Are you on the hunt for a budget-friendly storage upgrade? Perhaps you’ve been searching for the Crucial best 50gb ssd for cheap to breathe new life into an aging laptop or desktop. While that specific capacity might seem appealing for its low theoretical cost, the truth is, a 50GB SSD is quite rare and often impractical in today’s digital landscape. Modern operating systems and essential applications alone can quickly gobble up that space, leaving you with little room for files, games, or future updates.
The good news? Crucial offers an fantastic range of solid-state drives that provide incredible speed, reliability, and most importantly, value at slightly higher, much more practical capacities. You’ll find that stepping up to a 240GB, 500GB, or even 1TB SSD provides significantly more storage, vastly better performance, and a far superior long-term investment, all without breaking the bank. These options truly represent the Crucial best 50gb ssd for cheap in spirit – delivering top-tier performance on a tight budget, but with the storage you actually need.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a hand-picked selection of 7 outstanding Crucial SSDs. Whether you’re upgrading an internal drive, looking for blazing-fast external storage, or needing a robust drive for gaming, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect Crucial SSD for your needs!
The Best Crucial SSDs for Performance and Value
Here are our top picks for Crucial SSDs that deliver excellent performance, reliability, and affordability, proving that “cheap” doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or capacity.
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re looking to transform an old, sluggish computer into a snappy performer, the Crucial BX500 1TB SSD is an absolute game-changer. It’s designed to be a straightforward, affordable upgrade that delivers a noticeable boost in everyday tasks. Swapping out your old hard drive for this beauty means faster boot times, quicker application loads, and an overall more responsive system. It’s a fantastic entry point into SSD performance without emptying your wallet, offering a generous 1TB of storage that’s great for most users.
-
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:
- Excellent value for 1TB capacity.
- Significant performance boost over traditional HDDs.
- Easy installation for most laptops and desktops.
- Energy efficient, prolonging laptop battery life.
-
Cons:
- SATA interface is slower than NVMe.
- Not the absolute fastest SSD on the market, but great for its price.
User Impressions: Many users praise the BX500 for its transformative effect on older systems, noting how it makes computers feel brand new. The ease of installation and the immediate speed improvements are frequently highlighted. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a noticeable upgrade on a budget.
2. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
For those who truly need to keep costs as low as possible, or just want a dedicated boot drive without needing tons of storage, the Crucial BX500 240GB offers incredible bang for your buck. This compact SSD still delivers all the core benefits of its larger siblings: super-fast boot times, snappier app launches, and an overall smoother computing experience. It’s perfect for giving an old machine new life or as a secondary drive for frequently used programs. This is arguably the closest you’ll get to a Crucial best 50gb ssd for cheap in terms of pure affordability while still being a viable, modern storage solution.
-
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:
- Extremely affordable entry into SSD storage.
- Significant speed upgrade for basic tasks.
- Energy efficient for laptops.
- Reliable Crucial brand quality.
-
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity, mainly suitable for OS and essential apps.
- SATA speeds are not as fast as NVMe.
User Impressions: Users love this 240GB model for its low price point and the immediate performance boost it brings. It’s often recommended as an ideal boot drive for budget builds or for upgrading very old laptops where larger capacities aren’t needed or too expensive. It truly delivers on its promise of making your system feel faster for less.
3. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Stepping up in performance, the Crucial P310 1TB SSD brings the incredible speeds of PCIe Gen4 NVMe technology to the forefront. If your system supports M.2 NVMe drives, this is a fantastic choice for a dramatic upgrade. We’re talking about read and write speeds that are orders of magnitude faster than traditional SATA SSDs, translating to lightning-fast game load times, near-instantaneous application launches, and seamless multitasking. It’s an ideal drive for gamers, content creators, or anyone who demands top-tier performance without a premium price tag.
-
Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
- 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.
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for demanding tasks.
- Excellent 1TB capacity for games and applications.
- Broad compatibility, including backward compatibility with Gen3.
- Ideal for gaming and professional applications.
