A tech enthusiast turned a regular SSD with QLC memory into a high-performance SLC drive, increasing its fault tolerance and speed, but reducing its capacity.
SSD Upgrade
SSD Conversion
Computer enthusiast Gabriel Ferraz upgraded his Crucial BX500 512GB SSD , converting it from QLC (four bits per cell) to SLC (one bits per cell) mode. This procedure reduced the storage capacity to 120 GB, but significantly increased the performance and lifespan of the device.
Initial SSD configuration
Initially, the Crucial BX500 512 GB SATA SSD used a Silicon Motion controller SM2259XT2 and QLC NAND memory from Micron. This solution was positioned as a budget solution. However, QLC drives are often criticized for their low speed and questionable endurance. In some cases, drives are equipped with a DRAM cache or SLC buffer, and also use part of the RAM to speed up operations and extend service life.
Controller Specifications
The Silicon Motion SM2259XT2 controller contains a single-core 32-bit ARC processor with frequency of 550 MHz and two data channels at a speed of 800 MT/s (400 MHz) without using a DRAM cache. This SSD is equipped with four NAND Flash Micron crystals labeled NY240. Each pair of matrices has a separate channel. These NAND Flash chips were designed to operate at 1600 MT/s (800 MHz), but are limited to only 525 MT/s in this SSD.
Improved performance
Initially, the average life of program/erase cycles for these matrices was 1500 for NAND FortisFlash and about 900 for Mediagrade. Converting the drive to SLC increased these figures to 100,000 and 60,000 cycles, respectively. To reprogram the SSD, we used the MPtools utility for the Silicon Motion SM2259XT2 controller, into which it was necessary to enter the exact markings of the memory chips, as well as specify and check a number of other parameters by modifying the firmware files. The configuration file has been modified to be case sensitive to allow the dies to operate in SLC NAND Flash mode. The process is described in detail in the video.
As a result, the drive capacity was reduced from 512 GB to 114-120 GB, but its endurance increased to 4000 TBW (terabyte overwrite), which means about a 30-fold increase. Performance is also improved, although limited by the SATA 3 interface and controller, but latency and access times are significantly reduced.
Caution
The enthusiast warns that such manipulations should not be repeated without careful preparation and knowledge of the matter. Incorrect settings or errors when working with files can lead to drive failure. Also, this method only works on some SSD models. Before the experiment, the author of the project consulted with specialists to correctly carry out the procedure and demonstrate it in the video.
Glossary
- Crucial BX500 is a line of budget SSD drives from Crucial using QLC NAND memory.
- QLC (Quad-Level Cell) is a Flash memory technology in which four bits of data are stored in each cell. Provides high data density, but is inferior in speed and endurance.
- SLC (Single-Level Cell) is a Flash memory technology where each cell stores one bit of data. It has high speed and endurance, but low recording density.
- Silicon Motion is a manufacturer of controllers for solid-state drives.
- Micron is an American company that produces semiconductor devices, including NAND memory.
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Answers to questions
What are QLC and SLC in the context of SSD?
What benefits did an enthusiast get after converting SSD to SLC?
What are the risks associated with upgrading an SSD to SLC mode?
What tools were used to convert the SSD?
Why was an enthusiast able to successfully modify an SSD?
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Discussion of the topic – An enthusiast turned a Crucial QLC SSD into a high-speed SLC drive
A tech enthusiast was able to convert his Crucial BX500 512GB SSD with QLC memory into a high-performance 120GB SLC drive, increasing its speed and endurance.
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Алекс
Interesting project from Gabriel! Converting QLC to SLC really improves the performance and lifespan of the SSD. True, the capacity is reduced, but for some applications this may be an acceptable compromise. 🤔
Софи
Yes, Alex, this is a truly impressive project! Gabryś definitely knows what he's doing. I wouldn’t risk experimenting with my drive like that, I’m afraid of ruining something. 😅 But the results speak for themselves - a 30-fold increase in endurance and increased productivity!
Вольфганг
And I heard that some manufacturers are already producing SSDs with SLC memory, although they are more expensive. Maybe it's easier to buy one than to modify it yourself? Gabriel clearly has a lot of experience in this matter. 💻
Мариуш
Such experiments are not for the faint of heart! 😂 I wouldn’t risk modifying my SSD either. Although, on the other hand, I only have 120 GB, so the loss of capacity would not be critical. But the increase in productivity is great!
Джованни
Bah, che figata! 💯 It’s genius to turn QLC into SLC! I'll definitely watch Gabriel's video, it's very interesting how he did it. Of course, sacrificing volume is not always profitable, but if we are talking about a system disk, it would be a blast to convert! 🔥
Клаус
These new technologies are complete nonsense! 😠 Why bother when you can just buy a normal HDD cheaper? These fashionistas with their SSDs will give themselves a heart attack with excitement. In my time, computers were reliable and durable, not these useless things of yours!
Анна
Klaus, I understand your distrust of new technologies, but isn't it interesting to know how they work? 🤓 Gabriel conducted a very interesting experiment, albeit risky. But thanks to such enthusiasts, we are moving forward in the development of technology!
Павел
I completely agree with Anna! 👍 Technological progress cannot be stopped, and people like Gabriel show us new possibilities. I think he thought it through perfectly and knew what he was doing. Very cool project, I would even try this with my old SSD! 🚀