TOP 20 best SSDs for PCs and laptops: 2021 rating and which company to buy the drive in terms of price/quality ratio

Rating of the TOP 20 best SSDs of 2020-2021

KINGSTON UV400 120GB 2.5 SATA III

A worthy representative, released by a popular company, pleasantly surprises with its speed and durability. A noticeable increase in the performance of a laptop or PC, be it games, professional software, or running an operating system - the drive will cope with such tasks with a bang. However, this is not the only thing that an SSD can please its owner. It also has other attractive qualities, thanks to which the disc was included in the ranking of the best.

Note : the classic 2.5-inch format of the model allows it to fit perfectly into both a stationary system unit and a laptop configuration.

Why did the SSD drive make it to the top:

• Reliable - a flash drive can work for a thousand hours before running out of juice.
• The shock- and vibration-resistant design ensures stable operation of the 120 GB drive.
• Convenient installation without assistance - UV400 120 GB can be supplied as part of the kit.
• Fast - the SSD will write 350 megabits in a second, and count 550 in the same time.

What is better and what is the difference between SSD and HDD?

The main difference between SSD and HDD (magnetic hard disk) is the method of storing data. In the first type of disks, information is stored on microcircuits, in the second, a magnetic method is used.

The second significant difference between these drives is the device.

HDD consists of the following components:

• electric drive;
• heads for writing and reading;
• several disks.

The rotation speed of magnetic hard drives, depending on the model, is from 5 to 10 thousand revolutions per minute, the write/read speed is from 60 to 100 MB/s.

The main disadvantages of HDDs are noise and low speed of reading and writing data . Plus - a large amount of memory.

The SSD device looks like this:

• connection interface (SATA or ePCI);
• cache (not in all models);
• memory controller;
• NAND flash memory;
• printed circuit board.

Depending on the connection interface and SSD model, the write and read speed reaches 1 GB/s.

Modern SSD drives have many more advantages than magnetic hard drives, so experts recommend choosing them..

SAMSUNG 2.5″ 850 120GB SATA

High performance and secure storage of information, reliability and durability, easy installation in a PC or laptop without the help of professionals - with a drive from SAMSUNG all this is quite possible. One of the significant, but far from the only, advantages of the model is its low cost combined with luxurious characteristics. However, otherwise the disk simply would not have been included in the rating reflecting the best SSD models with a flash memory capacity of 120-128 GB.

Six main advantages:

1. The proprietary TurboWrite technology increases the speed at which the disk writes data in sequential mode. The writing and reading speeds are also impressive - 520 and 540 megabits per second, respectively.

2. AES 256 bit hardware encryption ensures the security of file storage.

3. Trim and NCQ are developments whose main task is to ensure that the drive lives as long as possible without losing performance in the future.

4. Capable of serving for a very long time - 1.5 million hours.

5. The disk will also be pleased with its excellent throughput: if you use SATA III, the figure will be 6 Gb/s, and if SATA second generation - 3 Gb/s. Even the latest laptop configuration will get a second wind.

6. Magician software will automatically update the firmware of the two and a half inch 850 120GB SATA drive. In addition, the program serves as a tool for optimizing performance.

How to choose and what to pay attention to?

There is a wide range of solid-state drives available to consumers on the market.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Volume . SSDs, depending on the model, have memory from 32 to 2000 GB. The choice of drive directly depends on the method of use. Experts recommend purchasing models with 120-240 GB of memory. They have a reasonable price and their volume is sufficient to install the system, the necessary software and several fairly capacious games.
• Form factor . The most common and convenient models are the 2.5-inch format. mSATA and M.2 are compact form factors that are ideal for small devices and laptops. The PCI-E form factor is one of the best. It has the fastest writing and reading speeds.
• Memory . Currently there are 3 types - MLC (2 bits), TLC (3 bits) and 3D NAND. The first type is the best combination of quality and price.

For home use, an SSD with a capacity of 60-128 GB is ideal. If you give preference to more reliable models - MLC 200-500 GB or 3D NAND.

How to choose

If you really need the media, you can buy it at any hardware and electronics store, since this product is very common and finding a suitable option will not be difficult. Online stores do not stand aside and also offer a wide range of these products. If you buy online, be sure to check the integrity of the seller and read reviews.

Memory type

Despite the fact that the performance of a gadget directly depends on the type of memory, it will not be possible to objectively select the best option in this category, since everyone has their own selection criteria.

• 3D-NAND or V- is a modern development from Samsung that has proven itself in the market immediately after its appearance. Such drives have excellent characteristics: high speed and memory capacity up to 4 TB. Such discs are in great demand.
• A single-level cell is one of the most durable options: compared to others, it is the leader in terms of service life. The device tolerates up to 100,000 rewrites. Let us immediately note that some users may be unpleasantly surprised by the price. This device is more aimed at professional activities, rather than simple and not requiring huge amounts of work. Such cells do not overheat, since there are no moving elements inside, and they have a high speed.
• The multi-level cell is characterized by an affordable price and good technical performance. The disk is suitable for standard work and not too heavy games with good graphics; you can easily save a couple of dozen movies or albums with photos.
• The three-level cell combines low price and excellent performance. Of course, compared to the options discussed earlier, the connection speed will be somewhat slower, but for office or home use this drive is more than enough.

Device memory capacity

This factor is one of the most important when purchasing media. And again, depending on their needs and activities, users will need different indicators.

• 64-128 GB. This is enough for normal work (for example, working with files and documents) and to speed up the operation and productivity of the device.
• 240-500 GB. Remarkable numbers for those who like to download movies, music, store photos or play not too heavy video games.
• More than 500 GB is the choice of gamers or those who work with huge amounts of information.

