Feeling that sluggishness when your computer boots up or applications take ages to load? It’s a common complaint, and often, the culprit is an old-school hard drive (HDD). Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful changes you can make to breathe new life into your PC or laptop. And when it comes to reliable, performance-driven SSDs, SanDisk is a name that consistently pops up.
If you’re on the hunt for the SanDisk best 240 GB SSD for the money, you’re in the right place. A 240GB or 250GB SSD is often the sweet spot for many users – enough space for your operating system, essential applications, and a good chunk of files, all while keeping the price tag friendly. It’s an excellent balance of capacity and cost-effectiveness that delivers a significant speed boost without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’re diving deep into some of SanDisk’s top offerings, including options around the 240GB mark and a few slightly larger capacities that still offer incredible value. We’ll explore what makes each drive stand out, looking at features, performance, and user feedback to help you make an informed decision. Let’s find your next speedy upgrade!
Why Choose a SanDisk SSD?
SanDisk has built a strong reputation in the storage industry, known for its durable and reliable products. When you opt for a SanDisk SSD, you’re not just getting faster speeds; you’re also investing in a drive that’s designed to withstand daily use, offer consistent performance, and often comes with solid warranty support. Their SSDs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness.
Our Top SanDisk SSD Picks
Here are our detailed reviews of SanDisk SSDs, focusing on great value, especially around the 240GB capacity.
1. SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Internal SSD – SATA III 6…
This SSD is often a go-to choice for users looking for an easy and affordable upgrade. The SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB delivers a noticeable boost in everyday computing tasks, making your old machine feel brand new. It’s built for reliability and offers a straightforward path to faster boot-ups and application loads, making it a strong contender for the SanDisk best 240 GB SSD for the money.
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Key Features:
- Easy upgrade for faster boot-up, shutdown, application load and response.
- Boosts burst write performance, ideal for typical PC workloads.
- Offers a perfect balance of performance and reliability.
- Read/write speeds of up to 530MB/s/440MB/s.
- Shock-resistant for proven durability – even if you drop your computer.
- Compatible with desktop PCs.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Significant speed improvement over traditional HDDs.
- Easy to install and set up.
- Durable and shock-resistant design.
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
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Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest SSD on the market, but great for its price.
- No specific advanced features like encryption.
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User Impressions: Many users praise this drive for its “night and day” difference compared to an HDD. It’s frequently recommended for older laptops and desktops that need a cost-effective performance boost. Customers often highlight its ease of installation and solid reliability over time.
- See it on Amazon here
2. SANDISK SSD Plus 250GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA…
Similar to its 240GB sibling, the SanDisk SSD Plus 250GB offers an incremental bump in storage, providing just a little extra room for your files and programs. It carries the same ethos of simplicity and performance that makes the SSD Plus line so popular. If you’re targeting the SanDisk best 240 GB SSD for the money and can grab this 250GB version at a similar price, it’s definitely worth considering for that extra bit of space.
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Key Features:
- Easy upgrade for fast boots and application launches.
- High capacities (for the SSD Plus series) 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:
- Slightly higher capacity than 240GB at a competitive price.
- Improved sequential read/write speeds compared to the 240GB model.
- Maintains the excellent value and ease of installation.
- Robust build quality.
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Cons:
- Performance difference might not be significant for average users compared to the 240GB model.
- Still uses SATA III interface, not NVMe speeds.
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User Impressions: Users report similar satisfaction as with the 240GB version, often appreciating the slightly increased capacity without a major price hike. It’s seen as a reliable workhorse for everyday computing and light gaming, providing a fantastic performance uplift.
- See it on Amazon here
3. SanDisk Extreme SSD 240 GB SATA 6.0 Gb-s 2.5-Inch Solid…
The SanDisk Extreme SSD line was designed with a focus on delivering high performance and exceptional reliability for power users and enthusiasts. This 240GB model, while an older gem, still holds its own, offering robust performance and excellent durability features. If you can find it new, it’s a solid choice for those who value speed and resilience.
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Key Features:
- Noise reduction for quiet drive operation.
- Low power consumption for cooler operation and extended battery life.
- Delivers reliability, durability, and high-performance for your laptop or PC.
- Designed to withstand shocks and vibration for high durability.
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Pros:
- Excellent durability and reliability credentials.
- Low power consumption is great for laptops, extending battery life.
- Quiet operation, a boon for silent PC builds.
- Strong performance for its generation.
