A slow hard drive (HDD) can become a bottleneck for your gaming PC, Laptop, or a high-end performance PC. Mechanical hard drive is the most common primary storage device to store your data and operating system for PC and laptops. They are present for a long time and over the years their capacities and speed have increased to a great extent. However, mechanical hard drives still have limitations in the speed department and are considerably slower than the Solid State Drives or SSDs.
Solid State Drive or SSD is a storage device or drive that has no moving parts or mechanical parts in them. Just like RAM, SSDs store their data in flash memory chips but data stored in SSD is non-volatile which means it stays there even when the power is turned off. Due to flash memory (usually NAND), SSDs are way faster in terms of data transfer speeds (both read & write) compared to a gaming hard drive.
Must Read:
- Best NVMe SSDs for Gaming and Work [M.2 PCIe SSD]
- Top Fastest NVMe PCIe Gen4 Solid State Drives for Work
Common Types of Solid State Drives (SSDs)
Solid State Drives can be categorized into different types based on form factor, speed, and connectivity.
2.5-inch SSD – This is the most commonly used SSD in both laptops and PCs. This SSD is in the form of a traditional disk drive that is 2.5-inches wide. It is available in 7mm or 9.5mm thickness but now all the modern-day laptops use a 7mm thick 2.5-inch SSD. All 2.5” SDDs use a SATA interface and SATA connector to connect to a PC or Laptop.
mSATA SSD – This is a small form factor SSD that is smaller than a 2.5-inch SSD. mSATA SSDs are generally used in compact devices such as laptops and netbooks. mSATA SSD is also known as mini-SATA SSD and it comes with a mini-PCI Express connector. mSATA SSD also works on the SATA interface only having SATA speeds. You can plug mini-SATA SSD in the PCIe Mini-Card slot or mini PCI-Express slot of your laptop or PC.
M.2 SSD – M.2 SSD is another small form factor SSD that looks like a RAM stick. M.2 SSD comes with an M.2 connector and it plugs in the M.2 slot of your motherboard. An M.2 slot can support both SATA and PCIe interfaces depending on the motherboard. Also, M.2 SSDs can be either SATA M.2 SSD or PCIe M.2 SSD. A PCIe M.2 SSD is much faster than a SATA M.2 SSD.
NVMe SSD – NVMe SSD is the fastest SSD that you can get for your gaming PC or computer. NVMe is known as Non-Volatile Memory Express and NVMe SSD is also called PCIe SSD. NVMe SSD works on the PCIe interface and is much faster than a SATA SSD. They are about 3.5 times faster than a SATA III SSD. NVMe SSDs come in M.2, U.2, and PCI-Express expansion card variants. They are also very expensive than other SSDs.
Note: There are also some other connectors like U.2 and SATA Express but they are not very common and are found in high-end newer motherboards only.
Advantages of SSD over HDD
Here are the various advantages of Solid State Drives over regular Hard Drives.
Silent in Operation – A SSD does not contain any moving parts or mechanical parts so it is super silent in operation compared to an HDD. An HDD can generate a fair bit of noise, especially during the write operation. Also, there are no vibrations in an SSD.
Better Performance – An SSD has much faster data transfer than a regular HDD. SSD has much higher read/write speeds and it can really speed up the performance of your computer over a regular hard drive. You can feel the real performance benefits when you load or install the operating system on the SSD. After that, you can definitely feel quicker boot time during OS start and overall quicker response from the operating system.
Shock Resistant– A SSD is more resistant to shock and does not have problems like bad sector generation due to mechanical shock or drops. This is because it has no mechanical parts and all the data is stored on the flash memory chips.
Lower Power Consumption – A SSD consumes lesser power compared to an HDD. This is because a mechanical hard drive has a motor (for spindle) which alone consumes a good amount of power.
Compact in Size – A SSD is compact and has a smaller form factor than an HDD. Newer SSDs like mSATA and M.2 are even smaller than a regular 2.5-inch SSD.
Permanent Deletion of Data – In SSD data is deleted permanently because of the TRIM command used by the newer operating systems. While in Hard drives the data is not permanently deleted and only the pointer is changed to the empty location. This can allow anyone to recover your deleted files unless it has been overwritten, and it can compromise your private or confidential data to hackers.
No Defragmentation – You do not have to defragment SSD for faster performance as its performance remains almost constant over the years, whereas in HDD you have to defragment it after some time for getting better performance out of it.
Disadvantages of SSD compared to HDD
Here are some of the disadvantages of SSD over regular hard drives.
Expensive – An SSD is way more expensive than a regular hard drive with the same capacity. A 1TB SSD will cost you almost double of a 1TB HDD.
