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Deciding whether to buy an internal SSD or an M.2 SSD can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to boost your PC’s speed, upgrade your gaming rig, or expand storage without breaking the bank. The truth is, both types offer solid performance, but M.2 SSDs (especially NVMe models) are quickly becoming the go-to choice for modern systems due to their blazing-fast speeds, compact size, and direct motherboard connection. In this guide, we break down the top 10 internal and M.2 SSDs on the market today, comparing real-world performance, value, and compatibility so you can make the right call for your setup.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Should I Buy Internal Ssd Or M2 Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 Gen4 PCIe for Laptops and Gaming Devices
The WD Black SN7100 is a powerhouse M.2 NVMe SSD built for gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds hitting 6,900MB/s, it delivers near-instant boot times and lightning-fast game loads.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 interface for maximum bandwidth
✓ Up to 2TB capacity—perfect for large game libraries
✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for durability
✓ Optimized for laptops and compact gaming rigs
✓ Low power consumption without sacrificing performance
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between raw speed, build quality, and real-world usability. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop or building a high-performance desktop, the SN7100 handles heavy workloads with ease while staying cool under pressure.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and anyone looking for a fast, reliable M.2 SSD that works seamlessly in both laptops and desktops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- Great thermal management
- Compatible with most modern systems
Cons:
- No included heatsink (sold separately)
- Higher price per GB compared to SATA SSDs
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. Using CrystalDiskMark V9.5.0, I consistently saw around 7000 MB/s read and 6200 MB/s write on the 4 GB test.”
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. SIX 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 with Heatsink for PS5 and PC Gaming
The SIX 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD is a fantastic all-in-one solution for PS5 owners and PC gamers alike. It comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it plug-and-play ready for Sony’s console, while still delivering impressive Gen4 speeds up to 7,350MB/s.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Includes high-quality aluminum heatsink
✓ PCIe Gen4x4 interface for maximum throughput
✓ Optimized for PS5 and PC gaming workloads
✓ Easy installation with included screw and standoff
✓ Stable performance even during extended gaming sessions
Why We Recommend It
Not every SSD comes ready to drop into a PS5—but this one does. The included heatsink ensures safe operation within the console’s tight space, and the performance is more than enough to eliminate load-time bottlenecks in modern games.
Best For
PS5 owners needing extra storage and PC gamers who want a hassle-free M.2 SSD with thermal protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- PS5-certified fit and performance
- Strong sequential read speeds
- Good value for a Gen4 drive
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity (smaller than some competitors)
- Limited brand recognition compared to Samsung/WD
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed — an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff — which honestly saved me a trip to the store since I had lost my factory set screw.”
Customer Review: “I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised so far.”
3. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink M.2 2280 for PS5 and High Performance
The WD Black SN850X with heatsink offers premium Gen4 performance at a surprisingly reasonable price. With speeds up to 7,300MB/s and a sleek integrated heatsink, it’s ideal for PS5 upgrades and high-end desktops where thermal control matters.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Integrated heatsink for optimal cooling
✓ Sequential read speeds up to 7,300MB/s
✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for endurance
✓ PS5-compatible out of the box
Why We Recommend It
You’re getting flagship-level speed and reliability without the flagship price tag. The built-in heatsink eliminates compatibility worries with the PS5, and the drive runs cool even during marathon gaming sessions.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers and professionals who want high-end M.2 SSD performance without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Heatsink included for free
- Reliable and durable NAND
- Great for PS5 and PC builds
Cons:
- Slightly lower write speeds than Gen5 drives
- Heatsink adds minimal bulk
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. Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s.”
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.”
4. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 Gen4 PCIe for Gaming and Performance
This version of the WD Black SN850X omits the heatsink but keeps all the core performance features, making it a flexible choice for users with custom cooling or desktop builds. It still hits 7,300MB/s reads and offers excellent endurance.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Same Gen4 performance as the heatsink model
✓ Ideal for desktops with aftermarket cooling
✓ Low-profile design fits tight spaces
✓ SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for long-term reliability
✓ Optimized firmware for gaming workloads
Why We Recommend It
If you already have a motherboard with M.2 heatsinks or prefer custom cooling solutions, this bare version saves you money while delivering identical speed and durability.
