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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSolid-state memory stores information electronically in semiconductor devices, without moving mechanical parts. It can be volatile, like SRAM and DRAM, or non-volatile, like flash. An SSD uses solid-state memory—usually NAND flash—but the term “solid-state memory” covers more than SSDs.
What does “solid-state memory” mean?
“Solid state” describes how the storage is implemented: electronic circuits built from semiconductor devices hold information as electrical states. It distinguishes this approach from storage that depends on moving mechanical parts. The term does not tell you whether data will survive a loss of power.
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That second question is answered by volatility. Volatile memory needs power to preserve its current contents; non-volatile memory retains stored data without continuous power. Both kinds fall under the broader category of solid-state memory.
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How do SRAM, DRAM, NAND and NOR differ?
| Type | Volatile? | Typical role | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRAM | Yes | Processor cache | Holds its state while powered without periodic refresh; commonly used where low access latency matters. |
| DRAM | Yes | Main memory | Cells require periodic refresh; supports high-density working memory. |
| NAND flash | No | Persistent data storage | Designed for dense storage; common in SSDs, memory cards and USB drives. |
| NOR flash | No | Embedded code storage | Supports byte-addressable reads, making it useful in code-storage contexts. |
These are common roles, not a guarantee about every device. The practical distinction is that SRAM and DRAM are working memory and lose their contents without power, while flash can retain stored data when power is off. [Intel: memory technologies] [Micron: memory products] [Micron: NAND flash]
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- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Is an SSD the same as solid-state memory?
No. An SSD is a complete storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data. NIST defines an SSD as “A storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data.” [NIST: SSD – Glossary]
Most SSDs use NAND flash for data storage. The drive also has components such as a controller and interface, and some designs include DRAM cache. NAND is the memory technology; the SSD is the assembled device that connects it to a computer or other system. [Samsung: What is an SSD?]
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So an SSD is one example of solid-state storage, not another name for all solid-state memory. SRAM and DRAM are also solid-state memory, even though they are volatile and are not SSDs.
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What do SLC, MLC, TLC and QLC mean?
These labels describe how many bits a NAND flash cell encodes: SLC stores one bit per cell; MLC, two; TLC, three; and QLC, four. Storing more bits in each cell can increase capacity, but cell type is only one part of a device’s design and trade-offs.
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Capacity, performance, cost, endurance and data retention can matter differently depending on the workload. More bits per cell should not be treated as a universal improvement or drawback: compare the specifications of the particular device and the demands of its intended use. [Kingston: SLC, MLC, TLC and NAND] [Micron: NAND flash]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you compare solid-state memory?
- Volatility and retention: Does the memory keep its contents when power is removed, or is it working memory that requires power?
- Performance and access pattern: Is it intended for cache, main memory, embedded code or bulk storage? The role and device specification matter; the category alone does not establish a universal speed ranking.
- Density and cost: How much information can the cells or device hold, and what trade-offs come with that capacity?
- Endurance and write behavior: For flash, check device-specific endurance specifications against the expected writing workload. There is no single endurance figure that applies to every flash product.
These dimensions help distinguish technologies, but the right choice depends on whether the need is temporary working memory, fast access to frequently used data, embedded code storage or persistent files.
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- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
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- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
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