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Congratulations on your new SSD! Now that you’ve upgraded to faster storage, it’s time to make the most of it. Whether you’re replacing an old hard drive or expanding your system’s capacity, there are several important steps to take after installing your SSD—from cloning your existing drive to optimizing performance and ensuring long-term reliability. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after you buy an SSD, plus highlight five top-performing drives that deliver excellent speed, value, and durability for every use case.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What To Do After You Buy A Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA SSD for PC and Laptop Storage Upgrade
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD that delivers rock-solid performance and unmatched reliability. If you’re upgrading from an old hard drive or looking for a dependable boot drive, this 500GB model hits the sweet spot between speed, capacity, and longevity—making it ideal for everyday computing, office work, and even light creative tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s—maxing out the SATA III interface
✓ Industry-leading endurance with up to 600 TBW (terabytes written) under a 5-year warranty
✓ Advanced 3D V-NAND technology for improved power efficiency and data integrity
✓ Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and older systems
Why We Recommend It
Samsung has been a trusted name in storage for decades, and the 870 EVO continues that legacy. It’s not the fastest SSD on the market, but its consistency, durability, and ease of use make it perfect for users who want a hassle-free upgrade without worrying about compatibility or failure.
Best For
Users upgrading older PCs or laptops, students, professionals, and anyone needing a reliable primary drive for daily tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and brand trust
- High endurance rating for long-term use
- Works seamlessly with cloning software
- Low power consumption ideal for laptops
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives (but still vastly faster than HDDs)
- Limited capacity compared to newer Gen4 SSDs
Customer Reviews
“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.”
“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…”
2. Fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 Internal Gaming SSD for PS5, Up to 4800 MB/s, 3D NAND SLC Cac…
This Fanxiang 1TB NVMe SSD brings serious speed to gamers and power users alike. With PCIe Gen4 support and read speeds up to 4800 MB/s, it’s perfect for expanding your PS5 storage or building a high-performance desktop rig. Plus, it includes a graphite heat dissipation sticker to keep temps low during intense sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 protocol
✓ Up to 4800 MB/s read and 4000 MB/s write speeds
✓ Includes mounting screw and screwdriver for easy installation
✓ Graphite thermal pad for efficient heat management
Why We Recommend It
Fanxiang delivers premium performance at a mid-range price. This drive is officially compatible with PS5 expansion slots and handles large game files, video editing, and multitasking with ease. It’s a smart pick if you want near-top-tier speed without paying flagship prices.
Best For
PS5 owners needing extra storage, PC gamers, content creators, and anyone building a modern Gen4-compatible system.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- PS5-certified compatibility
- Comes with installation hardware
- Effective cooling solution included
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (relies on HMB—may affect sustained writes)
- Brand less established than Samsung or WD
Customer Reviews
“For the price, this is a pretty decent NVMe drive. The Fanxiang 2TB drive came complete with all of the necessary materials (screw, screwdriver), was quite easy to set up and is working great so far in my desktop PC.”
“Easy install, zero issues after months of use on PS5”
3. fanxiang 2TB NVMe SSD PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5, Up to 5000 MB/s, Internal Gaming 3D NAND SLC Cac…
Need massive storage without breaking the bank? The Fanxiang 2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD offers incredible value with speeds up to 5000 MB/s—perfect for gamers who want to store dozens of AAA titles or creators handling large media files. It’s also PS5-compatible and includes thermal management for stable performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ High-speed PCIe Gen4 performance up to 5000 MB/s
✓ Large 2TB capacity ideal for heavy users
✓ SLC caching and 3D NAND for improved longevity
✓ Graphene heat spreader keeps drive cool under load
Why We Recommend It
This drive proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for high-capacity, high-speed storage. While it lacks a DRAM cache, real-world performance remains strong for gaming and general use—and the included cooling solution helps maintain peak speeds.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers, streamers, and users who need lots of fast storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding capacity-to-price ratio
- PS5 and PC compatible
- Includes thermal pad and mounting hardware
- Reliable for everyday gaming and productivity
Cons:
- No DRAM buffer (uses host memory buffering)
- Sustained write performance may dip under heavy loads
Customer Reviews
“For the price, this is a pretty decent NVMe drive. The Fanxiang 2TB drive came complete with all of the necessary materials (screw, screwdriver), was quite easy to set up and is working great so far in my desktop PC.”
