Are you tired of sluggish boot times and applications that take ages to load? Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful ways to breathe new life into your computer. If you’re specifically searching for the Lexar best 500GB SSD for 50 dollars, you’re looking for that sweet spot of performance, reliability, and affordability. While finding a brand-new Lexar 500GB SSD consistently priced under $50 can be a bit of a treasure hunt due to market fluctuations, there are definitely fantastic options that offer incredible value in that ballpark!
In this guide, we’re not just looking at Lexar, but also exploring other top-notch 500GB SSDs that deliver superb performance without breaking the bank. We’ll cover internal SATA drives perfect for older laptops and desktops, lightning-fast NVMe options for modern systems, and even a couple of excellent portable choices for on-the-go storage. Let’s dive in and find the perfect storage upgrade for you!
1. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid…
If you’re on the hunt for a Lexar best 500GB SSD for 50 dollars, the Lexar NS100 512GB is often your go-to internal option. It’s a reliable workhorse designed to give your aging laptop or desktop a significant performance boost. Think of it as a budget-friendly shot of espresso for your system, dramatically improving startup times, file transfers, and application loading compared to a traditional spinning hard drive. It’s perfect for everyday computing tasks and a fantastic way to extend the life of your existing hardware.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer 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] 240TBW (Total Bytes Written) for durability.
- Three-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money, often found in the sub-$50 range.
- Significant speed improvement over HDDs.
- Reliable performance for daily tasks.
- Easy to install in most 2.5-inch SATA bays.
- Durable design with no moving parts.
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Cons:
- SATA III interface is slower than modern NVMe drives.
- Not suitable for high-end gaming or intensive workstation tasks where absolute speed is paramount.
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User Impressions:
Customers consistently praise the NS100 for its transformative effect on older systems. Many report their computers feeling brand new after the upgrade, highlighting the noticeable boost in responsiveness and the simple installation process. It’s often recommended as a perfect budget internal SSD.
2. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Stepping up the speed game, the Crucial P310 500GB SSD offers cutting-edge PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance that’s usually reserved for more expensive drives. While not Lexar, this Crucial SSD is a phenomenal alternative if your system supports M.2 NVMe, and it often appears in the affordable price bracket, making it a strong contender for the “best 500GB SSD under $50” title. It’s ideal for users who want blazing-fast boot-ups, quicker game load times, and buttery-smooth multitasking, significantly outperforming SATA drives.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 500GB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance.
- 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.
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Pros:
- Incredibly fast NVMe Gen4 speeds, significantly quicker than SATA.
- Excellent for gaming, content creation, and power users.
- Broad compatibility with many modern systems.
- Backward compatible with Gen3, offering future-proofing.
- Reliable performance backed by Micron’s reputation.
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Cons:
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard, not compatible with older SATA-only systems.
- May run slightly warmer than SATA SSDs under heavy load (though thermal control helps).
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User Impressions:
Users rave about the P310’s speed, often noting how quickly their operating system and games load. Many highlight its fantastic value, offering Gen4 performance at a price point that makes it accessible. It’s a favorite for those upgrading from SATA SSDs or HDDs to experience true next-gen speed.
3. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State…
When it comes to internal SATA SSDs, Samsung’s 870 EVO 500GB is practically legendary. While it might sometimes nudge just over the $50 mark, it’s worth keeping an eye on for deals because it offers unparalleled reliability and consistent performance for a SATA drive. This isn’t a Lexar best 500GB SSD for 50, but it is an industry benchmark, delivering top-tier SATA speeds and robust longevity. It’s an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing steadfast performance and proven durability in a 2.5-inch form factor.
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Key Features:
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: The latest 870 EVO has indisputable performance, reliability and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology. S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes. Specific uses: Business, personal.
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Enjoy professional level SSD performance which maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds, accelerates write speeds and maintains long term high performance with a larger variable buffer.
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Meet the demands of every task — from everyday computing to 8K video processing, with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: The 870 EVO has been compatibility tested for major host systems and applications, including chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices.
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Using the 870 EVO SSD is as simple as plugging it into the standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop; The renewed migration software takes care of the rest.