Best For
Desktop builders and tech-savvy users who don’t need the extra heatsink.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same speed as the heatsink variant
- Lower cost without cooling
- Perfect for open-air PC cases
- High endurance rating
Cons:
- No included heatsink (must buy separately if needed)
- Not ideal for laptops or PS5
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.”
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.”
5. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB M.2 SSD PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 for PC and Laptop Upgrades
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus is a versatile hybrid SSD that supports both PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 interfaces, making it future-proof for newer systems while remaining compatible with older ones. It delivers up to 7,150MB/s reads and intelligent thermal management.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Dual-mode support: works on Gen4 and Gen5 motherboards
✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large-file performance
✓ Nickel-coated controller for efficient heat dissipation
✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect if you’re unsure about your system’s generation or plan to upgrade soon. It adapts to both Gen4 and Gen5, offering longevity and consistent performance across platforms.
Best For
Users with mixed-gen systems or those planning future upgrades who want one SSD that works now and later.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Backward and forward compatible
- Excellent thermal efficiency
- Reliable Samsung quality
- Good for laptops and desktops
Cons:
- Only 1TB in this model
- Gen5 performance not fully utilized on Gen4 systems
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a PC builder and heavy gamer, my old SATA SSD was becoming a serious bottleneck. I chose the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB to be my new primary OS and games drive, and the difference is staggering. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.”
Customer Review: “I picked up this Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB to upgrade one of our PCs, and it has been a really good improvement so far. Installation was simple. It slotted right into the M.2 spot and the system recognized it right away.”
6. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 PCIe for Laptops and Gaming Consoles
The Crucial P310 offers solid Gen4 performance at an entry-level price. With 6,600MB/s read speeds and broad compatibility, it’s a smart pick for budget builds, handheld consoles like the ROG Ally, or secondary storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 NVMe for fast load times
✓ Works with laptops, desktops, and select handhelds
✓ Micron 3D NAND for reliability
✓ Low power consumption
✓ Affordable upgrade path
Why We Recommend It
Not everyone needs 4TB of storage or Gen5 speeds. For casual gamers and everyday users, the P310 delivers noticeable improvements over SATA SSDs without overspending.
Best For
Budget builders, students, and handheld console users needing fast, reliable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for Gen4 performance
- Compatible with many devices
- Energy efficient
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Only 500GB capacity
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Plenty of space and fast speeds: for Gen4 NVMe, load and boot times are super smooth.”
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this Crucial P310 2TB SSD for 4 months now in my small form factor PC build and it’s been fantastic. Installation was simple and straightforward – no issues at all.”
7. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 PCIe for Gaming and Workstations
The Samsung 990 PRO is a flagship Gen4 SSD trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike. With speeds up to 7,450MB/s and exceptional random performance, it excels in gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Industry-leading read/write speeds
✓ 55% faster random performance than 980 PRO
✓ Nickel-coated controller for thermal efficiency
✓ Up to 2TB capacity
✓ Samsung Magician software support
Why We Recommend It
If you want the best Gen4 SSD money can buy—without jumping to Gen5 pricing—the 990 PRO delivers unmatched consistency, speed, and reliability.
Best For
Content creators, workstation users, and hardcore gamers who need top-tier M.2 SSD performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast sequential and random speeds
- Excellent thermal management
- High endurance rating
- Trusted brand reputation
Cons:
- Premium price
- No included heatsink
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. While the majority of my backups are on mirrored HDDs, I use these NVMe drives for cache and they perform flawlessly.”
Customer Review: “This SSD is an absolute beast. The Samsung 990 PRO delivers insane read and write speeds — my system boots in seconds and large sessions in Logic load almost instantly. Perfect for music production, gaming, or any creative work.”
8. Samsung 990 PRO 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 PCIe for High Performance Computing
The 1TB version of the Samsung 990 PRO offers the same elite performance in a smaller capacity, ideal for OS drives or compact builds. It maintains 7,450MB/s reads and superior power efficiency.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Same Gen4 performance as larger models
✓ 50% better performance per watt than 980 PRO
✓ Smart thermal control with nickel coating
✓ Optimized for high-IOPS workloads
✓ Ideal for OS and application drives
Why We Recommend It
Perfect for users who want a fast boot drive without needing massive storage. It’s efficient, cool-running, and built for demanding tasks.
Best For
Professionals and power users who prioritize speed and efficiency over capacity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- Energy efficient
- Compact and reliable
- Great for OS and apps
Cons:
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