Choosing the right SSD for your PC can dramatically improve boot times, game loading speeds, and overall system responsiveness. With so many brands and models on the market—from Samsung and Western Digital to Crucial and WD_BLACK—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared seven top-performing SSDs across different use cases and budgets to help you find the best fit. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig, upgrading an aging laptop, or just need reliable storage, our expert-reviewed list covers the best options currently available.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 Which Company Ssd Is Best For Pc Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial P510 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 1TB SSD
The Crucial P510 is a standout Gen5 NVMe SSD that delivers blistering speeds without sacrificing compatibility. With read speeds up to 11,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 8,500 MB/s, it’s ideal for gamers, content creators, and power users who demand top-tier performance from their PC storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 5.0 interface with backward compatibility for Gen4 systems
- ✓ 1TB capacity using high-quality TLC NAND for sustained performance
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern desktops and laptops
- ✓ Low power consumption and strong thermal management
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an excellent balance between cutting-edge speed and real-world usability. It outperforms many premium competitors while remaining accessible for mainstream users upgrading to Gen5.
Best For
Gamers, streamers, and professionals using Intel 13th/14th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms who want future-proof storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for Gen5
- Reliable TLC NAND with good endurance
- Works seamlessly in both desktops and compatible laptops
- Backward compatible with PCIe Gen4
Cons:
- Requires a Gen5-compatible motherboard to reach full speed
- No included heatsink (may need third-party cooling under heavy load)
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.”
2. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a favorite among gamers and PC enthusiasts for its consistent performance, robust build, and optional heatsink design. With up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds, it handles large game libraries and multitasking with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface optimized for gaming workloads
- ✓ Available with integrated heatsink for better thermal control
- ✓ 2TB capacity using SanDisk TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Low latency and high IOPS for snappy system response
Why We Recommend It
This drive consistently ranks among the fastest Gen4 SSDs in real-world tests. Its reliability, speed, and gaming-focused tuning make it a top pick for high-performance builds.
Best For
PC gamers, streamers, and creators who want a fast, spacious SSD with excellent thermal performance—especially in compact builds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds with excellent consistency
- Heatsink version keeps temps low during long gaming sessions
- Great for OS, games, and creative apps
- WD_BLACK Dashboard software for monitoring and optimization
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than non-gaming Gen4 drives
- Heatsink adds minimal bulk (may not fit all laptop configurations)
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.”
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.”
3. Crucial BX500 1TB SATA SSD
The Crucial BX500 proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a meaningful upgrade. This 2.5-inch SATA SSD offers reliable performance at up to 540 MB/s—over 3x faster than traditional HDDs—and is perfect for reviving older laptops or desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved endurance and efficiency
- ✓ Energy-efficient design extends laptop battery life
- ✓ Easy drop-in replacement for 2.5″ hard drives
- ✓ Includes Acronis True Image cloning software
Why We Recommend It
For budget-conscious users, the BX500 delivers outstanding value. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it transforms sluggish systems into responsive machines without breaking the bank.
Best For
Students, office workers, or anyone upgrading an older PC or laptop on a tight budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable for the capacity
- Simple installation—no cables or adapters needed
- Noticeable improvement over HDDs in boot and load times
- Reliable for everyday tasks
Cons:
- Limited to SATA III speeds (not suitable for high-end gaming rigs)
- No DRAM cache (may affect sustained write performance)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Dropped this into an older HP laptop that was crawling and now it runs like new. Boot times are snappy, apps launch instantly, and overall responsiveness is night-and-day better.”
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: ❌ But for basic use? Perfect.”
4. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD
Samsung’s 870 EVO is the gold standard for SATA SSDs. With near-maximum SATA III speeds (560/530 MB/s), legendary reliability, and up to 600 TBW endurance, it’s a trusted choice for both everyday computing and professional workloads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Samsung V-NAND technology for superior longevity
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite accelerates burst performance
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty with excellent support
- ✓ Broad compatibility with PCs, laptops, and even some consoles
Why We Recommend It
If you need a dependable, high-quality SATA SSD that won’t let you down, the 870 EVO is hard to beat. It’s ideal when NVMe isn’t an option or when maximum compatibility is required.
Best For
Professionals, students, and users upgrading legacy systems where NVMe slots aren’t available.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading reliability and warranty
- Consistently hits SATA III limits
- Excellent for OS, apps, and media storage
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives (expected for SATA)
- Higher price per GB compared to budget SATA options
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.”
Customer Review: “I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly.”
5. Crucial P310 500GB Gen4 NVMe SSD
The Crucial P310 brings Gen4 speed to mainstream users with impressive 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write performance. Its compact M.2 design and compatibility with gaming handhelds make it versatile for modern setups.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with high throughput
- ✓ Compatible with ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and other handheld PCs
- ✓ 500GB capacity ideal for OS + key games/apps
- ✓ Low-profile design fits tight spaces
Why We Recommend It
This SSD offers near-top-tier Gen4 performance at a more accessible price point. It’s perfect for users who want speed without paying flagship premiums.
