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Upgrading your computer with a new SSD is one of the smartest and most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into an aging system—or supercharge a new build. Whether you’re replacing a slow hard drive or expanding storage on a gaming rig or laptop, knowing what to buy to install a new SSD can make all the difference. From high-speed NVMe drives to reliable SATA options, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs on the market so you don’t have to guess. In this guide, you’ll find expert recommendations, real customer feedback, and a complete buying checklist to help you choose the perfect SSD for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What To Buy To Install A New Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a reliable, no-frills SSD that delivers excellent performance for everyday computing. With read speeds up to 540MB/s, it’s perfect for upgrading older laptops or desktops still running on mechanical hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 1TB storage capacity ideal for OS, apps, and media
✓ 3D NAND technology for improved durability and efficiency
✓ Energy-efficient design extends laptop battery life
✓ Easy installation with standard 2.5-inch form factor
✓ Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between price, performance, and reliability. It’s not the fastest drive on the market, but for general use—browsing, office work, light gaming—it’s hard to beat.
Best For
Users upgrading from an HDD who want a noticeable speed boost without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Consistent performance across tasks
- Low power consumption
- Simple drop-in replacement for HDDs
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (may affect sustained writes)
- Lacks heatsink or premium casing
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.”
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: ❌”
2. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO is the gold standard for SATA SSDs—offering top-tier performance, legendary reliability, and broad compatibility. It maxes out the SATA III interface at 560MB/s read speeds, making it ideal for users who need proven stability.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Industry-leading 600 TBW endurance rating
✓ 5-year limited warranty with Samsung Magician software support
✓ Intelligent TurboWrite technology boosts burst performance
✓ Compatible with nearly all laptops and desktops using 2.5-inch bays
✓ Available in capacities up to 4TB
Why We Recommend It
If you want an SSD that just works—without surprises—the 870 EVO is it. Samsung’s reputation for quality shines through in every aspect, from build to long-term reliability.
Best For
Professionals, content creators, and anyone needing a dependable, high-endurance drive for critical workloads.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional longevity and reliability
- Consistently high real-world speeds
- Excellent software ecosystem (Samsung Magician)
- Wide compatibility across devices
Cons:
- More expensive than budget SATA SSDs
- SATA limits max speed compared to NVMe
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.”
Customer Review: “Its 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.”
3. 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and Gaming PCs
This NVMe SSD delivers blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 speeds at a surprisingly affordable price. With read speeds up to 7,350MB/s and a included heatsink, it’s perfect for gamers and creators who want high performance without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface for ultra-fast data transfer
✓ Includes aluminum heatsink for thermal management
✓ Optimized for PS5 expansion and high-end gaming PCs
✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern motherboards
✓ 1TB capacity balances speed and storage needs
Why We Recommend It
You’d expect to pay much more for this level of performance. It’s rare to find a PCIe 4.0 drive with a heatsink included at this price—making it a steal for budget-conscious upgraders.
Best For
Gamers building or upgrading a PS5 or PC who want next-gen speed on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding value for PCIe 4.0 performance
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- Easy installation with all necessary hardware
- Great for large game libraries and 4K video editing
Cons:
- Brand may be less recognized than Samsung or WD
- Write speeds may dip under sustained heavy loads
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.”
4. 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and High-Performance PCs
Double the capacity, double the fun. This 2TB NVMe SSD offers the same impressive PCIe 4.0 speeds as its 1TB sibling but with ample space for massive game libraries, video projects, or virtual machines.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,400MB/s read speeds
✓ Built-in heatsink prevents thermal throttling
✓ Ideal for PS5 storage expansion (meets Sony’s specs)
✓ 2TB capacity reduces need for external storage
✓ Plug-and-play installation
Why We Recommend It
If you’re serious about gaming or creative work, 1TB fills up fast. This 2TB version gives you room to grow while maintaining top-tier speed—all without a premium price tag.
Best For
Power users, streamers, and professionals who need both speed and large storage in one compact drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity at a competitive price
- Consistent performance under load
- Heatsink ensures stable operation
- Perfect for PS5 upgrades
Cons:
- May be overkill for casual users
- Requires M.2 slot with PCIe 4.0 support
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.”
5. Samsung 980 PRO 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD
The Samsung 980 PRO is a flagship NVMe SSD built for enthusiasts and professionals. With read speeds up to 7,000MB/s and cutting-edge controller technology, it’s engineered to handle the most demanding workloads with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with Elpsis controller
✓ Up to 7,000MB/s read and 5,100MB/s write speeds
✓ Nickel-coated controller and heat spreader for cooling
✓ 5-year warranty with up to 1,200 TBW endurance
✓ Optimized for gaming, 8K video, and AI workloads
Why We Recommend It
When only the best will do, the 980 PRO delivers. It’s not just fast—it’s built to sustain peak performance even during marathon sessions.
