Thinking about sprucing up your Intel NUC with some serious speed? You’ve landed in the right spot! Intel NUCs are fantastic mini-PCs, but they often benefit immensely from a storage upgrade, especially moving from a slower HDD to a zippy Solid State Drive (SSD). And when it comes to internal storage, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is often your go-to, offering an excellent balance of performance, capacity, and value.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into some of the best 2.5-inch SSD options perfect for your NUC, with a special look at Lexar’s offerings and other top contenders. We’ll explore why a quality SSD is crucial for your NUC’s performance and help you find the Lexar best 2.5 SSD for NUC or an equally impressive alternative. Get ready to supercharge your mini-PC!
Why a 2.5-inch SSD is Perfect for Your NUC
Intel NUCs are known for their compact size and versatile capabilities. While many newer NUC models support NVMe M.2 SSDs for ultimate speed, most NUCs also include a 2.5-inch drive bay. This makes SATA 2.5-inch SSDs a fantastic choice for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective Storage: They generally offer a better price-per-gigabyte compared to NVMe drives, especially for larger capacities.
- Easy Upgrade: Installation is usually straightforward, fitting neatly into the dedicated drive bay.
- Reliable Performance: While not as fast as NVMe, SATA III SSDs still deliver massive performance gains over traditional hard drives, drastically improving boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness.
- Broad Compatibility: Almost all NUC models with a 2.5-inch bay will be compatible with these drives.
Now, let’s explore some of the top picks that could be the perfect Lexar best 2.5 SSD for NUC or a strong competitor for your setup.
Product Reviews: Finding Your NUC’s Next SSD
Here’s our hand-picked selection of 2.5-inch SSDs that are perfect for enhancing your Intel NUC.
Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The Lexar NS100 256GB model is an excellent entry-point for anyone looking to give their NUC a noticeable speed boost without breaking the bank. It’s designed to replace traditional hard drives, offering faster startups and snappier application loads. This drive is a solid choice if you’re primarily using your NUC for everyday tasks, media consumption, or light office work, providing a smooth and responsive computing experience.
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Key Features
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 256GB capacity with 120TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros
- Affordable price point
- Significant speed improvement over HDDs
- Durable due to no moving parts
- Easy to install in a NUC
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Cons
- Lower capacity might be restrictive for extensive data storage
- Not the fastest SSD on the market, but great for its price
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User Impressions
Customers frequently praise the 256GB NS100 for its fantastic value and the immediate performance difference it makes. Many note how quickly their systems boot up and applications launch after the upgrade. It’s a popular choice for older laptops and NUCs looking for a new lease on life.
Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
Stepping up in capacity, the Lexar 512GB NS100 offers a sweet spot between price and storage, making it a strong contender for the Lexar best 2.5 SSD for NUC if you need more room for your operating system, applications, and a decent library of files. With slightly bumped-up read speeds compared to its 256GB sibling, this drive delivers even more responsiveness for a slightly higher workload, ensuring your NUC runs like a dream whether you’re multitasking or enjoying your favorite media.
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Key Features
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 550MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 512GB capacity with 240TBW endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros
- Excellent balance of capacity and performance for the price
- Improved read speeds for snappier operation
- Highly durable and reliable
- Good TBW rating for longevity
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Cons
- Still a SATA III drive, not NVMe speeds
- Some users might prefer higher capacities for future-proofing
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User Impressions
Users love the 512GB NS100 for its noticeable performance uplift and generous storage for everyday use. Many appreciate the reliability and easy installation, often mentioning it as a cost-effective way to revitalize an older NUC or laptop. It’s often highlighted as a great boot drive.
Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For those on a tight budget or with very minimal storage needs (perhaps just for a stripped-down OS or a specific application), the Lexar 128GB NS100 is an incredibly economical choice. It provides all the core benefits of SSD technology – speed, reliability, and durability – at a very accessible price point. While its capacity is modest, it’s still miles ahead of any hard drive and can make a big difference in the responsiveness of a NUC used for dedicated tasks like a media server front-end or a small server.
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Key Features
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 128GB capacity with 60TBW endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Provides fundamental SSD speed and reliability
- Ideal for basic OS installations or dedicated light-duty NUCs
- Energy efficient
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Cons
- Very limited storage capacity
- Lower TBW endurance compared to higher capacity models
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User Impressions
Reviewers frequently highlight the 128GB NS100 as a fantastic upgrade for old PCs or NUCs that were previously struggling with a slow HDD. Its low price point makes it an easy decision for many, and users are consistently surprised by the performance boost for such an inexpensive component.
SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
When it comes to SSDs, Samsung’s EVO series is a legend, and the 870 EVO 500GB continues that legacy. This drive is an all-star, offering indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology. If you’re looking for a premium 2.5-inch SSD that maximizes the SATA interface, provides excellent long-term performance, and comes with industry-leading reliability, this is a top-tier choice for your NUC, capable of handling everything from everyday computing to more demanding tasks.
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Key Features
- Maximizes SATA interface limits to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds
- Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer
- Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
- Extensively compatibility tested for major host systems and applications
- Easy upgrade process with standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor
- SAMSUNG Magician 6 software for easy drive management and performance enhancement
- World’s #1 flash memory brand, ensuring in-house quality control
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Pros
- Exceptional performance for a SATA SSD
- Outstanding reliability and endurance (600 TBW, 5-year warranty)
- Excellent software utility (Samsung Magician)
- Broad compatibility across various systems
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Cons
- Typically higher priced than budget alternatives
- Still limited by SATA III speeds compared to NVMe
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User Impressions
The Samsung 870 EVO consistently receives rave reviews for its unparalleled reliability and consistent high performance. Users frequently praise the Magician software for its utility and ease of use. It’s often described as a “set it and forget it” drive that just works flawlessly, making it a favorite for critical systems and demanding users.
Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB drive is a fantastic option for NUC users who need significant storage capacity without breaking the bank. Powered by Micron 3D NAND technology, this SSD promises faster boot-ups, quicker file loads, and a dramatic improvement in overall system responsiveness. If your NUC serves as a media hub, a virtualization lab, or a primary workstation where large files and multiple applications are common, the 1TB BX500 offers a perfect blend of capacity, performance, and energy efficiency.
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Key Features
- Boot up faster, load files quicker, improve overall system responsiveness
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life (45x more energy efficient than a typical HDD)
- Utilizes Micron 3D NAND technology
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros
- Huge 1TB capacity at a competitive price
- Significant performance upgrade over HDDs
- Excellent power efficiency, great for NUCs
- Reliable Micron NAND memory
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Cons
- Sequential speeds can be slightly lower than premium SATA SSDs
- TBW endurance not explicitly stated, typically lower for budget drives
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User Impressions
Customers are consistently impressed by the performance boost the BX500 provides for its price. The 1TB capacity is often highlighted as a major plus, allowing users to consolidate all their data onto a single, fast drive. Many report easy installation and a noticeable improvement in their NUC’s snappiness.
PNY CS900 2TB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For the ultimate in 2.5-inch SATA storage capacity, the PNY CS900 2TB is a true powerhouse. This massive drive allows you to store virtually everything on a single, super-fast SSD, making it ideal for NUCs serving as extensive media servers, gaming machines with large libraries, or professional workstations. You’ll experience super-fast OS boot times and application loads, combined with the peace of mind that comes with a vast amount of reliable, solid-state storage.
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Key Features
- Upgrade for super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance: up to 550MB/s sequential read and 530MB/s sequential write speeds
- Up to 50% faster boot up time compared to traditional hard-drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- 3 Year Warranty, 24/7 US based technical support
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Pros
- Massive 2TB capacity
- Excellent sequential read/write speeds for a SATA drive
- Ultra-low power consumption, perfect for NUCs
- Reliable and durable with 3-year warranty
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Cons
- Higher price point due to capacity
- Still bound by SATA III interface limits
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User Impressions
Users are thrilled with the sheer capacity and speed offered by the 2TB CS900. It’s often praised for its ability to transform a sluggish system into a snappy performer, especially when upgrading from an HDD. The consistent performance and reliable operation make it a popular choice for those needing extensive, fast storage.
PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The PNY CS900 500GB presents another excellent mid-range option, offering a great balance of capacity and performance for the typical NUC user. It delivers impressive sequential read and write speeds, significantly outperforming traditional hard drives and providing a much smoother user experience. Whether it’s for your primary operating system, frequently used applications, or a collection of media, this drive offers a reliable and speedy foundation for your NUC’s storage needs, ensuring fast boot-ups and rapid data access.
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Key Features
- Upgrade for super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance: up to 550MB/s sequential read and 500MB/s sequential write speeds
- Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
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Pros
- Solid 500GB capacity for most users
- Strong sequential read/write performance
- Energy efficient for NUCs
- Good value for money
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Cons
- Not as high endurance as some premium drives
- 3-year warranty is standard, not exceptional
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User Impressions
This drive is a consistent favorite for its reliability and noticeable speed upgrade. Users frequently mention how easy it is to install and how quickly their systems become after switching from an HDD. It’s often cited as a great choice for both casual users and those with slightly more demanding needs.