If your gadget initially did not have sufficiently capacious internal storage, you should get a disk with 1 TB of memory. It will cost a lot, but the price is completely worth it. Such a drive will solve the problem of lack of space on your computer.

Processing speed

The speed of information processing by a computer depends on the speed of the medium itself. This point is not so important if you simply plan to store data on disk, but it is important for those who are forced to frequently copy materials. We do not recommend spending money on media whose speed is equal to or lower than 480 Mb/s, but a product with a speed of 1,500 Mb/s will be a good option.

Device form

Typically, manufacturers try to make disks that will fit any gadget without any problems. For standard computers, 3.5-inch drives are suitable. For laptops, 2.5 inches or even less will be enough. The drive must match the hardware of the device, otherwise it simply cannot be used or it will quickly fail, which should really be avoided.

Controller

• Samsung is one of the most common and in demand controllers. Users complain that they often have to clear the cache. The price, fortunately, is not too expensive.
• Marvel is very productive, but the price of the device can be very surprising.
• Intel. We recommend choosing this one, because it combines excellent performance and affordable cost.

Connection type

This point is important, but the choice is limited. The standard connection type is SATA interface. You can choose the most convenient and productive drive with a PCI interface. The board of such a device, oddly enough, is motherboard.

If you don’t want to tinker with the hardware of the gadget, you can find a disk that connects to the internal system like a flash drive - through an external conductor.

Additional software

This is a very important point. Typically, additional software implies an extension of the possible service life. Relatively recently, a function has appeared that can monitor the status of the media (for example, the system will notify the user if the drive is nearing the end of its service life). Don't forget that you will need to install a driver for the additional software to work. And so, this and many other functions are very convenient, so you should pay special attention.

Material of manufacture

All SSD drives are made entirely of metal, usually aluminum. There are often plastic inserts made for at least some variety and uniqueness. You won't find much choice here. This, after all, is not a device for beauty. On the websites you will find a standard serious color scheme of white, gray and black shades.

The best SSD drives for a computer price-quality

The best SSD models are characterized by reliability, long life, high read speed and quiet operation.

Samsung MZ-76E500BW

A model that can significantly increase the power and performance of your computer.

This is due to the presence of a large amount of memory of 500 GB, which is enough not only to install the operating system, but also to store a sufficient amount of information, install even large video games and other software.

The presence of data encryption will reliably protect the device from data leakage and hacking.

Maximum read and write speeds are 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s respectively.

Connection to a computer system occurs using a SATA III physical interface.

It is worth noting that this is one of the best models of 2021.

Specifications:

• volume – 500 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 150 TBW;
• additionally – support for AES-256, SMART, TRIM, WWN encryption.

pros

• high recording speed;
• high-quality assembly;
• easy installation;
• easy;
• large volume.

Minuses

• not detected.

Samsung MZ-76E250BW

The model is capable of significantly increasing the device’s memory thanks to its fairly large capacity, which is 250 GB.

You can load quite a lot of information onto the disk, including video games that will launch almost instantly. This is due to the maximum read and write speed of 520 MB/s.

The drive has a wide range of form factors, making it compatible with almost all host devices.

To increase file transfer speeds, the TurboWrite* buffer size has been increased to 78 GB. ES-256 encryption is responsible for data security.

Specifications:

• volume – 250 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 150 TBW;
• additionally – support for AES-256, SMART, TRIM, WWN encryption.

pros

• long warranty;
• excellent speed;
• reliability;
• performance;
• Samsung's own Magician utility.

Minuses

• not detected.

Samsung MZ-V7S500BW

A model with incredible performance thanks to optimized firmware and innovative NVMe technology.

The device provides very high write and read speeds of up to 3500/3300 MB/s, respectively.

Despite the improved speed characteristics, the device consumes quite little electricity.

This is ensured by Intelligent TurboWrite technology, the Phoenix controller and optimized firmware.

Specifications:

• volume – 512 GB;
• interface – PCI-E 3.0 x4;
• resource – 300 TBW;
• additionally – support for AES-256, SMART, TRIM, WWN encryption.

pros

• does not heat up;
• very fast;
• high-quality assembly;
• compact;
• reliability.

Minuses

• not detected.

SANDISK 2.5″ SATA 3.0 PLUS 120GB

The performance of the model for internal installation is provided by NAND memory of the TLC type. Compactness, reliability, easy installation - these are not all the advantages of a flash device.

Note: like other models included in the best rating, this option has a universal form factor of 2.5 inches. So the device will fit both into a large system unit and into a laptop.

Main features of a top-end drive:

• Uniform resource consumption and maximum performance throughout the entire service life of the 120 GB version are ensured by the Trim team.
• An SSD can serve its owner for quite a long time. The time between failures of this disk is 1.75 thousand hours, and the impact resistance during operation is 1500G.
• SATA 3.0 PLUS 120GB quickly reads and writes information. So, in an instant the device reads 530 megabits of information and writes 310.

Despite all the advantages of this SANDISK, the disk still has a drawback, namely the lack of hardware encryption.

The best SSD drives for a laptop

SSD drives can significantly increase the capabilities of laptops by expanding their memory and performance. The ranking of the best includes models that are compact, reliable and affordable.

Western Digital WD GREEN PC SSD 240 GB

The budget model, despite its compact size, can significantly increase laptop performance.

The device is equipped with a SATA 15 pin power interface and a TLC 3D NAND chip. An impressive memory capacity of 240 GB will allow you to store all the necessary data on the device and install even very large video games.

The maximum read and write speed is 545 MB/s, which makes it possible to download files almost instantly.

The absence of dismountable and moving parts increases the service life of the disk several times.

