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Deciding whether to upgrade your M.2 SSD or buy a 2.5-inch SATA SSD can be confusing—especially when you’re trying to balance speed, compatibility, budget, and future-proofing. Whether you’re a gamer looking for faster load times, a content creator needing reliable storage, or just someone tired of slow boot-ups, the right SSD choice makes all the difference. In this guide, we break down the top options across both formats so you can make an informed decision that fits your setup and needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Upgrade My M.2 Or Buy A 2.5 Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD with Gen4 PCIe and 7,250 MB/s Read Speed
If you’re serious about performance and want the fastest possible storage for gaming or professional workloads, the WD Black SN7100 is a powerhouse. With blazing read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s, it delivers noticeably quicker game loads, smoother multitasking, and near-instant system responsiveness.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface for maximum bandwidth
- ✓ Up to 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB
- ✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Optimized for gaming laptops and high-performance desktops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is purpose-built for gamers and power users who demand top-tier speed without compromise. It outperforms many competitors in real-world benchmarks and offers excellent reliability for daily heavy use.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and anyone building or upgrading a high-end PC who wants the fastest NVMe performance available today.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Reliable build quality from a trusted brand
- Great for OS, games, and large project files
- Easy installation in most modern systems
Cons:
- Pricier than SATA alternatives
- May run warm under sustained loads (no included heatsink)
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. Crucial P310 500GB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptops and Gaming Devices
The Crucial P310 strikes a sweet spot between speed, capacity, and value. Designed for both laptops and desktops, this Gen4 NVMe drive offers impressive performance for casual gamers and everyday users who still want fast boot times and quick file access.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 4.0 support with up to 6,600 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most devices
- ✓ Compatible with ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and other handhelds
- ✓ 500GB capacity ideal for OS + key apps/games
- ✓ Low power consumption improves laptop battery life
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find a Gen4 SSD that balances affordability, compatibility, and performance this well. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop or building a budget gaming rig, the P310 delivers where it counts.
Best For
Laptop users, handheld gaming device owners, and budget-conscious builders who want Gen4 speeds without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Broad compatibility with laptops and consoles
- Fast enough for most gaming and productivity tasks
- Reliable Crucial firmware and support
Cons:
- Only 500GB—may feel tight for heavy gamers
- No DRAM cache on lower capacities (minimal real-world impact)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD (CT2000P310SSD801) and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Here’s a quick breakdown: What I like: Plenty of space: 2 TB gives me lots of room for OS, apps, games, and files without tight space concerns. Fast speeds: For Gen4 NVMe, load and boot ti”
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. The performance is outstanding for both gaming and everyday use. Boot times are superfast, and game loading speeds have “
3. SABRENT M.2 SATA SSD to 2.5 Inch SATA III Aluminum Enclosure Adapter
Don’t toss that old M.2 SATA SSD! The SABRENT enclosure lets you repurpose it as a portable or secondary 2.5-inch drive. It’s perfect if you’ve upgraded to NVMe but still have a usable SATA-based M.2 drive lying around.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Converts M.2 SATA (NGFF) SSDs to standard 2.5″ SATA
- ✓ Supports all common lengths: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280
- ✓ USB 3.0 and SATA III compatible (up to 6Gbps)
- ✓ Aluminum housing provides durability and heat dissipation
- ✓ Plug-and-play—no drivers needed
Why We Recommend It
This is one of the smartest ways to extend the life of older SSDs. Instead of buying new storage, reuse what you already own in external backups, media libraries, or secondary systems.
Best For
DIYers, students, and anyone looking to recycle old M.2 SATA drives into functional external or internal storage without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable way to reuse old SSDs
- Sturdy aluminum build
- Works with most SATA-based M.2 drives
- Great for backups or portable storage
Cons:
- Does NOT support NVMe or PCIe M.2 drives
- Speed limited by SATA III (max ~550 MB/s)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I needed something to put my M.2 NVMe Samsung 990 PRO into so I could use it in my docking station that does not have the M.2 NVMe connector on it. This seemed to fit the bill when I purchased it. Got it out of the box and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to open it. Since it had a screw dr”
Customer Review: “It doesn’t work, I tried several memories and it doesn’t work”
4. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s
If you’re working with an older system that only supports 2.5-inch SATA drives, the Crucial BX500 is a reliable, no-frills upgrade that still delivers solid performance. It’s 300% faster than traditional HDDs and significantly more energy-efficient.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 540 MB/s read speeds (SATA III limit)
- ✓ 2TB capacity offers ample space for OS, apps, and files
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than HDDs
- ✓ Shock-resistant and silent operation
- ✓ Includes Acronis True Image for easy cloning
Why We Recommend It
For legacy systems or budget builds where M.2 isn’t an option, the BX500 provides excellent value. It’s not fast by modern NVMe standards, but it’s a massive leap over mechanical hard drives.
