Choosing the right SSD for your PC can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re upgrading an older system, building a high-performance gaming rig, or just looking for faster boot times and file transfers, the right solid-state drive makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared seven of the best SSDs available today, covering everything from budget-friendly SATA drives to blazing-fast Gen5 NVMe models. Our goal? To help you find the perfect SSD that fits your needs, performance expectations, and budget—without the tech jargon overload.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Ssd To Buy For Pc Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a no-frills, reliable SATA SSD that delivers solid performance for everyday computing. If you’re upgrading from an old hard drive or building a budget PC, this drive offers a noticeable speed boost without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and media storage
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s read speeds—300% faster than traditional HDDs
- ✓ 45x more energy efficient than hard drives, improving laptop battery life
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most desktops and laptops
- ✓ 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between affordability and performance. It’s not the fastest drive on the market, but for general use—browsing, office work, light gaming—it’s more than capable and incredibly reliable.
Best For
Budget-conscious users upgrading older systems or building entry-level PCs who want reliable speed and durability without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Easy installation in any SATA-compatible system
- Low power consumption
- Consistent performance under daily workloads
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (may affect sustained write performance)
- Slower than NVMe alternatives
- Limited to SATA III bandwidth (≈550MB/s max)
Customer Reviews
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 for daily use.”
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 plus side, it’s cheap and works.”
2. Crucial P310 500GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P310 brings Gen4 NVMe speeds to mainstream users, offering near-top-tier performance at a surprisingly accessible price. With read speeds up to 6,600MB/s, it’s perfect for gamers and creators who need fast load times without paying premium prices.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 6,600MB/s read and 5,000MB/s write
- ✓ 500GB capacity suits most gaming and productivity setups
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor—easy drop-in installation
- ✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and handheld gaming devices like ROG Ally X
- ✓ Backward compatible with Gen3 systems
Why We Recommend It
This drive delivers flagship-level speed without the flagship price tag. It’s one of the best Gen4 SSDs for the money, especially if you’re building a mid-range gaming PC or upgrading a laptop that supports NVMe.
Best For
Gamers, students, and professionals who want fast boot and load times in a compact, power-efficient package—especially on Gen4-ready systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Gen4 performance for the price
- Works across laptops, desktops, and handheld consoles
- Low heat output and good thermal management
- Reliable Micron TLC NAND
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may throttle under heavy sustained loads)
- 500GB may feel tight for users with large game libraries
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. 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 times are super smooth.”
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.”
3. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD known for its rock-solid reliability and consistent performance. Even though it’s limited by SATA speeds, it remains one of the most trusted drives for system upgrades and long-term storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading reliability with up to 600 TBW endurance
- ✓ Maximizes SATA III bandwidth: 560MB/s read, 530MB/s write
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, applications, and media
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
- ✓ Advanced ECC and wear-leveling algorithms
Why We Recommend It
If you want a drive that just works—year after year—the 870 EVO is hard to beat. It’s not the fastest, but it’s incredibly durable and perfect for users who prioritize stability over raw speed.
Best For
Users upgrading older PCs, building reliable workstations, or needing a dependable secondary drive for backups and storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched reliability and longevity
- Consistent performance even under heavy use
- Wide compatibility with older systems
- Excellent firmware and error correction
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- SATA interface is becoming outdated
- Higher cost per GB compared to budget SATA drives
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. It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely.”
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.”
4. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a top-tier Gen4 NVMe SSD built for gamers and power users. With blazing 7,300MB/s read speeds and optional heatsink models, it delivers elite performance for demanding workloads and large game libraries.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 2TB capacity offers ample space for games and projects
- ✓ Optional heatsink version available for thermal control
- ✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
- ✓ Optimized for PS5 and high-end gaming PCs
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for speed and endurance. Whether you’re loading massive open-world games or editing 4K video, the SN850X handles it all with ease—and looks great doing it.
Best For
Enthusiast gamers, content creators, and anyone building a high-performance PC who wants maximum speed and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- Excellent thermal management (especially with heatsink)
- Great for PS5 and PC gaming
- Reliable and durable NAND
Cons:
- More expensive than mainstream drives
- Heatsink version adds bulk
- Overkill for basic computing tasks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises—insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability. Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s.”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness.”
5. 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and PC Gaming
This Gen4 NVMe SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it plug-and-play ready for PS5 expansion or high-performance PC builds. With speeds up to 7,350MB/s, it’s a great mid-range option for gamers who want speed and convenience.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with up to 7,350MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Includes aluminum heatsink for thermal regulation
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for game storage
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
- ✓ Easy installation with included screws and tools
Why We Recommend It
The built-in heatsink eliminates the need for extra purchases or setup, and the performance is excellent for the price. It’s a smart choice if you’re expanding your PS5 or building a gaming PC on a budget.
