Solid state drives (SSDs) are a type of storage device that uses flash memory rather than spinning platters like traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs have no moving parts, making them faster, more reliable, and less prone to damage from shocks than HDDs.
One key specification for SSDs is their read and write speeds. The read speed determines how quickly data can be accessed or loaded from the drive, while the write speed determines how quickly new data can be written to the drive. Write speeds are particularly important for SSDs, since slow write speeds can lead to lag and delays during intensive write operations.
For most normal computing tasks, SSD write speeds are fast enough to feel instantaneous. However, for more demanding applications like 4K video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming, faster write speeds can make a big difference in workflow and productivity. Understanding typical SSD write speeds and real-world performance can help identify when a faster SSD may be beneficial.
Measuring Write Speeds
There are several tools available to measure SSD write speeds. Two of the most common benchmarks are CrystalDiskMark and AS SSD Benchmark.
CrystalDiskMark is a free and easy to use utility that measures both sequential and random read/write speeds (Source). Sequential speeds refer to accessing data in a linear fashion, while random speeds represent accessing data in a random order. For most consumer workloads, random read/write speeds are more representative of real-world performance.
AS SSD Benchmark is another free tool that provides detailed info on sequential and random read/write speeds. It has built-in tests designed specifically for SSDs. The random 4K speeds in particular can indicate performance for daily usage (Source).
So when measuring SSD write speeds, pay attention to 4K random results rather than just sequential speeds. Random performance gives a better idea of how an SSD will handle multiple small file writes, as commonly seen in operating system and program usage.
Typical SSD Write Speeds
SSD write speeds can vary significantly depending on the interface and type of NAND flash memory used. Here’s a breakdown of typical speeds:
SATA SSDs
Most consumer SATA SSDs have maximum sequential write speeds of around 500-550 MB/s. However, write speeds can be much lower in everyday usage with lots of small random writes. For example, the average 4KB random write speed for SATA SSDs is in the range of 45-110 MB/s.
High-performance SATA SSDs geared for content creation and multi-tasking can reach sequential write speeds over 500 MB/s and 4KB random write speeds exceeding 90 MB/s (sources). But in general, SATA SSDs offer more limited performance than NVMe drives.
NVMe SSDs
NVMe SSDs connected via PCIe deliver much faster write speeds thanks to the improved interface. Entry-level NVMe SSDs have sequential write speeds around 1,500-2,000 MB/s, while high-end models can exceed 3,000-4,000 MB/s (sources).
4KB random write speeds for NVMe SSDs usually fall between 200-600 MB/s. The fastest drives optimized for random access can surpass 1,000 MB/s. Overall, NVMe offers a big performance boost over SATA, but there is a price premium.
Budget vs. High-End SSDs
In general, higher-priced SSDs offer faster rated speeds across both sequential and random operations. But real-world usage can vary based on factors like workload type, drive capacity, over-provisioning, and controller. It’s important to look at benchmarks rather than just advertised specs.
Real-World Performance
While SSD manufacturers often advertise fast sequential write speeds, real-world performance can vary greatly depending on the type of workload. For basic tasks like booting your OS or loading applications, write speed is less important than read speed and random access times. However, for certain workloads like transferring large files, video editing or installing games, write performance starts to matter more.
According to tests by Puget Systems, sustained write speeds during file transfers can be 50-75% lower than advertised sequential speeds due to caching and thermal throttling effects [1]. For smaller files under 50MB, writes will be limited by 4KB random performance rather than sequential speeds.
When installing games from a disc or downloading large files from Steam or other clients, write performance determines how quickly the data can be written to the SSD. Gamers may want an SSD with faster sustained write speeds to reduce initial install times. However, loading times once a game is installed mainly depends on read speed and access times.
For video editing, both read and write speeds are important. Faster writes allow quick rendering and export times, while fast reads improve scrubbing through timelines and working with raw footage [2]. A high-speed NVMe SSD helps significantly for 4K/8K video editing or multi-stream workflows.
In general, for typical desktop usage, an entry-level SATA SSD around 500MB/s writes is sufficient. For power users that do large file transfers or high bitrate video editing, a faster PCIe 3.0 or PCIe 4.0 SSD in the 1-3GB/s range is recommended.
Factors Affecting Write Speeds
There are several key factors that impact an SSD’s write performance:
The SSD controller plays a critical role in managing all read and write operations. More advanced controllers with powerful processors and optimized firmware can achieve faster speeds. For example, controllers that support the NVMe protocol over PCIe deliver higher bandwidth and lower latency than older SATA controllers [1].
The type of NAND flash memory also affects write performance. Multi-level cell (MLC) and triple-level cell (TLC) flash offer greater densities but are typically slower than single-level cell (SLC) NAND. 3D NAND stacks memory cells vertically to increase density while maintaining good performance [2].
