Thinking about upgrading your PC’s storage? If you’re on the hunt for the Lexar best 500GB SSD for PC, you’ve come to the right place! A solid-state drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your desktop or laptop, offering lightning-fast boot times, quicker application loading, and snappier overall system responsiveness compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).
While you might be specifically looking for a Lexar 500GB SSD, we know it’s always smart to check out what else is out there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of top 500GB (and slightly above!) SSD options, including Lexar’s excellent offerings and other leading brands. We’ll dive into what makes each drive special, helping you pick the perfect storage solution to breathe new life into your machine or boost your gaming rig. Let’s get cracking!
Our Top Picks for 500GB SSDs
1. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re looking to give an older laptop or desktop a serious performance boost without breaking the bank, the Lexar NS100 is an absolute gem. This internal SSD offers a fantastic entry point into solid-state storage, dramatically improving startup times, file transfers, and application responsiveness. It’s a reliable workhorse perfect for everyday computing, making your PC feel brand new again.
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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 (Terabytes Written)
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money, very budget-friendly
- Significant speed improvement over traditional HDDs
- Durable design, resistant to shock and vibration
- Easy to install for most users
- Backed by a three-year warranty
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Cons:
- SATA III interface limits speeds compared to NVMe drives
- TBW rating is decent but lower than some premium alternatives
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User Impressions: Many users praise the NS100 for its straightforward installation and the immediate, noticeable speed upgrade it provides, especially for older systems. It’s often recommended as a cost-effective way to extend the life of a PC.
2. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
When it comes to SATA SSDs, Samsung’s 870 EVO is practically legendary. This drive pushes the boundaries of the SATA interface, delivering exceptional performance, rock-solid reliability, and incredible compatibility. If you need top-tier SATA performance for your PC, perhaps for intensive everyday tasks or as a robust gaming drive, the 870 EVO sets the standard that others aspire to.
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Key Features:
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology.
- S.M.A.R.T. Support: Yes.
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Maximizes SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds, accelerates write speeds, and maintains long-term high performance.
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: Compatibility tested for major host systems and applications.
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Simple 2.5-inch SATA form factor. Renewed migration software helps with setup.
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Easily manage your drive, get updates, monitor health, and enhance performance.
- WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: In-house production of all firmware and components for trusted quality.
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Pros:
- Best-in-class SATA performance, hitting the interface’s theoretical limits
- Outstanding endurance and reliability with a high TBW rating
- Generous 5-year limited warranty
- User-friendly Magician software for drive management
- Broad compatibility with various systems
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Cons:
- Premium price point for a SATA drive
- Still constrained by the SATA interface, not as fast as NVMe options
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User Impressions: Reviewers consistently highlight the 870 EVO’s blazing speed for a SATA drive and its long-term stability. Many note that the Samsung Magician software is a big plus for monitoring and optimizing performance, making it a favorite for power users and gamers who need reliable storage.
3. SANDISK SSD Plus 500GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA
The SanDisk SSD Plus is another fantastic option for those seeking an easy and affordable internal upgrade. It’s designed to be a straightforward swap for your old hard drive, instantly improving your PC’s responsiveness. If you’re not a hardcore gamer or professional video editor but still crave faster boot-ups and quicker application launches, this SSD offers a practical and budget-friendly solution.
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Key Features:
- Easy upgrade for fast boots and application launches
- High capacities for applications and large media files
- Sequential Read speeds of up to 545MB/s and write speeds of up to 515MB/s
- Shock-resistant for proven durability – even if you drop your computer
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Pros:
- Very competitive pricing, making SSD upgrades accessible
- Noticeable performance boost over traditional HDDs
- Good durability with shock resistance
- Simple installation process
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Cons:
- Performance is solid for its class but won’t match premium SATA or NVMe drives
- Specific warranty or TBW details are not as prominently advertised as some competitors
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User Impressions: Customers frequently commend the SanDisk SSD Plus for its simplicity and affordability. It’s often chosen by users looking for a no-fuss upgrade that delivers on its promise of faster everyday computing without breaking the bank.