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Samsung Magician 6 software helps you easily manage your drive, keep up the latest updates, monitor the drive’s health and status, or even enhance its performance.
- WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Experience the performance and reliability from the world’s #1 brand for flash memory since 2003; All firmware and components, including Samsung’s world-renowned DRAM and NAND, are produced in-house, allowing end-to-end integration for quality you can trust. Samsung 512 MB Low Power DDR4 SDRAM.
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Pros:
- Best-in-class SATA performance and reliability.
- Exceptional durability with a high TBW rating and 5-year warranty.
- Widely compatible with virtually any desktop or laptop using a 2.5-inch SATA drive bay.
- Samsung Magician software is highly useful for drive management.
- Trusted brand reputation for quality and support.
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Cons:
- SATA interface is slower than NVMe drives.
- Might be slightly pricier than other budget SATA options, though often worth the premium.
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User Impressions:
Users consistently laud the 870 EVO for its rock-solid performance and longevity. Many consider it the gold standard for SATA SSDs, praising its consistent speeds, easy installation, and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s brand. It’s a popular choice for both system drive upgrades and reliable secondary storage.
4. SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives
Sometimes, you need speed and portability. The SSK Portable SSD 500GB is an excellent external option for those who need fast storage on the go, whether for backups, large file transfers, or even as an extension for mobile devices. While it’s not an internal drive and not a Lexar, its super-fast 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2 interface makes it a strong contender for anyone needing a swift, compact, and affordable external SSD, often hitting that “under $50” sweet spot.
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Key Features:
- Capacity Reminder: Display capacity of 500GB SSD often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS typically shows full 500GB. This display capacity reduction of 7% to 10% from SSD actual capacity is from algorithms differences in which 1GB is interpreted as 1024MB on Windows and 1000MB on SSDs.
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity.
- Data Security: Master solid state drives health with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring. TRIM technology ensures consistent write speeds and extends the lifespan of the portable SSD.
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both USB-C and USB-A cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers between computers, smartphones, tablets and Phones.
- Always Fast: No slowdowns during large file transfers. When transferring files smaller than 150GB, this external ssd remains steady 10Gbps with SLC caching (25%of the current available capacity is allocated for high speed cache).
- For iPhone 4K ProRes: Our portable SSD empowers 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture for iPhone. Power consumption less than 2.4 Watts, this external SSD effortlessly operates on various mobile devices, ensuring seamless usability on the go.
- Less Heat: 2mm thick aluminum alloy case of this portable SSD brings superior heat dissipation and premium touch. Case temperature peaks at 105.58°F, ensuring reliable performance without worries of overheating inside the SSD.
- Powerful Portability: Impressive external solid state drives weighs just 36.6g with a dimension of 2.61.50.5 inch.
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Pros:
- Extremely fast external transfer speeds.
- Highly portable and lightweight design.
- Excellent heat dissipation due to aluminum alloy case.
- Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for broad compatibility.
- Supports S.M.A.R.T. and TRIM for drive health and longevity.
- Great for mobile devices, including iPhone 4K ProRes video capture.
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Cons:
- External drive, so not suitable as an internal system boot drive.
- Actual usable capacity may appear slightly less on Windows due to different calculation methods.
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User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed with the SSK portable SSD’s speed and compact size. It’s frequently highlighted as a fantastic tool for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs to quickly move large files between devices. The build quality and inclusion of both cable types are also commonly praised.
5. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Okay, let’s be upfront: this isn’t a 500GB SSD, and it’s almost certainly not “for 50” dollars. However, if you started your search looking for a Lexar best 500GB SSD for 50 but are open to a premium Lexar portable solution with more capacity and incredible versatility, the Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD with its integrated hub is a standout option. It’s designed for creative professionals who need robust, fast, and adaptable storage on location, offering not just an SSD but also a handy hub for connectivity.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact so you can always keep it with you for spontaneous creativity anytime, anywhere.
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector frees you from tangled, cumbersome cables (press firmly to ensure drive is completely inserted before use).
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage and store with ease.