Best For
High-end gamers, video editors, and tech enthusiasts who demand maximum performance and reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-of-the-line speed and responsiveness
- Excellent thermal management
- Trusted brand with strong support
- Future-proof for next-gen systems
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Requires compatible motherboard with PCIe 4.0
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “After upgrading my laptop with the Samsung 980 Pro SSD NVMe, I can confidently say this might be the single best upgrade I’ve ever made to any computer I’ve owned. From the moment I installed this sleek piece of technology, the difference was jaw-dropping. My laptop now boots in seconds.”
Customer Review: “This was my first time ordering and buying any type of product online through Amazon’s website and the process was very easy and simple to do. Plus I enjoyed the experience searching for the specific product I needed in order to increase my overall storage space capacity in my Sony PlayStation 5.”
6. 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and Desktop Systems
Another excellent value-driven NVMe option, this 2TB SSD combines PCIe 4.0 speed with generous storage—ideal for users who want to future-proof their system without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 7,350MB/s read speeds via PCIe Gen4
✓ Integrated heatsink for stable performance
✓ Compatible with PS5, desktops, and select laptops
✓ 2TB capacity supports large files and apps
✓ Simple installation process
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find a high-capacity, high-speed NVMe drive with a heatsink at this price. Great for anyone building a new PC or expanding PS5 storage.
Best For
Gamers and creators looking for affordable bulk storage with next-gen speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Heatsink included for thermal protection
- Large capacity reduces storage anxiety
- Works seamlessly with PS5
Cons:
- Unknown brand may concern some buyers
- No advanced software suite included
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.”
7. Fanxiang S101 256GB SATA III 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Fanxiang S101 is a compact, budget-friendly SSD that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to get a meaningful upgrade from an HDD. With 550MB/s speeds and 3D NAND TLC chips, it’s a solid entry-level choice.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 256GB capacity suitable for OS and essential apps
✓ 3D NAND TLC for better endurance than QLC drives
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ Boot times up to 50% faster than HDDs
✓ Low power consumption
Why We Recommend It
For users on a tight budget or upgrading very old systems, this SSD offers reliable performance at an unbeatable price. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Best For
Students, seniors, or anyone needing a basic but effective storage upgrade for light computing tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Reliable TLC NAND memory
- Easy to install in older machines
- Noticeable improvement over HDDs
Cons:
- Small capacity fills up quickly
- No included cloning software
- Limited brand recognition
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 well.”
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!”
Complete Buying Guide for What To Buy To Install A New Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing what to buy to install a new SSD, focus on interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), form factor (2.5-inch vs. M.2), storage capacity, read/write speeds, and endurance ratings (TBW). Also consider whether your device supports PCIe 4.0, if you need a heatsink (especially for PS5), and whether the drive includes cloning software or mounting hardware.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely: budget SATA drives start around $25 for 256GB, while high-end NVMe drives can exceed $200 for 2TB. Set a realistic budget based on your needs—don’t overspend on speed you won’t use, but avoid the cheapest QLC drives if you plan heavy writing tasks.
Final Thoughts
Installing an SSD is one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make. Whether you’re reviving an old laptop or building a dream gaming rig, the right SSD will transform your experience. Use our recommendations and checklist to make a confident, informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I install an SSD in any computer?
A: Most modern laptops and desktops support SSDs, but check your device’s specs. Older systems may only support SATA, while newer ones often have M.2 slots for NVMe drives. Always verify compatibility before buying.
Q: Do I need special tools to install an SSD?
A: Not usually! Most 2.5-inch SSDs use standard screws, and M.2 drives snap into place. Some kits include screwdrivers or mounting brackets—especially helpful for PS5 upgrades.
Q: Should I get SATA or NVMe?
A: NVMe is faster and ideal for gaming or creative work, but SATA is sufficient for everyday tasks and often cheaper. Choose based on your motherboard support and performance needs.
Q: Will an SSD improve my laptop’s battery life?
A: Yes! SSDs consume less power than HDDs, which can extend battery life—especially noticeable on older laptops.
Q: How do I transfer my old OS to the new SSD?
A: Use cloning software like Macrium Reflect (free) or Samsung Data Migration. Many SSDs include a license, or you can clone manually via disk imaging tools.
Ready to supercharge your system? Don’t wait—upgrade to an SSD today and feel the difference in every boot, load, and launch. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab your ideal drive before stock runs out!
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