QLC vs TLC NAND SSD Disks Specifications Comparison & Differences

In this article, we help you to understand better how QLC vs TLC NAND differs from each other.

If you have basic knowledge about computer storage components, you might very well know how a hard disk drive differs from a solid state drive or SSD. Even if you don’t know many technical details, you may at least know that SSDs are far more superior compared to HDDs when it comes to speed and performance in accessing the stored data. The use of SSDs is increasing day by day in the latest devices. However, given to the expensive price tags on SSDs, you will find hybrid storage used by most of the people with limited budgets. Today at Face of IT, we will be discussing various types of SSDs available in the market.

If you are looking for an SSD storage solution for your system, you might have come across some of the products which offer the same storage capacity but possess a significant difference in price tag. This is because their internal architecture is different, regardless of what capacity they offer.

Related: Best PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD Drives

SSD cell architecture:

Including QLC, there is a total of four types/architectures or SSDs used widely so far:

• SLC – single-level cell
• MLC – multi-level cell
• TLC – triple-level cell
• QLC – Quad level

However, our computing demand in terms of both performance/speed and capacity is increasing very rapidly. Thus, QLC, a new type of flash memory had to be invented. This new type, Quad level cell allows SSDs to provide more massive capacity storage while keeping the price low. Before we discuss TLC and QLC types and go through various products available in each category, here is a quick introduction to NAND flash memory.

Nand Flash Memory:

Compared to conventional hard disk drives, Nand flash storage offers better, faster and cheaper media storage solutions. It is a non-volatile memory which saves data even when power is cut of mid operations. Nand flash storage is a collection of cells, which hold multiple bits. Electrical charge is used to turn these bits on and off. The organizational structure of these cells represents how SSD will store the data. For example, Single level cell or SLC holds a single bit in each cell. Same goes for MLC(double bits) and TLC(triple bits) per cell. QLC is a result of the manufacturer’s efforts towards utilizing each cell at fullest to provide faster storage solutions at cheaper costs. QLC provides 4 bits in each cell.

Also Read: Seagate Barracuda SSD vs Crucial MX500 vs Samsung Evo 860

QLC vs TLC Nand:

The anatomy of these NAND storage types is not that simple; as they possess their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will discuss more TLC and QLC NAND flash storage, and address some of the best products available in this particular category. So you can choose a suitable SSD according to your requirements.

1. TLC Nand – Triple Level Cell:

As mentioned above, in the TLC structure, each cell holds 3 bits of data. As far as manufacturing cost is concerned, this type of flash memory is the cheapest to produce. However, the biggest bottleneck with this type of storage is that it is suitable for consumer level use only as it does not meet the requirements and standards required for industrial or enterprise use. Its read & write cycles are as well shorter. It ranges between 3000 to 5000 cycles per cell.

Overview:

Best TLC Nand Storage:

Following are some of the best TLC Nand storage devices available our there:

1. HP EX920 M.2 1 TB:

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Features Highlight:

• High performance at lower power consumption
• High reliability and system responsiveness
• Compact form factor with minimal weight
• Extensive ruggedness
• Improved data integrity and data security

General:

Performance:

Environmental:

Dimension / Weight:

2. Kingston A1000 960 GB:

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Features Highlight:

• Up to 20 times better performance compared to conventional HDD, perfect for upgrading older systems
• 2 2280 form factor with multi-purpose SFF connector
• Ideal single sided and compact design for thin and light notebooks and systems with limited space
• Available in multiple capacities and price range

General:

Performance:

Environmental:

Dimension / Weight:

3. Intel SSD 600p 1 TB:

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Features Highlight:

• Extended battery life on notebooks/laptops with low power drain compared to HDDs
• Consistent drive performance with enhanced efficiency
• 2 2280 form factor with support to a large range of compatible devices and most of the modern motherboards.
• Available from 128 GB to 1 TB capacities
• 5 year of limited warranty from Intel

General:

Performance:

Environmental:

Dimension / Weight:

2. QLC Nand – Quad Level Cell:

The QLC Nand flash storage offers at least 33% improved storage density as compared to TLC storage solutions. Each cell featured in this type of storage is capable of holding 4 bit of data. Moreover, the write cycle for QLC Nand can go as high as 1000 times per cell. Now. considering the number of bits in each cell, this rate is even better compared to TLC. Since the data is being stored in a more denser architecture, QLC offers more storage capacity while keeping the price level to equal or even lower compared to TLC.

Overview:

Best QLC Nand Storage:

Following are some of the best QLC Nand storage devices available our there:

1. Intel SSD 660p 1 TB:

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Features Highlight:

• More capacity at lower cost with Intel’s 3D NAND QLC technology
• Ideal for laptops/desktops, overcome limitations of previous gen storage solutions
• Higher capacity and faster read performance at comparatively low power consumption, compared to any TLC NAND
• Available with up to 2 TB of storage capacity

General:

Performance:

Environmental:

Dimension / Weight:

2. Crucial P1 1 TB:

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Features Highlight:

• Next-gen NVMe PCIe storage interface
• Impressive read/write performance with up to 1 TB of available capacity
• 5 years of limited warranty from the manufacturer
• Designed for gamers and creators for boosting up system performance, wherever storage is involved

General:

Performance:

Environmental:

Dimension / Weight:

Conclusion:

That’s it for this comparison between TLC and QLC Nand. We hope this post helps you to understand the general difference between these two types of NAND. However, feel free to ask questions in the comment section below. Follow this blog to get regular tech updates right into your inbox. For now, thank you! And see ya until next post!