Thinking about giving your computer a serious speed boost? Or perhaps you need fast, reliable external storage? You’re in the right place! A 500GB Solid State Drive (SSD) is often the sweet spot for many users, offering a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives without breaking the bank. It’s enough space for your operating system, essential programs, and a good chunk of your games or important files, all while delivering lightning-fast boot times and application loading.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best 500 gig SSD for your needs? Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the digging for you, comparing some of the top 500GB SSDs on the market. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a new PC, or just need a zippy external drive, we’ve got you covered.
Why Choose a 500GB SSD?
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why a 500GB SSD is such a popular choice. For most everyday users, gamers, and even some content creators, 500GB strikes a fantastic balance between cost and capacity. It’s typically enough to:
- Install your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux): Experience incredibly fast boot-ups, often in mere seconds.
- Store essential software and applications: Programs launch almost instantly, boosting your productivity.
- Hold a selection of your favorite games: Games will load faster, reducing wait times and getting you into the action sooner.
- Provide fast storage for active projects: If you work with photos, videos, or large design files, having them on an SSD makes a world of difference.
For many, pairing a 500GB SSD for the OS and critical apps with a larger, slower Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for bulk storage (like movies, documents, or older games) offers the perfect blend of speed and affordability. Now, let’s explore some of the best 500 gig SSD options available today!
Product Reviews
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State
The Samsung 870 EVO continues Samsung’s legacy of excellence in the SSD market, offering a fantastic blend of performance, reliability, and broad compatibility. It’s perfect for anyone looking to upgrade an older desktop or laptop that uses a standard 2.5-inch SATA connection. With its impressive sequential speeds and robust endurance, this SSD is a reliable workhorse, ready for everything from daily computing to handling more demanding tasks like 8K video processing. It’s no wonder it’s often considered the gold standard for SATA drives.
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Key Features:
- Maximizes SATA interface limits with up to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- High endurance with up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) under a 5-year limited warranty.
- Extensive compatibility with major host systems, chipsets, motherboards, and NAS devices.
- Easy upgrade process with a standard 2.5-inch form factor.
- Includes Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management and optimization.
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Pros:
- Exceptional reliability and endurance.
- Excellent performance for a SATA drive.
- Wide compatibility with older systems.
- Samsung’s trusted brand and in-house component production.
- Helpful Magician software for easy management.
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Cons:
- SATA interface limits speed compared to NVMe SSDs.
- May be overkill if you only need basic storage.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 870 EVO for its rock-solid reliability and noticeable speed improvement over traditional HDDs. Many highlight the ease of installation and the user-friendly Samsung Magician software as major positives, making it a favorite for system upgrades.
- See it on Amazon here
PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid
The PNY CS900 is a fantastic entry-level option for those looking to jump into the world of SSDs without spending a fortune. It’s a straightforward 2.5-inch SATA drive that promises a significant boost in system responsiveness compared to an old spinning hard drive. If you’re looking to revitalize an aging laptop or desktop with faster boot times and quicker application loads, this budget-friendly PNY SSD gets the job done efficiently and reliably.
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Key Features:
- Super-fast OS boot times and application loads.
- Up to 550MB/s sequential read and 500MB/s sequential write speeds.
- Superior performance compared to traditional hard drives (HDD).
- Ultra-low power consumption, ideal for laptops.
- Backwards compatible with SATA II (3GB/sec) for older systems.
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Pros:
- Very affordable way to upgrade.
- Noticeable speed improvement over HDDs.
- Low power consumption, great for battery life.
- Easy to install in most laptops and desktops.
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA interface.
- Not as feature-rich as premium SSDs.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend the PNY CS900 for its excellent value proposition. They report easy installation and a dramatic improvement in system responsiveness, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades. It reliably delivers on its promise of faster boot and load times.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P3 Plus 500GB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
Step up to the future with the Crucial P3 Plus. This NVMe M.2 SSD takes advantage of the super-fast PCIe Gen4 interface, delivering speeds that blow SATA drives out of the water. If your system supports PCIe Gen4, this drive will dramatically speed up everything from bootups and game loads to complex file transfers and demanding applications like Photoshop. It’s also incredibly power-efficient, making it a smart choice for modern laptops and desktops.