Specifications:

• volume – 240 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 80 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, WWN.

pros

• high speed;
• ease of installation;
• reasonable cost;
• long warranty period;
• reliability.

Minuses

• not detected.

Kingston SA400S37/240G

A stylish model with a fairly large capacity of 240 GB, which is enough not only to install the operating system, but also to install a large number of programs and applications.

The disk can increase the speed of starting a PC and files several times. In addition, with this device it will be much faster to download and save files from the Internet.

The device is equipped with a TLC memory chip and a Phison PS3111-S11 controller.

The three-year warranty and free maintenance make the device more attractive.

Specifications:

• volume – 240 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 80 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, WWN.

pros

• excellent speed;
• low price;
• large amount of memory;
• durable body;
• compact.

Minuses

• the speed decreases slightly over time.

Western Digital WD BLUE 3D NAND SATA SSD 500 GB

A model at an affordable price can accommodate a very large amount of information per unit area.

This is due to the presence of an innovative 3D memory architecture. NANDXtend technology provides correction of all known errors and verification and recovery using a three-level algorithm. Digital signal processing makes it possible to significantly expand the resource of TLC memory.

The drive uses the latest cleaning system “SSD TRIM check tool for Windows”.

The TLC 3D NAND memory chip provides not only excellent capacity, but also reliability.

Specifications:

• volume – 500 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 200 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, WWN.

pros

• reasonable cost;
• reduced energy consumption;
• high speed;
• does not heat up;
• sufficient resource.

Minuses

• not detected.

TRANSCEND 370 128GB 7mm (TS128GSSD370S)

The internal type model will allow even the most advanced laptop or desktop PC to work much faster. However, almost all SSDs are pleased with this - that’s why such flash drives are popular. But this disc was included in the rating for other reasons.

Best features of the device:

• A thin seven-millimeter device with 128 GB fits perfectly even into ultrabooks.
• There is DevSleep - a mode for optimizing energy consumption. It significantly extends the laptop's operating time on a single charge.
• Performance is excellent - the model will read 560 megabits of information in a second, and write a little less - 460 megabits in the same time. In addition, thanks to fast SATA III, the device received excellent throughput - 6 Gbit/s.
• The 370 128GB supports Trim, an option that optimizes resource consumption and therefore adds longevity to the drive.

The best SSD drives with M.2 connector

Solid state drives with an M.2 connector are increasingly gaining popularity. This is due to their fairly high speed, compactness and very large memory capacity.

ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro 512GB

A model capable of achieving fairly high read and write speeds of up to 3500/2300 MB/s.

The large size of the SLC cache allows you to store an impressive amount of information.

The built-in radiator prevents the device from overheating even during long-term operation.

Comprehensive data protection will reliably protect your device from hacking.

Innovative LDPC ECC technology ensures high speed even when playing intensive video games and downloading resource-intensive applications.

Specifications:

• volume – 512 GB;
• interface – PCI-E 3.0 x4;
• resource – 320 TBW;
• additionally – TRIM support.

pros

• Beautiful design;
• compact;
• decent speed;
• cooling system;
• large amount of memory.

Minuses

• Suitable for Windows 10 only.

Samsung MZ-V7S1T0BW

An updated model that can increase computer performance several times.

This is due to the use of innovative technologies NVMe, V-NAND and optimized firmware.

Intelligent TurboWrite and Phoenix controller significantly reduce power consumption.

Large memory capacity is realized thanks to the M.2 form factor (2280).

High-quality assembly ensures the device reliability and durability. Automatic monitoring and dynamic thermal protection function reliably protect the device from overheating.

Specifications:

• volume – 1024 GB;
• interface – PCI-E 3.0 x4;
• resource – 600 TBW;
• additionally – TRIM support.

pros

• large amount of memory;
• very high speed;
• thermal protection;
• compactness;
• high-quality assembly.

Minuses

• high price.

Samsung MZ-N6E250BW

The model, which belongs to the 2280 form factor, can be used in almost any desktop and mobile computers that support M.2 devices.

An impressive memory capacity of 250 GB allows you not only to store a large amount of information, but also to download large files. High read and write speeds ensure almost instantaneous launch of your PC, applications, games and other files.

The shock resistance of the device at 1500 G increases the service life of the device several times.

The power consumption of the device is only 2.4 W, which allows you to significantly save on energy costs.

Specifications:

• volume – 250 GB;
• interface – PCI-E 3.0 x4;
• resource – 150 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, SMART, WWN, Garbage Collection technology.

pros

• very fast;
• does not heat up;
• large amount of memory;
• high-quality assembly;
• shockproof housing.

Minuses

• high price.

Buyer's checklist

• If you need a drive for office tasks or watching movies, choose a 2.5″ or M.2 SSD with a SATA3 interface and TLC memory. Even such a budget SSD will work much faster than a regular hard drive.
• If you do video editing or other tasks where high storage performance is critical, choose an M.2 SSD with PCIe 3.0 x4 interface and MLC memory.
• Before purchasing, carefully check the compatibility of the drive with your computer. If in doubt, consult the sellers on this issue.

The best 120 GB SSD drives

Drives with a memory capacity of 120 GB differ from others with a larger capacity in slightly reduced performance. But, nevertheless, they are perfect for home use, as they can save a fairly large amount of information and significantly improve PC performance. The ranking of the best includes models that perform their functions perfectly.

Kingston SA400S37/120G

A budget model can increase computer performance several times.

A memory capacity of 120 GB is enough to not only install the operating system, but also store the necessary information on the device and install even very large applications.

High write and read speeds of 450MB/s and 500MB/s make launching the system, applications and games almost instantaneous.

