When you’re looking to supercharge your computing experience, especially if you own a powerful machine like a 17-inch laptop, the storage solution you choose makes a world of difference. While our main keyword initially pointed towards “Crucial best 17 inch ssd laptop for your money,” it’s important to clarify: Crucial specializes in high-performance SSDs (Solid State Drives) that are often the best upgrade you can make to your existing laptop or PC, rather than selling complete laptops themselves.
In this article, we’re diving deep into some of the most impressive Crucial SSDs on the market that offer incredible value, whether you’re aiming to upgrade an aging system, speed up your gaming rig, or need robust portable storage. We’ve handpicked five fantastic Crucial SSD options that deliver excellent performance for your money, making them ideal for anyone, including owners of 17-inch laptops looking for a significant performance boost. Let’s find the crucial best SSD for your needs!
Understanding SSDs: Internal vs. External, SATA vs. NVMe
Before we jump into the reviews, a quick primer:
* Internal SSDs: These replace your laptop’s or desktop’s existing hard drive or SSD. They come in different formats like 2.5-inch SATA (older, more universal) or M.2 NVMe (newer, much faster, plugs directly into the motherboard).
* External SSDs: These connect via USB to any device (laptop, desktop, console) and are perfect for portable storage, backups, or expanding storage without opening your machine.
Our Top Crucial SSD Picks for Your Money
Let’s explore the standout Crucial SSDs that truly offer the best bang for your buck, perfect for enhancing your 17-inch laptop or any other compatible device.
1. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X10 Portable SSD is an absolute game-changer for anyone who needs blazing-fast external storage on the go. Whether you’re a content creator transferring huge video files, a student backing up important projects, or a PC gamer wanting to take your library with you, this matte blue external drive delivers incredible data access speeds. Its rugged design ensures your data stays safe even in challenging environments, making it a reliable companion for travel and daily commutes.
Key Features:
– Ultra-fast Speeds: Up to 2,100MB/s read speeds for rapid data access.
– Built to Last: IP65 dust and water resistance, plus drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres).
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
– Ultimate Storage Capacity: Compact 1TB SSD perfect for photos, videos, and backups.
– Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Extremely fast for an external drive.
– Excellent durability and resistance to elements.
– Wide range of device compatibility.
– Compact and truly portable.
Cons:
– Premium price point due to high speed and ruggedness.
– May require a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port for maximum speeds (not all devices have this).
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed by the X10’s speed and robust build quality. Many highlight its reliability during travel and the ease of use across multiple platforms. It’s often praised as a reliable solution for professional-grade portable storage.
2. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re looking to breathe new life into an older laptop or desktop without spending a fortune, the Crucial BX500 is your go-to internal SSD. This 2.5-inch SATA drive is specifically designed to replace traditional hard drives, offering a remarkable performance boost. You’ll notice significantly faster boot times, quicker file loading, and an overall snappier system response – often 300% faster than a typical hard drive! Plus, it’s incredibly energy-efficient, extending your battery life, which is a big win for laptop users.
Key Features:
– Boot up faster, load files quicker, and improve overall system responsiveness.
– 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
– Improves battery life (45x more energy-efficient than a typical hard drive).
– Utilizes Micron 3D NAND technology.
– Crucial 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Pros:
– Highly affordable entry point for SSD performance.
– Easy upgrade for most older laptops and desktops.
– Significant performance boost over HDDs.
– Energy-efficient, benefiting laptop battery life.
Cons:
– Lower capacity compared to other options.
– SATA speeds are slower than NVMe drives.
– Not ideal for high-end gaming or intensive professional workloads.
User Impressions:
Customers frequently call the BX500 an “essential upgrade” for older machines. They love the immediate difference in boot times and overall system speed. Its affordability combined with a noticeable performance boost makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades.
3. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD
The Crucial X9 Portable SSD strikes a fantastic balance between speed, capacity, and durability, making it an excellent choice for everyday users and casual gamers. With a generous 2TB of storage, you’ve got ample space for a vast collection of photos, videos, documents, and game libraries. Its 1050MB/s speeds are perfect for quick file transfers and media editing, significantly outperforming traditional external hard drives. Plus, its robust, travel-friendly design means your precious data is well-protected against drops, dust, and splashes.
Key Features:
– High-speed Performance: Up to 1050MB/s for fast file transfers, media editing, and backups.
– Built to Last: IP55 water and dust resistance, and drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters).
– Broad Compatibility: Connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A.
– High-Capacity Storage: 2TB to store all your photos, videos, backups, and more.
– Bonus Software Included: Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image.
Pros:
– Great blend of speed and generous storage capacity.
– Durable and portable for on-the-go reliability.
– Excellent compatibility across various devices.
– Good value for the features and capacity offered.
Cons:
– Slower than the X10, but still very fast for most users.
– Not as rugged as the X10 (IP55 vs. IP65).
User Impressions:
Reviewers praise the X9 for its reliable performance and solid build. The 2TB capacity is a huge draw for those with large media collections, and the speed is consistently highlighted as a major improvement over older external drives. It’s seen as a versatile workhorse for personal and semi-professional use.
4. Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD
For the ultimate in speed and raw performance, especially for high-end gaming and professional applications, the Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD is a beast. This drive pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with staggering sequential read/write speeds up to 14,900/13,800 MB/s. If you’re building a top-tier PC or upgrading a high-performance 17-inch laptop that supports Gen5, the T710 will significantly enhance your gaming experience with faster load times and smoother visuals thanks to advanced ray tracing and DirectStorage. It even comes with an integrated heatsink to keep things cool under extreme load, ensuring optimal, sustained performance.