4. Lexar 1TB NM1090 PRO PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
Okay, so you’re looking for the Lexar best 500GB SSD for PC, but what if you want to push the boundaries of performance and future-proof your system? The Lexar NM1090 PRO, while a 1TB drive, represents the absolute pinnacle of Lexar’s internal SSD technology. If you’re building a cutting-edge gaming rig, a workstation for AI, or simply demand the fastest possible storage speeds, this PCIe Gen5 NVMe drive is an absolute monster. It’s a significant step up from 500GB in capacity and performance, but it showcases Lexar’s innovation at its finest.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 5.0 technology delivers blistering read/write speeds up to 14,000/10,000 MB/s
- Accelerates load times by 200% – great with AMD Ryzen and Intel i9
- A powerful 6nm controller optimizes heat control for a smoother experience
- A perfect internal SSD for AI PCs: reduces bottlenecks and accelerates AI model training, inferencing, and real-time data processing
- DRAM Cache and SLC Dynamic Cache greatly enhance data transfer speeds
- Works with Microsoft DirectStorage to significantly boost game loads, minimize delays, conserve CPU power
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Pros:
- Unmatched, next-generation speeds – dramatically faster than SATA and even most PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives
- Ideal for demanding applications, high-resolution gaming, and AI workloads
- Advanced thermal management for sustained performance
- Enhances system responsiveness across the board
- Excellent for future-proofing your build
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Cons:
- Premium price due to cutting-edge technology
- Requires a motherboard with a PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot to utilize its full speed
- 1TB capacity might be more than some users initially planned for (if seeking 500GB)
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User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the sheer speed and responsiveness this drive brings to their systems. Gamers note significantly reduced load times, and professionals appreciate the boost in data-intensive tasks. It’s clear this is for users who demand the absolute best and have compatible hardware.
5. BUFFALO External SSD 500GB – Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Mac / PC
While our main focus is on internal drives for your PC, sometimes an external SSD is exactly what you need for flexibility and expanded storage. This Buffalo External SSD provides a durable, portable, and fast solution for carrying your files, backing up data, or even speeding up game loading on consoles. It’s a great way to add 500GB of lightning-fast storage without ever opening your PC case.
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Key Features:
- Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand
- Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs
- Save space and loading time on your console by storing game data
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY: Quickly copy large data, great for professionals
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING: Faster than HDD, enables simultaneous intensive tasks
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE: Shock-resistant, rugged design, pocket-sized
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Supports USB-C / USB-A, three-year warranty (registered)
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Pros:
- Exceptional portability and rugged design
- Cross-platform compatibility (PC, Mac, PlayStation)
- Excellent for game storage on consoles, reducing load times
- Faster than external HDDs for quick backups and file transfers
- Plug-and-play ease of use, no installation required
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Cons:
- Not suitable as an internal boot drive for your PC
- Performance is limited by the USB interface compared to internal NVMe drives
- May require reformatting for specific console use
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User Impressions: Users love this Buffalo SSD for its versatility and durability. It’s a popular choice for console gamers looking for expandable storage and for professionals who need a reliable, fast external drive to carry their work wherever they go. Its compact size is frequently highlighted as a major benefit.
What to Look for in a 500GB SSD for Your PC
Choosing the right SSD involves more than just capacity. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Interface (SATA vs. NVMe):
- SATA (Serial ATA): These are 2.5-inch drives, like the Lexar NS100 or Samsung 870 EVO, offering speeds up to ~550MB/s. They’re great for upgrading older systems and still provide a massive performance boost over HDDs.
- NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express): These are typically M.2 sticks that plug directly into your motherboard. They use PCIe lanes, offering vastly superior speeds (from 2,000MB/s to over 14,000MB/s for PCIe Gen5, like the Lexar NM1090 PRO). NVMe drives are ideal for new builds, gaming PCs, and professional workstations.