Relative Shorter Lifespan – The life of SSD is fixed and it depends on the number of read and write operations performed on it. So if you use your SSD more often as a regular hard drive then it will wear out faster, while an HDD can last much longer than an SSD.
Must Read: Know How to Calculate SSD Lifespan in Years
Best Internal SATA SSDs for Gaming PC and Laptops
Here are the best SATA SSDs for the money having different form factors. All the below-mentioned SSDs support TRIM command for faster performance and support the SATA III 6Gbps interface. They are also backward compatible with older SATA II (3Gbps) and SATA I (1.5 Gbps) interfaces. These Solid State Drives can be used in both PCs and Notebooks.
2.5-inch SATA SSDs for PCs and Laptops
Here are the best internal 2.5-inch SATA SSDs for PC and Laptops. All these SSDs are 7.5mm thick and support the latest SATA III 6 Gbps interface for fast data transfer which is up to 600 MB/s.
Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD 500GB
This is one of the most reliable and high-performance 2.5-inch SSDs available in the market. Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-Inch is a solid SATA III SSD and it comes with a very high data transfer speed. This SSD works on SATA 6Gbps interface and has got Sequential Read / Write speeds of 540 MB/s and 520 MB/s respectively. The IOPS (Input/output operations per second) Random Read / Write performance of this SSD is 98k and 90k IOPS respectively.
Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-Inch SATA SSD is available in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. This Samsung uses V-NAND Flash memory and has lower power consumption. You can use this SSD for Gaming PC, Laptops, and high-performance PCs. It supports Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. Other features of this SSD include Trim support and AES 256 bit Encryption. The drive has high reliability of 2 Million Hours of Reliability (MTBF). The drive is also very reasonably priced and is not that expensive at all. Highly Recommended by me.
| Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-Inch Internal SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm thin) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Flash Memory Type | V-NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 540 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | Trim support, AES 256 bit Encryption, TCG/Opal, IEEE1667 (Encrypted drive) |
| OS Support | Windows Vista/7/8/10 (32-bit & 64-bit), Linux, MAC OS |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Buy Samsung 850 EVO 2.5″ SATA SSD
Samsung 860 EVO 2.5-inch SATA SSD 500GB
Samsung 860 EVO is an upgrade over the Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-inch SSD. It comes with slightly better performance but double the endurance rating over the older Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-inch Solid State Drives. It is available in capacities from 250GB to a whopping 4TB. It has a sequential Read/Write speed of 550/520 MB/s and a Random Write Speed of 42k (4KB, QD1).
The SSD comes with 3D V-NAND TLC flash memory and a newer controller which is Samsung MJX Controller. There is not much of a performance difference between this and the above-mentioned Samsung 860 EVO SSD except for higher reliability and endurance. Other features are the same as found in the Samsung 850 EVO model. I would say that buy the one that has a better deal over it between these two. I am personally using this SSD on my desktop PC and it makes Windows 10 load in a couple of seconds. Highly Recommended by me.
| Samsung 860 EVO Internal SATA SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D V-NAND TLC |
| Read / Write Speed | 550 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | TRIM support. S.M.A.R.T support, AES 256-bit Encryption, Auto Garbage Collection Algorithm |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10, MAC OSX, Linux |
| Warranty | 5 years / 300 TBW |
Buy Samsung 860 EVO 2.5-inch SATA SSD
SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal Solid State Drive
SanDisk SSD PLUS is also a very reliable and fast 2.5-inch SATA SSD for PC and Laptops. This SSD is available in capacities of 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, and 960GB. The 960GB variant has the fastest Read/Write speeds while the 240GB version has maximum Read/Write speed of 530 MB/s and 440 MB/s. Theoretically, this drive is slightly slower than Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-inch but you won’t even notice any performance difference in real-world tests and applications.
This Sandisk SSD drive comes with SanDisk SSD Dashboard software that includes tools for analysis of the disk (including the disk model, capacity, firmware version, and S.M.A.R.T. attributes) and firmware updates. It also runs very cool and has low power consumption. If we talk about comparative performance then SanDisk SSD PLUS is about 20X faster than a traditional mechanical hard drive. SanDisk SSD PLUS supports all the major operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
| SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch 7mm SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | MLC-NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 530 / 440 MB/s |
| Features | SanDisk SSD Dashboard |
| OS Support | Windows Vista/7/8/10 (32-bit & 64-bit), Linux, Mac OS |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy SanDisk SSD Plus 240GB Solid State Drive
SanDisk Ultra II 1TB Solid State Drive
Another high-performance SanDisk SDD but this one is faster than the above-mentioned SanDisk SSD PLUS. SanDisk Ultra II is a high-speed SSD that comes in 240GB, 250GB, 480GB, 500GB, 960GB, and 1TB capacity. The 1TB version of this SSD has a maximum sequential Read / Write speed of 545 MB/s and 525 MB/s and is at par with Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-inch mentioned above.
