Trying to figure out what size SSD you should buy can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re scrolling through Reddit threads full of conflicting advice. Whether you’re building a gaming rig, upgrading your laptop, or setting up a NAS system, the right SSD capacity makes all the difference in speed, storage, and long-term value. Based on real user feedback from Reddit communities like r/buildapc and r/DataHoarder, we’ve rounded up the top SSDs that balance performance, reliability, and price—so you can stop guessing and start upgrading with confidence.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Size Ssd Should I Buy Reddit Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Western Digital 500GB WD Red SN700 NVMe Internal Solid State Drive SSD for NAS Devices – Gen3 PCIe
If you’re asking what size SSD you should buy for a NAS setup, the WD Red SN700 500GB strikes a sweet spot between capacity and endurance. This NVMe drive is built for 24/7 operation and handles heavy workloads like virtualization and collaborative editing without breaking a sweat.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Gen3 PCIe NVMe interface for fast data access
- ✓ Optimized for NAS environments with high endurance ratings
- ✓ Low power consumption ideal for always-on systems
- ✓ Supports RAID configurations for redundancy
Why We Recommend It
Reddit users consistently praise this drive for its reliability in RAID setups and seamless integration with QNAP and Synology NAS devices. It’s not the biggest SSD, but for most home labs or small offices, 500GB offers enough space for OS, apps, and frequent-access files.
Best For
Home NAS builders and small businesses needing a dependable, mid-sized NVMe SSD that won’t throttle under constant use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent thermal management
- High TBW (Terabytes Written) rating
- Quiet and energy-efficient
- Easy to configure in RAID
Cons:
- Only 500GB—may feel small for media hoarders
- No bundled cloning software
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up two 500GB WD Red SN700 NVMe SSDs for use in a RAID 1 configuration inside my QNAP TS-464 NAS, and they’ve been nothing short of excellent. These drives are specifically designed for NAS environments, and it shows. They’re optimized for 24/7 operation, with high endurance ratings that far exceed typical consumer drives.”
Customer Review: “Solid performance and rock-solid stability. Been running 24/7 for 8 months with zero issues. Perfect for cache or boot volumes.”
2. Western Digital 2TB WD Red SA500 NAS 3D NAND Internal SSD – SATA III 6 Gb/s, M.2 2280
When Reddit users debate what size SSD you should buy for large-scale storage, the 2TB WD Red SA500 often comes up as the gold standard. This SATA-based M.2 drive delivers enterprise-grade endurance in a compact form factor—perfect for caching or primary storage in NAS systems.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB capacity ideal for media servers and backups
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved reliability
- ✓ Up to 560 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Designed for 24/7 operation with high MTBF
Why We Recommend It
This drive is a favorite among data hoarders on r/DataHoarder for its balance of capacity, speed, and price. It’s not NVMe-fast, but for SATA-limited NAS boxes, it’s one of the most reliable options out there.
Best For
Users running SATA-based NAS systems who need large-capacity SSDs for caching, surveillance footage, or frequent file access.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive 2TB storage in M.2 form factor
- Low heat output
- Excellent write endurance (1,800 TBW)
- Compatible with most modern NAS enclosures
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe alternatives
- Not ideal for gaming or OS boot drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent product. Working great in my HP Desktop Computer. Very easy to install. WD software downloaded from their website did not work for backing up old content, prior to replacing original SSD. I downloaded free 3rd party software to backup my 120GB original SSD so that I could replace it with t”
Customer Review: “The drive keeps up with 4 cameras recording to it. No complaints.”
3. Western Digital 1TB WD Red SA500 NAS 3D NAND Internal SSD – SATA III 6 Gb/s, 2.5″/7mm
If you’re on a budget but still want NAS-grade reliability, this 1TB WD Red SA500 is a smart pick. It answers the common Reddit question: what size SSD you should buy when you need more than 500GB but aren’t ready to spend on 2TB.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Affordable price per gigabyte
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Optimized for NAS caching and light workloads
- ✓ 560 MB/s sequential read speed
Why We Recommend It
This drive offers the best value for users who want SSD speed without breaking the bank. It’s frequently recommended in Reddit threads for upgrading older systems or adding fast storage to budget NAS builds.
Best For
Budget-conscious builders, students, or anyone upgrading from an HDD who needs reliable, mid-tier SSD storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- Wide compatibility with SATA systems
- Low power draw
- Solid endurance for everyday use
Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe drives
- Limited to SATA III bandwidth
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent product. Working great in my HP Desktop Computer. Very easy to install. WD software downloaded from their website did not work for backing up old content, prior to replacing original SSD. I downloaded free 3rd party software to backup my 120GB original SSD so that I could replace it with t”
Customer Review: “The drive keeps up with 4 cameras recording to it. No complaints.”
4. Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive
The Samsung 870 EVO is legendary—and for good reason. When Reddit users ask what size SSD you should buy for general computing, the 1TB model is often the top recommendation thanks to its unmatched reliability and performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading 600 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ 560/530 MB/s sequential read/write speeds
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
- ✓ Compatible with nearly every laptop and desktop
Why We Recommend It
This drive is the “set it and forget it” champion. Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop or building a desktop, the 870 EVO delivers consistent performance and peace of mind.
Best For
Everyday users, students, professionals, and anyone who wants a durable, high-performance SSD for OS, apps, and personal files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional long-term reliability
- Wide OS and hardware compatibility
- Excellent for OS and application storage
- Strong resale value
Cons:
- More expensive than WD Red alternatives
- SATA limits future-proofing
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…”
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, tryi”
5. Western Digital 2TB WD Red SN700 NVMe Internal Solid State Drive SSD for NAS Devices – Gen3 PCIe
For power users and professionals, this 2TB NVMe SSD is the ultimate answer to what size SSD you should buy if you need both speed and space. It’s overkill for casual use—but perfect for video editors, developers, or NAS admins.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2TB of high-speed NVMe storage
- ✓ Gen3 PCIe interface with low latency
- ✓ Built for continuous 24/7 operation
- ✓ Ideal for virtualization and large file workflows
Why We Recommend It
If you’re running a professional NAS or workstation, this drive delivers the capacity and performance needed for demanding tasks. Reddit power users swear by it for Plex servers and development environments.
Best For
Professionals, content creators, and advanced home users who need massive, fast storage for projects and backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity in a compact NVMe form
- Excellent sustained write performance
- Low heat and power efficient
- Great for RAID 0 or 1 setups
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Overkill for basic computing needs
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up two 500GB WD Red SN700 NVMe SSDs for use in a RAID 1 configuration inside my QNAP TS-464 NAS, and they’ve been nothing short of excellent. These drives are specifically designed for NAS environments, and it shows. They’re optimized for 24/7 operation, with high endurance ratings that far…”
Customer Review: “I picked up two 500GB WD Red SN700 NVMe SSDs for use in a RAID 1 configuration inside my QNAP TS-464 NAS, and they’ve been nothing short of excellent. These drives are specifically designed for NAS environments, and it shows. They’re optimized for 24/7 operation, with high endurance ratings that far…”
Complete Buying Guide for What Size Ssd Should I Buy Reddit
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding what size SSD you should buy, start with your use case. For basic web browsing and office work, 500GB is plenty. Gamers and creators should aim for 1TB or more. NAS users need drives rated for 24/7 operation—like the WD Red series—and often benefit from RAID setups. Always check interface compatibility (SATA vs. NVMe) and consider future expansion needs.
Budget Planning
SSD prices have dropped significantly, but capacity still impacts cost. A 500GB drive might cost $40–$60, while 2TB models can run $150–$250. Set a budget based on your needs: don’t overspend on unused space, but avoid going too small—Reddit users often regret choosing 250GB drives that fill up in months.
Final Thoughts
The right SSD size depends on your workflow, not just your wallet. Whether you’re upgrading a laptop or building a NAS, prioritize reliability, endurance, and real-world performance over specs alone. Our top picks balance all three—and come highly recommended by the Reddit community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size SSD should I buy for gaming?
A: For modern gaming, we recommend at least 1TB. Many AAA titles now exceed 100GB each, and you’ll want space for your OS, mods, and future downloads. A 2TB SSD is ideal if your budget allows.
Q: Is a 500GB SSD enough for everyday use?
A: Yes—if you mainly browse, stream, and use office apps. But if you store photos, videos, or games, consider 1TB to avoid constant cleanup.
Q: Should I get SATA or NVMe for my NAS?
A: NVMe is faster, but SATA is more compatible with older NAS units. Check your device specs. For new builds, NVMe (like the WD Red SN700) is the future.
Q: Can I mix SSD sizes in RAID?
A: Technically yes, but RAID performance and capacity will match the smallest drive. For best results, use identical models and sizes.
Q: How long do NAS SSDs last?
A: High-endurance NAS SSDs like the WD Red series are rated for thousands of terabytes written (TBW). With normal use, they can last 5–10 years or more.
Still unsure what size SSD you should buy? Don’t guess—choose one of our expert-tested recommendations above. Whether you need speed, space, or savings, there’s an SSD here that fits your needs. Click any “Check Price” button to compare current deals and upgrade your system today!