Are you tired of sluggish boot times and applications that take forever to load? If your computer feels like it’s stuck in the slow lane, upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful changes you can make. And if you’re looking for that sweet spot between ample storage and affordable performance, a 500GB SSD is often the perfect choice for most users.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? That’s where this best 500GB SSD review comes in! We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top 10 picks, covering everything from blazing-fast NVMe drives to reliable SATA options, perfect for gaming, everyday use, or boosting your laptop’s performance. Let’s dive in and find the ideal SSD to supercharge your system!
Why a 500GB SSD is the Sweet Spot
A 500GB SSD offers a fantastic balance. It’s typically large enough to hold your operating system, essential applications, and a good chunk of your most-used games or files, all while keeping the price manageable compared to larger capacities. This means you get lightning-fast boot-ups, quicker file transfers, and snappier overall system responsiveness without breaking the bank. It’s often the ideal upgrade for older laptops or desktops still relying on traditional hard drives.
How We Selected the Best 500GB SSDs
To bring you this comprehensive guide, we focused on several key factors:
- Performance: Looking at sequential read/write speeds (how fast data can be read from or written to the drive) and often, random IOPS for more intense tasks.
- Reliability & Endurance: Measured by TBW (Terabytes Written) and warranty, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime.
- Form Factor & Interface: Covering both traditional 2.5-inch SATA drives and the smaller, faster M.2 NVMe options.
- Value for Money: Balancing performance and features with the price tag.
- Brand Reputation: Sticking with trusted names in the storage industry.
Ready to find your next upgrade? Let’s check out the top contenders in our best 500GB SSD review!
Product Reviews
1. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State
The Samsung 870 EVO is truly an all-star in the SATA SSD world, often hailed for its incredible balance of performance, reliability, and widespread compatibility. If you’re looking for a hassle-free upgrade for an older laptop or desktop that doesn’t support NVMe, this 2.5-inch internal SSD maximizes the SATA interface, delivering professional-level performance that handles everything from daily computing to 8K video processing with ease. It’s also backed by Samsung’s renowned in-house component manufacturing, ensuring top-notch quality.
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Key Features:
- Maximizes SATA interface limits with up to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer.
- Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- Compatibility tested for major host systems, chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices.
- Simple 2.5-inch SATA form factor for easy desktop PC or laptop upgrade.
- Includes Samsung Magician 6 software for drive management and optimization.
- Manufactured with Samsung’s world-renowned DRAM and NAND.
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Pros:
- Excellent performance for a SATA drive.
- Outstanding reliability and long endurance rating.
- Broad compatibility with older and newer systems.
- Comes with useful Samsung Magician software.
- Easy installation process.
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Cons:
- Limited by SATA speeds, not as fast as NVMe options.
- May be slightly pricier than some budget SATA alternatives.
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User Impressions: Users consistently praise the 870 EVO for its seamless installation and immediate, noticeable boost in system responsiveness. Many highlight its reliability and the peace of mind offered by the 5-year warranty. It’s often recommended as the go-to SATA upgrade for its consistent performance.
- See it on Amazon here
2. PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid
The PNY CS900 is a fantastic entry-level option for those looking to breathe new life into an aging laptop or desktop without spending a fortune. This 2.5-inch SATA III SSD offers a significant performance jump over traditional hard drives, promising super-fast OS boot times and quicker application loads. It’s a straightforward, reliable choice for everyday computing tasks and a true budget hero for an instant upgrade.
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Key Features:
- Super-fast OS boot times and application loads.
- Exceptional performance up to 550MB/s sequential read and 500MB/s sequential write speeds.
- Superior performance compared to traditional hard drives (HDD).
- Ultra-low power consumption, great for laptops.
- Backwards compatible with SATA II (3GB/sec).
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Significant speed upgrade over HDDs.
- Low power consumption, ideal for mobile devices.
- Simple and easy to install.
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Cons:
- SATA interface limits overall speed compared to NVMe drives.
- No advanced software suite included.
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User Impressions: Customers love the PNY CS900 for its affordability and the immediate, drastic improvement it brings to older systems. Many note the ease of installation and how quickly their computers transform into snappier machines, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades.
- See it on Amazon here
3. SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
For those who need speed and durability on the go, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a standout contender. This isn’t just an internal drive; it’s a rugged, high-performance external NVMe SSD designed to withstand the elements. With impressive read/write speeds, it’s perfect for photographers, videographers, or anyone who needs fast, secure, and robust storage they can take anywhere.