-
Cons:
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot on your motherboard.
- May run warmer than SATA SSDs under heavy load (though thermal control is built-in).
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by the raw speed of the P310, particularly gamers who see significant reductions in load times. Its compatibility with various devices, including handheld gaming systems, is a big plus. It’s considered a fantastic value for a Gen4 NVMe drive, bridging the gap between performance and affordability.
4. Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
Need fast storage on the go? The Crucial X9 1TB Portable SSD is your answer. This rugged little drive offers impressive transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s, making it perfect for quickly moving large files, backing up important data, or even running portable applications. Its durable, compact design with IP55 water and dust resistance means it can handle the bumps and spills of daily travel, making it an excellent companion for students, professionals, or anyone who needs reliable external storage anywhere.
-
Features:
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives.
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go.
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers.
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files.
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive.
-
Pros:
- Excellent portable speeds for file transfers and backups.
- Rugged and durable design with IP55 rating.
- Wide compatibility across various devices.
- Compact and lightweight, easy to carry.
-
Cons:
- Slightly slower than its big brother, the X10, but still very fast.
- Performance depends on the USB port speed of the host device.
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the X9’s robust build and its ability to withstand daily abuse. Its fast speeds are highly appreciated for moving large media files, and the broad compatibility with everything from PCs to gaming consoles makes it a versatile tool for many. Users find it to be an excellent balance of speed, durability, and portability.
5. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
For those who need even more speed from their portable storage, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is an absolute powerhouse. Doubling the speed of the X9, it pushes read speeds up to an astonishing 2,100MB/s. This makes it ideal for serious content creators working with 4K video, professional photographers, or PC gamers who want to run games directly from an external drive with minimal load times. It also boasts enhanced durability with IP65 dust and water resistance, ensuring your valuable data is safe wherever your adventures take you.
-
Features:
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance.
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP65 dust and water resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go.
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers.
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users needing secure and reliable storage for their files.
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive.
-
Pros:
- Blazing-fast portable speeds (up to 2,100MB/s).
- Superior IP65 dust and water resistance.
- Rugged build quality, higher drop resistance.
- Ideal for high-bandwidth tasks like video editing and gaming.
-
Cons:
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port on the host device to achieve maximum speeds.
- Higher price point compared to the X9.
User Impressions: Content creators and hardcore gamers are particularly enamored with the X10’s phenomenal speed. Users appreciate its robust build, knowing their data is well-protected even in challenging environments. While it needs a compatible USB port to hit its peak, its performance is still outstanding even on slightly slower ports. It’s seen as a top-tier portable storage solution.
6. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
For those who need ample storage for their entire digital life, the Crucial BX500 2TB SSD offers a massive capacity coupled with the reliable performance of the BX500 series. This is an excellent choice for users with large photo and video libraries, extensive game collections, or those who simply never want to worry about running out of space. You get all the benefits of faster boot times and app loads, but with enough room to comfortably store everything, replacing that old, noisy hard drive with a quiet, efficient, and super-fast solution. It’s a fantastic value proposition for extensive internal storage.
-
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:
- Huge 2TB capacity for extensive storage needs.
- Affordable way to get a lot of fast storage.
- Reliable performance and energy efficiency.
- Easy upgrade for most laptops and desktops.
-
Cons:
- SATA speeds are not as fast as NVMe.
- Not suitable for ultra-compact devices requiring M.2 drives.
User Impressions: Users who have migrated to this 2TB drive often express relief at having so much fast storage. It’s frequently recommended for media servers, gaming PCs with large libraries, or as a primary drive for professionals who handle large files daily. The BX500 series continues to impress with its consistent performance and excellent value, especially at this capacity.
7. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
If 1TB isn’t quite enough for your portable storage needs, the Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD steps up to the plate. Offering double the capacity while retaining the same impressive 1050MB/s speeds and rugged durability, this drive is perfect for extensive backups, carrying a vast media library, or managing large project files on the go. Whether you’re a photographer with thousands of RAW images, a videographer with hours of footage, or just someone who needs a reliable, capacious, and fast external drive, the 2TB X9 delivers without compromise.
