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Deciding whether to buy an SSD before an HDD comes down to your priorities: speed, reliability, and security versus raw storage capacity at a lower cost. Solid State Drives (SSDs) offer lightning-fast boot times, quicker file transfers, and silent operation, making them ideal for operating systems, applications, and active projects. Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), on the other hand, still dominate when it comes to affordable bulk storage. But if you’re building or upgrading a system today, starting with an SSD is almost always the smarter move—especially for performance-critical tasks. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs and one high-capacity HDD to help you make the right choice based on your needs, budget, and use case.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Can I Buy An Ssd Before An Hdd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 1.92TB Encrypted External SSD with Touch Screen PIN
The Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 is a top-tier encrypted SSD designed for professionals who need serious data protection without sacrificing speed. With 1.92TB of storage and military-grade encryption, it’s perfect for storing sensitive files, legal documents, or creative projects on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ FIPS 197 Certified with XTS-AES 256-bit Encryption
✓ Intuitive touchscreen for PIN and passphrase entry
✓ Dual-password mode (Admin/User) for shared access control
✓ Rugged, water-resistant design with epoxy-filled casing
✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 support for fast transfers up to 1,050MB/s
Why We Recommend It
This SSD isn’t just fast—it’s built like a vault. If you’re handling confidential data or working in regulated industries, the IronKey delivers peace of mind that most drives can’t match. The touchscreen makes authentication simple and secure, even in high-pressure environments.
Best For
Business professionals, journalists, healthcare workers, and anyone needing portable, high-security storage for sensitive information.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Military-grade encryption keeps data safe from breaches
- Fast transfer speeds despite heavy security
- Durable build withstands drops, water, and tampering
- Easy-to-use interface with clear feedback
Cons:
- Higher price point than standard SSDs
- Larger and heavier than typical portable drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve bought one Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 and one DataLocker DL4 Encrypt Disks. They seem to share software/firmware as the features are basically the same, while menus and operations are exactly the same. The only differences I could notice are SafeConsole and support for symbols on DataLo”
Customer Review: “This unit will provide a very high level of storage security, no matter which drive capacity is purchased. There are many aspects which I really like, and only a few minor negatives. Physical size of the drive is somewhat larger and heavier than one would expect, but I think this may be due to the du”
2. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal SSD – 2.5” 7mm, 560 MB/s
The WD Blue SA510 is a reliable internal SSD that strikes a great balance between performance, capacity, and value. Whether you’re upgrading an older laptop or building a budget desktop, this drive delivers smooth operation and noticeable speed improvements over traditional HDDs.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, games, and apps
✓ SATA III interface with read speeds up to 560MB/s
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Low power consumption extends battery life
✓ WD Dashboard software for monitoring health and updates
Why We Recommend It
This SSD consistently performs well in real-world use, especially after firmware updates. It’s a trusted choice for gamers, students, and home users who want a noticeable upgrade from an HDD without breaking the bank.
Best For
PC builders, console upgraders (like Xbox), and anyone replacing an old hard drive with a faster, more responsive SSD.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for a 1TB SSD
- Reliable performance across multiple devices
- Easy installation and compatibility
- Energy-efficient design
Cons:
- Initial firmware issues reported by some users
- SATA limits speed compared to NVMe options
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD Firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly! That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!! I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance. I would still buy WD drives over “
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect. The most n”
3. Fanxiang S101 256GB SATA III 2.5” Internal SSD – 550MB/s Read Speed
The Fanxiang S101 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy SSD speeds. This 256GB drive offers solid performance for everyday computing, making it a smart entry point for upgrading older systems or adding fast storage on a tight budget.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing 550MB/s read speeds for quick boot and load times
✓ 3D NAND TLC chips for longer lifespan and reliability
✓ Compact 2.5-inch design fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Shock-resistant and silent operation
✓ Backward compatible with SATA II systems
Why We Recommend It
Despite being from a lesser-known brand, the Fanxiang S101 delivers consistent performance and durability. It’s a great way to breathe new life into an aging PC without overspending.
Best For
Students, casual users, and anyone looking to upgrade from an HDD on a budget. Also great as a secondary drive for apps or documents.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable for an SSD
- Reliable TLC NAND technology
- Noticeable speed boost over HDDs
- Simple plug-and-play installation
Cons:
- Only 256GB may feel limiting for heavy users
- Limited brand recognition compared to Samsung or WD
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My PC is formatting this drive at a block rate of around 300mbps which is pretty standard. Formatting at this rate will take a little over an hour and I will monitor the drive’s temperature and test transfer rate. I’m going to go ahead and install an OS on the drive because I think it will perform b”
Customer Review: “Even though it’s a random brand, it is so reliable, anyone questioning the bad reviews, it was most likely user error that caused them to put it as one star!”
4. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD – 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gray
The Samsung T7 is a premium portable SSD that combines speed, durability, and sleek design. With 1TB of storage and USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, it’s perfect for creatives, videographers, and professionals who need fast, reliable storage on the go.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Ultra-fast read speeds up to 1,050MB/s
✓ Compact, pocket-sized aluminum design
✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
✓ Compatible with PC, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
✓ Drop-resistant up to 2 meters
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s reputation for quality shines through in the T7. It’s fast enough for 4K video editing and small enough to toss in your bag. The built-in security features add extra value for mobile professionals.
Best For
Content creators, photographers, remote workers, and gamers who need high-speed portable storage with room for large files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed for a portable drive
- Premium build quality and sleek look
- Strong security with hardware encryption
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- More expensive than non-branded alternatives
- Requires reformatting for optimal use with Windows
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
5. Seagate Expansion 22TB External HDD – USB 3.0 with Data Recovery Services
The Seagate Expansion 22TB is a powerhouse HDD for users who need massive storage at an affordable price. While not as fast as an SSD, it’s ideal for backups, media libraries, and archival purposes—especially when paired with a smaller SSD for daily use.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 22TB capacity for photos, videos, and backups
✓ Plug-and-play USB 3.0 connectivity
✓ Includes 3-year data recovery service
✓ Quiet and reliable operation
✓ Compatible with Windows and Mac (reformat required)
Why We Recommend It
If you’re managing terabytes of data—like a home media server or photo archive—this HDD offers unbeatable value. It’s not meant for speed, but for sheer storage volume, it’s hard to beat.
Best For
Photographers, videographers, families backing up years of memories, and anyone needing affordable long-term storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity at a low cost per terabyte
- Reliable brand with included recovery service
- Simple setup—just plug in and use
- Energy-efficient for continuous operation
Cons:
- Slower than SSDs (typical HDD speeds)
- Mechanical parts make it more fragile
- No hardware encryption or advanced security
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The transfer of the data is quick, but that’s kind of depending on what you’re doing and what cord is plugged in between your laptop and this hard drive. I got a different cord that came with the hard drive that was able to transfer data a little quicker. However, I really like the drive. I was ab”
Customer Review: “Absolutely love these drives. They are beasts. Bought three of these for the house. Smooth, quiet, blazing speed and a great expansion for storage or a replacement for older units. Prices fluctuate often so keep checking or add a price alert. They can be had at a good price.”
Complete Buying Guide for Can I Buy An Ssd Before An Hdd
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether to buy an SSD before an HDD, we evaluate speed, durability, security, capacity needs, and budget. SSDs excel in performance—booting systems in seconds, launching apps instantly, and transferring files rapidly. They have no moving parts, so they’re more durable and silent. HDDs win on capacity per dollar, making them ideal for storing large media collections or backups. For most users, we recommend starting with an SSD for your operating system and critical apps, then adding an HDD later for bulk storage if needed.
Budget Planning
A good rule of thumb: allocate 60–70% of your storage budget to an SSD if performance matters. A 1TB SSD like the WD Blue or Samsung T7 offers the best balance for most users. If you’re on a tight budget, even a 256GB SSD (like the Fanxiang S101) can dramatically improve system responsiveness. Save HDDs for secondary storage—like the Seagate 22TB—when you need space more than speed.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you should almost always buy an SSD before an HDD—unless you’re purely archiving data. The performance gains are too significant to ignore. Use our top picks based on your needs: go with the Kingston IronKey for security, the WD Blue for reliability, the Fanxiang for value, or the Samsung T7 for portable speed. Pair any SSD with a high-capacity HDD later if you need extra space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy an SSD or HDD first for my new PC build?
A: Always start with an SSD. It will host your operating system and applications, giving you a noticeably faster and smoother experience. Add an HDD later for bulk storage if needed.
Q: Can I use both an SSD and HDD in the same system?
A: Absolutely! Many users install Windows and programs on a fast SSD, then store large files like videos and backups on a larger, slower HDD. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds.
Q: Are SSDs more reliable than HDDs?
A: Generally, yes. SSDs have no moving parts, so they’re less prone to mechanical failure. However, both can fail—always back up important data regardless of drive type.
Q: Is a 256GB SSD enough for everyday use?
A: It’s enough for basic tasks like web browsing, office work, and light gaming—if you manage space carefully. For heavier use, 500GB or 1TB is recommended.
Q: Do I need to format a new SSD before use?
A: Most SSDs come pre-formatted, but you may need to initialize or reformat them depending on your operating system. Always check compatibility before purchasing.
Ready to upgrade your storage? Whether you prioritize speed, security, or savings, our top-rated SSDs deliver real-world performance you can feel. Don’t settle for slow boot times and laggy apps—invest in an SSD today and experience the difference. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on your next drive!
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