This 2.5-inch SSD can be used in laptops and high-performance / Gaming PCs for getting maximum performance out of them. The SSD works on the SATA Revision 3.0 interface that has a maximum speed of 6Gb/s. It has an endurance of 1.75M hrs MTBF and is also Shock Resistant to decent levels. The drive is 7mm thin and it can fit in all the modern-day laptops and netbooks. It comes with the SanDisk SSD Dashboard to manage your drive. OS supported by it includes Windows, Linux, and Mac.
| SanDisk Ultra II 1TB Solid State Drive Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 240GB, 250GB, 480GB, 500GB, 960GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 545 / 525 MB/s |
| Features | Shock Resistant, SanDisk SSD Dashboard |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy SanDisk Ultra II 1TB Solid State Drive
Crucial MX300 525GB Internal SATA SSD
Crucial is known for making high-performance gaming RAM but here we have a high-quality solid-state drive from Crucial which is Crucial MX300 525GB SATA SSD. This is a 2.5-inch 7mm SSD and delivers blazingly fast performance both in games as well in other applications. Crucial MX300 SSDs come in capacities of 275GB, 525GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
You can use this internal SDD in both laptops and desktop PCs. It works on the latest SATA 6 Gb/s interface and has Read / Write speeds up to 530 MB/s and 510 MB/s respectively. This SSD from Crucial has IOPS Random reads/writes up to 92k / 83k and it comes with 3D NAND storage technology from Micron. Various features of this SSD include Power Loss Protection to protect the data even if the power is lost, Adaptive Thermal Protection, Hardware Encryption, and Dynamic Write Acceleration. This SSD comes with a 9.5mm adapter for use in older laptops that support 9.5mm drives. Overall it is a durable SSD with rock-solid performance.
| Crucial MX300 525GB SATA SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 275GB, 525GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch 7mm SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 530 / 510 MB/s |
| Features | Power Loss Protection, Adaptive Thermal Protection, Hardware Encryption, Dynamic Write Acceleration |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Crucial MX300 525GB Internal SATA SSD
Crucial MX500 500GB SATA 2.5-inch SSD
Crucial MX500 is an upgrade over the Crucial MX300 SSD model. This newer model comes with a bit higher performance but a much greater endurance level. The SSD comes with 3D NAND TLC flash memory and has got sequential Read / Write speed of 560 / 510 MB/. Looks-wise and features wise this SSD is almost the same as the Crucial MX 300 2.5-inch SSD. It is the main competitor of the Samsung EVO 850 and EVO 860 Solid State Drives.
It comes with a 5-year warranty while the MX300 has only a 3-year warranty to its name. It is cheaper than the Samsung 860 EVO and but the latter one is a bit faster and has a higher lifespan. However, you won’t notice much of the performance difference in day-to-day applications and gaming. This is a very good cost-effective SSD for gaming, consumer PCs, and for working with resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, audio editing, etc.
| Crucial MX500 SATA 2.5-inch SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D NAND TLC |
| Read / Write Speed | 560 / 510 MB/s |
| Features | TRIM / SMART support, Power Loss Protection, Adaptive Thermal Protection, Hardware Encryption, Dynamic Write Acceleration, AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption |
| OS Support | Windows / Linux |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Buy Crucial MX500 SATA III 2.5-inch SSD
WD Blue PC Internal SATA SSD 500GB
How can we forget Western Digital when we talk about storage devices for PCs and Laptops. Here from Western Digital, we have WD Blue PC SSD 500GB solid-state drive. WD Blue PC SSD comes in 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB capacity. This is a 2.5-inch SSD and is only 7mm in thickness.
This SSD has Read and Write speeds of up to 545 MB/s and 525 MB/s respectively. It has an endurance rating of up to 400TBW and has industry-leading 1.75M hours Mean Time To Failure (MTTF). This hard drive is WD F.I.T. Lab certified which means it is compatible with a wide range of desktops and laptops. You can download the WD SSD Dashboard software from the Western Digital website to monitor your drives and health and you can also clone drives using Acronis True Image WD Edition software. This WD SSD works on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Overall it is a great SSD and is quite affordable compared to other SSDs in the same range. You can use this SSD in Gaming PC, and laptops as well as in high-performance desktops.
| WD Blue PC 500GB Internal SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 545 / 525 MB/s |
| Features | WD F.I.T. Lab certified, Shock Resistant |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy WD Blue PC 500GB Internal SSD
Samsung 850 PRO SATA III 256GB SSD
Samsung 850 PRO SSD is the bigger brother of the Samsung 850 EVO SSD hard drive. It offers better speeds and more features than the Samsung 850 EVO SSD. Samsung 850 PRO comes in capacities of 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB. It uses 3D V-NAND flash memory and has maximum sequential Read / Write speeds of 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s respectively. This 2.5-inch SSD works on the SATA III interface and has maximum Random Read / Write speeds of 100K IOPS and 90K IOPS respectively.