-
Features:
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives.
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go.
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers.
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 2TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files.
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive.
-
Pros:
- Massive 2TB portable storage capacity.
- Fast transfer speeds (1050MB/s).
- Excellent durability with IP55 rating and drop resistance.
- Wide range of device compatibility.
-
Cons:
- Not as fast as the X10 for extreme demands.
- Higher cost than the 1TB version (naturally).
User Impressions: The 2TB X9 is a favorite among professionals and power users who need significant portable storage without sacrificing speed or reliability. Its robust nature gives peace of mind, and the ample space means fewer drives to carry around. Users appreciate its consistent performance across various devices and its user-friendly setup.
FAQ: Your Crucial SSD Questions Answered
When you’re looking for the Crucial best 50gb ssd for cheap (or more practically, a great value Crucial SSD), you likely have some questions. Here are some common queries answered to help you make an informed decision.
Q1: Why are there no 50GB Crucial SSDs listed?
A: While your search term “Crucial best 50gb ssd for cheap” is understandable for finding value, a 50GB SSD is largely impractical and uncommon in the modern consumer market. Operating systems alone can take up 20-30GB. Manufacturers like Crucial focus on capacities like 240GB, 500GB, 1TB, and larger because they offer significantly better value, usability, and performance for only a marginal price increase. These larger drives are truly the “best for cheap” in terms of cost-per-gigabyte and overall utility.
Q2: What’s the main difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: The primary difference is speed and the interface they use. SATA SSDs connect via the older SATA interface and offer speeds typically up to around 550 MB/s. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, connect via the PCIe interface (often in M.2 form factor) and can achieve much higher speeds, often in the thousands of MB/s, making them ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
Q3: Is 240GB enough storage for a boot drive?
A: Yes, 240GB is generally sufficient for a boot drive (containing your operating system and essential applications). You’ll have enough space for Windows or macOS, a suite of productivity software, and even a few smaller games. For larger files, games, or media, you might consider a larger capacity SSD or a secondary traditional hard drive (HDD).
Q4: How do I install an internal Crucial SSD?
A: Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD (like the BX500 series) typically involves connecting it to a SATA data cable and a SATA power cable inside your desktop PC, or swapping it directly into a laptop’s 2.5-inch drive bay. For M.2 NVMe SSDs (like the P310), you’ll insert it into an M.2 slot on your motherboard and secure it with a small screw. Always refer to your device’s manual and Crucial’s installation guides for specific instructions.
Q5: What is 3D NAND technology?
A: 3D NAND (or Vertical NAND) is a type of flash memory where storage cells are stacked vertically in multiple layers, rather than being laid out horizontally. This allows manufacturers to pack more storage into a smaller space, improve performance, and enhance reliability and endurance compared to older 2D NAND technology, often at a lower cost.
Q6: Are portable SSDs worth the investment compared to external HDDs?
A: Absolutely! Portable SSDs like the Crucial X9 and X10 offer vastly superior speeds, making file transfers much quicker. They are also significantly more durable because they have no moving parts, meaning they’re more resistant to drops and impacts. While generally more expensive per gigabyte than external HDDs, their speed, durability, and compact size often make them a much better investment for active users.
Q7: Why choose Crucial specifically?
A: Crucial is a brand of Micron Technology, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of flash memory and DRAM. This means Crucial SSDs are built with high-quality, in-house produced components. They are known for their reliability, excellent performance-to-price ratio, and strong warranty support, making them a trusted choice for many users seeking solid digital storage solutions.
Choosing the right SSD can dramatically improve your computer’s performance, and Crucial offers some of the best options when it comes to balancing speed, reliability, and cost. Forget the limited notion of a Crucial best 50gb ssd for cheap and embrace the fantastic value and performance available in these more practical, budget-friendly capacities. Happy upgrading!