Historically, "memory" referred strictly to volatile RAM (Random Access Memory)—the sticks you insert into your motherboard. However, as SSDs began to replace HDDs, the lines blurred. SSDs look similar to RAM sticks (in the M.2 form factor) and perform a function that feels like "extended memory" to the user.
Standard USB drives choke on small 4K files. The SM3280AA supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), which allows command queuing. This makes the memory bar ideal for running portable operating systems (Windows To Go, Linux Live USB) or lightweight databases. sm3280aa memory bar
| Feature | SM3280AA | IS903 (Innostor) | PS2251-09 (Phison) | JMS901 (JMicron) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 400 MB/s | 350 MB/s | 300 MB/s | 420 MB/s | | Max Write | 250 MB/s | 280 MB/s | 180 MB/s | 300 MB/s | | UASP Support | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | | 4K Performance | Good | Poor | Average | Excellent | | Power Draw | Low | High | Medium | Low | | Best For | General + Boot | Pure sequential | Budget | High-end flash | Standard USB drives choke on small 4K files