The durable housing significantly increases the service life of the device . Thanks to the optimal capacity, the device can be installed not only as an additional drive, but also as a main drive.

Specifications:

• volume – 120 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 40 TBW;
• additionally - no.

pros

• easy;
• compact;
• high speed;
• durable body;
• good performance.

Minuses

• the speed is slightly lower than stated by the manufacturer.

Western Digital WD GREEN PC SSD 120 GB

Compact model that can significantly increase the speed and performance of your PC.

The memory capacity of 120 GB is quite enough for home use.

The device allows you to launch almost instantly even resource-intensive applications. The TLC 3D NAND memory type makes it possible to store any necessary information.

One of the most common physical interfaces, SATA 3, is used to connect to the motherboard..

High read and write speeds can satisfy even the most demanding user.

Specifications:

• volume – 120 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 40 TBW;
• additionally – TRIM support.

pros

• does not heat up;
• the resource is several times higher than that declared by the manufacturer;
• excellent speed;
• high-quality assembly;
• low cost.

Minuses

• not detected.

Which form factor to choose: SSD 2.5″, SSD M.2 or another

SSD 2.5″

This form factor is the most common. An SSD looks like a small box that resembles an ordinary hard drive. 2.5″ SSDs are the cheapest, but their speed is sufficient for most users.

SSD 2.5 Samsung 850 EVO

Compatibility of 2.5″ SSD with computers

An SSD of this form factor can be installed in any desktop computer or laptop that has a free bay for 2.5-inch drives. If your system only has room for an old 3.5" hard drive, you can fit a 2.5" SSD into it too. But in this case, look for an SSD model that comes with a special lock.

Like modern HDDs, a 2.5″ SSD is connected to the motherboard using the SATA3 interface. This connection provides a throughput of up to 600 MB/s. If you have an older motherboard with a SATA2 connector, you can still connect a 2.5″ SSD, but the drive's throughput will be limited by the old version of the interface.

SSD M.2

A more compact form factor, making it suitable even for particularly thin laptops that do not have room for a 2.5″ SSD. It looks like an oblong stick and is installed not in a separate compartment of the case, but directly on the motherboard.

SSD M.2 ADATA SU800

To connect to the board, each M.2 drive uses one of two interfaces: SATA3 or PCIe.

PCIe is several times faster than SATA3. If you choose the first one, then there are a few more things to consider: the interface version and the number of lines connected to the connector for data transfer.

• The newer the PCIe version, the higher the throughput (data transfer speed) of the interface. Two versions are common: PCIe 2.0 (up to 1.6 GB/s) and PCIe 3.0 (up to 3.2 GB/s).
• The more data lines connected to the SSD connector, the higher its throughput again. The maximum number of lines in an M.2 SSD is four; in this case, in the drive description, its interface is designated as PCIe x4. If there are only two lines, then PCIe x2.

M.2 SSD compatibility with computers

Before purchasing an M.2 SSD, you should make sure that it will fit your motherboard. To do this, you need to first check the physical and then the software compatibility of the connector on the drive with the slot on the board. Then you need to find out the length of the drive and compare it with the allowable length of the slot allocated for M.2 in your system.

1. Physical compatibility of interfaces

Each connector on the motherboard intended for connecting M.2 format drives has a special cutout (key) of one of two types: B or M. At the same time, the connector on each M.2 drive has two cutouts B + M, less often only one of two keys: B or M.

You can connect an SSD with a B-connector to the B-connector on the board. To the M-connector, respectively, a drive with an M-type connector. SSDs, the connectors of which have two M + B cutouts, are compatible with any M.2 slots, regardless of the keys in the latter.

M.2 SSD with B+M key (top) and M.2 SSD with M key (bottom) / www.wdc.com

Thus, first make sure that your motherboard has an M.2 SSD slot at all. Then find out the key for your connector and select a drive whose connector is compatible with this key. Key types are usually indicated on connectors and slots. In addition, you can find all the necessary information in the documents for the motherboard and drive.

2. Logical compatibility of interfaces

In order for an SSD to fit your motherboard, taking into account the physical compatibility of its connector with the connector is not enough. The fact is that the drive connector may not support the logical interface (protocol) that is used in the slot of your board.

Therefore, when you understand the keys, find out what protocol is implemented in the M.2 connector on your board. This could be SATA3, and/or PCIe x2, and/or PCIe x4. Then choose an M.2 SSD with the same interface. For information about supported protocols, see the device documentation.

3. Size compatibility

Another nuance on which the compatibility of the drive with the motherboard depends is its length.

In the characteristics of most boards you can find the numbers 2260, 2280 and 22110. The first two digits in each of them indicate the supported drive width. It is the same for all M.2 SSDs and is 22 mm. The next two numbers are the length. Thus, most boards are compatible with drives with lengths of 60, 80 and 110 mm.

Three M.2 SSD drives of different lengths / www.forbes.com

Before purchasing M.2, be sure to find out the supported drive length, which is indicated in the documents for the motherboard. Then choose an SSD that matches that length.

As you can see, the issue of M.2 compatibility is very confusing. Therefore, just in case, consult the sellers about this.

Less popular form factors

It’s possible that your computer case won’t have a bay for a 2.5” SSD, and your motherboard won’t have an M.2 connector. The owner of a thin laptop may encounter such an atypical situation. Then for your system you need to choose a 1.8″ or mSATA SSD - check the documents for your computer. These are rare form factors that are more compact than 2.5” SSDs, but inferior in data exchange speed to M.2 drives.

Compact drive Kingston SSDNow V+180 in 1.8″ form factor

In addition, thin laptops from Apple may also not support traditional form factors. In them, the manufacturer installs an SSD of a proprietary format, the characteristics of which are comparable to M.2. So, if you have a thin laptop with an apple on the lid, check the supported SSD type in the documentation for the computer.