Overprovisioning reserves extra spare area on an SSD to improve endurance and enable faster writes. More overprovisioning means less data fills up the drive, reducing write amplification. However, it comes at the cost of usable capacity [1].
The SSD’s form factor and interface play a role too. M.2 NVMe SSDs over PCIe x4 offer much better peak write speeds than 2.5″ SATA SSDs. But real-world speeds depend on the host system and workloads.
Optimizing for Faster Writes
There are several tweaks you can make to optimize your SSD for faster write speeds:
Enable TRIM – TRIM is a command the operating system can send to an SSD to notify it which blocks of data are no longer in use and can be wiped internally. This frees up space for faster write speeds. TRIM is enabled by default in modern versions of Windows, but you should verify it is active. On Windows 10, open the Command Prompt as Administrator and type “fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify”. If it returns 0, TRIM is enabled.1
Overprovisioning – Having additional spare capacity allows the SSD controller to better manage writes and garbage collection. Leave 10-20% of your SSD’s capacity unpartitioned. For a 500GB drive, only create a 400-450GB partition.2
Enable Write Caching – Enabling write caching in Windows 10 allows data to be quickly written to cache first before slowly writing to the disk later. To enable, go to Device Manager, select your SSD, Properties, Policies, and check Enable write caching.3
When Write Speed Matters
SSD write speeds become especially important when the drive is being used as your primary storage. Primary storage handles active workloads and data that is frequently accessed. This includes your operating system drive and any applications or games you use often. Faster write speeds for primary storage result in reduced load times and smoother performance [1].
For secondary storage like media drives or backup drives, write speed is less critical since the data is not accessed as frequently. Most users will be fine with lower write speeds for these applications as long as the read speed is sufficient for media playback or file transfers [2].
Overall, prioritizing write speed for your primary storage SSD will provide the most noticeable gains during everyday use and gaming. For secondary storage, focus on finding a balance of capacity and read speed [3].
Balancing Reads vs Writes
SSDs are optimized for different workloads depending on whether read or write performance is more important. For typical consumer usage like booting an OS, launching applications, and loading files, read performance is generally more critical. However, for write-intensive workloads like video editing, simulation, and scientific computing, write performance becomes more important.
SSD controllers use techniques like over-provisioning, caching, and wear leveling to balance and optimize reads and writes. However, you can also tune an SSD’s firmware settings to prioritize either reads or writes depending on your needs. For example, decreasing over-provisioning space will improve write speeds at the cost of worse endurance and vice versa.1
For a mixed read/write workload like a typical laptop OS drive, aim for an even balance. But for gaming and creative workstations focused on asset streaming/loading, favor reads. And for servers hosting virtual machines or running databases, optimize for write performance.
Future SSD Write Speeds
SSD technology is rapidly evolving, with innovations focused on further boosting write speeds in the years ahead. Some key developments to expect include:
Emerging interfaces like PCIe 5.0 and USB4 promise to deliver significantly higher bandwidth compared to current standards, allowing SSDs to transfer data faster. For example, PCIe 5.0 offers up to 32 GT/s bandwidth, double that of PCIe 4.0. This extra bandwidth can be used to improve write speeds.
New NAND flash types like 162-layer and 232-layer NAND will enable greater storage density and parallelism. By stacking more memory cells vertically, future SSDs can write to more cells simultaneously. Samsung and Micron already have 232-layer NAND in development, which is expected to hit the market around 2025.
Advanced SSD controllers will utilize AI processing and predictive caching algorithms to optimize writes. Controllers play a crucial role in maximizing performance. As SSD controllers improve, they will help minimize write latency spikes and sustain peak write speeds for longer periods.[1]
Conclusions
In summary, the ideal SSD write speed depends on your specific use case and workload. For most general consumer use, a write speed between 200-500MB/s is sufficient. For heavy content creation workloads, prosumer NVMe drives with 1500MB/s+ write speeds will reduce transfer times. Enterprise drives designed for servers and data centers exceed 2500MB/s.
Beyond raw write speeds, real-world performance depends on drive firmware, DRAM cache, and the SSD controller. Benchmark tests help gauge performance for your particular workload. Optimize by matching your SSD to your computing tasks, enabling write caching and TRIM, avoiding excessive drive fragmentation, and upgrading bandwidth-constrained interfaces like SATA.
As a final recommendation, balance reads and writes to maximize both. Most real-world workloads involve a healthy mix of the two. Pure write speed alone does not determine overall SSD responsiveness for typical consumers. Focus instead on finding the best blend of performance, capacity, and reliability within your budget.