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NVMe vs SATA SSDs
up to 7,500 MB/s
Speed
500 MB/s
65,535 commands per queue
I/O wait time
32 commands per queue
Up to 1,500,000 io/s
Random I/O
6000 - 75,000 io/s
5-10 ms
IOPS
<20 ms
0.1%
Failure rate
0.5%
0.08 W - 0.0032 W
Power usage
2-5 W
≈3.5 hrs
Backup time
≈6 hrs

NVMe vs SATA SSDs

Just as SSDs took over HDDs as the primary storage solution for personal and enterprise needs in the 2010s, NVMe drives are now gradually taking over SATA SSDs.

The key difference between the two storage options lies in their communication interface with the CPU.

SATA SSDs utilize the SATA interface, which was originally designed for HDDs back in 2003. However, as flash storage technology advanced after SSDs gained widespread popularity, it became evident that SATA was a bottleneck for drive performance.

This led to the adoption of PCIe, an interface previously used for GPUs, and the subsequent development of NVMe drives, which now serve as the default choice for computer systems.

Let's explore the differences between NVMe and SATA SSD servers and the benefits of choosing NVMe-powered hosting.

1. Speed

Access Times - NVMe

Thanks to the PCIe interface that offers a faster connection to the CPU, NVMe drives can reach much faster access times of up to 7,500 MB/s.

Access Times - SATA SSD

SATA SSDs use the SATA interface to transfer data back and forth. This interface was originally developed for HDDs and is inherently slower than PCIe, with access times going as high as 500 MB/s even on the fastest drives.

2. CPU I/O wait

Cpu Power - SSD

The NVMe standard uses PCI lanes instead of SATA, which allows for faster connection to the CPU and allows for more traffic in both directions. A regular NVMe drive using PCIe gen 4 is capable of handing 65,535 commands per queue.

Cpu Power - SATA SSD

The SATA interface was originally intended for HDD drives and SSD manufacturers adopted it to allow for a smoother upgrade path. While SSD can use the interface to its full potential, it was developed in 2003 and allows for only 32 commands per queue.

3. Random I/O Performance

Random I/O Performance - SSD

With the advancement in flash memory technology and paired with a much faster interface, the NVMe drives of today can reach really impressive random IO performance, with tests showing results of up to 1,500,000 IOs per second.

Random I/O Performance - SATA SSD

Due to the completely rethought data storage and access approach that SSDs are based on, their random I/O performance is impressive, compared to HDDs. Our tests have revealed that SSDs can handle a minimum of 6000 IO’s per second with up to 75,000 IO’s in the top end.

4. Input/Output Request Times

Input/Output Request Times - SSD

We use real-world stress tests to more accurately measure the performance of different storage solutions - we run a full system backup. During the tests, NVMe-powered servers averaged a service time of approximately 5 to 10 milliseconds for each I/O request.

Input/Output Request Times - SATA SSD

We ran the same tests on identical servers, this time using regular SATA SSDs. Their service time for an I/O request was equally impressive, with averages of around 20 ms and under.

5. Reliability

Reliability - SSD

With constant improvements in the manufacturing process and with the flash storage technology maturing, modern NVMe drives have incredibly low failure rates of around 0.1%.

Reliability - SATA SSD

SSDs, unlike HDDs, don’t have moving parts. This means fewer mechanical components, which reduces the chance of failure. Their rate of failure is about 0.5%.

6. Power Usage

Power Usage - SSD

If you have a single computer, there’s no need to worry so much about the power it requires. If you manage a whole server farm, however, the electricity bills will be significantly bigger. NVMe is incredibly power efficient with around 0,08 W power usage under load and 0,0032 W when idle.

Power Usage - SATA SSD

While HDDs had to spin several plates up to 7500 RPMs, SSDs have no moving parts and consume much less electricity. However, due to the fact that they share the same interface with HDDs, they require between 2 and 5 watts.

7. Real-World Performance

Real-World Performance - SSD

When we ran the full server backup test, we measured how long it took for the server to generate a full backup. Using the NVMe drives, the backup was regularly completed in around 3.5 hours.

Real-World Performance - SATA SSD

We ran the same tests on a SATA SSD-powered server. While also fast compared to the older HDD drives, the full backup still took around 6 hours.

NVMe web hosting services

As you can see, NVMes offer better performance and reliability than regular SATA SSDs. Which is why all of our hosting services run on NVMe storage, to give you and your customers the best possible environment to succeed. Check out NVMe hosting offers:

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