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Cons:
- Potentially harder to find new as it’s an older model.
- May not offer the absolute bleeding-edge speeds of newer SSDs (though still fast).
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User Impressions: This drive earned a reputation for its rock-solid reliability and consistent performance. Users appreciated its quiet operation and the peace of mind knowing their data was on a durable drive. It was a favorite for performance-oriented budget builds back in its prime.
- See it on Amazon here
4. SanDisk SSD PLUS 480GB Internal SSD – SATA III 6…
While our main focus is finding the SanDisk best 240 GB SSD for the money, sometimes you just need a bit more space, and the SanDisk SSD PLUS 480GB offers exactly that without straying too far from the value proposition. It doubles your storage for a very reasonable increase in price, making it an attractive option if your budget allows and you need more room for games, software, or media.
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Key Features:
- Easy upgrade for faster boot-up, shutdown, application load and response.
- Boosts burst write performance, making it ideal for typical PC workloads.
- The perfect balance of performance and reliability.
- Read/write speeds of up to 535MB/s/445MB/s.
- Shock-resistant for proven durability —even if you drop your computer.
- Comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty.
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Pros:
- Doubles the capacity of 240GB models for slightly more cost.
- Slightly improved read speeds over the 240GB model.
- Maintains excellent value and ease of installation.
- Good warranty for peace of mind.
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Cons:
- Not strictly a 240GB option, so if budget is super tight, it’s a bigger jump.
- Performance profile is similar to its smaller siblings.
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User Impressions: This 480GB version is a popular choice for users who want to move beyond just an OS drive and store more applications and a decent game library. Users appreciate the balance of capacity, performance, and price, often calling it the “sweet spot” for general-purpose storage.
- See it on Amazon here
5. SanDisk Ultra II 240GB SSD (SDSSDHII-240G) SATA 2.5 (Bulk…
The SanDisk Ultra II series was a well-regarded line, known for bringing solid performance and SanDisk reliability to the mainstream market. This 240GB model, even if often found as “bulk packaging,” represents a fantastic option for those seeking the SanDisk best 240 GB SSD for the money with slightly enhanced features like nCache 2.0 technology for better speed and endurance.
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Key Features:
- Storage Capacity: 240 GB.
- Form Factor: 2.5-inch.
- Interface: SATA Revision 3.0 (6 Gbit/s).
- More than 28x better performance than typical HDD.
- Better overall system performance with faster application loads and better response.
- Sequential Read 550MB/s; Sequential Write 500MB/s.
- SanDisk’s nCache 2.0 technology delivers enhanced speed and endurance.
- NCQ support manages queue length for better multitasking and workload management.
- Limited 3-year warranty (US).
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Pros:
- Strong sequential read/write speeds for a SATA SSD.
- nCache 2.0 technology enhances performance and lifespan.
- NCQ support is great for multitasking.
- Reliable performance for daily use.
- Good value for its performance tier.
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Cons:
- May be harder to find new as a “bulk” item, potentially meaning less retail packaging.
- Still a SATA III drive, so it won’t hit NVMe speeds.
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User Impressions: Many users considered the Ultra II series a step up from the basic SSD Plus, offering snappier performance for a minimal price increase. Customers frequently cited its excellent boot times and application loading speeds, making it a very satisfying upgrade.
- See it on Amazon here
6. SANDISK SSD Plus 2TB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA…
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room – a 2TB SSD isn’t exactly a “240GB” option! However, if you’re looking for the absolute maximum storage you can get from a SanDisk SSD while still prioritizing excellent value per gigabyte, this 2TB SSD Plus is a heavyweight champion. It’s for those who need to store massive game libraries, large video files, or simply want to never worry about running out of space again, all with the speed benefits of an SSD.
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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:
- Massive 2TB capacity, virtually eliminating storage concerns for most users.
- Excellent value for money considering the sheer amount of storage.
- Provides the same SSD speed benefits as smaller drives.
- Reliable SanDisk build quality.
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Cons:
- Significantly more expensive upfront than a 240GB SSD.
- Overkill for users who genuinely only need 240GB.
- Still limited by SATA III speeds.
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User Impressions: Users with extensive media collections or large game libraries absolutely love the 2TB SSD Plus. They appreciate the ability to consolidate all their data onto one fast drive, praising its consistent performance and SanDisk’s reputation for reliability at such a large capacity.
