SSDs: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
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Shopper's Guide: Top SSDs
Dump that poky portable hard drive! External solid-state drives are faster and more affordable than ever. Check out our top-rated SSDs, plus detailed advice on how to buy the right one for you.
By Tony Hoffman
Our Top Picks
Crucial T500
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Micron's Crucial T500 is among the best full-featured PCIe 4.0 internal solid-state drives you can buy for building or upgrading a high-end PC.
Full Crucial T500 ReviewPros
- Available in both heatsink and non-heatsink versions
- Strong benchmark scores
- High-quality software included
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
Cons
- Fairly high cost per gigabyte
Pros
- Available in both heatsink and non-heatsink versions
- Strong benchmark scores
- High-quality software included
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
Cons
- Fairly high cost per gigabyte
Samsung SSD 870 QVO
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
If you're looking for one of the best 2.5-inch SATA SSDs in terms of value and performance for the money, search no further than Samsung's SSD 870 QVO, a stellar followup to its first QLC-based outing.
Full Samsung SSD 870 QVO ReviewPros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a SATA-based SSD
- Very fast 4K read and write speeds
- Feature-rich Magician management software
- 8TB version coming soon
Cons
- Warranty is only three years
- QLC's modest durability ratings make it less suited to heavy write duty
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a SATA-based SSD
- Very fast 4K read and write speeds
- Feature-rich Magician management software
- 8TB version coming soon
Cons
- Warranty is only three years
- QLC's modest durability ratings make it less suited to heavy write duty
Acer Predator GM7000
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
With blistering throughput speeds and fine benchmark results, Acer makes a splash with its Predator GM7000, the first PCI Express 4.0 SSD in its line and every bit as lethal as its gaming laptop and monitor brandmates.
Full Acer Predator GM7000 ReviewPros
- Slightly exceeds its blistering rated speeds
- Good all-around benchmark performance
- 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
- Includes free cloning-software download
- PlayStation 5 compatible
Cons
- Ships with graphene-embedded foam heat spreader rather than aluminum heatsink
Pros
- Slightly exceeds its blistering rated speeds
- Good all-around benchmark performance
- 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
- Includes free cloning-software download
- PlayStation 5 compatible
Cons
- Ships with graphene-embedded foam heat spreader rather than aluminum heatsink
WD Black SN8100
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The WD Black SN8100, the new champ of internal SSD speeds, rules in our benchmark testing while generating surprisingly little heat for a PCI Express 5.0 M.2 SSD.
Full WD Black SN8100 ReviewPros
- Available in capacities up to 4TB (with an 8TB unit on the way)
- Screaming-fast random read/write speeds
- Exceptional PCMark 10 benchmark performance
- Includes Acronis True Image backup and migration software
- Meets TCG/Opal V2.0 security standard
Cons
- Requires a computer with a PCI Express 5.0 M.2 slot for full performance
Pros
- Available in capacities up to 4TB (with an 8TB unit on the way)
- Screaming-fast random read/write speeds
- Exceptional PCMark 10 benchmark performance
- Includes Acronis True Image backup and migration software
- Meets TCG/Opal V2.0 security standard
Cons
- Requires a computer with a PCI Express 5.0 M.2 slot for full performance
PNY XLR8 CS3150
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
PNY's XLR8 CS3150 is a 1TB PCIe 5.0 SSD with a dual-fan heatsink and cool RGB lighting, making it a good choice for desktop PC builders who don't need a ton of space.
Full PNY XLR8 CS3150 ReviewPros
- Comes with dual-fan heatsink in place
- Colorful RGB lighting
- Speedy performance, especially on gaming-centric 3DMark Storage benchmark
- Meets TCG Opal 2.0 encryption standard
Cons
- Requires PCIe 5.0-compatible desktop PC to get full performance benefits
- No 4TB version
Pros
- Comes with dual-fan heatsink in place
- Colorful RGB lighting
- Speedy performance, especially on gaming-centric 3DMark Storage benchmark
- Meets TCG Opal 2.0 encryption standard
Cons
- Requires PCIe 5.0-compatible desktop PC to get full performance benefits
- No 4TB version
Addlink AddGame A93
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Addlink AddGame A93 is a high-performance, inexpensive internal M.2 SSD that's great for gamers (or anyone else) upgrading or building a new PC on a budget.