Best For
Upgrading older laptops/desktops, office PCs, or anyone needing reliable bulk storage without NVMe complexity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable per gigabyte
- Proven reliability and low failure rate
- Easy to install in any SATA bay
- Great for backups and general storage
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- No DRAM cache on some models (affects sustained writes)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you:- DRAM cache: ❌- Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌- Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌On the o”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features: Performance: Although I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers fo”
5. M.2 to 2.5 Inch SATA Enclosure for 2230 to 2280 NGFF SSDs
Another clever enclosure option, this adapter converts M.2 SATA SSDs into standard 2.5-inch drives. It’s plug-and-play, supports all common M.2 lengths, and works seamlessly in desktop bays or external docks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Converts M.2 NGFF (SATA) to 2.5″ SATA
- ✓ Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes
- ✓ SATA I/II/III compatible (up to 6Gbps)
- ✓ No drivers or software required
- ✓ Compact and lightweight design
Why We Recommend It
Like the SABRENT model, this is a cost-effective way to reuse old M.2 SATA drives. It’s especially useful if you’re swapping out an NVMe drive and want to keep the old one functional.
Best For
Tech-savvy users who frequently upgrade SSDs and want to avoid e-waste by repurposing older drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Universal fit for most M.2 SATA drives
- Simple installation
- Great for secondary storage or backups
Cons:
- Only works with SATA-based M.2 (not NVMe)
- Build quality feels basic compared to pricier enclosures
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Alright quality but works pretty good. Honestly pretty good value for 10 bucks, got it 5 days ago and just popped it right in and it’s been working fine. I will say it is slower than a direct connection to the motherboard but that was to be expected. With a direct connection on my old mobo I would g”
Customer Review: “Works great. Only for M.2 NVme SSDs. Does not support strictly NVme.”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Upgrade My M.2 Or Buy A 2.5 Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding between upgrading your M.2 SSD or buying a 2.5-inch SATA model, start by checking your system’s compatibility. Does your motherboard or laptop have an available M.2 slot? If yes, and it supports PCIe Gen3 or Gen4, go NVMe—you’ll get significantly faster speeds. But if you’re using an older machine with only SATA ports, a 2.5-inch SSD is your best (and sometimes only) option. Also consider your use case: gamers and creators benefit most from NVMe speeds, while general users may not notice the difference beyond faster boot times.
Budget Planning
M.2 NVMe drives typically cost more per gigabyte than SATA SSDs, but prices have dropped considerably. You can now get a reliable 1TB Gen4 NVMe for under $80. If you’re on a tight budget or upgrading an older system, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD like the Crucial BX500 offers incredible value. Don’t forget accessories—if you’re repurposing an old M.2 drive, a $10–$15 enclosure can save you from buying new storage altogether.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to any SSD is a huge improvement over HDDs, but choosing between M.2 and 2.5-inch comes down to your hardware, needs, and wallet. For future-proofing and peak performance, M.2 NVMe wins. For affordability and compatibility, 2.5-inch SATA still holds strong. Either way, you’re making a smart investment in speed and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an M.2 SSD in a 2.5-inch slot?
A: Not directly—but you can use an adapter enclosure (like our #3 or #5 picks) to convert a SATA-based M.2 SSD into a 2.5-inch form factor. Note: This only works with M.2 SATA drives, not NVMe.
Q: Is NVMe worth it over SATA for everyday use?
A: For basic tasks like web browsing and office work, you likely won’t notice a huge difference. But for gaming, video editing, or large file transfers, NVMe’s speed advantage is very noticeable.
Q: Will a 2.5-inch SSD fit in my laptop?
A: Most modern ultrabooks don’t have 2.5-inch bays—they use M.2 only. Check your laptop’s specs or manual before buying. Desktops usually support both.
Q: Do I need to clone my old drive when upgrading?
A: Not required, but highly recommended if you want to keep your OS and settings. Tools like Acronis True Image (included with some SSDs) make cloning simple.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs safe to use?
A: Stick with reputable brands like Crucial, WD, Samsung, or Sabrent. Budget no-name drives may use lower-quality NAND and lack reliability—your data is too valuable to risk.
Still unsure whether to upgrade your M.2 or buy a 2.5 SSD? Our top picks cover every scenario—from blazing-fast NVMe performance to smart reuse of old drives. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and find the perfect fit for your system. Your faster, smoother computing experience starts with the right SSD!
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