Wondering if Best Buy installs SSDs? You’re not alone. Many shoppers ask, “Does Best Buy install SSD?”—and the answer is yes! Best Buy’s Geek Squad offers professional SSD installation services for both laptops and desktops, whether you’re upgrading from an old hard drive or adding extra storage. While they don’t install third-party SSDs purchased elsewhere unless you buy the full service package, pairing your new solid-state drive with their setup help can save time and reduce stress. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top SSDs compatible with Best Buy installation services—plus expert reviews, key features, and real customer feedback to help you pick the perfect drive for speed, reliability, and value.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Does Best Buy Install Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 M.2 2280 for Laptops and Gaming Devices
The WD Black SN7100 is built for gamers and power users who demand lightning-fast load times and rock-solid reliability. With Gen4 NVMe speeds and up to 2TB of storage, it’s a top-tier upgrade that works seamlessly with Best Buy’s SSD installation service.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s
✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with next-gen TLC 3D NAND technology
✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern laptops and desktops
✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB—perfect for large game libraries
✓ Backed by Western Digital’s reputation for durability
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers near-instant boot times and drastically reduced game loading screens. If you’re upgrading your system and want maximum performance without compromise, the SN7100 is a standout choice—especially when paired with professional installation from Best Buy.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and anyone looking for a high-performance internal SSD upgrade compatible with Best Buy’s installation services.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 speeds
- Reliable and durable build
- Easy M.2 installation
- Great for gaming and multitasking
Cons:
- Higher price per GB than SATA drives
- Requires a Gen4-compatible motherboard for full speed
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB to replace my smaller WD SN570 Gen3 boot drive. Installation was straightforward i.e just slide it into the M.2 slot, and done. Performance? Using CrystalDiskMark V9.5.0, I consistently saw around 7000 MB/s read and 6200 MB/s write on the 4 GB test, and about 6800 MB/s.”
Customer Review: “Great SSD for the price. Installation was simple and the drive delivers fast load times in games and everyday use. The performance is definitely noticeable. Overall, a solid upgrade for any gaming PC!!”
2. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD for PC and Laptop Upgrades
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD known for its unmatched reliability and consistent performance. While not as fast as NVMe drives, it’s a fantastic choice for older systems or anyone upgrading from an HDD—and it’s fully supported by Best Buy’s SSD installation team.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s—maxing out the SATA III interface
✓ Industry-leading endurance with up to 600 TBW (terabytes written)
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
✓ Proven V-NAND technology for long-term stability
Why We Recommend It
If you’re using an older laptop or desktop that doesn’t support NVMe, the 870 EVO is still one of the best SATA SSDs you can buy. It’s reliable, fast enough for daily tasks, and widely trusted—making it ideal for professional Best Buy installation.
Best For
Users with older systems, budget-conscious upgraders, or anyone needing a dependable SATA SSD that works flawlessly with Best Buy’s setup services.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent reliability and longevity
- Consistent performance under heavy use
- Easy drop-in replacement for HDDs
- Strong compatibility with older hardware
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Limited to SATA III speeds
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely. I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to…”
Customer Review: “I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly. As always, Samsu”
3. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers desktop-grade speed in a rugged, pocket-sized package. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and IP65 resistance, it’s perfect for photographers, travelers, or anyone needing fast external storage—no installation required, but great if you’re buying through Best Buy.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s
✓ Rugged design with IP65 water and dust resistance
✓ Drop protection up to 3 meters
✓ USB-C connectivity with included USB-A adapter
✓ Carabiner loop for easy attachment to bags
Why We Recommend It
You don’t need internal installation for this drive—it’s plug-and-play—but if you’re shopping at Best Buy for SSDs, this portable option delivers incredible value. It’s fast, tough, and ideal for backups or expanding your system’s storage without opening a single screw.
