The biggest upgrade you can make to any computer is faster storage. One of the easiest ways to do this is by investing in an NVMe drive.
But what exactly is an NVMe drive? And why should you consider purchasing one? Here’s everything you need to know.
What are NVMe drives?
An NVMe, or non-volatile memory express, is a storage interface that was introduced in 2013. Sounds confusing? Let’s break it down.
‘Non-volatile’ simply means that the storage isn’t deleted when your computer is rebooted. The word ‘express’ refers to the fact that the data on the NVMe drive travels over the PCI Express interface on your computer’s motherboard. This gives your data a more direct connection to your computer, making NVMes much faster than other drives.
NVMes come in a number of different forms but usually come in the form of .2mm sticks that can lay flat on your computer’s motherboard. This means that they are perfect for smaller computers and laptops.
What are the benefits of using them on a busy server?
If you are searching for hosting or server solutions, or work on a busy server, NVMes could be a great option for you.
Here are some of the main advantages of using an NVMe drive:
• Fewer server bottlenecks
• Better overall server and computer performance
• Improved user experience
Every business relies on data, but if your servers run on standard storage cards and discs, your company may experience bottlenecks when there are lots of requests and user connections. These bottlenecks can be bad for your business as they can result in slower access to data and slower web page speeds, which can lead to an inferior user experience and you losing customers.
Are NVMes better than other storage options?
If you are thinking about investing in an NVMe, you will likely want to know how it compares to other storage options. Here is a comparison of NMVes versus two of the leading types of computer storage (HDD and SSD).
NVMe vs HDD
If we were to put these two storage devices in competition with each other, the NVMe would far surpass traditional HDDs every time. In terms of IOPs (or input-output operations per second), a HDD will only deliver between 40-80 IOPs. In contrast, NMVe drives can deliver over 300,000 IOPs.
Many hosting providers have stopped using HDDs over the past decade. Regardless, NVMes are far more powerful than HDD storage and are worth investing in.
NVMe vs SSD
In a typical test, it was found that NVMe drives outperformed SSDs by at least 600%. They can also handle many more queue requests, and in the coming years, it is expected that NMVe technology will improve even further to outperform other types of storage devices.
Are there any downsides to NVMe drives?
Although there are many benefits to NMVe drives, nothing comes without its disadvantages. Here are some of the main disadvantages of NVMe drives.
• They are more expensive than SSD drives: although the price point isn’t hugely different, it is important to note that NVMes are more expensive compared to SSDs, and this is something that your business will need to consider when thinking about using an NVMe drive.
• SSDs use less power: because NVMes are so fast, they use a lot of power, which is another cost you will have to consider.
Should your server use one?
If you are working across a particularly busy server, upgrading to one that uses NVMe storage could be the perfect solution. If you are unsure of what the best option is for your business, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options.
