Hardware

NVMe

The storage protocol that lets SSDs work over PCIe with many parallel command queues.

// EXPLANATION

Where SATA is limited to one queue and 32 commands, NVMe supports tens of thousands of queues. That makes a big difference in random reads/writes and latency, and is the source of modern SSD speeds.

// ALSO KNOWN AS

NVMe

// RELATED TERMS

SSD (solid-state drive)A solid-state storage drive with no moving parts that stores data in NAND flash cells. PCIeThe lane-based serial bus standard that connects graphics cards, SSDs and other components to the motherboard. DirectStorageThe Microsoft API that moves game assets from an NVMe SSD straight into graphics-card memory with minimal CPU involvement.

// ARTICLES THAT MENTION THIS TERM

SOFTWARE_SECURITY SOFTWARE_SECURITY September 10, 2026 Hidden Windows 11 Features: Tools for Admins and Hardware Pros For the average computer user, Windows 11 is nothing more than colorful windows, a centered Start menu and a polished interface that launches apps. But dig into the depths of the operating… 4 MIN READ #HARDWARE

HARDWARE HARDWARE September 10, 2026 Cut Out the CPU: Streaming Data from SSD to VRAM (DirectStorage) You bought one of the fastest PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 NVMe SSDs on the market, capable of reading 7000 MB per second. You set up your system and launched your favorite open-world game. Yet while sprinting… 4 MIN READ #HARDWARE

HARDWARE HARDWARE September 10, 2026 Does an SSD Boost GPU Performance? Hardware Myths vs Reality One of the biggest myths that crosses people's minds when building a new system or upgrading an old computer is this: "If I install a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD, will I get higher… 5 MIN READ #HARDWARE

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