Whether you're operating a massive enterprise network or playing a new video game, you should have the right setup to handle your data storage and processing needs. Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is one of the latest communication protocols in storage drives, delivering faster speeds, greater bandwidth and better reliability. Lenovo offers some of the top NVMe SSD drives available with fast speeds and plenty of storage space.

What Is NVMe?

Non-Volatile Memory Express is a new protocol for storage access and data transfers. It dictates how computers and storage devices should operate when transmitting or processing data to optimize performance, speed and accuracy to the highest possible standard. NVMe servers achieve these higher rates by using the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus standard for direct connections rather than traditional Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interfaces.

While your network may not need NVMe communication just yet, it's now essential for many solid-state drives (SSDs) and other advanced equipment. Future storage drivers, servers and applications are poised to adopt NVMe protocols, too, thanks to its unmatched benefits. So, establishing an NVMe setup supports you to futureproof your network for future growth and technological advancements. 

What Is NVMe Storage Used For?

NVMe communication significantly boosts networks' speeds, accessibility and scalability when handling non-volatile storage within your SSD or computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU). However, its advanced benefits may not suit every type of network, such as small business networks with only a few devices. 

The best uses for NVMe servers include:

• Managing data centers: Data centers store extensive amounts of information across dozens or hundreds of SSDs and other devices, resulting in a high volume of traffic and various connection types. NVMe communication optimizes these connections for faster results and minimal congestion. 
• Data analytics: NVMe communication can speed up the time it takes computer systems to analyze data, whether you're compiling past transactions or using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool. 
• Video editing and gaming: Modern videos and games often use large files that can quickly fill up a device's memory. NVMe storage lets users access the files stored within SSDs with almost no lag, making video editing faster and boosting the image quality of video games. 

Benefits of Lenovo NVMe

Choosing the right equipment for your network is essential for its scalability and long-term performance by providing the tools, protocols and space to help your business adapt to future needs. Lenovo NVMe drives, switches, and servers stand out for their higher speeds, extended bandwidth, ease of scalability and affordability. 

Speed

NVMe storage drives deliver faster read and write speeds, contributing to speedier loading, booting and response processes than older protocols. This minimizes latency and delays when accessing high volumes of data, larger files or multiple devices at once. 

Lenovo's ThinkSystem servers support NVMe connections with link speeds of up to 64 gigabytes per second (Gbps), depending on the model you choose. For instance, the Lenovo ThinkSystem DB720S Gen7 FC SAN Switch supports device speeds between 8 and 64 Gbps, with a 50% decrease in latency compared to the previous model generation. 

Boosted Performance

NVMe standards let storage devices transfer data faster and more effectively across longer distances for maximum performance. The two fastest NVMe ThinkSystem server switches support a total bandwidth of 4 terabytes per second (Tbps) or more. This lets you transfer most data in milliseconds, whether you're right next to the storage device or four floors below it. As the tech advances, so will bandwidth and speed capabilities. 

This high-level NVMe performance is especially beneficial for gaming, streaming and other video-related needs. For example, you can reduce loading times and optimize graphics for new video games with high processing needs. 

Scalability

Having switches and servers with NVMe architecture future-proofs your network for speed and technology advancements. Devices other than SSDs are adopting NVMe protocol as technology evolves. Your network supporting and functioning with NVMe may save costly replacements later while aligning your network with this change. 

The largest Lenovo ThinkSystem switch currently supports up to 96 connections at once with ports-on-demand scalability. If that's not enough, you can also invest in Lenovo's NVMe-compatible Fibre Channel directors, which currently support up to 512 ports at 32 Gbps. Mission-critical large memory servers can significantly expand your network's capacity for practically limitless possibilities with continuous advancements. 

Cost Efficiency

Lenovo ThinkSystem servers and other devices come in multiple models with different port, speed and bandwidth options, so you can find the exact solution for your network's current and future needs. This means you can potentially save money on your NVMe by not buying something too large for your needs or something too small that you'd have to replace later. 

Furthermore, Lenovo devices are compatible with other Lenovo tools, such as XClarity Administrator, which offers centralized control over your network. This means you can easily upgrade and optimize your network as your needs evolve rather than completely replacing your gear. 

NVMe vs. SATA SSDs

SATA SSDs use the same interface as traditional storage equipment, offering reliable performance and standard transfer speeds. They work faster than standard hard drive connections and are compatible with most network equipment. Plus, they're quite affordable. However, SATA devices fall short of modern capabilities, especially compared to NVMe upgrades. 

NVMe drives use a PCIe interface, specialized architecture and advanced protocols to deliver significantly faster speeds, lower latency and real-time performance than SATA devices. While you may still find more SATA drives on the shelf than NVMe options, NVMe protocols are becoming more and more popular with new equipment. 

Fortunately, as long as you have a network switch that's compatible with both SATA and NVMe SSD drives, you shouldn't have to choose just one option. Advanced equipment, such as ThinkSystem servers, lets you connect both types of devices in your network to maximize speed and affordability as needed. 

Understanding NVMe and PCIe

While NVMe protocols use PCIe, the two interfaces are quite different. PCIe, or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, is a high-speed interface used to connect and operate many devices, including motherboards, graphics cards and storage drives. It was one of the first shared bus architectures to establish direct connections between devices, enabling significantly faster transfer speeds and supporting various lane configurations. 

Most NVMe SSD drives and devices use PCIe to support faster and more accurate transfers across wider bandwidths. NVMe interfaces build off of PCIe to specifically prioritize storage and other complex data types to go beyond basic PCIe devices' capabilities. 

In simpler terms, while most NVMe devices use PCIe, only some PCIe devices use the NVMe protocol. So, if you're shopping for a drive with PCIe capabilities, an NVMe SSD may work perfectly for you, especially if you have extensive storage needs. Be sure to check your motherboard's specifications to confirm it has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe drives. You can typically find this information by checking the manual that came with your PC.

Lenovo NVMe SSDs

Lenovo's NVMe SSDs suit various storage and usage needs. Perhaps you want extensive storage for your small business's network or a little more room on your Xbox One if you're shopping as an individual.

The top types of Lenovo NVMe SSD drives include:

• ThinkCentre SSDs: These SSDs' storage sizes range from 256 gigabytes (GB) to one terabyte (TB) for standard, which are ideal for everyday personal and business use. They are relatively small, easily plugging directly into ports without taking up much room. 
• ThinkPad SSDs: The largest ThinkPad SSD offers four TB of storage in a compact, generation four drive. They pair easily with select Lenovo ThinkPad notebooks for various uses. 
• Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox: This two TB SSD for the Xbox Series X|S significantly expands your Xbox's storage and graphics capabilities. Minimize lag, loading screens and bugs while maximizing your view distance, image quality and playtime. 

Start Setting Up Your NVMe Connections

A single NVMe SSD drive can significantly expand your storage capacity with up to four TB of available space. However, it may not suit your network if you don't have a modernized NVMe setup. Investing in NVMe-compatible equipment, such as NVMe servers, switches and motherboards, can significantly expand your storage capabilities as the technology evolves. Plus, you can maximize your connections for faster transfer speeds and real-time results. 

Explore Lenovo's top NVMe drives and servers to find options that suit your network and storage goals.