To find out whether an SSD uses QLC or TLC NAND, first identify its exact model and capacity, then check the manufacturer’s documentation for that specific drive. To find its write-buffer size, look for an SLC cache or buffer specification. Generic labels such as “3D NAND,” a benchmark result, or a general-purpose disk utility do not by themselves establish either fact.
1. Identify the exact SSD model and capacity
Start with the full model string and the drive’s capacity. A product-family name alone may cover multiple capacities or variants, and their specifications can differ.
- Check the label on the drive if it is accessible.
- Otherwise, use your operating system’s disk or device information, or the SSD maker’s utility, to find the model and capacity.
- Record any model suffix or revision shown. Use it to match the drive to the correct manufacturer documentation.
2. Check the manufacturer’s NAND specification
Search the exact model string on the manufacturer’s website, ideally alongside “datasheet,” “product brief,” or “NAND.” Prefer official documentation over retailer listings, and confirm that the listed capacity and model suffix match your drive.
Look for an explicit NAND cell type: TLC or QLC. “3D NAND,” “V-NAND,” and marketing names for NAND generations do not, on their own, tell you whether a drive uses TLC or QLC. If the maker’s available documentation does not state the cell type, treat it as undisclosed; do not infer it from the drive’s price, capacity, or performance.
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Manufacturer examples show why checking the exact product matters:
- Samsung’s 860 QVO white paper identifies that product family as QLC NAND and lists 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB models. Samsung states that QLC stores four bits per physical cell and TLC stores three. The four-versus-three bit comparison is a theoretical per-cell storage difference, not a claim that QLC is 33% faster or gives an entire drive 33% more capacity.
- Micron’s 2400 NVMe SSD product page identifies that particular drive as QLC. That designation does not establish the NAND type of other Micron products.
3. Find the SLC write-cache specification
For sustained write behavior, look in the documentation for “SLC cache,” “SLC buffer,” “pseudo-SLC,” “write buffer,” or the manufacturer’s branded term. Match the specification to the exact capacity: buffer information may vary by model size, and a vendor may describe a maximum or dynamic region rather than a fixed amount that is always available. If the official material does not give a capacity, say it is not disclosed there rather than estimating one.
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- A prime choice for professional gaming upgrades
- Performance enhanced by fourfold, ready to start a game anytime
- TB-level large capacity for worry-free gaming storage
- Exceptional performance and durability
- Optimized operational performance with reliability, improved lifespan and intelligent health monitoring
The Samsung 860 QVO white paper provides a product-specific example. Its 2018 figures describe TurboWrite regions of 42 GB for the 1 TB model and 78 GB for each of the 2 TB and 4 TB models. The 1 TB figure comprises a 6 GB default region plus a 36 GB intelligent region; the larger models’ figure comprises 6 GB plus 72 GB. These figures apply to the documented 860 QVO capacities, not to SSDs generally.
Samsung describes Intelligent Turbo Write as internal SLC buffering that improves write speeds; data is later moved to multi-bit cells when the drive is not reading or writing. Its internal SSD product information FAQ says to consult the individual product datasheet for product details.
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- Smart Dual Cache and powerful performance
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- Before purchasing, please make sure that your motherboard/laptops, processor (CPU), and BIOS support the SSD you are buying to avoid incompatibility issues.
4. Distinguish NAND SLC buffering from DRAM write cache
The word “cache” can refer to different components. An SLC write buffer is NAND configured temporarily for faster writes. A DRAM write cache is volatile memory that can queue operating-system write requests. Samsung describes these separately in its internal SSD product information FAQ. When a listing or specification says only “write cache,” check which type it means before quoting a size.
5. Treat utilities and benchmarks as clues, not proof
Do not assume that CrystalDiskInfo or another general-purpose utility reports NAND type or SLC-buffer capacity for every SSD. The available Samsung materials establish that its utility can check performance, not that a general-purpose tool universally identifies NAND type or cache size. Check the specific software version and drive if you are relying on a utility field.
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- Smart Dual Cache and powerful performance
- A monster that can defeat mechanical hard drives
- Ultra-high durability. Stable and reliable
- Supports SLC Caching technology and enjoys a smooth user experience with a fast read/write speed of up to 500/460MB/s
- Manufacturer Warranty: 3-year or TBW (Terabytes Written) limited warranty. Free Technical Support and Customer Service on TEAMGROUP's official website. The definition and conditions of TBW are based on the JEDEC standard.
A long sequential-write test may show a speed drop after a fast buffer fills, but that behavior does not prove whether the NAND is TLC or QLC, nor does it establish the maker’s advertised buffer capacity. Test results vary with test size, drive state, free space, temperature, workload, controller, firmware, interface, and platform. Samsung also warns that performance-check results vary with the benchmark tool, hardware, and configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare when choosing between SSDs
Compare exact models and capacities rather than relying on a headline sequential-write speed. Useful comparison points include:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1B Storage Capacity
- M2. 2280 Form Factor
- PCIe NVMe 3.0 x4 Interface
- 1800 MB/s Sequential Read Speeds. 1800 Sequential Write Speeds. Intel QLC 3D NAND
- NAND type, if the manufacturer discloses it.
- Interface and form factor, checked against your system’s compatibility requirements.
- SLC-buffer behavior and published size, if stated for that capacity.
- Sustained write performance after buffering, endurance rating, and warranty.
- Price per usable capacity.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