Best For
Gamers using compact PCs or handheld devices, and anyone building a mid-range Gen4 system.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds for the price
- Works in laptops, desktops, and select handhelds
- Reliable TLC NAND with good thermal behavior
- Easy plug-and-play installation
Cons:
- 500GB may feel limiting for large game libraries
- No included heatsink (recommended for sustained workloads)
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 and fast speeds: For Gen4 NVMe, load and boot times are super snappy.”
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.”
6. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD
The WD Blue SA510 is a solid mid-tier SATA SSD that balances performance, capacity, and value. With reliable speeds up to 560 MB/s and a sleek 2.5-inch design, it’s great for general computing and console upgrades.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Optimized for everyday computing and multimedia
- ✓ Low power consumption improves battery life
- ✓ Compatible with Xbox One, PS4, and PC upgrades
- ✓ WD Dashboard software for health monitoring
Why We Recommend It
This drive offers dependable performance for users who need a straightforward SATA upgrade without complexity. It’s especially popular for console storage expansion.
Best For
Console gamers, office PCs, and anyone needing a reliable SATA SSD for general use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good performance for SATA III
- Affordable 1TB capacity
- Works well in consoles and older PCs
- Stable firmware and decent endurance
Cons:
- Not as fast as NVMe alternatives
- Earlier firmware versions had minor bugs (now resolved)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original HDD in my Xbox One X with the WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console.”
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD firmware with WD Dashboard the drive worked perfectly! I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance.”
7. Crucial T710 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 1TB SSD
The Crucial T710 pushes Gen5 limits with staggering 14,900 MB/s read and 13,800 MB/s write speeds. Designed for Intel 13th/14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms, it’s built for creators and enthusiasts who demand maximum throughput.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing-fast Gen5 performance for 8K video and large projects
- ✓ Optimized for latest CPU platforms
- ✓ 1TB capacity with high-endurance TLC NAND
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor with thermal throttling protection
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a cutting-edge workstation or high-end gaming PC, the T710 delivers unmatched speed—though it comes at a premium and requires robust cooling.
Best For
Video editors, 3D artists, and tech enthusiasts with Gen5-compatible motherboards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest consumer SSD we’ve tested
- Excellent for large file transfers and creative workloads
- Future-proof for next-gen applications
- Reliable under sustained loads
Cons:
- Very high price per GB
- Generates significant heat—requires active cooling
- Overkill for everyday tasks
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This Gen 5.0 drive cooks, and in more ways than one. Running this in the Gen 5.0 slot on a Gigabyte X670E motherboard. It exceeded read and write speeds in Crystal Disk.”
Customer Review: “You might think you’re doing better by getting the OEM heatsink version—but don’t fall for that. The naked drive often goes on sale cheaper. Learned that the hard way.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which Company SSD Is Best for PC
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for your PC, we evaluate speed, capacity, compatibility, endurance, and value. NVMe drives (like Gen4 and Gen5) offer the fastest performance but require compatible motherboards. SATA SSDs are slower but work in almost any system. Always check your motherboard’s M.2 slot type and whether it supports PCIe Gen4 or Gen5. Also consider if you need a heatsink—especially for Gen4/Gen5 drives in compact cases.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for budget SATA models to over $200 for high-capacity Gen5 drives. For most users, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD offers the best balance of speed and affordability ($60–$100). Gamers and creators may benefit from 2TB capacities, while budget users can get excellent value with SATA options like the Crucial BX500. Avoid overspending on Gen5 unless you have a compatible system and workload that demands it.
Final Thoughts
The “best” SSD depends on your specific needs. For raw speed, go with Crucial’s Gen5 options. For gaming, WD_BLACK SN850X is hard to beat. On a budget? The Crucial BX500 delivers massive improvements over HDDs. And if you need proven reliability, Samsung’s 870 EVO remains a top choice. Match your SSD to your use case, platform, and budget—and you’ll enjoy faster boots, quicker loads, and a smoother computing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is NVMe always better than SATA?
A: Not always. NVMe is significantly faster, but if your PC only has SATA ports or you’re upgrading an older system, a high-quality SATA SSD like the Samsung 870 EVO is still a great choice and much better than an HDD.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: It depends. Gen4 and Gen5 drives can get hot under heavy load. If you’re gaming, rendering, or using a small form-factor PC, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. Many drives (like the WD_BLACK SN850X) offer built-in heatsinks.
Q: Can I use an SSD in both my PC and laptop?
A: Only if it’s compatible with both form factors. M.2 NVMe SSDs work in most modern laptops and desktops, but 2.5-inch SATA SSDs require a drive bay in desktops. Always check your device’s specifications before buying.
Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?
A: For most users, 1TB is the sweet spot—enough for your OS, apps, and several games. If you work with large files (video, RAW photos), consider 2TB or more. Budget users can start with 500GB but may feel constrained quickly.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs safe to use?
A: Some are—like the Crucial BX500—but avoid no-name brands with unrealistic specs. Stick to reputable manufacturers (Samsung, WD, Crucial, Kingston) for reliability and warranty support.
Ready to supercharge your PC? Whether you’re after lightning-fast Gen5 speeds, gaming-grade performance, or a budget-friendly upgrade, one of these SSDs will transform your system. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare current deals and find the perfect match for your build!