Is your trusty Dell Inspiron 3650 feeling a bit sluggish? You’re not alone! Many older desktops, while still perfectly capable, can benefit immensely from a simple, yet powerful upgrade: a Solid State Drive (SSD). If you’re specifically hunting for the Lexar best 2.5 SSD drive for my Inspiron 3650, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explore Lexar’s top offerings and even some fantastic alternatives to help your desktop boot faster, load apps quicker, and generally feel brand new.
Upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful changes you can make to an older PC like the Inspiron 3650. Unlike traditional hard drives with spinning platters, SSDs use flash memory, leading to dramatically faster boot times, snappier application launches, and quicker data transfers. Let’s dive into the best 2.5-inch SATA SSDs that are perfect for breathing new life into your system.
Why Upgrade Your Inspiron 3650 with a 2.5-inch SSD?
The Dell Inspiron 3650 typically uses a 3.5-inch hard drive, but it can easily accommodate a 2.5-inch SSD, often in a dedicated bay or with a simple adapter bracket (which usually comes with the SSD or is available cheaply). The benefits are huge:
- Blazing Fast Boot Times: Say goodbye to long waits at startup.
- Rapid Application Loading: Programs open almost instantly.
- Smoother Multitasking: Switching between tasks feels fluid.
- Improved System Responsiveness: Overall, your PC just feels faster.
- Increased Durability: No moving parts mean better resistance to drops and bumps.
- Better Energy Efficiency: Can slightly reduce power consumption and heat.
Now, let’s explore the top contenders, focusing on the Lexar best 2.5 SSD drive for my Inspiron 3650 options first, then looking at other great alternatives.
1. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The Lexar NS100 series is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to make a significant performance leap without breaking the bank. This 256GB model offers a perfect balance of speed and capacity for your operating system and frequently used applications, instantly transforming your Inspiron 3650’s responsiveness. It’s designed to be a straightforward upgrade, making your daily computing tasks feel much snappier than before.
-
Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- [256GB] 120TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance.
- Three-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, a budget-friendly performance boost.
- Significant speed improvement over a traditional HDD.
- Durable design, great for long-term reliability.
- Easy to install in a 2.5-inch bay or with an adapter in a 3.5-inch bay.
-
Cons:
- 256GB might be tight if you have a lot of large games or media files.
- Not the absolute fastest SSD on the market, but vastly superior to HDDs.
-
User Impressions: Users consistently praise the NS100 for its ease of installation and the dramatic difference it makes. Many report their older systems feeling like new, with boot times cut significantly. It’s a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades.
See it on Amazon here
2. Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
If you’re on a very tight budget or simply need an SSD just for your operating system and a few essential programs, the 128GB Lexar NS100 is an incredibly cost-effective option. While smaller, it still delivers the core benefits of SSD technology – rapid boot-ups and quick application loading – making it a smart choice for minimalists or as a dedicated boot drive alongside a larger HDD for storage in your Inspiron 3650.
-
Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads.
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s.
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- [128GB] 60TBW endurance.
- Three-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Extremely affordable way to get SSD speed.
- Ideal as a primary boot drive for the OS and essential software.
- Same great durability and reliability as other NS100 models.
- Easy to install for a quick system refresh.
-
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity, requiring careful management of files.
- Not suitable if you plan to install many games or large applications.
-
User Impressions: This smaller NS100 gets high marks from users looking for the absolute cheapest way to accelerate their system. It’s often recommended for older office PCs or as a secondary drive if you already have a mechanical drive for bulk storage.
See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 512GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
For those who need more space than 256GB but still want the undeniable performance boost of an SSD, the 512GB Lexar NS100 hits a sweet spot. This drive provides ample room for your operating system, several large applications, and even a few games, ensuring your Inspiron 3650 runs like a dream. With slightly improved read speeds over its smaller siblings, it’s a stellar choice for a balanced upgrade. This is arguably the Lexar best 2.5 SSD drive for my Inspiron 3650 if you value both capacity and speed without going overboard on cost.
-
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 endurance.
- Three-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Excellent blend of capacity and performance for most users.
- Noticeably faster boot times and application loading.
- Reliable and durable with a good warranty.
- Great upgrade for general use, casual gaming, and productivity.
-
Cons:
- Might still require a secondary drive for very large media libraries or extensive game collections.
