Is your computer feeling sluggish? Are those endless loading screens making you want to throw your laptop out the window? If so, it might be time for a serious upgrade, and a Solid State Drive (SSD) is usually the first place to start. Unlike old-school hard disk drives (HDDs) that rely on spinning platters, SSDs use flash memory, meaning they’re incredibly fast, durable, and silent.
A 500GB SSD hits a sweet spot for most users – it offers plenty of space for your operating system, essential applications, and a good chunk of files, all while being more affordable than larger capacities. Whether you’re a gamer looking for quicker load times, a creative professional needing speedy file transfers, or just someone who wants their everyday computing to feel snappier, finding the best 500 gig SSD drive can make a world of difference.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best 500 gig SSD drive options available today. We’ll cover both internal drives for desktops and laptops, and external portable solutions for on-the-go storage. Let’s dive in!
1. PNY CS900 500GB 3D NAND 2.5″ SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
The PNY CS900 is a fantastic entry-level internal SSD, perfect for breathing new life into an aging laptop or desktop. It’s designed to be a straightforward upgrade, offering a significant boost in performance over traditional hard drives. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get much faster boot times and application loads, this drive delivers exactly what you need without breaking the bank. It’s a solid choice for general everyday computing and makes for an excellent primary drive.
Key Features:
– Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer with super-fast OS boot times and application loads
– Exceptional performance offering up to 550MB/s sequential Read and 500MB/s sequential Write speeds
– Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
– Ultra-low power consumption for extended battery life in laptops
– Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
Pros:
– Very affordable and budget-friendly
– Significantly improves system responsiveness
– Easy to install in most 2.5-inch drive bays
– Low power consumption is great for laptops
Cons:
– Performance is standard SATA III, not as fast as NVMe options
– Lacks advanced features found in higher-end models
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the PNY CS900 for its value and the dramatic performance improvement it offers over HDDs. Many highlight how easy it is to install, making it a popular choice for first-time SSD upgraders. It’s seen as a reliable workhorse for everyday tasks.
2. SAMSUNG 870 EVO SATA SSD 500GB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
When it comes to internal SATA SSDs, Samsung’s EVO series has long been an industry benchmark, and the 870 EVO continues that legacy. This drive is the quintessential all-star, offering a perfect blend of performance, legendary reliability, and broad compatibility. If you want a top-tier SATA III drive that you can trust with your critical data and daily operations, the 870 EVO is practically a no-brainer. It maximizes the SATA interface, ensuring you get the very best speeds possible from this connection type.
Key Features:
– Indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility built upon Samsung’s pioneering technology
– Maximizes the SATA interface limit to 560/530 MB/s sequential speeds
– Accelerates write speeds and maintains long-term high performance with a larger variable buffer
– Industry-defining reliability with up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty
– Highly compatible with major host systems and applications (chipsets, motherboards, NAS, video recording)
– Simple plug-and-play installation in standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor
– Samsung Magician 6 software for easy drive management, updates, and performance enhancement
– World’s #1 Flash Memory Brand, ensuring in-house production of all components
Pros:
– Excellent performance for a SATA III drive
– Exceptional reliability with a long warranty and high TBW rating
– Wide compatibility with various systems
– Samsung Magician software adds value for drive management
– Trusted brand reputation
Cons:
– Pricier than budget SATA SSDs
– Still limited by the SATA III interface (not NVMe speeds)
User Impressions:
Customers rave about the Samsung 870 EVO’s consistent performance and robust build quality. Many report it’s their go-to choice for dependable storage upgrades, particularly for gaming PCs and workstations where reliability is paramount. The Magician software is also frequently mentioned as a useful tool.
3. SSK Portable SSD 500GB External Solid State Drives, up to 1050MB/s
Need speed and portability? The SSK Portable SSD is an excellent external option, perfect for those who constantly move large files, work on the go, or need a quick backup solution. What makes this external SSD stand out is its blazing-fast 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2) interface, allowing for read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s. Its compact, lightweight design and durable aluminum alloy case make it ideal for creative professionals, students, or anyone who needs their data accessible and fast, wherever they are. It even supports 4K ProRes video capture for iPhones!
Key Features:
– Blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD with read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s
– LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
– S.M.A.R.T. monitoring and TRIM technology for data security and extended lifespan
– Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for broad compatibility
– No slowdowns during large file transfers (with SLC caching for files under 150GB)
– Empowers 4K60Hz ProRes HDR video capture for iPhone (low power consumption)
– 2mm thick aluminum alloy case for superior heat dissipation (peaks at 105.58°F)
– Impressively lightweight (36.6g) and compact (2.61.50.5 inch)
Pros:
– Extremely fast external transfer speeds
– Highly portable and lightweight design
– Durable aluminum casing for heat dissipation
– Dual USB-C and USB-A cables included for wide compatibility
– Great for media professionals and iPhone video capture
Cons:
– Displayed capacity on Windows can appear slightly lower (a common conversion difference)
– External drives aren’t suitable for internal PC upgrades
User Impressions:
Reviewers love the SSK Portable SSD for its incredible speed and tiny footprint. Many use it for quickly transferring large video files or as a robust backup drive. Its compatibility with both USB-C and USB-A devices, including smartphones, is a frequently praised feature.