Transcend JetDrive 725 proprietary drive for MacBook Pro 15

External SSDs

In addition to internal ones, there are also external drives. They vary greatly in shape and size - choose the one that is most convenient for you.

As for the interface, external SSDs are connected to computers via a USB port. To achieve full compatibility, make sure the port on your computer and the drive connector support the same USB standard. The highest data transfer speeds are provided by USB 3 and USB Type-C specifications.

External SSD SanDisk Extreme 900

The best 240 GB SSD drives

The 240GB SSDs are ideal for loading large applications, including video games, making them especially attractive to gamers.

Western Digital WD GREEN PC SSD 240 GB

A model capable of significantly upgrading a laptop or computer . The device can

become both an additional storage device and a primary one.

High write and read speeds increase device performance several times. Equipped with a TLC 3D V-NAND memory chip and a Silicon Motion SM2256S controller.

Innovative LDPC ECC error correction technology can increase the service life of the device several times.

The durable plastic case reliably protects the mechanism from damage.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2021.

Specifications:

• volume – 120 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 40 TBW;
• additionally – TRIM support.

pros

• excellent speed;
• high performance;
• reliable;
• noiselessness;
• shockproof housing.

Minuses

• warming up.

Crucial CT240BX500SSD1

The model corresponds to a 2.5-inch form factor, ideal for both mobile and desktop computers.

The ideal memory capacity of 240 GB allows you to use this drive as your main one. One of the most common types of physical interface, SATA III, is used for connection.

The device is equipped with a TLC 3D NAND memory chip and the popular Silicon Motion SM2258XT controller.

The maximum writing and reading speed of 540 MB/s makes loading the system, applications and games almost instantaneous.

Specifications:

• volume – 120 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 80 TBW;
• additionally – TRIM support.

pros

• low cost;
• good build quality;
• high performance;
• excellent speed;
• sufficient memory.

Minuses

• warming up.

SanDisk SDSSDA-240G-G26

A stylish model with high performance can significantly improve the performance of your computer.

The durable housing and the absence of moving parts significantly increase the service life of the device. High read and write speeds make launching the system, applications and games almost instantaneous.

Innovative technology of self-diagnosis, analysis and control is able to promptly report a problem and eliminate the most common errors.

A memory capacity of 240 GB allows you to load quite resource-intensive applications and games onto your computer.

This is one of the highest quality models for 2021.

Specifications:

• volume – 120 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 80 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, SMART.

pros

• high speed;
• excellent performance;
• reliability;
• durable body;
• long warranty period.

Minuses

• not detected.

Why are SSDs used?

If a laptop or computer equipped with modern technical parameters slows down a lot (programs load slowly when opened, when several applications are running simultaneously, the user waits a long time for a response, and so on), it’s worth purchasing a drive. This problem can be solved once and for all.

However, there are situations when the performance of a laptop cannot be increased even with the help of storage devices. This can happen, for example, if the computer is very old. In this case, we can only advise you to splurge on a new gadget, because the old one cannot be saved.

The best 500 GB SSD drives

The 500GB SSD offers long life, high reliability and high performance. They can be installed as primary or additional memory sources.

Crucial CT500MX500SSD1

The improved model can increase computer performance several times.

This is due to the fairly high read and write speeds of 560/510 MB/sec, respectively. It is provided by a 64-layer TLC memory, controller and proprietary firmware.

The built-in temperature sensor will reliably protect the mechanism from overheating.

The durable metal housing and the absence of moving parts significantly increase the service life of the device.

Specifications:

• volume – 500 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 180 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, SMART.

pros

• long warranty period;
• metal case;
• thermal protection;
• high speed;
• support for any platforms.

Minuses

• not detected.

Samsung MZ-N6E500BW

The model of excellent quality and high technical characteristics corresponds to the 2280 form factor.

The affordable connection is the most popular one now available. This device uses the SATA 3 physical interface. Quite high write and read speeds can significantly increase PC performance.

Innovative TRIM technology ensures the device has the longest possible service life.

The device is equipped with a TLC 3D V-NAND memory chip and a Samsung MJX controller to ensure smooth operation.

Specifications:

• volume – 500 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 300 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, SMART, WWN, Garbage Collection technology.

pros

• high speed;
• excellent performance;
• does not heat up;
• long warranty period;
• compact.

Minuses

• high price.

Western Digital WD BLUE 3D NAND SATA SSD 500 GB

Model based on innovative 3D NAND technology designed specifically for computing systems.

Excellent computer performance is ensured by high write and read speeds of 530-560 MB/s. The shockproof housing and the absence of moving parts significantly increase the service life of the device.

Using WD SSD Dashboard software, you can monitor all PC characteristics - operating temperature, available capacity, SMART attributes and more.

3D NAND technology makes the drive compatible with almost all devices.

Specifications:

• volume – 500 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 200 TBW;
• additionally – support for TRIM, SMART, WWN, Garbage Collection technology.

pros

• compatible with almost all PCs;
• high speed;
• excellent performance;
• reliability;
• long warranty period.

Minuses

• not detected.

TRANSCEND SSD220S PREMIUM 120GB 2.5 SATA III (TS120GSSD220S)

Reliability and performance are not the only, although they are compelling, reasons to buy the premium option released by the “memory masters” TRANSCEND. Equipped with fast NAND memory, which belongs to the TLC type, the flash device will be able to please its owner with other qualities.

The best 1 TB SSD drives

1 TB SSD drives allow you to store quite a large amount of information on your computer without reducing, but increasing its performance. The top positions in the ranking of the best are occupied by models that provide high read/write speeds, are reliable and have a long service life.