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Key Features:
- Next-level Gen4 performance with speeds up to 6,600MB/s.
- Increases device capacity and lifecycle.
- Nearly 20% faster performance in bootups and gameplay compared to Gen3.
- Up to 20% faster in real-world tasks like launching applications.
- Provides up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than previous Gen4 SSDs.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 NVMe speeds.
- Excellent for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking.
- Improved power efficiency for longer battery life in laptops.
- Crucial’s reputation for reliability.
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot.
- Performance will be limited to Gen3 speeds if used in a Gen3 slot.
- Higher price point than SATA SSDs.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are thrilled with the speed of the P3 Plus, noting immediate improvements in system responsiveness and load times. Its power efficiency is also a frequently highlighted benefit for laptop users. It’s seen as a strong contender for those upgrading to a modern system.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P3 is an ideal choice for systems that support NVMe but might not have PCIe Gen4 compatibility or for users who want great NVMe performance without the premium Gen4 price tag. With sequential reads up to 3500MB/s, it’s still many times faster than any SATA SSD. Whether you’re a gamer, a business professional, or just someone who wants a much snappier PC experience, the P3 offers solid Gen3 performance and excellent longevity.
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads.
- Random read/write up to 350K/460K IOPS.
- Spacious storage options (up to 4TB in series).
- Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation.
- Rated at MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for a PCIe Gen3 NVMe SSD.
- More affordable than Gen4 drives.
- Highly reliable with a long lifespan rating.
- Perfect for gaming, business, and personal use.
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Cons:
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot.
- Not as fast as PCIe Gen4 drives.
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User Impressions: Users find the Crucial P3 to be an outstanding value for its performance. They report a significant upgrade from SATA drives, with quick boot times and application loading. Many praise its reliability and ease of installation, making it a go-to for Gen3 NVMe upgrades.
- See it on Amazon here
SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
For those on the go, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a game-changer. This isn’t just an internal drive; it’s a robust, high-speed external solution built to withstand the elements. With NVMe performance reaching up to 1050MB/s, you can transfer large files like 4K videos and high-res photos in a flash. Its impressive durability with drop protection and water/dust resistance means your precious data is safe, no matter where your adventures take you.
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Key Features:
- NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds.
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance.
- Handy carabiner loop for securing to bags.
- Includes password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management.
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast for a portable SSD.
- Extremely durable and rugged design.
- Excellent for photographers, videographers, and travelers.
- Hardware encryption for data security.
- Compact and lightweight.
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Cons:
- More expensive than internal SSDs of similar capacity.
- Performance can vary based on the host device and connection.
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User Impressions: This portable SSD receives high marks for its speed, ruggedness, and compact design. Users love its ability to quickly transfer large media files and its peace of mind provided by its durability. It’s highly recommended for professionals and hobbyists needing reliable on-the-go storage.
- See it on Amazon here
Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid
The WD Blue SA510 is Western Digital’s solid offering in the 2.5-inch SATA SSD category. Designed for everyday computing, it’s a reliable and efficient upgrade for older PCs and laptops currently running on traditional hard drives. It’s built for longevity and consistent performance, making it a trustworthy choice for boosting your system’s overall responsiveness without needing to invest in a new motherboard or components.
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Key Features:
- 500 GB storage capacity.
- Standard 2.5″ form factor.
- SATA interface for broad compatibility.
- Internal drive type.
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Pros:
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand.
- Excellent for upgrading older systems.
- Good value for a basic performance boost.
- Easy to install in most laptops and desktops.
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Cons:
- Performance limited by the SATA III interface compared to NVMe.
- No specific speed figures provided, suggesting average SATA performance.
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User Impressions: Users find the WD Blue SA510 to be a dependable and straightforward upgrade. They appreciate its ease of installation and the noticeable speed improvements it brings to older systems. It’s generally seen as a solid, no-frills option for mainstream users.
- See it on Amazon here
Kingston NV3 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0
The Kingston NV3 is a contemporary NVMe SSD that leverages the PCIe 4.0 interface, making it an excellent choice for modern systems seeking fast, responsive storage. It’s designed for high-speed performance while maintaining low power consumption, making it suitable for both desktop builds and compatible laptops. If you’re building a new PC or upgrading a recent machine, the NV3 offers a great balance of speed and efficiency.
