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Three client SSD controllers with explicit manufacturer documentation for DRAM-less operation are Silicon Motion SM2504XT, Silicon Motion SM2267XT, and Marvell 88SS1322. This is a verified-example list, not a complete inventory of every current, legacy, OEM-only, or SATA controller.
Which SSD controllers are DRAM-less?
The following models are confirmed by their manufacturers as designed for or capable of DRAM-less SSD operation:
| Controller | Vendor and interface | What the manufacturer documents |
|---|---|---|
| SM2504XT | Silicon Motion; PCIe Gen5 x4, NVMe 2.0 | Designed for DRAM-less SSDs; supports Host Memory Buffer (HMB) and SCA. Silicon Motion lists maximums of 11.5 GB/s sequential read, 11.0 GB/s sequential write, and 2.0 million random IOPS. These are vendor specifications, not independent test results. Silicon Motion product page. |
| SM2267XT | Silicon Motion; PCIe Gen4 x4, NVMe 1.4 | Silicon Motion’s 2020 announcement explicitly calls it DRAM-less. It lists maximum sequential read/write speeds of 3,900/3,500 MB/s and maximum random read of 500K IOPS with HMB versus 200K without HMB; maximum random write is 500K IOPS. These are manufacturer specifications. The announcement distinguishes it from the related SM2267, which has a DRAM interface. Silicon Motion announcement. |
| 88SS1322 | Marvell; PCIe Gen4, four NAND channels | Marvell says it supports DRAM-less operations and targets small-form-factor M.2 and BGA SSDs. Marvell product page. |
What does DRAM-less mean on an NVMe SSD?
“DRAM-less” means the SSD design does not include a dedicated DRAM cache. It does not mean the drive has no memory of any kind. An NVMe SSD can use Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to borrow a portion of the host system’s memory for some mapping information.
HMB support and its effect are model-specific. Silicon Motion’s published SM2267XT figures, for example, give different maximum random-read performance with HMB and without it. Do not assume that every DRAM-less controller supports HMB, or that HMB makes its behavior identical to an SSD with dedicated DRAM.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Why the list is not exhaustive
Controller catalogs do not always state whether each model supports DRAM-less operation. Phison’s official catalog lists controllers by interface and performance but does not identify DRAM status in its catalog table, so a model suffix or family relationship is not enough to confirm it. Phison controller catalog.
A Micron SpecTek Buyers Guide search result updated 2026-03-30 surfaced a broader inventory across vendors including Silicon Motion, Phison, InnoGrit, Maxio, Realtek, TenaFe, Yeestor, and ASolid. The guide itself was not accessible for model-by-model inspection, so that result does not establish specific additional controllers for this list. Micron SpecTek Buyers Guide.
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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Accordingly, the table includes only examples whose cited manufacturer material explicitly establishes DRAM-less operation. It should not be read as evidence that other vendors lack DRAM-less models.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to verify a controller in a particular SSD
- Find the exact controller model. Check a manufacturer product brief or teardown for the exact drive model and hardware revision; a retail product name alone may not identify its current components.
- Check the controller’s own documentation. Look for an explicit statement that the model is DRAM-less or supports DRAM-less operation. Do not infer the configuration from a suffix or a related controller: SM2267 and SM2267XT, for example, have different documented memory configurations.
- Check features separately. Confirm HMB or SCA only when documentation for that specific controller states support. The SM2504XT page documents both, but that feature set should not be generalized to every DRAM-less controller.
- Evaluate the complete SSD, not just the controller. NAND, firmware, capacity, thermal behavior, and the drive’s exact bill of materials all affect finished-drive performance. Controller specifications are not independent reviews of an SSD.
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.
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