Samsung 850 PRO has a longer life of 150 Terabytes Written (TBW) and has enhanced RAPID Mode which drastically increases its performance using system DRAM as cache or buffer. It is around 1.8 times faster in Rapid Mode. This SSD is more suited to hardcore gamers and enthusiasts who do not want any compromise with the performance. It also comes with a Dynamic Thermal Guard protection feature which lowers or throttles the drive temperature without causing any significant impact on performance. It supports all the major operating systems and its other features include Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) technology, efficient power management, and enhanced endurance. You can download the Samsung Data Migration and Magician software from the Samsung website for managing your data and for tweaking the drive. Highly Recommended SSD for Power Users and Gamers.
| Samsung 850 PRO SATA III SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm drive) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D V-NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 550 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | Temperature Proof, Enhanced Rapid Mode, AES-256-bit Encryption, Power Management |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux, MAC |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Buy Samsung 850 PRO 256GB SATA III SSD
Samsung 860 PRO 2.5″ SATA III SSD 500GB
Samsung 860 PRO is the newer model over the Samsung 850 PRO 2.5-inch SSD. It comes with slightly higher speeds and much higher endurance than the previous one. The SSD comes with 3D V-NAND MLC flash memory and has got Read / Write speed of 560 / 530 MB/s. Its capacity starts from 250GB and goes up to 4TB. This newer model has got an endurance rating of 600TBW compared to 150TBW in the older model both having the same capacities. It also comes with a newer Samsung MJX Controller. Other features are almost the same as in the older Samsung 850 PRO model.
This is one of the fastest 2.5-inch SATA SSD and is great for gaming, video editing, and for high-end professional software that include CAD / CAM / Maya, etc. You can manage the SSD and optimize the SSD for more performance using the Samsung Magician Software that can be downloaded for free from Samsung’s official website.
| Samsung 860 PRO 2.5″ SATA III SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D V-NAND MLC |
| Read / Write Speed | 560 / 530 MB/s |
| Features | TRIM support. S.M.A.R.T support, AES 256-bit Encryption, Auto Garbage Collection Algorithm |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10, MAC OSX, Linux |
| Warranty | 5 years / 600TBW |
Buy Samsung 860 PRO 2.5″ SATA III SSD
Kingston SSDNow UV400 240GB SSD
Kingston is a very big name in the system memory (RAM) and Flash drive department. Here we have SSDNow UV400 from Kingston which is a fast and very reliable 2.5-inch SATA III SSD. This high-performance SSD from Kingston comes in 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, and 960GB capacity.
This 240GB SSD has sequential Read / Write speeds of up to 550 MB/s and 500 MB/s respectively. The maximum Random Read / Write Speed of this SSD is up to 90,000 IOPS and 25,000 IOPS. It has lower power consumption and a Life expectancy of 1 million hours MTBF. This SSD is about 10 times faster than a 7200 RPM mechanical HDD. Operating system support includes Windows, Linux, and maybe Mac OS. Overall it is a great rugged SSD that be used in any computer for increasing its performance to higher levels.
| Kingston SSDNow UV400 SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm drive) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | TLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 550 / 500 MB/s |
| Features | Vibration Resistant, Four-Channel Marvell controller |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10, Mac, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Kingston SSDNow UV400 240GB SSD
Mushkin Reactor 1TB Internal SSD
Mushkin might not be a popular name but it does make some high-quality SSDs and memory. Here we have Mushkin Reactor 1TB 2.5-inch 7mm Internal Solid State Drive. This SSD uses MLC NAND memory and has slightly lower write speeds compared to the above-mentioned branded SSDs from Samsung, Kingston, Crucial, SanDisk, and Kingston. The build quality of this SSD is amazing and is Shock Resistant (1500G of Tolerance). The available capacities of this SSD are 240GB, 250GB, 480GB, 500GB, 860GB, 1TB and 2TB.
This SSD has sequential Read / Write speed of 560/460 MB/s and Random Read/Write speed of 74K and 76K IOPS respectively. This SSD offers great value for money as it is considerably cheaper than the SSDs from big brands like Samsung, SanDisk, etc.
| Mushkin Reactor 1TB Internal SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 240GB, 250GB, 480GB, 500GB, 860GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm drive) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | MLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 560/460 MB/s |
| Features | Shock Resistant, Built-in BCH ECC, DataRefresh, Early Weal Block Retirement. S.M.A.R.T. and TRIM support |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Mushkin Reactor 1TB Internal SSD
Kingston HyperX Savage 240GB SSD Drive
HyperX is the Kingston gaming brand and here we have Kingston HyperX Savage SSD. This SSD is available in various sizes of 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, and 960GB. This is a very fast gaming SSD that has Read / Write speed of 560 MB/s and 530 MB/s respectively. Random Read/Write speed of this SSD drive is up to 100K and 89K IOPS respectively.
