Are you tired of your computer taking ages to boot up? Do your applications feel sluggish, making you wish for a magic wand to speed things up? Well, you don’t need magic – you need an SSD! Specifically, choosing the Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS (or a similar capacity from another reputable brand) can be a game-changer for your system’s responsiveness. An SSD, or Solid-State Drive, drastically cuts down boot times, speeds up file transfers, and makes your entire operating system feel snappier.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re diving deep into some excellent SSD options that are perfect for housing your operating system. We’ll explore several top picks from Lexar and a couple of great alternatives from Inland, ranging from the ideal 120GB sweet spot to larger capacities for those who need more room or specific features. Let’s find the perfect performance upgrade for your PC!
Why an SSD for Your Operating System is a Must-Have
Traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) rely on spinning platters, which are inherently slower and more prone to mechanical failure. SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory to store data, offering incredible advantages:
- Blazing Fast Speeds: Experience nearly instant boot-ups and rapid application loading.
- Enhanced Durability: With no moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to drops and bumps.
- Silent Operation: Say goodbye to the whirring noise of an HDD.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Great for laptops, helping to extend battery life.
Even a modest 120GB or 128GB SSD is plenty for your operating system (like Windows or macOS) and essential applications, leaving your larger, slower HDD for bulk storage if you have one.
The Top 7 SSDs for Your OS & Beyond
Here are our top picks, including excellent Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS contenders and other fantastic options that might just catch your eye!
1. Lexar 128GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
This Lexar NS100 is a fantastic entry-level choice if you’re looking for a dedicated drive to house your operating system. It’s an ideal way to breathe new life into an older laptop or desktop, delivering significantly faster boot times and application loads compared to a traditional HDD. It’s a reliable workhorse designed for everyday computing, offering a noticeable performance bump without breaking the bank.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 128GB capacity with 60TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent value for an OS drive
- Significant speed improvement over HDDs
- Robust and durable design
- Simple upgrade process
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Cons:
- Limited capacity for extensive game libraries or large files
- SATA interface is slower than NVMe alternatives
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User Impressions: Many users praise its ease of installation and the immediate, dramatic improvement in their system’s responsiveness. It’s frequently cited as the perfect budget-friendly solution for revitalizing an old PC.
- See it on Amazon here
2. INLAND Professional 120GB SSD 3D NAND SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5″ Internal Solid State Drive
When considering the Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS, don’t overlook strong contenders like this Inland Professional 120GB SSD. It’s another superb option for mainstream PCs, laptops, and ultrabooks, designed to provide a snappy, responsive computing experience. Utilizing 3D TLC NAND flash, it strikes a great balance between performance and endurance, making it a reliable choice for your primary system drive.
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Key Features:
- 120GB SSD capacity, ideal for OS and essential applications
- Sequential Read/Write Speed up to 520MB/s and 410MB/s
- Random Read/Write 4K: up to 38k and 80k IOPS
- SATA III 6Gb/s interface for fast boot-up and file transfer
- 3D TLC NAND flash, resistant to shock, vibration, and noise
- 3 Year Limited Parts and Labor Warranty
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Pros:
- Solid performance for an entry-level drive
- Quiet and cool operation
- Competitive pricing
- Good reliability with 3D TLC NAND
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Cons:
- Write speeds are slightly lower than some competitors
- May not be available in all regions as widely as Lexar
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User Impressions: Customers often highlight its affordability and the noticeable performance boost it brings. It’s a popular choice for budget builds and upgrading older systems, often exceeding expectations for its price point.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Lexar 256GB NS100 SSD 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
While your search might be for the Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS, this 256GB version of the NS100 offers a compelling argument for a little extra space. For just a bit more, you get double the capacity, which means more room for your OS, crucial applications, and perhaps even a few favorite games. It retains all the benefits of the 128GB model, including excellent reliability and speed, making it a highly practical upgrade for any desktop or laptop.
