Current SATA SSDs: Are AHCI or later-optimized DRAM-less drives more efficient? Can you pay without losing performance? If you prefer DRAM-less, what data do you base your choice on (read speed, 4K access, thermal performance, etc.)? How do you evaluate cache strategies in different architectures?
Which SATA SSD interface do you prefer?
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I've always been hesitant about the long-term performance of caching strategies in DRAM-less models. Since there's no DRAM, once the SLC cache (most manufacturers allocate around 200-300MB) is full, you're left with the "TLC/QLC + HMB" architecture. In cases where 4K random read/write performance drops, especially before thermal throttling kicks in, system stability ultimately depends on the manufacturer. For example, the WD Black SN770 has around 50K IOPS for 4K random reads at 0°C, while its DRAM-equipped counterpart can reach 90K. DRAM-less drives also tend to use more aggressive throttling for thermal management—something to consider for those constantly handling small file operations throughout the day. So, in high-intensity 4K access systems like yours, what factors compensate for the lack of DRAM?