Samsung MZ-76E1T0BW

The improved model provides consistently high write and read speeds even when using multitasking mode and under the heaviest loads.

Advanced technology makes this drive compatible with almost any PC. It uses the most common physical interface SATA III for connection.

The device is equipped with a Samsung MJX controller and a TLC 3D V-NAND memory chip.

Excellent computer performance is ensured by high write and read speeds of 520/550 MB/s, respectively.

This model has proven itself well in 2021.

Specifications:

• volume – 1000 GB;
• interface – SATA III;
• resource – 600 TBW;
• additionally – support for encryption, TRIM, SMART, WWN.

pros

• compact;
• high speed;
• quiet;
• long warranty period;
• there is data encryption.

Minuses

• high price.

Western Digital WD BLUE 3D NAND SATA SSD 1 TB

A compact model based on a four-channel Marvell 88SS1074 controller ensures reliable and safe PC operation.

High read and write speeds significantly improve device performance. A fairly large amount of memory allows you to store all the necessary information, including quite large files.

The TRIM function allows you to completely remove unnecessary files.

Innovative NCQ technology significantly improves performance. The shock-resistant housing and the absence of moving parts increases the service life of the disk several times.

Specifications:

• volume – 1000 GB;
• interface – SATA 6Gb/s;
• resource – 400 TBW;
• additionally – support for encryption, TRIM, NCQ.

pros

• good capacity;
• high speed;
• does not heat up;
• reliable;
• durable body.

Minuses

• not detected.

Samsung MZ-76Q1T0BW

A model with a high resource of 360 TBW can increase PC performance several times.

The presence of data encryption will reliably protect the device from hacking and data theft. The device is equipped with a QLC 3D NAND memory chip and a Samsung MJX controller and corresponds to a 2.5-inch form factor.

The most popular physical interface SATA III is used for connection.

Sufficiently high read and write speeds make launching the system, application and video content almost instantaneous.

Specifications:

• volume – 1024 GB;
• interface – SATA 3;
• resource – 360 TBW;
• additionally – support for encryption, TRIM, NCQ.

pros

• high-quality assembly;
• large amount of memory;
• excellent speed;
• durable body;
• long warranty period.

Minuses

• high price.

Samsung 860 EVO 250GB SATA V-NAND 3bit MLC MZ-76E250BW

The speed of reading/writing information of various sizes is 550/520 Mb/s. In practice, this means the performance of the most “loaded” software. The SSD has acquired a new controller. The device uses a powerful MJX chip with 2 cores, operating at frequencies up to 1 GHz.

The MZ-76E250BW also boasts:

• Turbo Write technology – used to increase the speed of sequential writing;
• To transfer information, SATA is used with a throughput of 6 gigabytes per second. (there is backward compatibility with interfaces of previous generations);
• the presence of hardware encryption – prevents attackers from accessing data on the SSD;
• improved compatibility with OS - not only Windows, but also Linux;
• TRIM support – removal of unused memory blocks during garbage collection, which improves SSD performance.

The disc shell is made of matte black metal. The disc turned out to be light (51 g) and durable.

Note: What is an SSD drive - a device and 3 types of storage memory

How to connect to a computer

You can install a solid-state drive on your computer either as a primary drive or as an additional drive.

Before purchasing, you must make sure that the cable from the power supply is of sufficient length and that there is an additional SATA interface cable. Otherwise, you will have to purchase all the necessary components.

The algorithm for installing an SSD disk will be as follows:

1. Disconnect your computer from the network.
2. Remove the right cover of the system unit.
3. Secure the drive.
4. Connect SATA cables to the motherboard.
5. Connect power from the unit.
6. Replace the cover.

Then you will need to install the BIOS and operating system.

After all these steps, the computer is completely ready for use.

KINGSTON A400 120GB 2.5 SATA III

A reliable and durable SSD with an optimal volume for installing the system and programs - 120 GB - and a pleasant price tag pleases with its performance indicators. The compact device is easy to install in either a computer or laptop. The drive is equipped with NAND TLC memory and a 2 CH controller.

What earned a place in the ranking of the best - three main advantages:

1. High performance. A flash drive from KINGSTON writes and reads data at a very serious speed - 450/500 megabits per second, respectively.
2. Like other devices on the list of decent 120-128 GB drives, it supports Trim. This technology is capable of maintaining productivity indicators at the maximum level and optimizing the wear of model cells for stable and long-term operation.
3. Capable of long service - this A400 must work for over a thousand hours before the drive retires.

Useful: How to check the status of an SSD drive in Windows and Mac - 10 programs for monitoring

How to transfer Windows from HDD to SSD

The most important thing when transferring Windows from one disk to another is to keep all the data in working condition. Correct actions will protect you from having to reconfigure the operating system.

The transfer algorithm will be as follows:

1. Transfer all data from the HDD to a third-party disk or flash drive.
2. Remove all unnecessary applications using a special utility.
3. Scan the disk using an antivirus.
4. Connect the SDD to the motherboard.
5. Launch Acronis True Image.
6. Select automatic mode.
7. Then the source disk.
8. Copy sections without changes.
9. Select in the following sequence – source, target, cloning.
10. Wait for completion.
11. Set to boot from the new drive.
12. Install the software.

After this, you can transfer all saved data from the flash drive.

Plextor PX-128M8VC

The Plextor company has proven itself impeccably in the production of SSDs; almost all of its models are very successful and enjoy deserved popularity among users.