- Still limited by the SATA III interface speed compared to NVMe (but your Inspiron 3650 won’t support NVMe directly anyway).
-
User Impressions: Many users find the 512GB NS100 to be the ideal capacity for a primary drive, offering enough space for Windows and a good selection of software. Reviewers consistently highlight the smooth performance and reliability of this model.
See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal SSD
Important Compatibility Note for Inspiron 3650 Users: While the Lexar NM790 is an absolute powerhouse of an SSD, offering incredible speeds, it’s crucial to understand that the Dell Inspiron 3650 desktop does NOT have a native M.2 NVMe slot. This means this particular drive is not directly compatible with your system for a simple plug-and-play upgrade. To use it, you would need a PCIe M.2 adapter card, which adds complexity and may not always fit or perform optimally in older systems. Therefore, if you’re looking for a direct “Lexar best 2.5 SSD drive for my Inspiron 3650” solution, the NS100 series (above) is your go-to. However, if you have another, more modern PC or are upgrading a different system, this drive is a top-tier choice.
-
Key Features:
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW.
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs.
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs.
- Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 activates the DRAM cache function of your device for a smoother transfer speed and seamless performance.
- Designed for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creators.
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 (for gaming consoles, not PCs).
- Single-sided NVMe SSD is perfect for laptops.
- Five-year limited warranty.
-
Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds, perfect for demanding tasks and next-gen gaming (on compatible systems).
- High endurance and a generous 2TB capacity.
- Excellent power efficiency for an NVMe drive.
- Longer warranty than the NS100 series.
-
Cons:
- NOT directly compatible with Dell Inspiron 3650 without an adapter card.
- Higher price point due to advanced technology.
- Overkill for basic system upgrades if your system can’t fully utilize its speed.
-
User Impressions: For systems that can support it, users are blown away by the speed and performance of the NM790. It’s highly recommended for high-end gaming rigs, video editing workstations, and modern laptops.
See it on Amazon here
5. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
When it comes to reliability and consistent top-tier performance in the SATA SSD market, Samsung’s EVO series is legendary. The 500GB 870 EVO is a fantastic alternative to Lexar if you’re open to other brands and want a proven workhorse for your Inspiron 3650. It boasts excellent sequential speeds, impressive endurance, and comes with Samsung’s renowned Magician software for easy management and optimization. It’s a premium upgrade that offers peace of mind.
-
Key Features:
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility.
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Maximizes SATA interface limits to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Up to 300 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: Tested for major host systems and applications.
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Simple plug-and-play into 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Manage drive health, updates, and performance.
- WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: In-house production of all components.
-
Pros:
- Exceptional reliability and long-term performance.
- Trusted brand with a strong reputation in flash memory.
- Comes with useful Magician software for easy drive management.
- Excellent choice for professionals and power users.
- Strong 5-year warranty.
-
Cons:
- Generally a bit more expensive than budget-friendly Lexar NS100 drives.
- Slightly lower TBW endurance compared to the 1TB model (but still very high).
-
User Impressions: The 870 EVO is a crowd-pleaser. Users consistently praise its rock-solid performance, ease of installation, and the added value of Samsung’s Magician software. It’s a go-to for anyone wanting a worry-free SSD experience.
See it on Amazon here
6. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
Stepping up in capacity, the 1TB Samsung 870 EVO combines everything great about the 500GB model with even more room for your data. This is the ideal choice for Inspiron 3650 users who want to consolidate all their storage onto a single, incredibly fast drive, eliminating the need for a secondary mechanical hard drive. Whether you’re a gamer with a large library or a creator dealing with big files, this 1TB SSD offers a comprehensive and high-performance storage solution.
-
Key Features:
- THE SSD ALL-STAR: Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility.
- EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMANCE: Maximizes SATA interface limits to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds.
- Designed for gamers and professionals to handle heavy workloads of high-end PCs.
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING RELIABILITY: Up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty.
- MORE COMPATIBLE THAN EVER: Tested for major host systems and applications.
- UPGRADE WITH EASE: Simple plug-and-play into 2.5-inch SATA form factor.
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Manage drive health, updates, and performance.
- WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: In-house production of all components. AES 256-bit Encryption.
-
Pros:
- Generous 1TB capacity for all your files, games, and applications.
