SK Hynix vs Addlink Nvme SSDs: Which Brand Fits You?
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When you compare SK Hynix vs addlink nvme SSD options for a 2.5-inch upgrade, both drives offer SATA III connectivity. The SK Hynix Gold S31 focuses on premium components and a longer warranty. The Addlink S20 targets budget-conscious users with SLC caching. Both fit standard laptops and desktops. You need to check capacity and cache types to decide which fits your workflow.
Key differences
| Aspect | SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD | Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Max Read Speed | Up to 560MB/s | Up to 500MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 525MB/s | Up to 450MB/s |
| Cache Type | DRAM + HYPERWRITE | SLC Caching |
| Warranty | 5-year | 3-year |
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 512GB |
Which one should you choose?
Choose SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD if
- You want dedicated DRAM for better sustained performance.
- You need a longer 5-year warranty for peace of mind.
- You prefer higher sequential write speeds for large files.
Choose Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD if
- You want a slightly larger 512GB capacity.
- You are upgrading a PS4 or similar console.
- You need a drive that works without dedicated DRAM.
Verdict: Choose the SK Hynix Gold S31 if you prioritize DRAM caching and a longer warranty for desktop reliability. Pick the Addlink S20 if you need 512GB of space and are installing into a console or budget laptop. Both drives deliver fast SATA III speeds for daily tasks.
SK Hynix Gold S31 vs Addlink S20
Transfer speed
The SK Hynix Gold S31 offers higher sequential performance with read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s. This is driven by its proprietary HYPERWRITE cache technology. The Addlink S20 provides sequential read speeds of 500MB/s and write speeds of 450MB/s. It uses SLC caching to maintain responsiveness during large file transfers. For users who prioritize faster data movement, the SK Hynix drive delivers superior peak throughput. The Addlink drive remains competent for general tasks but trails in raw speed metrics.
Cache type
The SK Hynix Gold S31 includes dedicated DRAM cache alongside its HYPERWRITE technology. DRAM cache helps manage data mapping efficiently, which can improve sustained performance and system responsiveness. The Addlink S20 does not include dedicated DRAM. Instead, it relies on SLC write caching to simulate faster speeds. SLC caching allocates a portion of the NAND flash to operate at higher speeds. This approach saves cost but may result in slower performance once the cache fills up. The presence of DRAM gives SK Hynix an edge in handling complex workloads.
Warranty length
Reliability is often measured by warranty coverage. The SK Hynix Gold S31 comes with a 5-year warranty. It also boasts a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 1.5 million hours and a Total Bytes Written (TBW) rating of up to 600TBW. The Addlink S20 is backed by a 3-year limited warranty. The data does not specify a TBW rating or MTBF for the Addlink drive. A longer warranty period suggests greater confidence in long-term durability from the manufacturer. SK Hynix offers significantly better protection for your investment.
Form factor
Both drives utilize the standard 2.5-inch form factor, making them compatible with most desktops and laptops that support SATA drives. The physical dimensions are nearly identical. Both measure 2.75 inches in width, 3.94 inches in length, and 0.28 inches in height. This slim profile allows them to fit into PS4 consoles and older laptops without requiring adapters. Since the physical footprint and interface are the same, neither drive holds an advantage in terms of compatibility or installation space.
NAND type
The Addlink S20 explicitly uses 3D NAND flash memory. This technology stacks memory cells vertically to increase density and efficiency. The SK Hynix Gold S31 features are described as powered by in-house 3D NAND, controller, and DRAM. While SK Hynix is a major memory manufacturer, the specific NAND generation is not detailed beyond the general term. Both drives use modern NAND technology. Without specific details on the NAND process node or layer count for the SK Hynix drive, we cannot determine a technical superiority in memory architecture based on the provided data.
Choose the right SSD for your needs
Users wanting maximum speed and DRAM
The SK Hynix Gold S31 offers higher sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s. It includes dedicated DRAM cache and proprietary HYPERWRITE technology. This setup provides superior performance for heavy workloads compared to cache-only alternatives. The drive also features a longer 5-year warranty and higher endurance rating of 600 TBW for long-term reliability.
PS4 owners needing a slim fit
The Addlink S20 is designed specifically for PlayStation 4 consoles. It uses a standard 2.5-inch, 7mm slim form factor that fits directly into PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro models without requiring any extra adapters. You can clone your existing drive and play immediately. This makes it a convenient drop-in upgrade for gaming systems that support SATA III connections.
Budget buyers upgrading from HDDs
The Addlink S20 uses SLC caching to maintain responsive speeds during large file transfers, even without dedicated DRAM. It delivers sequential read speeds up to 500MB/s and write speeds up to 450MB/s. This provides a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives for booting Windows and launching apps. The 3D NAND design ensures durability and silent operation for everyday computing tasks.
The products compared
SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD
Best for: reliable SATA upgrades with DRAM
- Storage Capacity
- 500GB
- Interface
- SATA Gen3
- Form Factor
- 2.5 inch
- Max Read Speed
- Up to 560MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- Up to 525MB/s
- Cache Type
- HYPERWRITE, DRAM
View on Amazon: SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD Affiliate link
This SK Hynix Gold S31 is a 500GB 2.5-inch SATA III drive. It offers sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s. The unit uses in-house 3D NAND, a dedicated DRAM cache, and HYPERWRITE cache technology. You get a 5-year warranty with 600 TBW endurance. It fits standard desktops and laptops needing reliable SATA storage.
