Is your laptop feeling sluggish? Are those loading screens making you want to pull your hair out? An SSD (Solid State Drive) upgrade is often the most impactful way to breathe new life into an aging machine, making everything snappier and more responsive. While you might be looking for a specific Crucial best 120gb ssd for laptop, the market has evolved, and we’ll explore even better, more future-proof options that offer incredible value and performance.
Forget slow boot times and laggy applications. Upgrading to a solid-state drive means you’ll enjoy near-instantaneous boot-ups, lightning-fast file transfers, and a significantly smoother overall user experience. We’ve rounded up 10 top SSDs, including excellent options from Crucial and other reputable brands, to help you find the perfect storage solution for your laptop.
Let’s dive in and find the ideal SSD to supercharge your portable powerhouse!
Our Top Picks for Laptop SSD Upgrades
Here’s a look at some of the best SSDs on the market that can drastically improve your laptop’s performance. While focusing on the spirit of finding a Crucial best 120gb ssd for laptop, we’ve included a range of capacities and types to ensure you find an upgrade that truly fits your needs, often providing more bang for your buck than smaller, older models.
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
Looking for a significant storage boost and a massive performance leap? The Crucial BX500 1TB is a fantastic choice for giving your laptop a serious shot in the arm. It uses 3D NAND technology to deliver reliable speed and efficiency, making it much faster and more energy-efficient than traditional hard drives. This drive is all about getting you booted up quicker, loading files in a flash, and improving your laptop’s responsiveness across the board.
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
-
Crucial 3-year limited warranty
-
Pros:
- Huge jump in speed and performance over HDDs
- Excellent value for 1TB capacity
- Enhances laptop battery life
- Reliable Crucial brand with a good warranty
- Cons:
- SATA interface is slower than NVMe
- Not ideal for cutting-edge gaming or professional video editing where maximum speed is crucial
User Impressions: Many users rave about the immediate difference this SSD makes, noting how their old laptops feel brand new. They often highlight the ease of installation and the noticeable improvements in boot times and application loading.
2. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re on a tighter budget or just need enough space for your operating system and essential applications, the Crucial BX500 240GB offers excellent value. It shares all the core benefits of its larger siblings, bringing that welcome speed increase and improved energy efficiency to your laptop. This is a solid contender if you’re thinking about a budget-friendly Crucial best 120gb ssd for laptop upgrade, providing double the storage for a minimal price difference.
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
-
Crucial 3-year limited warranty
-
Pros:
- Very affordable entry point for SSD performance
- Significantly faster and more efficient than HDDs
- Extends laptop battery life
- Dependable Crucial quality
- Cons:
- Limited storage capacity for large file libraries
- Uses SATA interface, not the fastest available
User Impressions: Customers frequently commend this drive for its affordability and the dramatic speed boost it provides for everyday computing tasks. It’s often recommended as a great choice for reviving older machines.
3. Crucial P3 Plus 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
For laptops that support NVMe M.2 drives, the Crucial P3 Plus 1TB is a game-changer. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap into high-performance storage. With PCIe Gen4 technology, you’re looking at blazing-fast read and write speeds that make everything from game loading to heavy multitasking feel effortless. It’s broadly compatible and even backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems, offering flexible upgrade potential for a wide range of devices.
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users
- Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades
- Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
-
Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users
-
Pros:
- Extremely fast Gen4 NVMe speeds for superior performance
- Ideal for gamers, content creators, and power users
- Generous 1TB capacity
- Broad compatibility, including backward Gen3 support
- Cons:
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot in your laptop
- Higher price point than SATA SSDs
User Impressions: Users are consistently blown away by the speed of the P3 Plus, noting incredible boot times and application responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, highlight the reduced loading screens and improved overall experience.
4. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
While not an internal drive, the Crucial X9 Portable SSD is perfect for extending your laptop’s storage or for quick, secure file transfers on the go. Its high-speed performance makes it ideal for editing media directly from the drive or backing up large projects. Plus, it’s built like a tank, offering IP55 water and dust resistance and impressive drop protection, making it a reliable companion for students and professionals who are always moving.
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files
-
Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
-
Pros:
- Excellent portability and rugged durability
- Fast external transfer speeds (up to 1050MB/s)
- Broad device compatibility (USB-C and USB-A)
- Generous 1TB capacity for backups and media
- Cons:
- Not an internal drive for system boot-up
- Performance limited by USB interface
User Impressions: Customers love the compact size, robust build quality, and impressive speed for an external drive. It’s a popular choice for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs reliable, fast storage that can withstand daily travel.