PNY CS900 250GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
Similar to the Lexar NS100 256GB, the PNY CS900 250GB is an incredibly accessible entry into the world of SSD performance. It provides a meaningful upgrade for any NUC still running on a hard drive, dramatically improving boot times and application responsiveness. This drive is perfect if you’re looking for a solid primary drive for your OS and a few essential programs, offering a reliable and quick experience without stretching your budget. It’s a testament to how far SSD technology has come, making fast storage available to everyone.
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Key Features
- Upgrade for super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance: up to 535MB/s sequential read and 500MB/s sequential write speeds
- Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
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Pros
- Affordable entry-level SSD
- Good performance for its capacity and price
- Low power consumption
- Reliable PNY brand
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Cons
- Limited capacity for extensive data
- Sequential speeds are slightly lower than higher-capacity CS900 models
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User Impressions
Customers report a significant “wow” factor when upgrading to this drive from an HDD. It’s praised for its easy installation, reliable performance, and the dramatic improvement it brings to system startup and application loading times. Many consider it a perfect budget-friendly solution for revitalizing older NUCs.
Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Note: While the primary focus of this article is internal 2.5-inch SSDs for NUCs, this Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD offers a compelling external storage solution for your NUC, especially if you’re out of internal bays or need a highly versatile and fast portable drive.
The Lexar 2TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub is a unique beast. It’s not an internal 2.5-inch drive but a powerful external portable SSD designed for creative professionals and anyone needing blazing-fast external storage. With its integrated hub, it goes beyond mere storage, offering additional USB-C ports to expand your NUC’s connectivity. This drive is perfect for NUC users who frequently work with large files, 4K video, or need a robust, high-speed external backup or expansion solution that can easily travel. It truly stands out as a versatile data companion.
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Key Features
- Ultra-compact and highly portable design
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector (press firmly for connection)
- Capture Apple ProRes footage and store with ease
- Integrated hub with four USB Type-C ports (with adapters/cables) for expanded connectivity
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write (for seamless 4K recording)
- Ready for travel: dust-proof, water-resistant (IP65 rated), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros
- Extremely high read/write speeds (much faster than SATA)
- Incredibly durable and ruggedized (IP65, drop resistance)
- Integrated USB-C hub is a major convenience for NUCs
- Generous 2TB capacity for external storage needs
- Long 5-year warranty
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Cons
- Not an internal 2.5-inch SSD for NUC’s internal bay
- Higher price point than internal SATA SSDs
- Relies on USB-C connectivity, so your NUC needs a compatible port
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User Impressions
Professionals and power users laud this portable SSD for its incredible speed, robust build quality, and the sheer utility of the integrated hub. It’s often highlighted as an essential tool for on-the-go content creation and efficient data management. Users appreciate the peace of mind that comes with its rugged design and high transfer rates.
Lexar NS100 128GB (10-Pack) 2.5” SATA III Internal SSD
If you’re an IT professional, run a small business with multiple NUCs, or just have a penchant for buying in bulk, the Lexar NS100 128GB (10-Pack) offers exceptional value. This pack provides ten individual Lexar 128GB NS100 SSDs, giving you a cost-effective way to upgrade multiple systems or have spares on hand. Each drive delivers the same reliable performance – faster startups, data transfers, and application loads – that makes the single 128GB NS100 a popular choice. It’s an economical solution for widespread deployment of speedy, solid-state storage.
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Key Features
- Ten individual 128GB Lexar NS100 SSDs
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads with read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- Three-year limited product support for each drive
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Pros
- Excellent value for bulk purchasing
- Reliable performance for multiple systems
- Durable and energy-efficient
- Convenient for IT departments or multi-NUC setups
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Cons
- 128GB capacity is small for individual primary drives
- Not suitable for single-user, single-NUC upgrades (unless you need many spares!)
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User Impressions
Bulk buyers and IT managers consistently review this 10-pack positively for its cost-effectiveness and consistency. They appreciate being able to deploy multiple identical, reliable SSDs without hassle. The ease of installation and the immediate performance improvements across multiple machines are frequently mentioned benefits.
Making the Right Choice: Buying Guide for Your NUC SSD
Choosing the right SSD for your Intel NUC involves a few key considerations:
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Capacity:
- 128GB-256GB: Best for budget builds, dedicated media servers, or NUCs with minimal OS and applications.