- Excellent performance and industry-leading reliability.
- Higher TBW endurance (600TBW) for extended lifespan.
- Includes advanced features like AES 256-bit encryption.
- Backed by a substantial 5-year warranty.
-
Cons:
- Premium price point compared to smaller, more budget-focused SSDs.
- Maxes out the SATA III interface, so you won’t get NVMe speeds (but again, your Inspiron 3650 doesn’t support NVMe).
-
User Impressions: This 1TB 870 EVO is highly praised for its robust performance, ample storage, and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s reliability. It’s a top recommendation for anyone seeking a comprehensive and high-quality SSD upgrade.
See it on Amazon here
7. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 1TB offers another compelling option for those looking to upgrade their Inspiron 3650 with a large, fast SSD from a reputable memory brand. Crucial (a brand of Micron) has a long history in storage, and the BX500 delivers solid performance improvements over traditional hard drives at a very competitive price. It’s a straightforward, no-frills SSD that just works, making your system boot faster and feel far more responsive.
-
Key Features:
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness.
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
- Improves battery life (for laptops) 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 price-to-performance ratio for a 1TB drive.
- Significant speed upgrade over traditional hard drives.
- From a trusted memory manufacturer (Micron).
- Good for general use, productivity, and storing a decent game library.
-
Cons:
- Doesn’t include advanced software features like Samsung Magician.
- Warranty is 3 years, shorter than Samsung’s 5-year offering.
- Typically has lower endurance (TBW) ratings than premium drives like the Samsung 870 EVO.
-
User Impressions: Users appreciate the Crucial BX500 for its affordability and reliable performance. It’s a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades where maximum speed isn’t the only concern, but a solid, noticeable improvement is desired.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will a 2.5-inch SSD fit in my Dell Inspiron 3650?
A1: Yes, absolutely! The Dell Inspiron 3650 typically has a bay for a 3.5-inch hard drive. While 2.5-inch SSDs are smaller, they can easily be installed using a simple 2.5-inch to 3.5-inch adapter bracket, which is often included with the SSD or can be purchased separately for a few dollars.
Q2: Is it difficult to install an SSD in my Inspiron 3650?
A2: Not at all! It’s a relatively straightforward process. You’ll need to open your PC case, disconnect the old hard drive (if you’re replacing it), physically mount the new SSD (with an adapter if needed), connect the SATA data and power cables, and then install your operating system or clone your old drive. There are plenty of online tutorials specific to the Inspiron 3650 that can guide you.
Q3: What’s the difference between SATA III and NVMe SSDs?
A3: SATA III is an older interface with a maximum theoretical speed of around 600MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a much newer, faster protocol that uses the PCIe interface, offering speeds several times greater (e.g., 3,500MB/s for Gen3 NVMe, up to 7,000MB/s+ for Gen4 NVMe). However, your Inspiron 3650 only supports SATA III for internal drives, so an NVMe drive (like the Lexar NM790) won’t work without a specialized adapter card that plugs into a PCIe slot, and even then, its full speed might not be realized.
Q4: Should I replace my old HDD or keep it alongside the new SSD?
A4: You have options! For the best performance, it’s recommended to install your operating system and main applications on the new SSD. You can then either replace your old HDD entirely (if the SSD has enough capacity) or keep the HDD as a secondary drive for bulk storage of files, photos, videos, or games that don’t need super-fast loading.
Q5: How much storage capacity do I need for my SSD?
A5: It depends on your usage.
* 128GB-256GB: Good for a dedicated boot drive (OS and essential programs) if you use a separate HDD for data.
* 500GB-512GB: A great all-rounder for the OS, many applications, and some games. This is often the sweet spot.
* 1TB and up: Ideal if you want to replace your old HDD entirely, have a large game library, or work with big media files.
Q6: What does TBW mean for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before its performance or reliability might degrade. Higher TBW means the drive is rated for more write cycles. For typical home users, even lower TBW ratings are usually more than sufficient for many years of use.
Q7: Will an SSD improve my gaming performance on the Inspiron 3650?
A7: An SSD will significantly improve game load times, map loading, and overall responsiveness within games. However, it won’t directly increase your frame rate (FPS), as that’s primarily dependent on your CPU and graphics card. But the improved loading speeds will make the gaming experience much smoother and more enjoyable.