- The portable SSD plus the hub, which has its own four USB Type-C ports, along with included adapters and cables, gives you the ultimate flexibility to customize your setup to suit the shoot.
- Blazing-fast performance up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write for seamless 4K recording, no dropped frames, and swift backups.
- Ready for travel – dust-proof and water-resistant (rated IP65), and drop-resistant up to 1 meter.
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices is currently in progress.
- Five-year limited warranty.
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Pros:
- Exceptional portability and ruggedness (IP65, drop-resistant).
- Integrated USB-C hub is a game-changer for mobile workstations and creatives.
- Blazing-fast read/write speeds, ideal for 4K video editing and large files.
- Excellent build quality and a 5-year warranty.
- Specifically designed for professional creative workflows, including Apple ProRes.
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Cons:
- 1TB capacity, not 500GB.
- Price point will be significantly higher than $50.
- May be overkill for basic storage needs if you don’t require the hub or extreme portability.
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User Impressions:
Professionals and advanced users absolutely adore this Lexar portable SSD. They frequently praise its unique integrated hub, robust build quality, and the sheer speed it offers for demanding tasks like 4K video recording directly from cameras or phones. It’s seen as a powerful, all-in-one solution for mobile creative work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the main difference between an SSD and an HDD?
A1: SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory for storage, making them significantly faster, more durable (no moving parts), and quieter than traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) which use spinning platters. HDDs typically offer a lower cost per gigabyte, especially at higher capacities.
Q2: What does “500GB” refer to, and why might it look less on my computer?
A2: 500GB refers to the nominal storage capacity. On Windows, 1GB is often calculated as 1024MB, while manufacturers typically define 1GB as 1000MB. This difference in calculation means a “500GB” drive will often show up as approximately 465GB of usable space on a Windows system. MacOS typically displays the full advertised capacity.
Q3: Should I choose a SATA SSD or an NVMe SSD?
A3: If your computer has an M.2 NVMe slot, an NVMe SSD (like the Crucial P310) offers vastly superior speeds, making it ideal for operating systems, games, and demanding applications. If you have an older system or only 2.5-inch drive bays, a SATA SSD (like the Lexar NS100 or Samsung 870 EVO) is a fantastic and still very fast upgrade over an HDD. NVMe drives are generally more expensive but deliver much higher performance.
Q4: Can I use an external SSD as my computer’s main drive?
A4: While technically possible in some scenarios (like booting macOS from an external drive), it’s generally not recommended for your primary operating system. Internal SSDs offer better stability, power management, and often higher sustained performance. External SSDs are best for portable storage, backups, and expanding storage for devices like gaming consoles or mobile phones.
Q5: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for an SSD?
A5: TBW stands for “Total Bytes Written” and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifespan before its warranty might be voided or its reliability starts to degrade. A higher TBW means the drive is rated for more write operations, implying greater longevity, especially for users who frequently write large amounts of data.
Q6: Are Lexar SSDs reliable?
A6: Yes, Lexar is a reputable brand in the flash memory and storage industry, known for producing reliable SSDs and memory cards. Their products, like the NS100, are generally considered good value options, especially for everyday use and system upgrades.
Q7: Is it really possible to find a 500GB SSD for under $50?
A7: Absolutely! While prices fluctuate, 500GB SATA SSDs (like the Lexar NS100) are frequently available in the $40-$55 range, especially during sales. Even some entry-level NVMe drives can occasionally dip into this price point. It requires keeping an eye out for deals, but great value options are definitely out there.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect storage upgrade for your system doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you were specifically looking for the Lexar best 500GB SSD for 50 dollars or just an excellent value 500GB drive in general, we’ve covered a range of fantastic options. From the budget-friendly Lexar NS100 that breathes new life into older machines, to the blazing-fast Crucial P310 NVMe, the reliable Samsung 870 EVO, or the versatile SSK Portable SSD, there’s a drive here to suit various needs and budgets.
Remember to consider your computer’s compatibility (SATA vs. NVMe, internal vs. external) and your primary use case when making your choice. Whichever you pick, upgrading to a 500GB SSD will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to your digital experience, offering faster speeds and enhanced reliability for years to come. Happy upgrading!