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Key Features:
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer for faster startups, data transfers, and application loads
- Sequential read speeds of up to 520MB/s
- Faster performance and more reliable than traditional hard drives
- Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
- 256GB capacity with 120TBW endurance
- Three-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Double the storage of the 128GB model for a modest price increase
- Excellent balance of speed, capacity, and cost
- Reliable Lexar quality and warranty
- Great for a more robust OS partition with room for more software
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Cons:
- Still a SATA drive, not as fast as NVMe
- May not be sufficient for users with very large game libraries
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User Impressions: Reviewers love the flexibility this capacity offers, providing enough space for the OS and plenty of software without needing to constantly manage drive space. It’s often recommended as the sweet spot for a boot drive.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Lexar 1TB Professional Go Portable SSD w/Hub
Stepping away from internal drives, this Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD is a different beast entirely. While not a direct contender for the Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS internally, its innovative design and blazing-fast performance make it an incredible tool for professionals on the go. Imagine capturing high-resolution video directly to this drive, or having a super-fast external bootable OS drive for specialized tasks (though direct OS booting from external drives has limitations). Its integrated hub is a true standout feature for creators.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-compact and portable for creativity anywhere
- Wireless plug-and-play Type-C connector with integrated hub
- Blazing-fast performance: up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Ready for travel: IP65 dust-proof, water-resistant, and drop-resistant up to 1 meter
- Capture brilliant Apple ProRes footage with ease
- Compatibility testing with iPhone 17 Series devices in progress
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Exceptional speed and portability
- Integrated USB-C hub is highly convenient
- Rugged and durable design for outdoor use
- Perfect for professional content creation and quick backups
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Cons:
- Not designed as a primary internal OS drive
- Higher price point due to features and capacity
- 1TB capacity is overkill if you’re only looking for a small OS drive
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User Impressions: Professionals rave about its utility, especially the built-in hub, which streamlines their workflow on location. Its speed and ruggedness are consistently highlighted as major selling points for mobile creatives.
- See it on Amazon here
5. INLAND Professional 3 Pack 120GB SSD 3D TLC NAND SATA III 6Gb/s
If you’re managing multiple computer upgrades or building several systems, this 3-pack of Inland Professional 120GB SSDs offers unbeatable value. Each drive provides the same reliable performance as the single unit, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking to upgrade several machines or want a spare. It consistently delivers the speed and responsiveness you need for an operating system drive across various mainstream PCs and laptops.
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Key Features:
- Three 120GB SSDs, ideal for multiple upgrades
- Sequential Read/Write Speed up to 520MB/s and 410MB/s respectively
- SATA III 6Gb/s interface for faster boot-up and file transfer
- 3D TLC NAND flash, resistant to shock, vibration, and noise
- Perfect for mainstream PCs, laptops, and ultrabooks
- 3 Year Limited Parts and Labor Warranty
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Pros:
- Outstanding value for multi-system upgrades
- Reliable performance for OS and everyday tasks
- Quiet, cool, and durable
- Great for system builders or IT professionals
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Cons:
- Individual drives aren’t the absolute fastest on the market
- Only makes sense if you genuinely need three drives
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User Impressions: Buyers are thrilled with the cost-effectiveness of this bundle, finding it perfect for upgrading a small office or multiple family computers. The consistent performance of each drive is a frequent point of praise.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Lexar 2TB ES3 External SSD, Up to 1050MB/s Read, Storage Solutions for Windows/Mac/Android/iPad
This Lexar ES3 External SSD might not be your internal Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS, but it’s a powerhouse for external storage and super-fast backups. With read speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s about 9.5 times faster than traditional external hard drives. It’s perfect for quickly offloading large files, expanding your device storage, or even running portable applications. The built-in heat dissipation and robust, drop-resistant design make it highly reliable for everyday use.
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Key Features:
- Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds for significantly faster transfers
- Super-fast backups and instant storage expansion
- Built-in double-layer graphite sheets for enhanced heat dissipation
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters for excellent durability
- Plug-and-play compatibility with a 2-in-1 USB-C/USB-A cable
- Includes Lexar DataShield 256-bit AES encryption software
- Access to Lexar Recovery Tool for accidentally deleted files
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Pros:
- Exceptional external transfer speeds
- Excellent heat management for sustained performance
- Rugged and durable construction
- Wide compatibility across devices
- Security and recovery software included
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Cons:
- Not an internal boot drive option
- Higher capacity means a higher price point
- 2TB is far more than needed for just an OS
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User Impressions: Users are incredibly impressed by the speed and robust build of this external SSD. It’s a favorite for video editors, photographers, and anyone needing quick, secure, and reliable portable storage.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Lexar 4TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe, Designed for PS5 and PC Gaming
If your main keyword was “Lexar best NVMe SSD for gaming,” this 4TB Lexar Play SSD would be at the top of the list! While it’s certainly overkill for just an OS in a typical desktop and not a 120GB SATA, it’s an incredible option for high-performance PC gaming or expanding your PS5 storage. Its PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe interface delivers mind-blowing speeds, and the included heatsink ensures optimal performance even during the most intense gaming sessions. This drive redefines what fast storage can be.
