ADATA Ultimate SU800 1TB 3D TLC SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The ADATA Ultimate SU800 1TB (model ASU800SS-1TT-C) is a solid state drive that uses 3D TLC flash memory. It is listed as compatible with ultrabooks, notebooks and desktops. Swapping an older hard drive for an SSD like this is one of the most common ways to make an ageing computer feel faster.

What the listing tells us

The product information for this drive is brief. It gives the capacity (1TB), the memory type (3D TLC), the model number and the compatible devices: ultrabook, notebook and desktop. It measures about 5.2 x 4.0 x 0.4 inches and weighs 0.1 lb. The listing does not give speeds, endurance figures or warranty terms, so check ADATA's own datasheet for those before you decide.

What 3D TLC means

Flash memory keeps data in cells. TLC (triple-level cell) holds three bits per cell, which allows large capacities in a compact drive. 3D means the cells are stacked in layers instead of laid out flat, which generally increases capacity and can improve durability compared with older planar designs. TLC typically offers a good balance between capacity and endurance for everyday use, though it is not as durable as designs that hold fewer bits per cell.

SSD vs hard drive in daily use

An SSD has no moving parts. In general, that brings faster startup, quicker program loading and better responsiveness than a hard drive, along with silent operation and lower weight. It also tolerates movement better, which is useful in a laptop. The drive's size and weight, about 0.1 lb, are consistent with the 2.5-inch format commonly used for this type of drive. A mounting bracket may be needed in desktop 3.5-inch bays.

The 1TB capacity

A terabyte is enough for the operating system, a good collection of applications and a large set of documents and photos, with room for games or media. Note that a drive's usable space shows up a bit lower than the label in the operating system, because of formatting and how capacity is counted.

Who it suits

It suits people upgrading a laptop or desktop that still uses a hard drive, or adding a second drive for faster storage. It may be less appealing for those who want the latest PCIe NVMe speeds, which need an M.2 slot.

What to check before you buy

• Confirm that your computer takes a 2.5-inch SATA drive. Some ultrabooks use M.2 or soldered storage instead.
• Check the drive's thickness against your laptop's bay, since the listing gives about 0.4 inch (roughly 1 cm).
• Look up speeds, endurance and warranty on the maker's page, since the listing doesn't state them.
• Plan how to move your data across, for example with cloning software or a clean install, and back up first.
• For a desktop, check whether you need a mounting bracket and a spare SATA data and power connection.

The short version

• ADATA Ultimate SU800, 1TB, using 3D TLC flash.
• Listed as compatible with ultrabooks, notebooks and desktops.
• Dimensions about 5.2 x 4.0 x 0.4 inches, weight 0.1 lb.
• The listing gives no speed or warranty details, so check ADATA's datasheet.
• Make sure your device has a 2.5-inch SATA bay.

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