Pros
- Sequential read speeds up to 560MB/s
- Includes dedicated DRAM and HYPERWRITE cache
- 600 TBW endurance rating
- 5-year warranty coverage
Cons
- 500GB capacity is smaller than 1TB options
- SATA III interface limits speed vs NVMe
- No NVMe PCIe connectivity
Good fit if
- You need reliable SATA storage for a laptop
- You want a drive with dedicated DRAM cache
- You prefer a 5-year warranty
Skip if
- You need NVMe PCIe speeds
- You require more than 500GB capacity
- You want the largest possible storage size
Verdict: SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD delivers solid SATA performance with DRAM caching. It suits users upgrading older systems who value endurance and warranty over raw speed.
Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD
Best for: PlayStation 4 and legacy laptop storage upgrades
- Storage Capacity
- 512GB
- Interface
- SATA III
- Form Factor
- 2.5 inch
- Max Read Speed
- 500MB/s
- Max Write Speed
- 450MB/s
- Cache Type
- SLC Caching
View on Amazon: Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD Affiliate link
The Addlink S20 is a 2.5-inch internal solid-state drive built on 3D NAND flash with a SATA III 6Gb/s interface. It delivers sequential speeds up to 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write, utilizing SLC write caching instead of dedicated DRAM. With a slim 7mm thickness, it gives you a direct replacement for mechanical hard drives in laptops, desktops, and PlayStation 4 systems.
Pros
- Up to 500MB/s read and 450MB/s write sequential speeds
- Standard 7mm 2.5-inch form factor fits laptops and PS4 consoles
- Integrated SLC write caching maintains responsiveness
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Operates without dedicated onboard DRAM cache
- Maximum write speed is capped at 450MB/s
Good fit if
- You want a 512GB 7mm SATA SSD for a laptop or PS4 drive bay.
- You need an everyday boot drive that uses SLC write caching.
Skip if
- You require an SSD equipped with dedicated onboard DRAM.
- You need faster transfer rates than 500MB/s read or 450MB/s write.
Verdict: Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD gives users looking to replace a legacy hard drive 512GB of 3D NAND storage in a 7mm form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | SK Hynix Gold S31 500GB SATA SSD | Addlink S20 512GB 2.5-Inch SATA SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 500GB | 512GB |
| Interface | SATA Gen3 | SATA III |
| Form Factor | 2.5 inch | 2.5 inch |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 560MB/s | 500MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 525MB/s | 450MB/s |
| Cache Type | HYPERWRITE, DRAM | SLC Caching |
| NAND Type | not stated | 3D NAND |
| Size | 500GB | 512GB |
| Dimensions | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches | 3.94 × 2.75 × 0.28 inches |
| Weight | 1.85 ounces | not stated |
| Color | Gold | S20 |
| Model | SHGS31-500GS-2 | ad512GBS20S3S |
Frequently asked questions
Are SK Hynix and Addlink NVMe SSDs compatible with my motherboard?
The drives listed here use SATA III interfaces, not NVMe. They fit in standard 2.5-inch bays found in most laptops and desktops. You need a motherboard with SATA ports to connect them. If your system only supports M.2 NVMe drives, these specific models will not work. Check your manual for available SATA connectors before purchasing.
Does the SK Hynix Gold S31 include DRAM cache?
Yes, the SK Hynix Gold S31 includes dedicated DRAM caching. This component helps manage data mapping and improves sustained performance during heavy workloads. The Addlink S20 uses SLC caching instead. DRAM cache generally offers more consistent speeds when handling large files compared to SLC-only solutions.
Which drive is better for upgrading a PS4?
The Addlink S20 is a straightforward choice for PlayStation 4 upgrades. It uses a standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor that fits the console's drive bay. The SK Hynix Gold S31 also fits physically, but the Addlink S20 is specifically noted for console compatibility. Both provide silent operation, which is ideal for gaming systems.
What is the difference between SLC and DRAM cache?
DRAM cache is a separate chip that stores the drive's mapping table, improving efficiency. SLC cache is a portion of the NAND flash used as a high-speed buffer. The SK Hynix Gold S31 uses DRAM for robust performance. The Addlink S20 relies on SLC caching. DRAM is typically more stable during sustained writes.
Can I use these SSDs in a desktop computer?
Yes, both drives use the 2.5-inch form factor, which is standard for desktops. They connect via SATA III cables to your motherboard. This makes them suitable for older systems that lack M.2 slots. You can easily install them in any desktop case with a 2.5-inch drive mount and available SATA power and data ports.
Does the SK Hynix Gold S31 use HYPERWRITE technology?
Yes, the SK Hynix Gold S31 utilizes proprietary HYPERWRITE cache technology. This feature enhances its sequential write performance. It helps maintain faster speeds when transferring large files. The Addlink S20 does not list this specific technology, relying instead on standard SLC caching for performance management.