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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 secure attachment.
- Included password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- SanDisk Memory Zone app for file management and space optimization.
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast NVMe speeds in a portable format.
- Extremely durable and ruggedized for outdoor use.
- Excellent security features with hardware encryption.
- Compact and easy to carry.
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Cons:
- More expensive than internal SSDs of similar capacity.
- Performance can vary depending on the host device and connection.
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User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD’s robust build quality and impressive speed for an external drive. Its compact size and the added security features are frequently praised, making it a favorite among creatives and those who work with large files while traveling.
- See it on Amazon here
4. SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives, up to
The SSK Portable SSD is another excellent choice for external storage, blending high-speed performance with thoughtful features like both USB-C and USB-A cables for universal compatibility. It’s remarkably lightweight and boasts superior heat dissipation, making it ideal for everything from transferring large files between devices to capturing 4K ProRes video directly from your iPhone. This drive is built for powerful portability and consistent speed.
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Key Features:
- Blazing-fast 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2) external SSD with read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s.
- LED Light indicates instant activity.
- S.M.A.R.T. monitoring for drive health and TRIM technology for consistent speeds and extended lifespan.
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for broad compatibility.
- Maintains consistent speed for files smaller than 150GB with SLC caching.
- Empowers 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture for iPhone with low power consumption.
- 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation.
- Ultra-lightweight (36.6g) and compact (2.61.50.5 inch).
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Pros:
- High-speed data transfer (NVMe performance).
- Excellent heat management, preventing slowdowns.
- Versatile connectivity with included USB-C and USB-A cables.
- Extremely portable and lightweight.
- Specific compatibility for iPhone 4K video recording.
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Cons:
- Display capacity may appear lower on Windows due to different algorithms.
- SLC caching ensures full speed only for transfers smaller than 150GB at a time.
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User Impressions: Users are highly impressed by the SSK Portable SSD’s incredible portability and the convenience of having both USB cables included. Its rapid transfer speeds and cool operation, even during large file transfers, receive high marks, particularly from those using it for mobile video editing and quick backups.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid
The Western Digital WD Blue SA510 is a solid, reliable choice for a general-purpose internal SATA SSD upgrade. Positioned as an easy way to give your existing PC a performance boost, it’s particularly well-suited for laptops and desktops that require a 2.5-inch SATA III form factor. It prioritizes dependable performance and long-term durability, making it a great workhorse for everyday computing needs.
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Key Features:
- Standard 2.5″ form factor and SATA interface.
- Designed for reliable internal storage.
- 500GB storage capacity, ideal for OS and applications.
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Pros:
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Easy to install in most desktops and laptops.
- From a reputable brand (Western Digital).
- Good balance of capacity and cost for a SATA drive.
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Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA III interface, not as fast as NVMe.
- Basic feature set compared to premium drives.
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User Impressions: Customers often choose the WD Blue SA510 for its brand reputation and reliable performance. They report significant improvements in boot times and application loading compared to traditional hard drives. It’s seen as a straightforward, dependable upgrade without unnecessary frills.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Kingston NV3 500GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0
Stepping into the world of NVMe, the Kingston NV3 offers impressive PCIe 4.0 performance in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. This drive is ideal for users seeking a significant speed upgrade for modern motherboards that support the PCIe Gen 4 interface. It provides high-speed, low-power storage, perfect for gaming, content creation, or just making your system feel incredibly snappy without taking up much physical space inside your PC.
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Key Features:
- Ideal for high-speed, low-power storage.
- Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe performance.
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor.
- Available in capacities up to 4TB (though this review is for the 500GB model).
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 speeds.
- Compact M.2 design saves space.
- Energy-efficient operation.
- Excellent for gaming and demanding applications.
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Cons:
- Requires a motherboard with an M.2 slot and PCIe 4.0 support for full performance.
- May generate more heat than SATA drives under heavy load.
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User Impressions: Users upgrading to the Kingston NV3 consistently report massive speed improvements, especially in game loading times and large file transfers. Its compact size and the jump to PCIe 4.0 are often highlighted as key benefits for modern system builds.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P3 is an excellent choice for those looking for a solid NVMe upgrade without breaking the bank. Utilizing PCIe Gen3 technology, it delivers impressive sequential read speeds up to 3500MB/s, making it significantly faster than any SATA drive. It’s a versatile drive, well-suited for personal use, gaming, or business, offering a great balance of speed, storage, and reliability for a Gen3 NVMe solution.