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Key Features:
- Ideal for high-speed, low-power storage.
- Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe performance.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB.
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Pros:
- Fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds for quick boot times and application loads.
- Low power consumption, beneficial for laptop battery life.
- Kingston’s reputation for reliable memory products.
- M.2 2280 form factor is compact.
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible M.2 slot.
- No specific speed numbers provided, so actual performance needs verification.
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User Impressions: While specific performance figures aren’t highlighted, users generally appreciate Kingston’s reliability and the compact M.2 form factor. This drive is viewed as a solid choice for those seeking to leverage modern PCIe Gen4 speeds in their builds, especially for its low power draw.
- See it on Amazon here
SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives, up to
The SSK Portable SSD is a remarkably compact and powerful external drive, offering blazing-fast 10Gbps speeds suitable for demanding tasks like 4K ProRes video capture on an iPhone. Its robust aluminum alloy case not only looks premium but also provides excellent heat dissipation, ensuring consistent performance during large file transfers. This little powerhouse is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts who need a reliable, fast, and highly portable storage solution that won’t slow down.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast 10Gbps speeds (1050MB/s read, 1000MB/s write).
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for universal compatibility.
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for data security and longevity.
- SLC caching ensures no slowdowns during large file transfers (under 150GB).
- Low power consumption, ideal for mobile devices like iPhones for 4K video.
- Durable 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation.
- Extremely lightweight (36.6g) and compact (2.61.50.5 inch).
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed for an external drive.
- Excellent thermal management prevents throttling.
- True cross-platform compatibility with included cables.
- Perfect for professionals needing mobile 4K video recording.
- Incredibly portable and lightweight.
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Cons:
- Display capacity might differ slightly on Windows due to different algorithms.
- SLC caching benefits are most prominent for transfers under 150GB.
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed by the SSK Portable SSD’s speed and incredibly compact design. Its ability to handle large video files, especially for iPhone ProRes capture, is a huge plus. The build quality and efficient heat dissipation also receive frequent praise.
- See it on Amazon here
SAMSUNG 980 SSD 500GB PCle 3.0×4, NVMe M.2 2280, Internal
The Samsung 980 SSD offers an impressive leap in performance for users still on PCIe 3.0 systems. This NVMe M.2 drive delivers sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s, which is a massive upgrade from traditional SATA SSDs. It features Samsung’s “Full Power Mode” for consistent high performance, along with robust thermal control solutions and the trusted reliability of Samsung’s in-house components. It’s an ideal choice for gamers and power users looking for a significant speed boost without jumping to PCIe 4.0.
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Key Features:
- Impressive NVMe PCIe 3.0×4 speeds up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s.
- “Full Power Mode” ensures continuous, consistent high performance.
- High endurance (up to 600 TBW) and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Reliable thermal control with nickel coating and heat spreader label.
- Smart thermal solution with Samsung’s cutting-edge algorithm.
- Compatible with Samsung Magician software for health monitoring and optimization.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for a PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive.
- Robust endurance and reliability.
- Effective thermal management prevents throttling.
- Samsung Magician software enhances user experience.
- Trusted Samsung quality and in-house component production.
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Cons:
- Not as fast as PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives.
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot.
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User Impressions: The Samsung 980 is a favorite among users for its incredible speed boost, especially coming from SATA SSDs or HDDs. Many highlight its consistent performance under load and the peace of mind provided by Samsung’s reputation for reliability. It’s often recommended for gaming and general power-user builds.
- See it on Amazon here
TEAMGROUP MP44L 500GB SLC Cache NVMe 1.4 PCIe Gen 4×4
The TEAMGROUP MP44L is an exciting new player in the PCIe Gen4 NVMe space, combining impressive speed with an innovative heat dissipation design. Its unique graphene coating on aluminum foil integrated into the SSD label helps double its heat dissipating performance, which is crucial for sustained Gen4 speeds. This M.2 2280 SSD is perfectly suited for the latest Intel and AMD platforms, making it an excellent choice for gamers and professionals handling large data sets and complex applications.