Full Addlink AddGame A93 ReviewPros
- Moderately priced for an elite PCI Express 4.0 SSD
- Comes in capacities up to 4TB
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Includes compact heatsink
- Strong benchmark results and good durability ratings
Cons
- Lacks AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption
- DRAM-less architecture could affect sustained large-file transfers
Pros
- Moderately priced for an elite PCI Express 4.0 SSD
- Comes in capacities up to 4TB
- Compatible with PlayStation 5
- Includes compact heatsink
- Strong benchmark results and good durability ratings
Cons
- Lacks AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption
- DRAM-less architecture could affect sustained large-file transfers
WD Black SN850X
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The WD Black SN850X takes the company's flagship PCIe 4.0 gaming SSD and makes it even better, offering higher capacity and improved test results (including a new PC Labs record in the 3DMark Storage benchmark). About all it lacks is hardware-based security.
Full WD Black SN850X ReviewPros
- Available in capacities up to 8TB, with or without a heatsink
- Exceeded both its sequential read and write speed ratings
- Aced PCMark and 3DMark storage tests
Cons
- Lacks 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
Pros
- Available in capacities up to 8TB, with or without a heatsink
- Exceeded both its sequential read and write speed ratings
- Aced PCMark and 3DMark storage tests
Cons
- Lacks 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
Samsung SSD 980
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Samsung's SSD 980 M.2 drive provides a stellar mid-tier option for new or returning fans of the company's SSDs, squeaking the most performance possible out of PCI Express 3.0.
Full Samsung SSD 980 ReviewPros
- Edges out the Intel SSD 670p in 4K random reads
- Competitive pricing for its performance class
- Field-leading SSD software suite
- Good durability rating for MLC
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Still capped at PCI Express 3.0's natural ceiling
Pros
- Edges out the Intel SSD 670p in 4K random reads
- Competitive pricing for its performance class
- Field-leading SSD software suite
- Good durability rating for MLC
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Still capped at PCI Express 3.0's natural ceiling
Crucial P3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Crucial P3 provides good performance in a PCI Express 3.0 NVMe SSD. Its QLC NAND flash memory keeps the P3's price down while allowing capacities up to 4TB. It's a spot-on pick for upgrading older PCs that don't support PCIe 4.0.
Full Crucial P3 ReviewPros
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
- Low cost per gigabyte for all models
- Includes link for Acronis True Image cloning software
- Good benchmark results for a PCI Express 3.0 drive
Cons
- Relatively low write-durability (TBW) ratings
- Lacks 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
Pros
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
- Low cost per gigabyte for all models
- Includes link for Acronis True Image cloning software
- Good benchmark results for a PCI Express 3.0 drive
Cons
- Relatively low write-durability (TBW) ratings
- Lacks 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
TeamGroup MP44
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The TeamGroup MP44 internal SSD's benchmark results make it a good boot-drive candidate for a budget or mainstream PC. Plus, it's available in sizes up to 8TB.
Full TeamGroup MP44 ReviewPros
- Available in capacities up to 8TB
- High durability rating
- Modestly priced at lower capacities
- Excellent PCMark 10 Overall score
Cons
- Cost per gigabyte is much higher for the 8TB version
- Low 4K (random) write and small-file copy scores
Pros
- Available in capacities up to 8TB
- High durability rating
- Modestly priced at lower capacities
- Excellent PCMark 10 Overall score
Cons
- Cost per gigabyte is much higher for the 8TB version
- Low 4K (random) write and small-file copy scores
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You can never have too much storage, especially when Amazon has you covered with both internal and external options from Seagate and Sandisk during its annual Spring sale.
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