DRAM and DRAM-less SSDs
How DRAM, host memory buffer (HMB) and DRAM-less NVMe SSDs work, and current prices for each in Australia.
Prices are for in-stock 1TB, 2TB and 4TB M.2 NVMe drives. 10 drives do not list whether they have DRAM. Updated
- With DRAM in stock
- 96
- DRAM-less in stock
- 132
- Lowest 2TB with DRAM
- $427.22
- Lowest 2TB DRAM-less
- $363.18
Cache types
An SSD keeps a map of where each piece of data is stored in its flash memory (NAND). Reading the map from faster memory lets the drive find data sooner.
DRAM cache
A DRAM chip on the drive holds the map.
Host memory buffer (HMB)
The drive keeps part of the map in the computer's RAM. HMB needs an NVMe drive.
No DRAM or HMB
The controller keeps a small part of the map in its own memory and reads the rest from the NAND.
Lowest price by capacity
1TB
Median $399 with DRAM, $279 DRAM-less
MSI SPATIUM M470 PCIe 4.0 · TLC $259.00 Amazon AU DRAM-less · 62 in stock 
Biwin NV3500 PCIe 3.0 · TLC · HMB $159.00 Centre Com 2TB
Median $607.72 with DRAM, $467.50 DRAM-less
Intel 660p PCIe 3.0 · QLC $427.22 Amazon AU DRAM-less · 48 in stock 
Crucial P310 PCIe 4.0 · QLC $363.18 Amazon AU 4TB
Median $1,279.48 with DRAM, $886.43 DRAM-less
Kingston FURY Renegade PCIe 4.0 · TLC $799.00 Centre Com DRAM-less · 22 in stock 
Western Digital Blue SN5000 PCIe 4.0 · QLC · HMB $723.29 Amazon AU Questions
Do I need an SSD with DRAM?
For games and everyday use, DRAM-less NVMe drives with HMB perform close to drives with DRAM. DRAM helps most with heavy work that reads and writes small files across the whole drive, such as databases and virtual machines.
How much more do SSDs with DRAM cost?
At 2TB, the lowest-priced drive with DRAM is $427.22, against $363.18 for a DRAM-less drive. The medians are $607.72 and $467.50.
Do SATA SSDs use HMB?
No. HMB works over NVMe only. SATA drives without DRAM use only the controller's own memory.