Best For
PS5 owners needing storage expansion and PC gamers who want a hassle-free Gen4 upgrade with thermal protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—no extra cost or setup
- Fast Gen4 speeds at a competitive price
- PS5-certified compatibility
- Good value for 1TB capacity
Cons:
- Heatsink may not fit in small-form-factor builds
- Brand may be less recognized than Samsung or WD
- Write speeds slightly lower than top-tier models
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed—an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff—which honestly saved me a trip to the store since I had lost my factory set screw.”
Customer Review: “I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised so far. Installation was also pretty easy.”
6. Crucial P510 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 1TB SSD
The Crucial P510 is one of the first consumer Gen5 NVMe SSDs, delivering mind-blowing speeds up to 11,000MB/s. It’s built for future-proofing high-end systems and handling the most demanding workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 x4 interface with up to 11,000MB/s read and 8,500MB/s write
- ✓ 1TB TLC NAND for balanced speed and endurance
- ✓ Backward compatible with Gen4 systems
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- ✓ Ideal for AI, rendering, and ultra-fast gaming
Why We Recommend It
If you have a Gen5-ready motherboard and want to future-proof your build, the P510 is a fantastic choice. It’s not for everyone, but for early adopters and power users, it’s a game-changer.
Best For
Enthusiasts with Gen5-compatible systems, content creators, and anyone who wants the absolute fastest storage available today.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing Gen5 speeds
- Backward compatible with Gen4
- Reliable Micron TLC NAND
- Great for future-proof builds
Cons:
- Requires Gen5 motherboard to reach full speed
- Higher power consumption and heat output
- Premium price for cutting-edge tech
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this Crucial NVMe drive to replace a Samsung Pro that seems to have an issue with one of Windows 11 updates. Although I updated the firmware, it still would go south from time to time. However, purchasing this Crucial P510, I find that it performs better than the Samsung 990 Pro ever did.”
Customer Review: “It’s a good drive. I think Crucial (Micron) just announced though, that they are stopping their consumer drives to concentrate on their commercial side, making drives for AI use. I’m happy with the speeds and it was a good drive for the money.”
7. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
The WD Blue SA510 is a reliable SATA SSD from a trusted brand, offering solid performance for everyday computing. It’s a great choice for upgrading older systems or adding storage to budget builds.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity at an affordable price
- ✓ SATA III 6Gb/s interface with up to 560MB/s read
- ✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
- ✓ Low power consumption
- ✓ 3-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
It’s not flashy, but the WD Blue SA510 delivers consistent, reliable performance for general use. If you need a simple, no-nonsense SSD upgrade, this is a safe bet.
Best For
Budget builders, students, and anyone replacing an old HDD with a dependable SSD for everyday tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available
- Reliable brand with good support
- Easy to install
- Good for basic computing needs
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Limited to SATA speeds
- No standout features beyond basics
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly! That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!! I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance. I would still buy WD drives over others.”
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect.”
Complete Buying Guide for What SSD To Buy For PC
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD for your PC, focus on interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), capacity needs, performance requirements, and budget. SATA SSDs are slower but widely compatible and affordable, while NVMe drives (especially Gen4 and Gen5) offer much faster speeds but require compatible motherboards. Consider whether you need the drive for gaming, productivity, or storage—and always check your system’s M.2 slot availability and PCIe generation support.
Budget Planning
You can get a reliable SATA SSD like the Crucial BX500 for under $80, while high-end Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe drives range from $100 to $200+. Set a budget based on your use case: casual users can stick with SATA or entry-level NVMe, while gamers and creators should invest in Gen4 or Gen5 for maximum benefit.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD for your PC depends on your specific setup and needs. For most people, a Gen4 NVMe like the Crucial P310 offers the sweet spot of speed, price, and compatibility. But if you’re on a tight budget or upgrading an older machine, a SATA SSD like the Samsung 870 EVO or Crucial BX500 still delivers excellent value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy SATA or NVMe SSD?
A: If your PC supports NVMe (most modern systems do), go for NVMe—it’s significantly faster. But if you’re upgrading an older laptop or desktop without M.2 slots, a SATA SSD is still a great upgrade over an HDD.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: Not always. Heatsinks help with thermal throttling during sustained workloads, so they’re recommended for Gen4/Gen5 drives in gaming PCs or PS5. For light use, they’re optional.
Q: Can I use a Gen5 SSD in a Gen4 motherboard?
A: Yes! Gen5 SSDs are backward compatible and will run at Gen4 speeds. You won’t get the full benefit, but it’s a good way to future-proof your build.
Q: How much SSD storage do I need?
A: 500GB is the minimum for most users, but 1TB is ideal for gaming and multitasking. If you work with large files or store many games, consider 2TB or more.
Q: Is a DRAM-less SSD bad?
A: DRAM-less SSDs (like the Crucial BX500) are slower under heavy workloads but fine for everyday use. If you’re doing video editing or frequent large file transfers, opt for a drive with DRAM cache.
Ready to supercharge your PC? Whether you’re after raw speed, rock-solid reliability, or budget-friendly performance, one of these SSDs will transform your computing experience. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and find the perfect match for your system!