5. Western Digital 120GB WD Green Internal PC SSD Solid State Drive
Here’s a fantastic option if you’re strictly adhering to a search for a Crucial best 120gb ssd for laptop but are open to other reputable brands. The WD Green 120GB SSD delivers a solid performance boost over traditional hard drives at a very attractive price point. It’s designed for reliability and efficiency, making it a great choice for basic system upgrades or as a boot drive in older laptops. Its ultra-low power draw is a bonus for laptop users.
- SLC (single-level cell) caching boosts write performance to quickly perform everyday tasks
- Shock-resistant and WD F.I.T. Lab certified for compatibility and reliability
- Ultra low power-draw so you can use your laptop PC for longer periods of time
- Includes a 3-year limited warranty so upgrading your storage is worry-free
-
The free, downloadable WD SSD Dashboard* lets you easily monitor the status of your drive
-
Pros:
- Extremely energy-efficient, great for laptop battery life
- Affordable entry-level SSD performance
- Reputable brand with a 3-year warranty
- Good for basic system upgrades and boot drives
- Cons:
- Limited 120GB capacity for modern usage
- SATA speeds are not as fast as NVMe
- May fill up quickly with OS and a few applications
User Impressions: Users appreciate the cost-effectiveness and the noticeable speed improvement for basic tasks. It’s often cited as a reliable solution for bringing older, slow laptops back to life without breaking the bank.
6. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
Stepping up the portable game, the Crucial X10 Portable SSD offers blistering speeds of up to 2,100MB/s, making it one of the fastest external drives available. This is crucial for creators, students, and PC gamers who need to access or transfer large files rapidly. Like its X9 sibling, it boasts exceptional durability with IP65 dust and water resistance and a robust drop rating, ensuring your data is safe wherever you go.
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP65 dust and water resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users needing secure and reliable storage for their files
-
Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
-
Pros:
- Phenomenally fast external transfer speeds
- Extremely durable with high dust/water resistance and drop protection
- Broad compatibility with various devices
- Generous 1TB storage
- Cons:
- Premium price due to high speed and durability
- Still an external drive, not an internal boot solution
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the incredible speed and rugged design of the X10. It’s a favorite among video editors and professionals who frequently work with massive files and demand the fastest possible external storage.
7. Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD
The Kingston A400 240GB SSD is another excellent, budget-friendly option for upgrading your laptop. It offers a significant performance boost over traditional hard drives, translating to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and snappier file transfers. Known for its reliability and durability, this SSD is a solid replacement for an aging hard drive, providing a noticeable improvement without breaking the bank.
- Fast start up, loading and file transfers
- More reliable and durable than a hard drive
-
Multiple capacities with space for applications or a hard drive replacement
-
Pros:
- Affordable price point for a 240GB SSD
- Reliable and durable, enhancing laptop longevity
- Great for basic system upgrades and OS installations
- Much faster than traditional hard drives
- Cons:
- SATA interface is not the fastest available
- 240GB capacity may be limiting for extensive media libraries
User Impressions: Customers often praise the Kingston A400 for its value and the immediate performance boost it delivers. It’s frequently recommended as an easy and effective upgrade for older laptops.
8. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
If 1TB isn’t quite enough, the Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD offers double the storage capacity with the same reliable, high-speed performance and robust build quality. This drive is perfect for users with extensive photo and video collections, large game libraries, or professional projects that demand vast amounts of secure, accessible storage. It’s still highly portable and incredibly durable, making it ideal for mobile workflows.
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 2TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files
-
Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
-
Pros:
- Massive 2TB capacity for extensive storage needs
- Fast transfer speeds for an external drive
- Excellent durability and portability for on-the-go use
- Broad device compatibility
- Cons:
- Higher price point due to capacity
- External drive, not for internal system upgrades
User Impressions: Users with large data sets, such as professional photographers or videographers, highly rate the 2TB X9 for its generous capacity, consistent speed, and peace of mind from its rugged design.
9. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
For those who need truly massive internal storage for their laptop but don’t have an NVMe slot, the Crucial BX500 2TB is a fantastic solution. This SSD offers all the benefits of the BX500 line – faster boot-ups, quicker file loads, and improved system responsiveness – but with a whopping 2TB of space. It’s perfect for storing extensive game libraries, large media collections, or numerous design projects directly on your laptop.
-
Compatible devices: This drive is compatible with desktops and laptops that accept 2.5″ 7mm SATA drives
-
Pros:
- Enormous 2TB internal storage capacity
- Significant performance upgrade over HDDs
- Compatible with a wide range of laptops (2.5″ SATA)
- Reliable Crucial brand quality
- Cons:
- SATA speeds are not as fast as NVMe drives
- Still uses a 2.5″ form factor which might be thicker than M.2 drives
User Impressions: Users love the sheer amount of fast storage this drive provides, especially for consolidating multiple hard drives into one speedy SSD. It’s praised for making laptops incredibly versatile for demanding storage needs.
10. Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 14,900 MB/s
The Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD is for users who demand the absolute pinnacle of speed and performance. With mind-boggling sequential read/write speeds of up to 14,900/13,800 MB/s, this drive is a beast. It’s designed to enhance gaming, creative tasks, and anything that benefits from lightning-fast data access. This cutting-edge Gen5 technology pushes boundaries, complete with an integrated heatsink (or non-heatsink option) for optimal thermal management.
- WIN BIGGER: Experience Gen5 gameplay at the speed of thought. With up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds, you’ll be faster out of the gate
- ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Don’t miss out on the detailed atmospheres of your favorite games. Activate advanced ray tracing in applicable games to see all the reflections, fog and lighting to improve your gameplay
- POINT. CLICK. DONE.: Spend more time being creative and less time waiting on your latest renders. Included DirectStorage speeds up your creative process and allows you to create as fast as you can imagine
- LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: Crucial is a pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage, built for maximum performance. The T710 showcases Crucial’s innovation and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming, creativity, and beyond
- STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: The T710 offers an integrated heatsink to maximize heat dissipation for optimal performance without noisy fans or liquid cooling. A non-heatsink option is also available
-
SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protect your data with hardware encryption. Install the latest T710 firmware exclusively via Crucial’s official support page (Support > Firmware Updates) to enable encryption
-
Pros:
- Unmatched, industry-leading Gen5 NVMe speeds
- Perfect for extreme gamers, 3D artists, and video editors
- Integrated heatsink for sustained performance (heatsink version)
- Supports DirectStorage for faster game loading
- Hardware encryption for data protection
- Cons:
- Only compatible with laptops/motherboards supporting Gen5 NVMe
- Highest price point
- May be overkill for average users
User Impressions: Early adopters and high-performance enthusiasts are ecstatic about the T710’s speed, reporting incredibly fast load times and seamless multitasking even with the most demanding applications. It’s seen as a true next-gen upgrade.
FAQ: All Your Crucial SSD Questions Answered
Q1: Why should I upgrade my laptop’s hard drive to an SSD?
A: Upgrading to an SSD provides a massive performance boost! You’ll experience much faster boot times, quicker application loading, snappier file transfers, and an overall more responsive system. SSDs are also more durable, quieter, and more energy-efficient than traditional hard drives, leading to better battery life.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs connect via a SATA port and typically offer speeds of up to 550 MB/s. They’re a great upgrade from HDDs. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs, especially M.2 NVMe drives, connect via a PCIe slot and are significantly faster, with speeds ranging from 3,500 MB/s up to 14,900 MB/s for Gen5. Your laptop needs to have a compatible M.2 slot to use an NVMe drive.
Q3: Is a 120GB SSD enough for my laptop?
A: While 120GB can serve as a boot drive for your operating system and a few essential programs, it’s generally considered quite small for modern usage. For a more comfortable experience, especially with Windows and several applications, 240GB or 500GB is often a better starting point. Many users find 1TB to be the sweet spot for balance of capacity and cost.
Q4: How do I know if my laptop is compatible with a new SSD?
A: You’ll need to check your laptop’s specifications or open it up to see what kind of storage it supports. Most older laptops use 2.5-inch SATA drives. Newer laptops often have M.2 NVMe slots in addition to or instead of SATA. Online tools from manufacturers like Crucial or searching your laptop’s model number can also help you determine compatibility.
Q5: Can I install an SSD myself?
A: Yes, installing an SSD is often one of the easiest DIY upgrades for a laptop. For 2.5-inch SATA drives, it’s usually a simple swap. M.2 NVMe drives are also straightforward, typically involving one screw. You’ll need to transfer your operating system to the new SSD, either by cloning your old drive or performing a fresh Windows installation. Numerous online guides and videos can walk you through the process.
Q6: What are portable SSDs good for?
A: Portable SSDs are fantastic for expanding your storage without opening your laptop. They’re ideal for external backups, carrying large files (like photos, videos, or games) between devices, and for quickly transferring data. Their speed and durability make them much better than traditional external hard drives.
Q7: Do SSDs improve battery life?
A: Yes! SSDs consume significantly less power than traditional spinning hard drives. This reduced power consumption translates directly into longer battery life for your laptop, allowing you to work or play unplugged for extended periods.
Q8: What does ‘NAND’ mean in SSDs?
**A: NAND stands for “Not AND” and refers to the type of flash memory used in SSDs. It’s where your data is stored. Different types like 3D NAND improve density, performance, and endurance. It’s the core technology that makes SSDs work!