Before buying an SSD, it’s essential to understand what sets solid-state drives apart from traditional hard drives and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop, building a new PC, or expanding storage, knowing key factors like storage capacity, interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), read/write speeds, durability (TBW), and brand reliability can save you time, money, and frustration. In this guide, we break down everything you should know before buying an SSD—and recommend five top-performing models based on real-world testing and customer feedback.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Should I Know Before Buying Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5″ Internal SSD for PC and Laptop Storage Upgrade
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB is a powerhouse SATA SSD that delivers consistent, reliable performance for everyday users and power users alike. With read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 530 MB/s, it maxes out the SATA III interface—making it ideal for upgrading older laptops or desktops without NVMe support.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
- ✓ Backward compatible with SATA II systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, durability, and brand trust. Samsung has a long history of producing high-quality storage, and the 870 EVO continues that legacy with excellent real-world performance and minimal slowdown over time.
Best For
Users upgrading from an HDD to SSD, especially in older laptops or budget desktops, who want maximum compatibility and long-term reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistently fast performance even under heavy use
- Excellent build quality and thermal management
- Wide compatibility with both modern and legacy systems
- Strong endurance rating for its class
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than budget alternatives
- Limited to SATA III speeds (not NVMe-level performance)
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 tech, but even I could install it!”
Customer Review: “It’s a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise-grade drives—this one fits the bill perfectly.”
2. Samsung 870 EVO 2TB 2.5″ SATA III Internal SSD for Reliable Performance
If you need serious storage without sacrificing speed, the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB is your best bet. It offers the same proven performance as its smaller siblings but with double the capacity—ideal for content creators, gamers, or anyone running multiple applications simultaneously.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity in a compact 2.5″ form factor
- ✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance—four times that of the 1TB model
- ✓ Same 560/530 MB/s read/write speeds as other 870 EVO models
- ✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption for data security
- ✓ Low power consumption and silent operation
Why We Recommend It
For users who need large storage without switching to NVMe (which may require motherboard upgrades), this SSD delivers enterprise-level endurance and consumer-friendly ease of use. It’s perfect for media libraries, game collections, or backup drives.
Best For
Gamers, video editors, and professionals who need high-capacity, reliable storage in a universally compatible SATA format.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional longevity with 2,400 TBW rating
- No performance drop even at full capacity
- Works seamlessly in laptops, desktops, and external enclosures
- Trusted brand with global support
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost per GB compared to HDDs
- Still limited by SATA III bandwidth
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I upgraded my aging workstation with this 2TB EVO, and it’s like getting a brand-new machine. Boot times are instant, and loading large project files is now seamless. Worth every penny.”
Customer Review: “I was worried about compatibility with my 7-year-old desktop, but it worked right out of the box. Samsung’s reliability never disappoints.”
3. Samsung 870 EVO 500GB 2.5″ SATA III Internal SSD for Everyday Computing
The 500GB Samsung 870 EVO offers the sweet spot between price and performance for most users. It’s large enough to hold your OS, essential apps, and some games or media—while still being affordable and reliable.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ideal capacity for OS + applications + light gaming
- ✓ 600 TBW endurance with 5-year warranty
- ✓ Consistent speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Easy installation with included mounting screws (in most kits)
- ✓ Energy-efficient design extends laptop battery life
Why We Recommend It
For students, remote workers, or casual users, this SSD provides a noticeable upgrade over HDDs without breaking the bank. It’s also a great entry point into the Samsung ecosystem if you plan to expand later.
Best For
Students, home users, and office PCs needing a fast, dependable boot drive without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for a premium brand
- Fast boot and load times across all usage scenarios
- Low heat output and silent operation
- Compatible with nearly all SATA-enabled devices
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy multimedia storage
- Smaller capacity may require external backup solutions
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Swapped out my old laptop’s HDD for this 500GB EVO, and it’s like night and day. Windows boots in under 15 seconds now!”
Customer Review: “Great SSD for the price. I’ve had it for over a year with no issues. Samsung quality shines even in their budget-friendly options.”
4. fanxiang S101 128GB SSD SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5″ Internal Solid State Drive, Read Speed up to 550MB/s
The fanxiang S101 is a no-frills, budget-friendly SSD that delivers solid performance for basic computing needs. With read speeds up to 550 MB/s, it’s a great way to breathe new life into an old netbook or secondary machine.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing 550 MB/s read speed for the price
- ✓ Uses 3D NAND TLC memory (more durable than QLC)
- ✓ Lightweight and shock-resistant design
- ✓ Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS (formatting may be required)
- ✓ Affordable entry into SSD upgrades
Why We Recommend It
While not as well-known as Samsung or Kingston, fanxiang offers surprising reliability at a fraction of the cost. This drive is perfect for reviving older systems where every dollar counts.