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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.
- 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.
- M.2 form factor.
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Pros:
- Significantly faster than SATA SSDs.
- Good value for a Gen3 NVMe drive.
- Reliable with a high MTTF rating.
- Ideal for gaming, general use, and content creation.
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Cons:
- Not as fast as newer PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives.
- Requires an M.2 slot on the motherboard.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the Crucial P3 for its straightforward installation and the immediate boost it gives to system performance. Many highlight its excellent price-to-performance ratio, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious builders who still want NVMe speeds.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SN5000 NVMe Internal Solid
The WD Blue SN5000 is Western Digital’s answer for users demanding a step up in performance for their creative workflows and multitasking. Harnessing the power of PCIe Gen 4, this NVMe drive offers impressive read speeds and robust endurance, making it perfect for holding more masterpieces and streamlining your workflow. It’s designed for dependable high-end storage, ensuring smooth transitions between applications and projects.
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Key Features:
- PCIe Gen 4 performance with up to 5,500MB/s read speeds (4TB model).
- Western Digital nCache 4.0 Technology for enhanced performance.
- High-end NVMe storage technology for smooth multitasking.
- Dependable endurance with up to 1,200TBW (4TB model, implying strong endurance for 500GB too).
- Includes free Acronis True Image for Western Digital data migration software.
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Pros:
- Excellent PCIe Gen 4 speeds for accelerated workflows.
- Strong endurance for creative tasks.
- Good for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Comes with helpful data migration software.
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe Gen 4 compatible motherboard to achieve full speeds.
- Performance figures are typically for higher capacities, 500GB might be slightly lower.
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User Impressions: Users appreciate the WD Blue SN5000 for its significant speed upgrade, especially those involved in content creation or heavy multitasking. The included data migration software is a big plus for hassle-free upgrades, and its reliability from a trusted brand builds confidence.
- See it on Amazon here
9. WD_BLACK 500GB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
For serious gamers, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is designed to level up your gaming experience. This internal NVMe SSD utilizes a PCIe Gen4 interface and our latest TLC 3D NAND to deliver blistering speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write (for 1-2TB models), significantly faster than previous generations. It’s built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, offering not just speed but also remarkable power efficiency.
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Key Features:
- Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,800MB/s write (1-2TB models).
- Up to 35% faster performance than previous drives.
- Designed for serious gamers with a PCIe Gen4 interface and TLC 3D NAND.
- Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind.
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- Downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to monitor drive health.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast, ideal for reducing game load times.
- Highly power-efficient, great for gaming laptops.
- Built specifically for demanding gaming scenarios.
- WD_BLACK Dashboard is a useful tool.
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Cons:
- Peak speeds are for higher capacities; 500GB might be slightly less.
- Requires a PCIe Gen4 compatible system for full performance.
- Premium price point for a gaming-specific drive.
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the WD_BLACK SN7100 for its incredibly fast loading times in games and seamless gameplay. Its power efficiency is a major draw for laptop users, and the overall premium feel and performance make it a top choice for dedicated gaming rigs.
- See it on Amazon here
10. SAMSUNG 980 SSD 500GB PCle 3.0×4, NVMe M.2 2280, Internal
The Samsung 980 NVMe SSD offers an impressive leap in performance for users still on SATA drives, delivering sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s. It’s a smart choice for general computing, gaming, or heavy graphics tasks, providing over 6.2x the speed of SATA SSDs. With features like Full Power Mode, reliable thermal control, and Samsung’s trusted in-house components, the 980 is built for consistent, long-lasting performance.
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Key Features:
- Impressive NVMe PCIe 3.0×4 speeds up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s sequential read/write.
- Full Power Mode for continuous and consistent high performance via Samsung Magician software.
- Built for the long run with up to 600 TBW and a 5-year limited warranty.
- Reliable thermal control with nickel coating and heat spreader label.
- Smart thermal solution using Samsung’s cutting-edge algorithm.
- SAMSUNG Magician Software for drive health, optimization, and updates.
- World’s #1 flash memory brand with in-house component production.
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed for a PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive.
- Excellent endurance and a long warranty.