This SATA 6Gbps SSD has a thickness of 7mm and it can be used in gaming laptops and PCs. This SSD is shock-resistant and has a lifetime of 1 million years MTBF. So are looking for a fast SSD for your gaming system then this SSD will not disappoint you.
| Kingston HyperX Savage SSD 240GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA (7mm thick) |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | MLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 560 / 530 MB/s |
| Features | Shock Resistant, Quad-core, 8-channel Phison S10 controller |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Kingston HyperX Savage 240GB SSD
Silicon Power Ace A55 SATA SSD 1TB
This is one of the cheapest SSDs that you can buy for your laptop or desktop PC. It may not be from a popular brand but this SSD does not miss out on performance, features, and quality. It comes with TLC 3D NAND flash memory and has fast Read and Write speeds of 560 MB/s and 530 MB/s which is equal to that of SSDs from Samsung. The SSD comes with SLC Cache technology to improve its overall performance and it also enhances its lifespan. It is quite lightweight, slim, and is vibration-proof.
You can download SP Toolbox for free to view the various details including SSD health status. It comes with 3 years warranty which I think great for this price. So, if you are on short on a budget looking for a high-performance 2.5-inch SSD at a lower price then you must get this one. In my opinion, this is unarguably the best budget SSD.
| Silicon Power Ace A55 SATA SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch (7mm thin) |
| Interface | SATA III |
| Flash Memory Type | TLC 3D NAND |
| Read / Write Speed | 560 / 530 MB/s |
| Features | TRIM support, SMART support, SLC Cache, Bad Block Management, Internal Auto-Copy Technology, Garbage Collection technology, RAID, and ECC (Error Checking & Correction) |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Silicon Power Ace A55 SATA SSD
mSATA SSDs for Laptops and Netbooks
Here are the best mSATA (mini SATA) SSDs having small form factor designs. mSATA SSDs are generally used in Ultra-thin laptops and netbooks. mSATA SSD plugs into the mini PCI-Express card slot on the motherboard but it works on the SATA interface only.
Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500GB SSD
I have already covered Samsung 850 EVO 2.5-inch SATA SSD above but here we have the Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500 SSD for small form factor computers or laptops. This is a very fast and reliable SSD that is built on the 3D V-NAND technology. It comes in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB.
Samsung 850 EVO mSATA SSD has sequential Read/Write speed of 540 MB/s and 520 MB/s respectively. The Random Read/Write speed is up to 97K/88K IOPS respectively. Major features of this mSATA SSD include TurboWrite technology, RAPID Mode, 50% less energy consumption than regular NAND SSD, AES 256-bit hardware encryption, and Dynamic Thermal Guard protection, One-Stop Install Navigator, Shock Resistant, Sleep Mode Support, and S.M.A.R.T. and Trim support.
| Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500GB SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | mSATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 540 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | 256-bit hardware encryption, Dynamic Thermal Guard protection, One-Stop Install Navigator, Shock Resistant, Sleep Mode Support, and S.M.A.R.T. and Trim support |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Buy Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500GB SSD
Transcend MSA370 mSATA SSD 128GB
Transcend MSA370 is also a very reliable SSD but is a bit slower than the Samsung 850 EVO mSATA SSD. It uses MLC NAND flash memory and has got maximum Read / Write speed of 570 MB/s and 470 MB/s respectively. The capacities available for this mSATA SSD are 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB. It uses the mini-PCIe (mSATA) interface with SATA 6 Gbps speed.
Transcend MSA370 mSATA SSD comes with DDR3 DRAM cache and it supports Intel Smart Response Technology (ISRT) for faster response time and cache. Major features of this high-quality mSATA SSD include S.M.A.R.T., TRIM and NCQ support, a Built-in wear-leveling algorithm, and SATA Device Sleep Mode (DevSleep) support. Operating systems supported are Windows 7/8/10 and Linux.
| Transcend MSA370 mSATA 128GB SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | mSATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | MLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 570 / 470 MB/s |
| Features | S.M.A.R.T., TRIM and NCQ support, Built-in wear-leveling algorithm, SATA Device Sleep Mode (DevSleep) support, Intel Smart Response Technology (ISRT), DDR3 DRAM cache |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Transcend MSA370 mSATA SSD 128GB
MyDigitalSSD 120GB Bullet Proof 4 Eco (BP4e V2) mSATA SSD
This is one of the cheapest mSATA SSDs that you can get for your money. This is a non-branded mSATA SSD but it is fast and comes with Toshiba TLC Toggle NAND Flash memory and Phison S10 (PS3110) controller. This mSATA SSD is available in 120GB and 480GB capacity.
