![fusion drive compared to ssd fusion drive compared to ssd](https://i.imgur.com/r0C6CzJ.png)
But what happens when you go to write to the array? The same is true for the 128GB + 3TB option (~3.1TB total storage).īy default the OS and all preloaded applications are physically stored on the 128GB of NAND flash. In the case of the 128GB + 1TB option, the total available storage is ~1.1TB. Total volume size is the sum of both parts. The iMac I played with had a Samsung based SSD inside. I would expect this SSD to use the same Toshiba or Samsung controllers we've seen in other Macs. Originally I thought this might be SSD caching but after poking around the new iMacs and talking to Apple I have a better understanding of what's going on.įor starters, the 128GB of NAND is simply an SSD on a custom form factor PCB with the same connector that's used in the new MacBook Air and rMBP models.
Fusion drive compared to ssd software#
The Fusion part comes in courtesy of Apple's software that takes the two independent drives and presents them to the user as a single volume. The new iMac and Mac mini can be outfitted with a Fusion Drive option that couples 128GB of NAND flash with either a 1TB or 3TB hard drive. With Fusion Drive, Apple is attempting to offer the best of both worlds. End users have to choose between performance or capacity/cost-per-GB. Apple offers either solid state or mechanical HDD storage in its iMac and Mac mini. For the iMac and Mac mini, Apple introduced a new feature that I honestly expected it to debut much earlier: Fusion Drive. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini all got updated today. During its iPad mini launch event today Apple updated many members of its Mac lineup.