Storage type is one of the most overlooked factors in game server performance. Here is how NVMe, SATA SSD and HDD compare.
Speed Comparison
| Type | Read Speed | Write Speed | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVMe SSD | 3,500-7,000 MB/s | 2,000-5,000 MB/s | Under 0.1ms |
| SATA SSD | 500-550 MB/s | 450-520 MB/s | Under 0.5ms |
| HDD | 80-160 MB/s | 80-160 MB/s | 5-10ms |
Where It Matters
- Minecraft: Chunk generation and loading (exploring new areas)
- Rust: Map loading, especially with large maps and many entities
- ARK: World saves and dinosaur spawning
- Any game: Server startup time and auto-save operations
The HostValues Difference
All HostValues servers run exclusively on NVMe SSDs. No SATA fallbacks, no spinning disks. This means your server loads fast, generates terrain quickly and saves without lag spikes.