- 500GB-1TB: The sweet spot for most users, offering ample space for OS, software, and a decent amount of files/games.
- 2TB+: Ideal for power users, extensive media libraries, gaming NUCs, or those running multiple virtual machines.
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Performance (Read/Write Speeds): All the SATA SSDs listed here max out the SATA III interface around 500-550MB/s. This is significantly faster than any HDD. While there might be slight differences, real-world performance for everyday tasks is quite similar among good SATA SSDs. If you need even more speed, you’d be looking at an NVMe M.2 drive (if your NUC supports it), which is a different form factor.
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Endurance (TBW – Terabytes Written): This indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. Higher TBW means longer durability. For typical home use, most modern SSDs offer more than enough endurance. For heavy users or servers, look for higher TBW ratings (like the Samsung 870 EVO).
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Warranty: A longer warranty period (e.g., 5 years from Samsung) often indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the drive’s reliability.
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Brand Reputation: Lexar, Samsung, Crucial, and PNY are all reputable brands in the storage industry, known for quality and reliability.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Intel NUC with a high-quality 2.5-inch SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. It transforms a sluggish system into a remarkably responsive and enjoyable mini-PC. Whether you’re looking for the Lexar best 2.5 SSD for NUC or considering a strong alternative like the Samsung 870 EVO or Crucial BX500, you have excellent options.
From budget-friendly 128GB drives to capacious 2TB monsters, and even a versatile external solution like the Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD for those unique needs, there’s an SSD here for every NUC user. Take the leap, boost your NUC’s storage performance, and enjoy the speed!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why choose an SSD over an HDD for my NUC?
A1: SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer significantly faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall much better system responsiveness compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). They also have no moving parts, making them more durable, quieter, and more energy-efficient, which is great for a compact device like a NUC.
Q2: Is a 2.5-inch SATA SSD compatible with all Intel NUC models?
A2: Most Intel NUC models, especially those from the 5th generation onwards, typically have both an M.2 slot for NVMe/SATA SSDs and a 2.5-inch drive bay for SATA SSDs/HDDs. However, some ultra-compact NUCs might only have an M.2 slot. Always check your specific NUC model’s specifications to confirm the available drive bays before purchasing.
Q3: What’s the difference between SATA III and NVMe M.2 SSDs?
A3: SATA III is an interface that connects the SSD to the motherboard, with a theoretical maximum speed of 600MB/s (around 500-550MB/s real-world). NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer protocol designed specifically for SSDs that uses the PCIe interface, offering much higher speeds (thousands of MB/s). While NVMe is faster, SATA III SSDs are still a huge upgrade over HDDs and more than sufficient for most everyday NUC tasks.
Q4: How much storage capacity do I really need for my NUC?
A4:
* 128GB-256GB: Good for a basic OS, essential applications, and minimal file storage (e.g., dedicated media player, thin client).
* 500GB-1TB: Ideal for most users, providing plenty of space for Windows/Linux, several programs, personal documents, and some games/media.
* 2TB+: Recommended for power users, content creators, extensive gaming libraries, or NUCs used as primary workstations or media servers.
Q5: Is a 2.5-inch SSD difficult to install in an Intel NUC?
A5: No, installing a 2.5-inch SSD in most NUCs is usually quite straightforward. Many NUC models have easily accessible bottom panels that you can unscrew to reveal the 2.5-inch drive bay. The process typically involves sliding the drive into a caddy, securing it with a few screws, and connecting a SATA data and power cable (often pre-installed in the NUC).
Q6: What does “TBW” mean for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written.” It’s an endurance rating that indicates the total amount of data that can be reliably written to an SSD over its lifetime before it potentially wears out. Higher TBW values mean greater durability. For typical home users, even SSDs with lower TBW ratings will last many years.
Q7: How does Lexar compare to other brands like Samsung or Crucial for NUC SSDs?
A7: Lexar, Samsung, and Crucial (Micron) are all reputable manufacturers of SSDs.
* Lexar often provides a great balance of performance and affordability, making them excellent value-oriented choices for general upgrades.
* Samsung is known for its premium performance, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading reliability (often with higher TBW and longer warranties), but usually comes at a higher price.
* Crucial (owned by Micron, a major NAND flash manufacturer) also offers excellent performance and reliability, often sitting between Lexar and Samsung in terms of price and premium features.
All three offer reliable drives, so your choice might come down to specific performance needs, budget, and warranty preferences.