“Easy install, zero issues after months of use on PS5”
4. Kingston 480GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD SA400S37/480G – HDD Replacement for Increase Perform…
The Kingston A400 is a no-frills, highly reliable SATA SSD that excels as an entry-level upgrade. If you’re swapping out an aging HDD in a laptop or desktop, this 480GB model offers a massive leap in responsiveness at an unbeatable price. It’s simple, durable, and gets the job done.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Fast boot times and quick file transfers compared to HDDs
✓ 7mm form factor fits most laptops and slim systems
✓ Shock-resistant and more durable than mechanical drives
✓ Available in multiple capacities for flexible upgrades
Why We Recommend It
Sometimes, simplicity is best. The A400 doesn’t boast cutting-edge specs, but it’s proven, widely compatible, and dramatically improves system responsiveness. It’s the go-to choice for budget upgrades or reviving older machines.
Best For
Students, office workers, and anyone replacing an old hard drive with minimal hassle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to install—no extra tools needed
- Low failure rate and solid reliability
- Great for basic computing tasks
Cons:
- Much slower than NVMe options
- Limited write endurance compared to premium drives
Customer Reviews
“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.”
“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… Now it reboots in less than 30 seconds.”
5. Fanxiang 4TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD for PS5 and Large Storage Needs
When you need serious space, the Fanxiang 4TB Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers. With up to 5000 MB/s speeds and massive capacity, it’s perfect for content creators, video editors, or gamers who refuse to delete anything. The included graphene heat spreader ensures stability even during marathon rendering sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Massive 4TB capacity for unlimited storage
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 with NVMe 1.4 for top-tier speed
✓ Graphene thermal sticker for advanced cooling
✓ Compatible with PS5, PCs, and workstations
Why We Recommend It
This drive eliminates storage anxiety. Whether you’re editing 8K footage or building a game library, 4TB gives you room to breathe—and the Gen4 speed means no bottlenecks. It’s a premium solution at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Best For
Professional creators, power users, and enthusiasts who demand both capacity and performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a compact M.2 form factor
- Fast enough for 4K/8K video workflows
- Includes high-quality thermal management
- Great value for a 4TB Gen4 drive
Cons:
- Higher power draw than SATA SSDs
- May require BIOS update on very old motherboards
Customer Reviews
“For the price, this is a pretty decent NVMe drive. The Fanxiang 2TB drive came complete with all of the necessary materials (screw, screwdriver), was quite easy to set up and is working great so far in my desktop PC.”
“Easy install, zero issues after months of use on PS5”
Complete Buying Guide for What To Do After You Buy A Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD, we evaluate interface type (SATA vs. NVMe), capacity, speed, endurance (TBW), brand reputation, included software or tools, thermal management, and real-world user feedback. We also consider use case—gaming, productivity, content creation, or system upgrades—to match you with the right drive.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for basic SATA models to over $300 for high-capacity Gen4 drives. Set a budget based on your needs: a $60 Kingston A400 is perfect for a simple laptop upgrade, while a $250 Fanxiang 4TB suits professionals. Remember, investing in quality storage pays off in speed, reliability, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
After buying your SSD, prioritize cloning your old drive (if applicable), enabling TRIM, updating firmware, and monitoring health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo. Avoid filling the drive beyond 80% to maintain performance. With proper care, your SSD will keep your system snappy for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to format my new SSD before use?
A: Most new SSDs come pre-formatted, but if you’re doing a fresh install, Windows will guide you during setup. For cloning, no formatting is needed—just ensure your cloning software recognizes the drive.
Q: Can I use an NVMe SSD in any laptop?
A: Only if your laptop has an M.2 NVMe slot. Check your manual or use tools like CPU-Z to confirm compatibility. Many older laptops only support SATA M.2 or 2.5″ drives.
Q: How do I clone my old hard drive to the new SSD?
A: Use free tools like Macrium Reflect, Clonezilla, or Samsung Data Migration (for Samsung drives). Connect both drives, run the software, and follow the prompts to copy everything—including your OS.
Q: Should I enable TRIM on my SSD?
A: Yes! TRIM helps maintain SSD performance over time by clearing unused data blocks. It’s usually enabled by default in Windows 10/11, but you can check via Command Prompt with fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify.
Q: Will an SSD improve gaming performance?
A: Absolutely—it reduces load times, eliminates texture pop-in, and makes level transitions seamless. While it won’t boost FPS, it dramatically enhances the overall gaming experience.
Ready to supercharge your system? Whether you’re upgrading an old laptop or building a high-end gaming rig, the right SSD makes all the difference. Pick one from our expert-reviewed list above, follow our post-purchase tips, and enjoy lightning-fast performance in minutes. Don’t wait—click “Check Price” now and give your computer the upgrade it deserves!
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