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Form Factor:
- 2.5-inch: The standard size for SATA SSDs, fitting into laptop drive bays or desktop 2.5-inch/3.5-inch drive cages (with an adapter).
- M.2: A smaller form factor (like a stick of gum) for NVMe and some SATA SSDs. Make sure your motherboard has an M.2 slot and supports the correct PCIe generation.
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Endurance (TBW): TBW stands for Terabytes Written and indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start experiencing issues. Higher TBW means better longevity, especially for heavy users.
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Warranty: A longer warranty period (3-5 years) indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s reliability.
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DRAM Cache: Drives with a DRAM cache often perform better under sustained workloads and are generally faster and more reliable.
Ultimately, the best 500GB SSD for PC depends on your specific needs, budget, and the capabilities of your existing system. Whether you prioritize value, speed, or versatility, there’s a great option out there for you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I choose a 500GB SSD over a traditional HDD?
A: SSDs offer significantly faster boot times, application loading, and data transfer speeds compared to HDDs because they have no moving parts. This translates to a much snappier and more responsive computer experience. While HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte, the speed difference of a 500GB SSD is transformative for your primary operating system and frequently used applications.
Q2: Is Lexar a good brand for SSDs?
A: Absolutely! Lexar has a long-standing reputation in the memory and storage industry. They offer a range of SSDs from budget-friendly SATA options like the NS100 to cutting-edge NVMe drives like the NM1090 PRO, catering to various user needs and performance demands. Their products are generally well-regarded for reliability and performance at their respective price points.
Q3: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs? Which one is right for me?
A: SATA SSDs connect via the SATA III interface and offer maximum speeds of around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, connect directly to the PCIe bus (usually via an M.2 slot) and can deliver speeds many times faster, ranging from 2,000MB/s to over 14,000MB/s.
* Choose SATA if you have an older PC/laptop, your motherboard doesn’t have an M.2 slot, or you’re on a tighter budget but still want a major speed upgrade from an HDD.
* Choose NVMe if you have a modern motherboard with an M.2 slot, you’re building a new PC, you’re a gamer, video editor, or professional who needs the fastest possible storage.
Q4: Will a 500GB SSD be enough storage for my PC?
A: For many users, a 500GB SSD is a great sweet spot. It’s usually enough for your operating system, a handful of large games, essential applications, and some personal files. If you store a lot of large media (photos, videos) or have a vast game library, you might consider pairing it with a larger, slower HDD for bulk storage, or investing in a 1TB (or larger) SSD.
Q5: How do I install an internal SSD into my desktop or laptop?
A:
* Desktop: For a 2.5-inch SATA SSD, you’ll need an available 2.5-inch drive bay (or a 3.5-inch adapter), a SATA data cable, and a SATA power cable from your power supply. For an M.2 NVMe SSD, locate an M.2 slot on your motherboard and secure it with a screw.
* Laptop: Most laptops use 2.5-inch SATA drives or M.2 NVMe drives. Consult your laptop’s manual for specific instructions on accessing the drive bay or M.2 slot.
In both cases, you’ll likely need to either perform a fresh installation of your operating system or clone your existing drive to the new SSD.
Q6: What is TBW (Terabytes Written) and why does it matter?
A: TBW is a metric that indicates the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD over its lifetime before its performance or reliability might be affected. SSDs have a finite number of write cycles. A higher TBW rating means the drive is more durable and will last longer under heavy use. For an average user, even a modest TBW will be sufficient for many years, but for intensive workloads (e.g., video editing, server use), a higher TBW is beneficial.
Q7: Can I use an external SSD like the Buffalo 500GB for my PC’s operating system?
A: While theoretically possible to install an OS on an external drive, it’s generally not recommended for your primary operating system. External SSDs are designed for portable storage, backups, and expanding storage for consoles. Performance might be bottlenecked by the USB interface, and booting from an external drive can be less reliable and slower than an internal one.