This mSATA SSD has a maximum sequential Read and Write speed of 565 MB/s and 540 MB/s respectively. It is compatible with all the major operating systems and its features include SMART/RAID/TRIM support, Power Management, ECC support, Shock Resistant, and support for DDR3 I/O interface. So if you are on a tight budget and looking for a cheap and fast SSD for your laptop then you can safely go for this one. Recommended for users on a budget.
| MyDigitalSSD 120GB Bullet Proof 4 Eco (BP4e V2) Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 120GB, 480GB |
| Form Factor | mSATA 50mm |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | TLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 565 / 540 MB/s |
| Features | SMART/RAID/TRIM support, Power Management, ECC support, Shock Resistant |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10, Linux, Mac OS X |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy MyDigital 120GB Bullet Proof 4 Eco mSATA SSD
SanDisk Ultra II mSATA SSD 256GB
A good mSATA SSD from SanDisk that has Read / Write speed of 550 / 500 MBps. Random Read / write speed is up to 92K/54K IOPS. You can fine-tune and manage this mSATA SSD using the SanDisk SSD Dashboard. It comes in capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Overall a decent mSATA SSD for thin laptops, tablets, and netbooks.
| SanDisk Ultra II mSATA SSD 256GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Form Factor | mSATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 550 / 500 MB/s |
| Features | SanDisk SSD Dashboard Software, TRIM support |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 year |
Buy SanDisk Ultra II mSATA 256GB SSD
Kingston SSDNow mS200 mSATA SSD 240GB
Kingston SSDNow mS200 is one of the best mSATA form factor SSDs that you get for your laptop. It comes in capacities of 30GB, 60GB, 120GB, 240GB and 480GB. Kingston SSDNow mS200 240GB mSATA SSD has got sequential Read/Write Speed of 540 / 530 MB/s and Random 4k Read/Write speed of 72K/40K IOPS.
This is a rugged mSATA SSD and it supports Intel SRT, S.M.A.R.T., and TRIM. Other features include 128-bit AES Encryption, Shock Resistant, and lower power consumption. It supports Windows, Mac, and Linux Operating Systems. Highly Recommended by me.
| Kingston SSDNow mS200 mSATA SSD 240GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 30GB, 60GB, 120GB, 240GB, 480GB |
| Form Factor | mSATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 540 / 530 MB/s |
| Features | Intel SRT, S.M.A.R.T., TRIM support, Shock Resistant |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Kingston SSDNow mS200 240GB mSATA SSD
M.2 Solid State Drives (SSD) [SATA III SSDs]
M.2 is the successor of mSATA and is widely used in modern-day laptops and desktop motherboards. Here are the best M.2 Solid State Drives that plug in the M.2 slot of your motherboard and works on the SATA III 6Gbps interface. M.2 SSDs have a small form factor and can be used in both PCs and Laptops. It should be noted that M.2 SSDs come in different lengths so you must be very careful in selecting the right one for your laptop.
Samsung 860 EVO M.2 2280 SATA SSD 500GB
This is the M.2 2280 variant of the Samsung 860 EVO 2.5-inch SSD. The only difference is in the form factor while specifications remain the same. It comes in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB and has got sequential Read and Write speeds of 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s respectively. It comes with Samsung 3D V-NAND flash memory and Samsung MJX Controller. This is one of the fastest M.2 2280 SATA SSDs and comes with an endurance rating of 300 TBA (for the 500GB variant). This SSD can be managed and optimized by the Samsung Magician Software. You can check out its other specifications and features below. Highly Recommended by me.
| Samsung 860 EVO M.2 2280 SATA SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gb/s |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D V-NAND TLC |
| Read / Write Speed | 550 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | TRIM support. S.M.A.R.T support, AES 256-bit Encryption, Auto Garbage Collection Algorithm |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/10, MAC OSX, Linux |
| Warranty | 5 years / 300 TBW |
Buy Samsung 860 EVO M.2 2280 SATA SSD
Crucial MX300 M.2 2280 SSD 525GB
A high-performance M.2 SSD from Crucial that has maximum Read & Write speeds of 530 MB/s and 510 MB/s respectively. It uses 3D NAND flash technology and is way faster than a mechanical hard drive. The maximum random read/write speed of this M.2 SSD is about 92k/83k IOPS. It is available in capacities of 275GB, 575GB, and 1TB. This is an M.2 Type 2280 SSD which means it is 22mm wide and 80mm long.