Key Features:
– WIN BIGGER: Up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds for unparalleled Gen5 performance.
– ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Activates advanced ray tracing in applicable games, improving visuals.
– POINT. CLICK. DONE.: DirectStorage speeds up creative processes and load times.
– LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: Pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage, built for maximum performance.
– STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: Maximizes heat dissipation for optimal performance (non-heatsink option also available).
– SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protects your data with hardware encryption (via firmware update).
Pros:
– Phenomenal read/write speeds, ideal for Gen5 systems.
– Significantly improves gaming and professional application performance.
– Integrated heatsink ensures stable performance.
– Cutting-edge technology for future-proofing.
Cons:
– Requires a Gen5 compatible motherboard/laptop, which isn’t universal yet.
– Premium price, targeting enthusiasts and professionals.
– May be overkill for average users.
User Impressions:
Tech enthusiasts and serious gamers rave about the T710’s incredible speed, noting dramatically reduced load times in games and applications. The integrated heatsink is a big plus, preventing thermal throttling. It’s consistently recommended for anyone building or upgrading to a top-tier Gen5 system.
5. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD
The Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD offers a fantastic sweet spot for those wanting cutting-edge Gen5 speeds without the absolute top-tier price tag of its siblings like the T710. With impressive read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500 MB/s, it delivers serious performance that will noticeably reduce load times and boost overall system responsiveness. It’s a stellar choice for savvy buyers looking for an exceptional balance of performance and price in a Gen5-compatible internal drive, whether for a desktop or a high-end 17-inch laptop. Plus, the included Acronis True Image for Crucial software makes upgrading from your old drive a breeze.
Key Features:
– SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times with read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s.
– GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 laptops and desktops.
– AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price.
– MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
– SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for easy data migration.
Pros:
– Excellent Gen5 performance at a more accessible price.
– Substantial speed upgrade for compatible systems.
– Easy data migration with included software.
– Reliable Micron quality.
Cons:
– Still requires a Gen5 compatible system.
– While more affordable for Gen5, still a higher investment than Gen4 or SATA.
– Doesn’t include a heatsink (though many motherboards have one built-in).
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the P510 as a great value proposition for Gen5. They appreciate the noticeable speed improvements in daily tasks and gaming, especially for systems that can fully utilize Gen5. The included software for data migration is also a big hit, simplifying the upgrade process.
Why a Crucial SSD is Crucial for Your 17-inch Laptop (and Beyond)
Upgrading to a high-quality SSD, particularly from a brand like Crucial known for its Micron-manufactured NAND, is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your computing experience. For a 17-inch laptop, which often serves as a primary workstation or gaming hub, having fast, reliable storage is non-negotiable.
Here’s why these Crucial SSDs are the best choice for your money:
- Blazing Speed: Say goodbye to long boot times and sluggish applications. SSDs are dramatically faster than traditional hard drives.
- Enhanced Responsiveness: Your entire system will feel snappier, whether you’re browsing the web, editing videos, or launching games.
- Durability: With no moving parts, SSDs are much more resistant to drops and bumps, making them ideal for portable devices.
- Energy Efficiency: Especially for internal SSDs, they consume less power, extending your laptop’s battery life.
- Reliability: Crucial SSDs are built with Micron’s advanced 3D NAND technology, ensuring long-term performance and data integrity.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate internal speed demon like the T710, a budget-friendly internal upgrade like the BX500, or robust portable storage like the X9 or X10, Crucial has an SSD that fits the bill. Choosing the Crucial best SSD for your money means investing in a smoother, faster, and more reliable computing experience.
FAQ Section: Crucial SSDs & Upgrades
Q1: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A1: SATA SSDs (like the BX500) use an older interface and are generally slower, with speeds maxing out around 550MB/s. NVMe SSDs (like the P510 and T710) connect directly to the motherboard via the PCIe bus, offering significantly higher speeds, often in the thousands of MB/s. NVMe is ideal for newer systems and demanding tasks.
Q2: Can I put a Crucial NVMe SSD in my 17-inch laptop?
A2: It depends on your laptop model. Most modern 17-inch laptops support NVMe SSDs, often through an M.2 slot. However, older models might only support 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Always check your laptop’s specifications or manual to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Q3: Is 1TB or 2TB enough storage for a laptop?
A3: For many users, 1TB is a good starting point, especially if you store a lot of documents, photos, and some games. If you’re a content creator, a serious gamer with many large titles, or deal with lots of 4K video, 2TB (or more) would be highly recommended to avoid running out of space quickly.
Q4: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A4: For Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs like the T710 and P510, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under sustained load, and a heatsink helps dissipate that heat, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance. Some motherboards come with integrated heatsinks for M.2 slots.
Q5: How easy is it to install an internal Crucial SSD in a laptop?
A5: Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is relatively straightforward, often requiring just a screwdriver. M.2 NVMe SSDs are also generally easy to install, but may require removing more parts of the laptop’s chassis. Crucial provides excellent installation guides, and there are many helpful video tutorials online. Remember to back up your data before starting!
Q6: What’s the benefit of portable SSDs like the Crucial X9 and X10?
A6: Portable SSDs offer fast, convenient, and durable external storage. They’re perfect for quickly transferring large files between devices, backing up important data, extending storage for game consoles, or carrying your work with you safely. Their ruggedness also makes them great for travel.
Q7: Will upgrading to an SSD improve my gaming performance on my 17-inch laptop?
A7: Absolutely! While an SSD won’t directly increase your frame rate (that’s mostly dependent on your GPU and CPU), it will drastically reduce game load times, map loading times, and asset streaming, making your overall gaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable. For competitive gamers, this can mean getting into the action faster.