Ready to give your computer a serious speed injection? If your PC or laptop is still chugging along with an old-school hard drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is arguably the single best performance boost you can get. And when it comes to balancing storage space, performance, and affordability, a 500GB internal SSD often hits that sweet spot. It’s enough room for your operating system, essential applications, and a good chunk of your most-used files or games, all while keeping costs reasonable.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best 500gb internal ssd for your needs? Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you! We’ve rounded up five fantastic 500GB internal SSDs that offer great value, excellent performance, and reliable storage. Let’s dive in!
1. PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid…
Looking for an affordable way to ditch that sluggish old hard drive? The PNY CS900 is a fantastic entry-level SSD that delivers a noticeable performance boost without breaking the bank. It’s a straightforward 2.5-inch SATA drive, making it a perfect drop-in replacement for most laptops and desktop PCs. You’ll instantly feel the difference with super-fast boot times and snappier application loading, transforming your everyday computing experience.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for super-fast OS boot times and application loads
– Exceptional performance offering up to 550MB/s sequential Read and 500MB/s sequential Write speeds
– Superior performance compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
– Ultra-low power consumption
– Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
Pros:
– Excellent value for money
– Significant speed improvement over HDDs
– Low power consumption, great for laptops
– Easy installation as a 2.5″ form factor
– Reliable for everyday tasks
Cons:
– SATA III speeds are not as fast as NVMe drives
– Basic feature set compared to premium brands
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the PNY CS900 for its ease of installation and the immediate, dramatic improvement in system responsiveness. Many consider it a “no-brainer” upgrade for older systems or as a primary boot drive for budget builds, offering solid performance for its price point.
2. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State…
When it comes to reliability and consistent performance in the SATA world, Samsung’s EVO series is an absolute legend. The Samsung 870 EVO 500GB continues this legacy, offering top-tier performance that pushes the limits of the SATA interface. It’s designed for demanding users and everyday tasks alike, ensuring your system runs smoothly whether you’re gaming, editing photos, or just browsing the web. Plus, with Samsung’s Magician software, managing your drive’s health and performance is a breeze.
Key Features:
– Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology
– Maximizes 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 with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
– Compatibility tested for major host systems and applications
– Easy upgrade: simple plug-in to standard 2.5 inch SATA form factor
– Samsung Magician 6 software for easy drive management and optimization
– World’s #1 flash memory brand with in-house component production
Pros:
– Class-leading SATA performance and reliability
– Excellent endurance and a generous 5-year warranty
– Samsung Magician software adds great value for drive management
– Highly compatible with a wide range of systems
– Trusted brand reputation for quality
Cons:
– Premium price point compared to some budget SATA alternatives
– Still limited by SATA speeds, not as fast as NVMe
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the 870 EVO’s rock-solid reliability and consistent speed. Many highlight it as the go-to choice for upgrading laptops and desktops that don’t support NVMe, appreciating the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s quality and long warranty.
3. Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid…
Western Digital has a long-standing reputation for reliable storage, and their WD Blue SA510 500GB SSD lives up to that name. This drive is all about dependable, everyday performance for your desktop or laptop. It offers a significant upgrade over traditional hard drives, providing faster boot times and more responsive applications, making it an excellent choice for general computing needs. It’s a solid, no-fuss option for those who want a reliable performance boost without overspending.
Key Features:
– Storage Capacity: 500 GB
– Drive Interface: SATA
– Drive Type: Internal
– Form Factor: 2.5″
– Designed for everyday computing needs
Pros:
– Reliable brand with a good track record
– Solid performance for general use and upgrades
– Standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor for easy installation
– Good balance of price and performance
Cons:
– Features are somewhat basic compared to premium drives
– Performance is standard SATA, not pushing any boundaries
User Impressions:
Users typically find the WD Blue SA510 to be a consistently performing and reliable drive. It’s often recommended for everyday users who simply want a dependable SSD to replace their HDD and enjoy quicker load times and smoother multitasking. It’s considered a safe and effective upgrade.
4. Crucial BX500 480GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD,…
The Crucial BX500, specifically the 480GB model, is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to revitalize an older system. This SSD promises up to 300% faster performance than a typical hard drive and is impressively energy-efficient, extending laptop battery life significantly. It leverages Micron’s 3D NAND technology, a testament to Crucial’s long history in memory and storage. It’s a compelling option for those seeking a tangible performance improvement on a tighter budget.
Key Features:
– 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 price point
– Significant speed and responsiveness upgrade over HDDs
– Excellent energy efficiency, boosting laptop battery life
– Backed by Micron’s extensive experience in memory technology
– Easy to install in most systems
Cons:
– Slightly less capacity at 480GB compared to typical 500GB drives
– Performance is competitive within the budget SATA tier, but not top-tier
User Impressions:
Many users report a dramatic improvement in their system’s overall snappiness after installing the Crucial BX500. It’s frequently cited as a great budget-friendly option for reviving old laptops or desktops, with particular appreciation for its power efficiency.