4. Western Digital 500GB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal Solid State Drive
The Western Digital WD Blue SA510 represents a reliable and straightforward internal SSD solution from a trusted name in storage. If you’re already familiar with WD’s reputation for quality hard drives, their SSD line continues that tradition. This drive is designed to be a dependable workhorse for everyday computing, offering the standard performance gains expected from a SATA SSD. It’s a solid, no-frills option that focuses on stability and compatibility, making it a great choice for general-purpose desktop and laptop upgrades.
Key Features:
– 500 GB storage capacity
– Standard SATA interface for broad compatibility
– Internal 2.5″ form factor, suitable for most laptops and desktop drive bays
Pros:
– From a very reputable and reliable brand
– Good value for a general-purpose SATA SSD
– Easy to install as a standard 2.5-inch drive
– Improves system responsiveness significantly over HDDs
Cons:
– Performance is typical for SATA III, not pushing boundaries
– Lacks specific software tools like some competitors
– Features list is less extensive than other options
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the Western Digital WD Blue SA510 for its brand reliability and ease of use. Many choose it as a direct replacement for an old hard drive, noting the immediate boost in boot times and application loading. It’s considered a dependable, no-fuss option for everyday PC users.
5. SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is built for adventure and speed. If you need a durable, fast, and secure external storage solution that can withstand the elements, this is your go-to. It boasts NVMe solid-state performance with impressive read/write speeds, making it perfect for photographers, videographers, or anyone working in challenging environments. Beyond its speed, its rugged design with drop protection and water/dust resistance ensures your valuable data is safe, no matter where your work takes you. It’s truly a robust option for on-the-go data management.
Key Features:
– NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
– Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance
– Handy carabiner loop for secure attachment to bags or belts
– Included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption
– Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app
Pros:
– Extremely fast external NVMe-based performance
– Exceptional durability with drop, water, and dust resistance
– Built-in hardware encryption for data security
– Compact and portable design with a useful carabiner loop
– Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding users
Cons:
– Higher price point due to ruggedness and performance
– The carabiner loop, while handy, might not be for everyone
User Impressions:
Users are consistently impressed with the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD’s speed and ruggedness. It’s a favorite among outdoor photographers and filmmakers who need reliable storage in the field. The encryption feature is also highly valued for protecting sensitive data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main difference between an SSD and an HDD?
A1: The main difference is speed and mechanism. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning platters and read/write heads, making them slower and more susceptible to damage from drops. SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory, like a giant USB stick, which means they are much faster for booting your system and loading applications, more durable, and completely silent.
Q2: Why choose a 500GB SSD over other capacities?
A2: A 500GB SSD is often considered a “sweet spot” for many users. It provides ample space for your operating system, essential software, and a good amount of personal files, while being significantly more affordable than 1TB or 2TB drives. It offers a great balance between capacity, performance, and cost.
Q3: Should I get an internal or external 500GB SSD?
A3: This depends on your needs.
* Internal SSDs (like the PNY, Samsung, WD) are installed inside your computer to replace or complement your existing drive. They offer the fastest boot times and application loading for your primary system.
* External SSDs (like the SSK, SanDisk) connect via a USB cable. They’re highly portable and great for transferring large files between devices, backing up data, or expanding storage for game consoles/laptops where internal upgrades aren’t easy.
Q4: What do SATA and NVMe mean for SSDs?
A4: These refer to the interface technology.
* SATA (Serial ATA) is the older, more common interface, typically found in 2.5-inch internal SSDs. It offers speeds up to about 550MB/s. Most internal SSDs listed above use SATA.
* NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer, much faster interface designed specifically for SSDs, often using a PCIe slot on a motherboard. NVMe drives can achieve speeds several times faster than SATA drives (e.g., 3,000MB/s or more). Some high-speed external SSDs are built with NVMe internal components to achieve their fast USB-C speeds.
Q5: Are 500GB SSDs good for gaming?
A5: Absolutely! A 500GB SSD is excellent for gaming. Installing your operating system and favorite games on an SSD will drastically reduce load times, getting you into the action much faster. While 500GB might not hold your entire game library if it’s massive, it’s perfect for your most played titles.
Q6: What is “TBW” and why is it important for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written.” It’s a measure of an SSD’s endurance, indicating how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start to degrade. A higher TBW means the drive is rated for more total data writes, suggesting greater longevity and reliability, especially for users who frequently write large amounts of data.
Q7: How difficult is it to install an internal 2.5-inch SSD?
A7: For most desktop PCs and many laptops, installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll typically need to open your computer case, find an available drive bay, connect a SATA data cable and a SATA power cable (which are usually already present inside your PC), and then secure the drive. Many guides and videos are available online to walk you through the process.