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Key Features:
- NVMe PCIe Gen4x4 High Speed Interface with up to 5,000 / 3,700MB/s sequential read/write.
- First product to introduce conductive graphene coating on aluminum foil to the SSD label for enhanced heat dissipation.
- M.2 2280 specification, compatible with next-gen Intel and AMD platforms.
- Supports SLC Caching technology for enhanced computing performance.
- 5-year or TBW limited warranty with free technical support.
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Pros:
- Excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds for the price.
- Innovative and effective heat dissipation design (less than 1mm thick).
- Boosts performance for gaming, graphics, and video editing.
- Solid 5-year warranty.
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot.
- Users need to verify motherboard/CPU/BIOS compatibility before purchase.
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User Impressions: Users are intrigued by the MP44L’s unique cooling solution and its competitive Gen4 speeds. It’s seen as a strong value contender for those building or upgrading to a Gen4 system, particularly for its ability to handle demanding workloads without excessive heat.
- See it on Amazon here
Conclusion
Choosing the best 500 gig SSD really boils down to your specific needs and your system’s compatibility. If you’re looking for an affordable upgrade for an older laptop or desktop, a SATA SSD like the Samsung 870 EVO or PNY CS900 is an excellent choice. For modern systems and maximum performance, an NVMe drive is the way to go. Whether it’s a PCIe Gen3 like the Crucial P3 or Samsung 980, or a blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 option like the Crucial P3 Plus or TEAMGROUP MP44L, the speed increase will be truly transformative. And for those who need fast storage on the move, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD or SSK Portable SSD offers unparalleled convenience and durability.
No matter which one you choose from our list, you’re investing in a significant performance boost that will make your computing experience much snappier and more enjoyable!
FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A1: SATA SSDs connect via the traditional SATA interface, typically offering speeds up to around 550 MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect directly to your motherboard via the PCIe lanes, allowing for significantly higher speeds, often reaching thousands of MB/s. NVMe drives are much faster, especially for demanding tasks, but require an M.2 slot and NVMe support on your motherboard.
Q2: Is 500GB enough storage for a gaming PC?
A2: For many gamers, 500GB is enough for the operating system and a handful of their most-played, graphically intensive games. However, if you have a vast game library, you might fill it up quickly as modern games can be 50-100GB+ each. Many users pair a 500GB NVMe SSD for the OS and a few favorite games with a larger, cheaper HDD or a secondary SATA SSD for additional storage.
Q3: Can I install an NVMe SSD in an older laptop?
A3: It depends on your laptop. Older laptops typically only support 2.5-inch SATA drives. Newer laptops (generally from 2015 onwards) often include an M.2 slot that supports NVMe, but some might only support SATA M.2. You’ll need to check your laptop’s specifications or open it up to see if it has an M.2 slot and if it’s NVMe compatible.
Q4: How do I know if my desktop motherboard supports NVMe?
A4: Most modern desktop motherboards (typically those released in the last 5-7 years) will have one or more M.2 slots that support NVMe SSDs. Look for an M.2 slot and check your motherboard’s manual or manufacturer’s website for “NVMe” or “PCIe M.2” compatibility. Ensure it supports the correct PCIe generation (Gen3 or Gen4) for your chosen SSD.
Q5: What is “TBW” and why is it important for SSDs?
A5: TBW stands for Terabytes Written. It’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it’s expected to fail. A higher TBW rating means the SSD is designed to last longer under heavy write workloads. For most everyday users, even lower TBW ratings are more than sufficient for many years of use.
Q6: Do I need special software to manage my SSD?
A6: While not strictly necessary for basic functionality, many SSD manufacturers (like Samsung with Magician or Crucial with Storage Executive) provide free software. These tools can help you monitor drive health, update firmware, optimize performance, and securely erase data. It’s highly recommended to use them to get the most out of your SSD.
Q7: How do portable SSDs differ from internal SSDs?
A7: Portable SSDs are external drives designed for easy transport and use with multiple devices. They often come in rugged enclosures and connect via USB-C or USB-A. Internal SSDs are designed to be installed inside a computer (desktop or laptop) and connect via SATA or M.2 slots directly to the motherboard. While internal SSDs generally offer better peak performance, portable SSDs prioritize convenience, durability, and plug-and-play compatibility.