This M.2 SSD is very energy efficient and comes with features like Adaptive Thermal Protection technology, AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption, RAIN technology, and Exclusive Data Defense technology. You can also download the Crucial Storage Executive tool to manage and fine-tune your solid-state drive. Highly Recommended by me.
| Crucial MX300 M.2 Type 2280 SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 275GB, 525GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 Type 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 530 / 510 MB/s |
| Features | Adaptive Thermal Protection technology, AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption, RAIN technology, Exclusive Data Defense technology |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux, Mac OS X |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Crucial MX300 M.2 2280 SSD 525GB
Crucial MX500 500GB M.2 Type 2280 SATA SSD
This is the newer model of the Crucial MX300 M.2 SSD that comes with a higher endurance rating while other specifications remain almost the same. It comes 250GB, 500GB and 1TB capacity and has got Read / Write Speed of 560 / 510 MB/s. This is a pretty great SSD for the price and is very reliable too. It comes with 5 years warranty as opposed to the 3 years that the Crucial MX300 one has.
| Crucial MX500 500GB M.2 SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA 6Gb/s |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D NAND |
| Read / Write Speed | 560 / 510 MB/s |
| Features | Adaptive Thermal Protection technology, AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption, RAIN technology, Exclusive Data Defense technology |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux, Mac OS X |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Buy Crucial MX500 M.2 Type 2280 SATA SSD
WD Blue M.2 2280 Internal SSD 250GB
A high-speed M.2 2280 SSD from Western Digital. WD Blue PC M.2 SSD comes in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB. The sequential Read/Write speed of this M.2 SSD is up to 545MB/s and up to 525MB/s respectively. This is WD F.I.T. Lab certified SSD which means it is compatible with a wide range of desktop PCs and laptops.
You can download the WD SSD Dashboard and Acronis software for drive monitoring and backup. This M.2 SSD is optimized for multi-tasking and high-end gaming performance. This SSD has a longer lifespan of 1.75M hour mean time to failure (MTTF) and an endurance rating of up to 400 terabytes written (TBW). Overall it is a great M.2 SSD and offers great value for your money. It supports Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
| WD Blue M.2 2280 Internal SSD 250GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 545 / 525 MB/s |
| Features | WD F.I.T. Lab certified, Optimized for multi-tasking |
| OS Support | Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy WD Blue M.2 2280 Internal 256GB SSD
ADATA SU800 M.2 2280 SSD 128GB
ADATA is known for making high-quality DRAMs and Flash Drives. Here we have ADATA SU800 M.2 2280 SSD which is based on the 3D NAND Flash memory and comes in capacities ranging from 128GB to 1TB. This SSD can deliver read/write speeds of 560MB/s and 520MB/s and can make your PC and Laptop super fast in data-intensive operations and gaming.
This is a M.2 Type 2280 SSD and has a long life of 2million MTBF. It is shock-resistant, has lower power consumption, and supports Windows and Linux OS. Other features include Intelligent SLC Caching and DRAM Cache Buffer, Advanced LDPC ECC Engine, RAID Engine, and Data Shaping for Ultimate Protection. You can also download the free ADATA SSD Toolbox and Migration Utility for managing and backing up your data. Overall a very reliable, fast, and durable M.2 2280 SSD from ADATA.
| ADATA SU800 M.2 2280 SSD 128GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 128GB to 1TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | 3D TLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 560 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | Shock Resistant, Intelligent SLC Caching and DRAM Cache Buffer, Advanced LDPC ECC Engine, RAID Engine, and Data Shaping for Ultimate Protection |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy ADATA SU800 M.2 2280 128GB SSD
ADATA SP600 M.2 2242 SSD 128GB
This is a compact M.2 Type 2242 SSD that is only 42mm in length. ADATA SP600 M.2 2242 SSD comes in only 128GB and 256GB capacities. This SFF SDD is suitable for ultrabooks, slim notebooks, and desktop PC. The Sequential Read/Write speed of this SSD is up to 550 MB/s and 170 MB/s for the 128GB variant and up to 550 MB/s and 320 MB/s for the 256GB variant. It has comparatively lower write speeds compared to an M.2 2280 SSD and uses 2D MLC NAND memory.