Best For
Users restoring old laptops, setting up lightweight Linux machines, or needing a temporary boot drive on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Fast enough for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing
- Low power consumption
- Compact and easy to install
Cons:
- Limited 128GB capacity fills up quickly
- Shorter warranty period compared to premium brands
- Fewer software tools for monitoring health
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My PC is formatting this drive at a block rate of around 300mbps which is pretty standard. Formatting at this rate will take a little over an hour and I will monitor the drive’s temperature and test transfer rate. I’m going to go ahead and install an OS on the drive because I think it will perform better than my old HDD.”
Customer Review: “Even though it’s a random brand, it is so reliable—anyone questioning the bad reviews, it was most likely user error that caused them to put it as one star!”
5. Kingston A400 240GB SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD for Faster PC Performance
Kingston’s A400 series is a popular choice for budget-conscious upgraders. The 240GB model offers reliable performance for everyday use, with faster boot times and application loading compared to traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 500 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Lightweight and consumes less power than HDDs
- ✓ Available in multiple capacities (120GB to 960GB)
- ✓ Simple drop-in replacement for 2.5″ HDDs
- ✓ Backed by Kingston’s reputation for reliability
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a trusted brand at an accessible price, the Kingston A400 delivers solid value. It’s not the fastest SSD on the market, but it’s more than capable for general computing.
Best For
Home users, students, and small businesses upgrading from HDDs who want a reliable, no-hassle SSD from a known manufacturer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Easy installation with no drivers needed
- Improves system responsiveness significantly over HDDs
- Available widely with good customer support
Cons:
- Not as fast as Samsung EVO or NVMe drives
- Limited endurance compared to premium models
- Basic feature set—no advanced software suite
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m rebuilding a Dell E6440 and the DVD drive was wearing out. So, I opted for an additional drive, instead. This SSD fits inside of a caddy sold on Amazon. The hardware installation was straightforward. But I’m not a professional so I waited until my Wife got home. She’s a Computer Science Grad. For her, it was a breeze—and now my laptop feels brand new!”
Customer Review: “A laptop I was losing my patience with went from being ‘some old something I’ll use in a pinch’ to ‘I can’t stop carrying this around the house with me’ with one upgrade. I’d find some chores to do if I needed to reboot…it took some 3-4 minutes. Now it reboots in less than 30 seconds. Have to install this in all my old machines!”
Complete Buying Guide for What Should I Know Before Buying SSD
Essential Factors We Consider
When evaluating SSDs, we focus on five core factors: performance (read/write speeds), capacity (how much data it can hold), endurance (measured in TBW—terabytes written), compatibility (SATA vs. NVMe, form factor), and value (price per GB). We also consider real-world reliability, brand reputation, and ease of installation. Our top picks balance these elements to suit different user needs—from budget builds to high-performance workstations.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $20 for basic 128GB models to over $200 for high-capacity, high-endurance drives. For most users, a 500GB–1TB SATA SSD offers the best balance of cost and utility. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the fanxiang S101 or Kingston A400. If you need longevity and speed, invest in Samsung’s EVO series. Always check for current deals—prices drop frequently, especially during holiday sales.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to any computer. Whether you choose our 🏆 Best Choice (Samsung 870 EVO 1TB), ⭐ Editor’s Choice (2TB model), or a budget-friendly option like the Kingston A400, you’ll notice faster boots, quicker app launches, and smoother multitasking. Don’t overlook compatibility—measure your drive bay, check your interface (SATA/NVMe), and ensure your system supports the SSD type before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A: SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface with max speeds around 550 MB/s, while NVMe SSDs connect via PCIe and can reach 3,500+ MB/s. NVMe is faster but requires M.2 slots and newer hardware. SATA is more universally compatible.
Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?
A: For basic use (web, docs, email), 240GB–500GB is sufficient. Gamers and creators should aim for 1TB or more. Remember, SSDs perform best when not completely full—keep at least 10–20% free space.
Q: Can I install an SSD in an old laptop?
A: Yes! Most laptops from the last 10+ years support 2.5″ SATA SSDs. Just ensure your laptop has a spare bay or replace the existing HDD. Some ultrabooks may require M.2 drives—check your manual.
Q: Do SSDs fail suddenly?
A: Unlike HDDs, SSDs don’t have moving parts, so they’re less prone to mechanical failure. However, they do wear out over time based on write cycles. Look for drives with high TBW ratings and enable TRIM in your OS to extend lifespan.
Q: Is it worth paying more for brands like Samsung?
A: Generally, yes. Premium brands offer better controllers, higher endurance, longer warranties, and consistent performance. Budget drives can work well for light use, but for critical systems, investing in reliability pays off long-term.
Ready to upgrade your system? Choose one of our expert-recommended SSDs above and experience the speed, reliability, and responsiveness that only solid-state storage can deliver. Click any “Check Price” button to compare current deals and make your purchase with confidence!