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Key Features:
- Designed to coordinate with your PS5, enhancing the gaming experience
- 7400MB/s max read and 6500MB/s max write speeds for reduced load times
- 4TB capacity with 3200TBW endurance
- Tested and approved storage for PS5 console
- Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
- Also suitable for PC gaming with HMB and SLC Dynamic cache
- Five-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Phenomenal read/write speeds for gaming and demanding applications
- Massive 4TB capacity
- Integrated heatsink is a huge plus for sustained performance
- PS5 compatibility is a major advantage for console gamers
- Long warranty for peace of mind
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Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than SATA SSDs
- NVMe PCIe Gen 4×4 requires a compatible motherboard/PS5
- Definitely overkill if you only need a drive for your operating system
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User Impressions: Gamers absolutely adore this drive, praising its easy installation into a PS5 and the dramatic reduction in load times for games. PC users also love its raw speed for demanding applications and expansive game libraries.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions About SSDs for Your OS
Q1: Is 120GB really enough for an operating system?
A: Yes, absolutely! For Windows, 120GB is generally sufficient for the OS itself, essential drivers, and a handful of frequently used applications. Windows 10/11 typically takes up about 20-30GB. If you plan to install many large games or applications, you might consider a 256GB or 500GB SSD, or pair your 120GB OS drive with a larger secondary HDD or SSD for bulk storage.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs connect via a SATA III interface and offer speeds up to around 550MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs connect via the PCIe interface and are significantly faster, with speeds often exceeding 3,000MB/s, and Gen 4 NVMe drives (like the Lexar Play) pushing past 7,000MB/s. For a basic OS drive, SATA is perfectly fine and a great budget option. For high-performance gaming or demanding tasks, NVMe is the way to go, provided your motherboard supports it.
Q3: How do I install an SSD as my OS drive?
A: For internal 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, installation is usually straightforward. You physically connect the SSD to your motherboard’s SATA port and your power supply’s SATA power connector. Then, you’ll need to either perform a clean installation of your operating system or clone your existing OS from your old drive to the new SSD. NVMe SSDs usually slot directly into an M.2 slot on your motherboard. If you’re unsure, consulting a professional or following a detailed online guide is recommended.
Q4: Will an SSD improve my computer’s performance significantly?
A: Yes, very significantly! An SSD is often the single most impactful upgrade you can make for an older computer still running an HDD. You’ll notice much faster boot times, quicker application launches, snappier file transfers, and a generally more responsive feel across your entire system.
Q5: What does TBW mean for an SSD?
A: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start to degrade. For example, a 60TBW drive means you can write 60 terabytes of data to it. For a typical user, even a 60TBW drive will last many, many years as an OS drive.
Q6: Can I use an external SSD for my operating system?
A: While it’s technically possible to install and run an operating system from an external SSD (like Windows To Go or certain macOS installations), it’s generally not recommended for your primary, everyday OS. Performance can be limited by the external connection (USB), and stability might not be as robust as an internal drive. External SSDs are best for portable data, backups, or running specialized, temporary OS environments.
Q7: Why should I choose Lexar for my SSD?
A: Lexar has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable and high-performance memory solutions, including SSDs. They offer a range of products catering to different needs and budgets, from entry-level SATA drives perfect for an OS upgrade to cutting-edge NVMe drives for gaming and professional use. Their products often come with competitive warranties and good customer support, making them a trustworthy brand in the storage market.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an SSD for your operating system is arguably the best single investment you can make to revitalize an aging computer or build a snappy new one. Whether you opt for a dedicated Lexar best 120GB SSD for OS like the NS100 to keep costs down and focus on pure speed, or you choose a slightly larger capacity for more flexibility, the difference in daily computing will be profound. Even the non-120GB options we reviewed offer compelling arguments for specific use cases, from more storage to unparalleled external performance.
No matter your budget or specific needs, there’s a fantastic SSD out there waiting to supercharge your system. Happy computing!