr]

well, SLC drives are technically superior, but i think that because MLC drives have gotten a lot more attention, the technology has been developed more, and is therefore currently faster than SLC, but SLC drives if developed as much would still be far superior to MLC

[GSKILL TECH]

SLC speeds are slower, but because they are single level cells they are much more stable. The attention has gone to MLC since that is what most consumers are interested in, not to mention pricing for MLCs are high let alone SLC.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

[TwoCables]

SLC speeds are slower, but because they are single level cells they are much more stable. The attention has gone to MLC since that is what most consumers are interested in, not to mention pricing for MLCs are high let alone SLC.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Well yeah, the only reason customers are interested in MLCs is the price is better. But if SLCs were priced like MLCs, then I think we would see customers being more interested in SLCs since they are superior.

[Extide]

But I don't get this, see SLC specs: http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=118 says write 80MB/s and for MLC http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=124 190MB/s.

And how much is that speed for some normal 7200rpm hdd ?

Here you are comparing a much older SLC drive to a much newer MLC drive.

Basically, any drive with an Indilinx controller, or the Intel drives are good. The Samsung ones are OK too. Most of these can alkl be had in MLC or SLC form. For home use I suggest MLC otherwise you will spend a lot more money.

Any of these 'good' drives annihilate 7200 RPM hd's.