Various features of this M.2 2242 SSD include hardware BCH ECC (Error Correction Code), DEVSLP (Device Sleep) technology support for lower power consumption, DDR3 DRAM cache buffer, and Intel Smart Response Technology (ISRT). You can download the ADATA SSD Toolbox for free to manage and configure your SSD for better performance, backup, and monitoring purposes.
| ADATA SP600 M.2 2242 SSD 128GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 128GB, 256GB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2242 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | MLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 550 / 170 MB/s |
| Features | Shock Resistant, S.M.A.R.T. / NCQ / TRIM Command support, BCH ECC (Error Correction Code), DEVSLP (Device Sleep) technology support for lower power consumption, DDR3 DRAM cache buffer, Intel Smart Response Technology (ISRT) |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
Buy ADATA SP600 M.2 2242 SSD 128GB
Transcend MTS800 M.2 SSD 2280 256GB
M.2 2280 SSD from Transcend having read/write speeds of up to 560 MB/s and 460 MB/s. Transcend MTS800 M.2 SSD is available in different capacities of 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB. This M.2 SSD used MLC NAND flash memory and supports DevSleep mode, S.M.A.R.T., TRIM, and NCQ commands, Intel Smart Response Technology (ISRT), and Power Shield. This SSD comes with a DDR3 DRAM cache for faster performance and supports Windows and Linux operating systems.
| Transcend MTS800 M.2 SSD 2280 256GB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | MLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 560 / 460 MB/s |
| Features | DevSleep mode support, S.M.A.R.T., TRIM, and NCQ commands Intel Smart Response Technology (ISRT), Power Shield support |
| OS Support | Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy Transcend MTS800 M.2 SSD 2280 256GB
MyDigitalSSD Bullet Proof 5 Eco M.2 2280 NGFF SSD 240GB
This is the cheapest high-performance M.2 2280 SSD that you can get for your laptop or PC. MyDigitalSSD Bullet Proof 5 Eco is a M.2 2280 SSD that comes in 120GB, 240GB, and 480GB capacities. This is a non-branded M.2 SSD but it comes with Toshiba TLC Toggle NAND Flash memory and PHISON S10 controller.
It is a very fast SSD and has Read / Write speed of up to 560 MB/s and 530 MB/s respectively. Major features of this M.2 2280 SSD include shock & vibration resistant, support for DDR3 I/O interface, power management, and TRIM/RAID/SMART/NCQ support. It is also compatible with almost all laptops and desktop PCs. So if you are looking for a cheap and fast M.2 2280 SSD then it is definitely a very good choice. Recommended by me.
| MyDigitalSSD Bullet Proof 5 Eco M.2 2280 NGFF SSD Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 120GB, 240GB, 480GB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | TLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 560 / 530 MB/s |
| Features | PHISON S10 controller, Shock Resistant, support for DDR3 I/O interface, power management, TRIM/RAID/SMART/NCQ support |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Buy MyDigitalSSD Bullet Proof 5 Eco M.2 2280 240GB
SanDisk X400 SSD M.2 2280 1TB
This is the world’s first single-sided 1TB M.2 2280 SSD from SanDisk which is only 1.5mm thin. This is a high-performance and high-quality M.2 SATA SSD having read/write speed of 540 MB/s and 520 MB/s. SanDisk X400 M.2 SSD is available in capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. Random Read/Write speed of this M.2 2280 SATA III SSD is up to 93.5k / 75k IOPS.
This SSD can be used in entry-level enterprise servers, laptops, and PCs. It uses TLC NAND flash memory and nCache 2.0 technology for better performance in multi-tasking, gaming, photo/video editing, and other applications involving heavy data processing. Features of this M.2 SATA III 2280 SSD include high endurance up to 320TBW, TCG Opal 2.0 support with 256-bit AES Encryption, Shock Resistant and has got a 5-year warranty.
| SanDisk X400 SSD M.2 2280 1TB Specifications | |
| Capacity Available | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Form Factor | M.2 2280 SATA |
| Interface | SATA III 6Gbps |
| Flash Memory Type | TLC NAND |
| Read / Write Speed (Max.) | 540 / 520 MB/s |
| Features | Shock Resistant, Ultra Thin FF, TCG Opal 2.0 support with 256-bit AES Encryption |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Buy SanDisk X400 SSD M.2 2280 1TB
See also:
Final Words
In the end, I would like to say that if you really want the best performance from your PC or laptop then you should definitely get an SSD. An SSD can really speed up your computer and you can definitely feel the performance in real-world applications and gaming. You can get any SSD type according to your computer compatibility and requirements. If you have any queries about SSD then you can ask me by leaving a comment below.
(*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!)
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Hellow Akshat, I have a hasee gaming laptop with ssd adata axm21 e53 128gb mini, I am nearly out of storage so I need to upgrade the mssd to 250 or 256 gb drive, I play GTAV game which takes a lot of gigs ,I have done a lot of research but when I read your site at last it all made sense ,as I am not a pc tech. so which of the mssd’s in your report would say is the best compatable for me . regards Mike .
Hello,
I suggest you to go for Samsung 850 EVO mSATA 500GB SSD.
Hellow akshat , thanks for your reply, yes it was the Samsung I was considering ,you may have made my mind up . regards mike.