- See it on Amazon here
7. SANDISK SSD Plus 500GB Internal Solid State Drive – SATA…
Rounding out our list, the SanDisk SSD Plus 500GB strikes a fantastic balance between capacity and cost, making it another strong contender if you find the 240GB/250GB options a bit too restrictive. It’s ideal for those who need a spacious primary drive for Windows, numerous programs, and a decent collection of games or photos, all while keeping the price manageable. It delivers the reliable performance and ease of upgrade that the SSD Plus series is known for.
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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:
- Generous 500GB capacity for most users’ needs.
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio.
- Reliable and durable SanDisk construction.
- Fast boot times and application loading.
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Cons:
- Not a 240GB drive, so it’s a larger upfront investment.
- Similar performance profile to other SSD Plus drives.
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User Impressions: The 500GB SSD Plus is a fan favorite for its versatility. Customers often highlight it as the “sweet spot” for those wanting more than basic storage without the jump to 1TB or 2TB drives. It’s frequently chosen for main system drives due to its speed and ample space.
- See it on Amazon here
Making Your Choice: Finding Your SanDisk Best 240 GB SSD for the Money
When deciding on the SanDisk best 240 GB SSD for the money, it really boils down to your specific needs and budget.
- For the absolute budget-conscious: The SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB or 250GB models are fantastic starting points. They offer an incredible performance boost for a very low cost.
- For a slight performance edge within 240GB: The SanDisk Ultra II 240GB offers slightly better speeds and features like nCache 2.0, making it a worthy upgrade if you can find it.
- If you can stretch for more space: Don’t overlook the SanDisk SSD PLUS 480GB or 500GB. These offer double the storage for a disproportionately small increase in price, providing even better long-term value.
- For sheer capacity: The 2TB SanDisk SSD Plus is a powerhouse, though certainly not in the 240GB category.
No matter which SanDisk SSD you choose, you’re investing in a reliable product that will significantly improve your computing experience. Happy upgrading!
FAQ Section
Q1: What is an SSD, and why should I upgrade from an HDD?
A1: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is a type of storage device that uses flash memory to store data, unlike traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) which use spinning platters. SSDs offer significantly faster boot times, application loading, and file transfers, consume less power, operate silently, and are more durable due to the absence of moving parts.
Q2: Is a 240GB SSD enough storage for my computer?
A2: For many users, 240GB (or 250GB) is a perfect sweet spot. It’s ample space for your operating system (like Windows or macOS), essential software, and a decent selection of personal documents and photos. If you’re a heavy gamer, video editor, or store large media files, you might consider a larger capacity like 480GB or 500GB, or pair it with a secondary HDD for bulk storage.
Q3: What does “SATA III 6Gb/s” mean?
A3: SATA III is the interface standard that the SSD uses to connect to your computer’s motherboard. “6Gb/s” refers to the maximum theoretical data transfer rate of this interface, which is 6 gigabits per second. This is a common and fast interface for internal SSDs, though newer NVMe SSDs offer even higher speeds through a different interface (PCIe).
Q4: How easy is it to install a SanDisk SSD?
A4: Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD like these SanDisk models is generally quite straightforward. For desktops, you’ll need a SATA data cable, a SATA power cable (from your power supply), and a drive bay. For laptops, it typically involves swapping out the existing 2.5-inch drive. SanDisk often provides cloning software or guides to help transfer your existing operating system.
Q5: Will upgrading to an SSD make my old laptop faster?
A5: Absolutely! Upgrading to an SSD is often the single most effective way to revitalize an older laptop or desktop. You’ll notice much faster boot-up times, applications will launch quicker, and the overall responsiveness of your system will improve dramatically, making it feel much snappier.
Q6: What’s the difference between SanDisk SSD Plus and SanDisk Ultra II?
A6: The SanDisk SSD Plus series is generally positioned as an entry-level, value-focused SSD, providing excellent performance for its price. The SanDisk Ultra II (while an older model) was typically a step up, offering slightly better sequential read/write speeds and technologies like nCache 2.0 designed to improve endurance and maintain consistent performance under heavier workloads.
Q7: How important is the “shock-resistant” feature?
A7: The shock-resistant feature is quite important, especially for laptop users. Unlike HDDs with delicate spinning platters, SSDs have no moving parts, making them inherently more resistant to physical shocks and vibrations. This means if you accidentally drop your laptop, your data is much safer on an SSD than it would be on an HDD, reducing the risk of data loss or drive failure.