- Advanced thermal management ensures stable performance.
- Feature-rich Samsung Magician software.
- Highly reliable due to in-house component manufacturing.
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Cons:
- Not as fast as newer PCIe Gen4 drives.
- Can run warm under sustained heavy loads, though thermal control is effective.
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User Impressions: Users migrating from SATA drives are consistently amazed by the speed boost provided by the Samsung 980. Its reliability, coupled with Samsung’s excellent Magician software, receives high praise. Many consider it the best value NVMe SSD for those who don’t need the bleeding-edge speeds of Gen4.
- See it on Amazon here
Making Your Choice: What to Consider
When looking for the best 500GB SSD review to guide your purchase, keep these points in mind:
- Internal vs. External: Internal SSDs (2.5-inch SATA or M.2 NVMe) are for upgrading your computer’s storage, offering maximum performance. External SSDs are for portability, fast backups, or extending storage for consoles and phones.
- SATA vs. NVMe:
- SATA (2.5-inch): More affordable, universally compatible with older systems. Maxes out around 550MB/s. Great for general use, giving older systems a significant boost.
- NVMe (M.2): Much faster, utilizing PCIe lanes. Speeds can range from 3,000MB/s (PCIe Gen3) to over 7,000MB/s (PCIe Gen4). Ideal for gaming, content creation, or any high-performance task. Requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard.
- PCIe Gen3 vs. Gen4: If going NVMe, check if your motherboard supports PCIe Gen4. Gen4 drives are faster but usually cost more and require compatible hardware to reach their full potential. Gen3 is still incredibly fast and a great value.
- Endurance (TBW): This indicates how much data can be written to the drive before its warranty expires. Higher TBW means better longevity, especially important for heavy users or content creators.
- Warranty: A longer warranty period (e.g., 5 years) indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s reliability.
- Software: Some brands offer useful software for monitoring drive health, optimizing performance, or even cloning your old drive.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a 500GB SSD is one of the smartest ways to revitalize your computer, whether it’s an aging laptop or a new build needing a speed boost. From the robust external options perfect for professionals on the move to the lightning-fast internal NVMe drives that will make your games load in a flash, there’s a perfect 500GB SSD out there for everyone.
We hope this best 500GB SSD review has helped clarify your options and guided you towards the right choice for your needs. Happy computing!
FAQ Section
Q1: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A1: The main difference is speed and interface. SATA SSDs connect via a SATA cable and are limited to around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, connect directly to the motherboard via an M.2 slot and utilize the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster speeds (thousands of MB/s) due to more bandwidth.
Q2: Is a 500GB SSD enough storage for my computer?
A2: For many users, yes! A 500GB SSD is typically enough for your operating system, essential software, and a decent selection of games or personal files. If you have a massive media library or dozens of large games, you might consider pairing it with a larger traditional hard drive (HDD) for bulk storage, or investing in a larger SSD.
Q3: Can I install an NVMe SSD in any computer?
A3: No. NVMe SSDs require a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard that supports the NVMe protocol. Older computers or some entry-level motherboards might only have SATA M.2 slots or no M.2 slots at all. Always check your motherboard’s specifications before purchasing an NVMe drive.
Q4: How do I install an internal SSD?
A4: For a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, it’s usually as simple as plugging in a SATA data cable and a SATA power cable from your power supply, then securing the drive in an available bay. For an M.2 NVMe SSD, you just slide it into the M.2 slot on your motherboard and secure it with a small screw. You’ll then need to format the drive or clone your old operating system onto it.
Q5: What is “TBW” and why is it important?
A5: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written.” It’s an endurance rating that tells you how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifetime before its warranty is typically voided or its reliability starts to degrade. A higher TBW rating means the drive can handle more writes, making it more durable for heavy usage scenarios like video editing or constant large file transfers.
Q6: Do SSDs really make a big difference for gaming?
A6: Absolutely! While an SSD won’t directly improve your game’s frame rate, it dramatically reduces loading times for games, levels, and textures. This means less waiting and more playing. For open-world games, it can also help reduce texture pop-in and improve overall smoothness.
Q7: Can I use an external 500GB SSD to expand my game console storage?
A7: Yes, many external SSDs are compatible with game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox to expand storage for games. However, performance and compatibility can vary between console generations and specific SSD models. Always check the console manufacturer’s recommendations.