Specifications Plextor PX-128M8VC

Here we see a number of advantages compared to the Crucial BX500 - larger volume, higher random reading speed of small files (60K versus 41K IOPS), the presence of a DRAM buffer, higher declared rewriting resource (70 versus 40 TB).

The maximum linear recording speed is indeed lower (400 versus 500 MB/s), but for most users this will not be noticeable and, as we already know, in reality the buffer is more important.

The controller here is really the same, so you can’t count on a significant difference in performance. Everything is the same with the warranty (3 years), but it does not heat up so much, which is partly due to the metal case and this SSD can be installed in a laptop, and in general it will be more preferable. SSD Plextor M8VC PX-128M8VC

Which is better for SSD - MBR or GPT?

When installing the operating system, the user is prompted to select the GPT or MBR standard. To know which one to choose, you need to study the features.

Any drive has only one physical partition, but it can be divided into several sectors, each of which will store certain information.

In MBR you can only make 4 main partitions; in GPT there are no restrictions. The user can create as many sectors as needed. Maximum – up to 128.

The next point is the amount of memory. MBR is capable of using no more than 2 TB of memory, while GPT has no restrictions.

MBR is practically unrecoverable and rarely copes with errors, which is why you can lose all the data stored on the disk.

GPT can initiate self-healing and has a wide range of error codes.

Also, which standard to choose will depend on the age of the system. For the new one, GPT is most suitable, for the old one - MBR.

Features of using SSD drives

Compliance with the rules of use of the device contributes to a long service life. SSD drives must be handled very carefully, even though many of them are resistant to mechanical damage and falls.

• Do not use outdated operating systems (such as Vista). Most disks will work great on Windows.
• Try not to fill up all free memory unnecessarily.
• You should not store unnecessary files on the drive. They should be removed regularly to avoid cluttering your device, leaving only the data you really need.
• We do not recommend disassembling the disk into parts unless absolutely necessary.

GIGABYTE UD PRO 256GB

Not long ago, Gigabyte, a well-known company in the production of video cards and motherboards, burst into the SSD market with a small range of drives from 120 to 512 GB. However, the younger models are not particularly remarkable, unlike this wonderful model.

Specifications GIGABYTE UD PRO 256GB

In terms of its set of characteristics, it seems to be unremarkable and is even inferior to the SSD drive from Plextor discussed above (less declared speeds, buffer and resource). But, as tests have shown, it is quite good in real work.

The whole secret lies in the use of a much more powerful 4-core Phison controller from the S10 family and the use of fairly fast memory from Toshiba. Thanks to this, this SSD copes well with intensive mixed loads (typical of most PCs) and shows the highest real read speed, which rests on the stated 530 MB/s due to the limitations of the SATA 3 interface.

Unfortunately, the size of the SLC cache is also very small, but the speed of direct writing to flash memory is at a stable level of about 300 MB/s, regardless of the usage scenario and the size of the written files throughout the entire storage capacity. So in terms of speed it is still better than Plextor and also does not require a lot of free space for the cache; it is enough to leave about 10% for the needs of the controller and this is also a plus.

The metal casing has not gone away either, allowing for reliable heat dissipation in the cramped body of the laptop. Its 100 TB resource allows you to overwrite 40% (95 GB) of the actual capacity (238.4 GB) daily during a 3-year warranty. SSD Gigabyte UD PRO GP-GSTFS30256GTTD

Crucial MX500 250GB

Another drive from the impeccable memory manufacturer Micron, but this time not from the budget segment, but from the mid-range.

Crucial MX500 250GB Specifications

Despite the similar stated speed indicators and the same controller, the real consumer properties of this SSD are significantly better. Last but not least, this was achieved due to the presence of a DRAM buffer and excellent firmware optimization, as well as the installation of faster flash memory.

The size of the SLC cache here is incomparably larger, which allows you to write up to 46 GB of data at high speed (actually 450 MB/s), while the younger BX500 model could only write 8 GB at high speed. Then the write speed drops to 200 MB/s, while the BX500 dropped to 100 MB/s. Obviously, the older model has gained a colossal lead in actual operating speed and is a kind of symbiosis of a fairly large SLC cache and average-speed memory.

But that's not all, the manufacturer claims the ability to overwrite up to 54 GB of disk space per day during the 5-year warranty period. It is the longer warranty period that fundamentally distinguishes this SSD from all previous ones, giving it a significant advantage. SSD Crucial MX500 CT250MX500SSD1

SSD Software Evaluation

Many experienced users believe that they can do without the included SSD software. Despite this, manufacturers offer similar programs and they can be useful. It all started many years ago with Samsung and Intel, which began releasing their drives with applications to analyze various aspects of operation, including the overall health of the drive, the amount of data written to it, and whether it is configured for maximum performance. After this, the complexity of the programs only increased.

Samsung Magician

The benefits of such programs can be different. Some offer extensive functionality, while others rely on a beautiful interface. Some drives contain only simple utilities for updating the firmware and nothing more. If there are no performance problems, you can do without updating the firmware.

If you like to tinker with settings, buy a drive with quality software and get familiar with it. Samsung offers one of the best apps, and Crucial/Micron, SanDisk/Western Digital, and ADATA/XPG also have good programs.

If you bought a drive to install in an existing computer and want to transfer the operating system, you will need a disk cloning utility like Acronis TrueImage. Budget drives may not have such programs, but there are many free programs of this kind on the Internet. For example, Disk Copy EaseUS.

Intel SSD 545s 128 GB

One of the best small-volume SSD models from Intel today.

Specifications Intel SSD 545 s 128 GB

Intel's SSDs are close in technology and quality to the market leader Samsung, but are still somewhat inferior to it, since they do not have a full production cycle and require cooperation with other manufacturers. In this regard, some problems periodically arise, leading to the appearance of unsuccessful models such as the previous Intel SSD 540s. Flaws in the firmware that Intel wrote for a third-party controller led to decreased performance and even freezing of the SSD.