5. SAMSUNG 980 SSD 500GB PCle 3.0×4, NVMe M.2 2280, Internal…
If you’re not just looking for an upgrade, but a revolution in speed, the Samsung 980 NVMe SSD is for you. While the other drives on our list are excellent SATA options, this 500GB internal SSD takes performance to a whole new level by utilizing the NVMe interface. With read/write speeds that are multiple times faster than any SATA SSD, it’s perfect for power users, gamers, and anyone working with large files or demanding applications. Just make sure your motherboard has an M.2 slot to take advantage of this speed demon!
Key Features:
– Upgrade to impressive NVMe speed with sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s
– Over 6.2x the speed of SATA SSDs
– Keep moving with Full Power Mode via Samsung Magician software for continuous high performance
– Built for the long run with up to 600 TBW and a 5-year limited warranty
– Reliable thermal control with nickel coating and a heat spreader label
– Smart thermal solution with embedded thermal control algorithm
– Samsung Magician Software for drive health, optimization, and data protection
– World’s #1 flash memory brand, with in-house production of all components
Pros:
– Blazing-fast NVMe speeds for incredible boot times and application loading
– Excellent endurance and a 5-year warranty
– Advanced thermal management for sustained performance
– Samsung Magician software enhances user experience
– Ideal for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking
Cons:
– Requires an M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard (not universally compatible like SATA 2.5″)
– Higher price point than SATA SSDs
– Performance gains might not be fully utilized by average users
User Impressions:
Users are consistently blown away by the speed of the Samsung 980, describing it as a “game-changer” for overall system responsiveness and specific tasks like gaming or video editing. The easy setup with Magician software and the peace of mind from Samsung’s reliability are frequently praised. This truly is one of the best 500gb internal ssd options if you’re after cutting-edge speed.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best 500gb internal ssd really comes down to your budget, your system’s compatibility, and what kind of performance you’re after. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly SATA drive like the PNY CS900 or Crucial BX500 for a significant upgrade, a reliable workhorse like the WD Blue SA510, a top-tier SATA performer like the Samsung 870 EVO, or the blazing-fast NVMe power of the Samsung 980, you’re in for a treat. Any of these solid-state drives will dramatically improve your computer’s speed and responsiveness, making your daily tasks much more enjoyable. Happy upgrading!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should I upgrade to an SSD?
A1: SSDs (Solid State Drives) offer dramatically faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall snappier system responsiveness compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). They also consume less power, generate less heat, and are more durable since they have no moving parts.
Q2: Is a 500GB SSD enough storage for me?
A2: For many users, 500GB is an excellent balance. It’s typically enough space for your operating system, essential software, a good selection of games, and common documents/photos. If you have vast media collections (movies, large game libraries), you might need to pair it with a larger HDD for bulk storage or consider a 1TB SSD.
Q3: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A3: SATA SSDs connect via the SATA interface and offer speeds up to around 550 MB/s. They’re widely compatible with most modern and older systems. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect via the PCIe interface, often in an M.2 slot, and offer significantly higher speeds, typically ranging from 2,000 MB/s to over 7,000 MB/s. NVMe is ideal for power users, gamers, and content creators, but requires a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard.
Q4: How do I install an internal SSD?
A4: For 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, it’s usually as simple as plugging in the SATA data and power cables and securing the drive in a 2.5-inch drive bay (or an adapter if you only have 3.5-inch bays). For M.2 NVMe SSDs, you typically just slide the drive into the M.2 slot on your motherboard and secure it with a small screw. You’ll then need to either clone your old drive or perform a fresh Windows installation on the new SSD.
Q5: Will an SSD make my old computer feel new again?
A5: In many cases, yes! Especially if your old computer is still using a traditional hard drive, upgrading to an SSD is the most impactful single upgrade you can make to improve its perceived speed and responsiveness. Boot times, application launches, and file transfers will all be much faster.
Q6: What does “TBW” mean for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written.” It’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance, indicating the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before its warranty or expected lifespan is exceeded. A higher TBW rating means the drive is rated for more writing cycles and generally implies greater longevity. For average users, even lower TBW ratings are usually more than sufficient for many years of use.
Q7: Do I need special software to manage my SSD?
A7: While not strictly necessary for basic function, many SSD manufacturers (like Samsung with Magician or Crucial with Storage Executive) provide free software. These tools can help you monitor drive health, update firmware, optimize performance settings (like TRIM), and even securely erase data. They are highly recommended for getting the most out out of your drive.