Best For
Travelers, content creators, and users who need high-speed external storage without the hassle of internal upgrades.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast for a portable drive
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Compact and lightweight
- No installation needed
Cons:
- More expensive per GB than internal SSDs
- Limited to USB speeds (not NVMe internal performance)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
4. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and High Performance
The WD Black SN850X is a premium Gen4 NVMe SSD designed for gamers and high-performance PCs—especially the PS5. With an optional heatsink version, it stays cool under pressure and delivers insane speeds. Best Buy can install it in compatible systems for a seamless upgrade.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Read speeds up to 7,300MB/s (1TB–4TB models)
✓ Includes integrated heatsink for thermal management
✓ Optimized for PlayStation 5 expansion slot
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for endurance
✓ Capacities up to 8TB available
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a high-end gaming rig or expanding your PS5 storage, the SN850X is one of the fastest and most reliable drives on the market. The heatsink prevents throttling, and Best Buy’s installation service ensures it’s set up correctly.
Best For
Gamers, PC builders, and PS5 owners looking for top-tier NVMe performance with professional installation support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest consumer SSDs available
- Heatsink prevents thermal throttling
- Excellent for PS5 and high-end PCs
- Reliable and well-supported
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Overkill for basic computing tasks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are”
5. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA III Internal SSD for Laptops and Desktops
The WD Blue SA510 is a reliable, budget-friendly SATA SSD that’s perfect for everyday users upgrading from an HDD. It offers solid performance, low power consumption, and compatibility with most systems—making it a great fit for Best Buy’s SSD installation service.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ SATA III interface with up to 560MB/s read speeds
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Low power consumption ideal for laptops
✓ Available in 250GB to 4TB capacities
✓ Trusted WD reliability at an affordable price
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective way to breathe new life into an older machine, the WD Blue SA510 delivers dependable performance without breaking the bank. It’s easy to install and fully supported by Best Buy’s tech team.
Best For
Budget upgraders, students, and anyone replacing an old hard drive with a reliable SSD through Best Buy’s installation program.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Reliable and energy-efficient
- Easy drop-in replacement
- Good for everyday computing
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Not ideal for high-performance gaming or video editing
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”
Complete Buying Guide for Does Best Buy Install Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD for Best Buy installation, we prioritize compatibility, performance, reliability, and value. We check whether the drive fits your system (M.2 vs. 2.5-inch), supports your interface (SATA or NVMe), and comes from a trusted brand. We also consider ease of installation—since Best Buy’s Geek Squad handles the setup, you want a drive that’s straightforward for them to install and configure.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely: budget SATA drives like the WD Blue start around $60 for 1TB, while high-end NVMe drives like the WD Black SN850X can cost $150+. If you’re using Best Buy’s installation service (typically $50–$100), factor that into your total cost. For most users, a 1TB–2TB NVMe drive offers the best balance of speed, capacity, and price.
Final Thoughts
Yes—Best Buy does install SSDs, and they do it well. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop, building a gaming PC, or expanding your PS5 storage, pairing a quality SSD with professional installation ensures a smooth, stress-free experience. Our top picks cover every use case and budget, so you can upgrade with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Best Buy install SSDs purchased elsewhere?
A: Best Buy generally only installs SSDs bought through them as part of a service package. If you bring your own drive, they may not provide installation support unless you purchase additional labor services.
Q: How much does Best Buy charge for SSD installation?
A: Installation typically costs between $50 and $100, depending on your system type (laptop vs. desktop) and whether data migration is included.
Q: Can Best Buy install an SSD in a laptop?
A: Yes! Geek Squad offers SSD installation for most laptops, including M.2 and 2.5-inch drives, as long as the hardware supports the upgrade.
Q: Do I need to back up my data before SSD installation?
A: Absolutely. While Best Buy offers data transfer services, it’s always safer to back up your files beforehand to prevent accidental loss.
Q: Will installing an SSD void my warranty?
A: In most cases, no—especially if installed by a professional service like Geek Squad. However, check your device’s warranty terms to be sure.
Ready to upgrade your system? Whether you’re asking “Does Best Buy install SSD?” or just looking for the best drive to pair with their service, our top recommendations deliver speed, reliability, and value. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and get your SSD installed professionally—so you can enjoy faster boots, quicker loads, and smoother performance in no time!