Hardware is becoming increasingly expensive, which makes it even more important to get the maximum performance out of a purchase. A tech enthusiast is now pointing out a often overlooked but potentially important feature of SSDs.
What feature is the PC builder highlighting? Linus Tech Tips explains in his latest YouTube video from 04/08/2026 that some SSD models do not have a separate DRAM cache and why buyers should opt for such a model. He subsequently urges users to stop purchasing incorrect variants.
A cache is a small additional memory, which is built in as a buffer on an SSD, for example. It serves to temporarily store files and to accelerate memory processes and access times (via atpinc).
Linus explains that there are indeed many SSDs without a buffer, but they often perform worse than their counterparts with additional memory.
He also points out that many manufacturers, such as WD, MSI, and Corsair, do not always indicate in their datasheets whether an SSD has a cache or not. According to the YouTuber, this makes it significantly more difficult for buyers to pay attention to this when making a purchase.
This is also not the first time Linus has done research for his users. Just recently, he collaborated with NASA to find out how much distance a PC should have from the wall.
The prices of hardware have surged dramatically in recent months. A brief summary of the current situation can be found in the following video:
Your operating system will thank you
Is cache even important? The additional memory of an SSD can speed up a PC’s operating system, as the buffer allows actions like long write sequences during system updates to be accelerated (via YouTube).
However, it is important to note that cache-less Solid State Drives usually solve the same function via the so-called “Host-Memory-Buffer.” Here, a small part of the computer’s RAM is utilized. Although this is slower, there is usually no noticeable difference (via sabrent).
For gaming, however, the function is hardly relevant since many games benefit little from additional cache. The exception to this are titles like Death Stranding 2 and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, which support DirectStorage. This occurs by transferring the game files directly from an M.2 SSD to your graphics card (via steamdb).
How do I find out if a hard drive has cache? It is also not always easy to determine whether a certain model has a buffer or not.
Use comparison portals like Geizhals, as these sites show you a detailed datasheet of available products. Among these, it will also state under “DRAM-Cache” whether and how much of it is available in a particular SSD.
Therefore, we recommend using a model with DRAM for your gaming PC, on which you store your operating system whenever possible. For a second or even third storage drive for games, the additional buffer is irrelevant. Instead, pay attention to the price, as this could change soon: Data centers are consuming RAM and SSDs, but now we know when prices might drop again
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