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Asked: 2024-09-25T07:11:56+05:30 In:

How can I check and enable the write cache feature for a PCIe NVMe Samsung SSD 950 Pro in an Ubuntu environment?

I recently got my hands on a PCIe NVMe Samsung SSD 950 Pro, and I’m super excited to set it up for my Ubuntu machine. However, I’ve been hearing a lot about how important it is to enable the write cache feature on SSDs to enhance performance and prolong their lifespan. Honestly, I’m not exactly a tech wizard, but I want to make sure I’m doing things right.

So, I’ve done some digging online, and I stumbled upon a few articles about optimizing SSDs, particularly with write cache settings. But they all seem to throw around a lot of technical jargon that makes my head spin. Like, I get that it’s supposed to help with write speeds and all that, but I genuinely don’t understand how to actually check if the write cache is enabled or how to enable it if it’s not.

I’ve tried using some commands in the terminal, but I’m not even sure what I should be looking for in the output. I mean, are there specific flags or indicators I should pay attention to? And then there’s the whole thing about making sure that the cache is safe to use, because I’ve read that enabling it without proper procedures could lead to data loss in case of a power failure or something.

If anyone could break this down for me, I’d really appreciate it! Like, what commands should I run? Do I need to install any extra tools or software to manage the SSD? And what steps should I take to enable the write cache safely? Also, if there are any best practices or tips for maintaining my SSD’s health, that would be awesome too. I really want to get the most out of this drive and ensure it’s running efficiently!

So, yeah, if you could share your experiences or any resources you found helpful, that would be amazing! Thanks a ton in advance for your help!

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    2 Answers



    1. Enabling Write Cache on Samsung SSD 950 Pro in Ubuntu

      To check and enable write cache on your Samsung SSD 950 Pro in Ubuntu, you’ll want to start by using the command line. Open a terminal and run the following command to see if write caching is enabled for the SSD: sudo hdparm -W /dev/nvme0n1. Replace /dev/nvme0n1 with the correct device identifier for your SSD (you can find it using lsblk or sudo fdisk -l). The output will indicate whether the write cache is enabled (returning a 1) or disabled (returning a 0). If it’s turned off and you want to enable it, run another command: sudo hdparm -W1 /dev/nvme0n1. However, remember that enabling write caching can increase the risk of data loss during power failure, so you should ideally have a reliable power backup (like a UPS) in place.

      To further optimize your SSD’s performance and longevity, consider installing the smartmontools package, which allows you to monitor the health of your SSD using the command sudo smartctl -a /dev/nvme0n1. Pay attention to the Wear Leveling Count, Power-On Hours, and other SMART attributes to understand your drive’s status better. Regularly check for firmware updates from Samsung as they may include optimizations and bug fixes. Additionally, avoid filling the drive to its full capacity and enable TRIM support, which helps the SSD manage unused data more effectively. You can enable TRIM by adding fstrim to your scheduled tasks or manually running it via sudo fstrim -v / (or the appropriate mount point). Following these practices will help ensure your SSD runs efficiently and lasts longer.




    2. Enabling Write Cache on Samsung SSD 950 Pro

      Getting Started with Your Samsung SSD 950 Pro

      First off, it’s super exciting to hear you’ve got your hands on that PCIe NVMe Samsung SSD 950 Pro! Setting it up can definitely boost your Ubuntu machine’s performance. Now, about the write cache – it’s important for both speed and longevity!

      Checking the Write Cache Status

      Here’s a simple way to check if the write cache is enabled. Open your terminal and run this command: 

      sudo hdparm -W /dev/nvme0n1

      Replace /dev/nvme0n1 with your actual SSD device name. If the output says writing is enabled, you’re good to go!

      Enabling Write Cache

      If it’s not enabled, you can turn it on with this command: 

      sudo hdparm -W1 /dev/nvme0n1

      Again, make sure to adjust the device name accordingly. Just keep in mind that enabling the write cache can lead to data loss during power failures, so it’s generally safer to have a good UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in case of an unexpected shutdown.

      Best Practices for SSD Health

      Here are a few tips to keep your SSD running smoothly:

      • Make sure TRIM is enabled. You can check this with: sudo fstrim -v /.
      • Avoid filling your SSD to the brim – try to keep at least 10-20% free space.
      • Update your firmware to the latest version, as it can improve performance and lifespan.
      • Regularly back up your data to avoid losses.

      Additional Tools

      If you want to manage your SSD more easily, consider using tools like nvme-cli. You can install it with: 

      sudo apt install nvme-cli

      Once installed, you can use nvme list to view your SSD’s details and settings.

      Wrapping It Up

      Don’t hesitate to dive into different forums or communities if you have more questions. There are lots of folks who started off where you are and can share their experiences. Enjoy your speedy SSD!


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