MLC or TLC for SSD?

[Astraea Kisaragi]

I'm planning to finally get a SSD on next back friday. I have read that MLC should last a tad longer, but even TLC should in theory last more as a classic HDD does. Im okay even if last 5 years only, assuming after that the bigger size SSD will be more cheaper.

What brand would be recommended/avoid? We have here Patriot, ADATA, SanDisk, OCZ, Kingston and Corsair in my target price area.
Samsung and Crucial got quite expensive. (or the others got cheaper)

PS. My mobo has a SATA III slot.

[Aliquis Freedom & Ethnopluralism]

You're unlikely to go wrong with the Samsung EVO 850 at-least.

It cost a bit more than the cheapest but it's also faster and likely hold up longer too. There's others which likely are equally good or better but they are unlikely sold at a better price.

[Master0fBlunt]

SLC, MLC, and TLC memory

A given quantity of physical flash memory cells can be programmed to hold either one, two or three bits of data. A drive where each cell holds a single bit is known as SLC. Each cell can only be in one of two states, on or off, and only needs to be sensitive to two voltages. Its endurance and performance will be incredible but a large amount of flash memory is needed to provide a given capacity, so SLC drives have never really taken off beyond expensive server and workstation setups.

2-bit MLC memory is currently the most popular kind used in consumer SSDs. Each cell holds two values, with four binary states (00, 01, 10 and 11), so the cell needs to be sensitive to four voltages. The same amount of flash memory provides double the amount of space, so less is needed and the SSD is more affordable.

3-bit TLC memory goes even further, with three values per cell. Now each cell has to hold eight binary states, and performance and endurance begins to really suffer as there are eight distinct voltages that represent data. A TLC cell will be erased more often, and therefore wears out quicker. And since it needs to hold eight voltage values, reading them reliably requires more precision. But you get even more capacity from the same amount of flash memory, resulting in even cheaper SSDs, which is something everyone wants.


http://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-ssd-for-gaming/