However, the company took the bad experience into account and released a new model, the Intel SSD 545s, which is radically different from its predecessor and has become one of the best drives. It has high speed characteristics (as for budget models), especially when it comes to working with small files.

The SSD is equipped with a full-fledged DRAM buffer and is built on the SM2259 controller (an improved version of the SM2258 specifically for Intel), for which the company itself developed the firmware. This made it possible to extract maximum performance from relatively weak hardware.

The previous 540s model used planar TLC memory from Hynix. This 545s drive uses Intel's own second generation 3D memory (TLC 3D NAND). It's about 4 times faster than the previous model's Hynix and comparable in speed to Samsung's best memory.

This allows for minimal performance loss after the SLC cache is exhausted, since the memory can write data quickly enough without it. The SLC cache here is not large and the speed drops after copying 6 GB of data, but this drop is insignificant (from 440 to 410 MB/s), which makes this SSD many times faster than the previous ones when writing a large amount of data.

This drive has a sufficient rewriting resource of 72 TB and, most importantly, a 5-year warranty. Plus, it is made in a metal case, the memory with which is in contact through thermal pads, which was not the case in any other SSD. At the same time, it itself does not heat up much, and the improved heat sink is more designed for installing an SSD in a hot laptop case, although it is also great for a productive PC.

Considering that the leader, Samsung, no longer produces SSDs of this volume, this SSD can be considered the best offer on the market among 120-128 GB models. SSD Intel 545s Series SSDSC2KW128G8X1

SanDisk Ultra 3D 250 GB

This is an absolute analogue of the previous drive from Western Digital and all their characteristics are completely the same.

Specifications SanDisk Ultra 3D 250 GB

In real work they are also no different, so when choosing between them you can only focus on price. The warranty here was also increased from 3 to 5 years, which is reflected in the official specification, but some sites still have outdated information. SSD SanDisk Ultra 3D SDSSDH3-250G

ADATA Ultimate SU650 240GB

Another budget representative from the popular and well-established ADATA brand.

Specifications ADATA Ultimate SU650 240GB

In general, everything here according to the specification is almost the same as in the first version of WD GREEN, which was still slightly better than the second, but has practically disappeared from sale. However, in actual operation this SSD is significantly different.

According to test results, it can use a huge amount of free space as an SLC cache, which allows you to write about 30 GB of data at a speed of about 480 MB/s, but after that it drops to a catastrophic 20-40 MB/s. However, if your data recording needs will not often exceed 30 GB, then this is an acceptable option. Otherwise, it is better to give preference to the previous model or move on.

There is also no DRAM buffer, and the controller model is not indicated at all, since the filling of this SSD may change from batch to batch, which, however, has little effect on performance. A side effect of using TLC cells as pseudo SLC was a huge rewriting resource of 140 TB (55% of the actual volume per day), which means this SSD from ADATA is almost twice as good as WD GREEN in terms of wear. SSD A-Data Ultimate SU650 ASU650SS-240GT-C

How to evaluate the durability of an SSD?

Another disadvantage of TLC and QLC NAND memory is that it has a shorter operating life than the more traditional MLC. This is not a guess, this is indicated by the specifications of the manufacturers themselves. Terabytes written, or TBW . This is the amount of data, in terabytes, that can be written to the drive over its lifespan before cells begin to fail. The duration of the manufacturer's warranty is determined based on the TBW.

Whenever you start a new write operation to a memory location where data is already stored, that data must first be deleted. The process of deleting and writing new data slows down the drive. To prevent this from happening, the SSD controller tries to write data to clean cells where there is nothing. Someday these empty cells will run out and you will have to write down the filled ones.

An SSD can repeat erase and write operations a limited number of times before the cell degrades and no more data can be written to it. In MLC memory, cells typically withstand approximately 5000 write and erase cycles. TLC type memory can withstand about 1000 cycles. It seems like a big difference, but a process called “overprovisioning” tries to smooth it out. Part of the disk remains hidden and is not used. It is put into operation when other cells begin to fail.

In real-life application scenarios, ordinary users and advanced professionals are rarely able to use the entire resource of an SSD, unless it is running a server or some other task where data is constantly being written. A recent long-term experiment by The Tech Report involved writing data to an SSD until it failed. The Samsung SSD 840 model on TLC chips allowed recording more than 800 TB before losing its functionality. In real application scenarios, this will take more than 10 years. It is unlikely that anyone will use the drive for so long when new, faster, more spacious and cheaper models appear.

Thus, the durability of an SSD is not the main purchasing factor.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't back up important information. SSDs have no rotating parts inside them, but they can also fail due to malfunctions, power surges and other unexpected events. You can change the drive if it is under warranty, but you will not get the data back.

Indilinx (OCZ)

Founded in 2002, the company filed for bankruptcy in 2013 and was later acquired by Toshiba.

Manufacturer's controllers are modified models from other companies. The company is finalizing the firmware, improving options for other brands. For example, Everest is a modified Marvel device that is faster.

Thanks to Ndurance 2.0, a proprietary hardware technology, the company managed to make the hardening rods more durable. For example, Vertex 4 received a five-year warranty. However, Samsung SSDs are no less durable.

One of the company's most notable controllers is Barefoot 3. This is an eight-channel model with a single-core CPU and a 32-bit coprocessor whose frequency is 400 megahertz. The device is compatible with all types of memory, designed for drives with a SATA connection with an information exchange speed of 6 Gbit/sec.

Useful: 9 main criteria for choosing a good SSD