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In 2014, solid-state drives (SSDs) were rapidly transforming the computing experience—offering faster boot times, quicker file access, and greater reliability compared to traditional hard drives. If you’re asking “which SSD should I buy 2014,” you’re likely looking for a balance of performance, durability, and value. While newer models have since emerged, many of the top SSDs from that era still hold up remarkably well today, especially for older systems or budget-conscious upgrades. This guide reviews five standout SSDs that deliver excellent performance, proven reliability, and strong user satisfaction—perfect whether you’re upgrading an aging laptop or building a reliable desktop system.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which Ssd Should I Buy 2014 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO is a powerhouse SSD that delivers professional-grade performance with everyday usability. With read speeds up to 560MB/s and write speeds up to 530MB/s, it maxes out the SATA III interface while offering exceptional endurance—up to 2,400 TBW (terabytes written). Whether you’re editing videos, gaming, or just want lightning-fast boot times, this drive handles it all with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability
- ✓ Samsung V-NAND technology for improved efficiency and durability
- ✓ Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and older systems
- ✓ Includes Samsung Magician software for drive monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
Samsung has long been a leader in SSD innovation, and the 870 EVO continues that legacy. It’s built on proven technology with excellent real-world performance and rock-solid reliability. Even years after its release, it remains one of the most trusted drives for both casual users and professionals.
Best For
Users who want top-tier performance, maximum storage capacity, and long-term reliability—especially those upgrading older systems or building high-performance workstations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and responsiveness
- Outstanding durability and TBW rating
- Wide compatibility across devices
- Comes with useful management software
Cons:
- Pricier than budget SSDs
- SATA III limits future-proofing compared to NVMe
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.”
“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.”
2. 1TB NVMe SSD for MacBook Air, Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro 2013–2018
This NVMe SSD is specifically designed for Mac users looking to breathe new life into older Apple machines. With read speeds up to 2,100MB/s and write speeds up to 1,700MB/s, it dramatically outperforms factory-installed drives. It’s ideal for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro models from 2013 to 2018.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ NVMe PCIe Gen3.0 x4 interface for ultra-fast data transfer
- ✓ Read/write speeds up to 2,100/1,700 MB/s
- ✓ MTBF over 1.5 million hours for enhanced reliability
- ✓ 3D NAND flash with shock resistance and low power consumption
- ✓ Plug-and-play installation for supported Mac models
Why We Recommend It
For Mac users stuck with slow internal storage, this SSD offers a game-changing upgrade. It’s not just about speed—it’s about restoring usability to aging but still-capable machines. The plug-and-play design makes it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users.
Best For
Mac owners with 2013–2018 models who want a significant performance boost without buying a new computer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Massive speed improvement over original drives
- Easy installation with proper adapters
- High endurance and reliability
- Great value for the performance gain
Cons:
- Requires compatibility check with specific Mac model
- May need additional tools or firmware patches for full functionality
Customer Reviews
“I purchased this OSCOO 1TB NVMe SSD because my original drive failed, and my MacBook wouldn’t boot up — it was completely dead in the water. I figured I’d give this replacement a shot and also get an upgrade in storage and speed, and I’m so glad I did. PRO TIP: READ THE USER MANUAL! I almost returned it before realizing I needed to format it properly.”
“Installed fine in my 2013 Mac Pro. I formatted it and installed OpenCore Legacy Patcher. I have so much space now.”
3. fanxiang S101 512GB SSD SATA III 6Gb/s 2.5″ Internal Solid State Drive
The fanxiang S101 offers impressive value for budget-conscious buyers. With read speeds up to 550MB/s and 3D NAND TLC memory, it delivers reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. It’s perfect for upgrading older laptops or adding fast storage to a desktop without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ SATA III interface with up to 550MB/s read speed
- ✓ 3D NAND TLC chips for better endurance than QLC alternatives
- ✓ 512GB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and moderate file storage
- ✓ Lightweight and compact 2.5-inch form factor
- ✓ Low power consumption and silent operation
Why We Recommend It
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy SSD speeds. The fanxiang S101 proves that budget drives can still deliver solid performance and reliability. It’s a smart choice for students, home users, or anyone doing a cost-effective system upgrade.
Best For
Budget upgrades, secondary drives, or replacing failing HDDs in older systems.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Reliable TLC NAND memory
- Fast boot and load times
- Easy installation in most laptops and desktops
Cons:
- Brand less recognized than Samsung or Crucial
- No included software or cloning tools
Customer Reviews
“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 b…”
“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!”
4. Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD
The Kingston A400 is a no-frills, reliable SSD that excels as an entry-level upgrade. While it doesn’t match the speeds of higher-end models, it’s more than capable of transforming a sluggish HDD-based system into a responsive machine. Ideal for basic computing, web browsing, and office tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fast boot and application load times compared to HDDs
- ✓ Durable with no moving parts—resistant to shock and vibration
- ✓ Available in multiple capacities (120GB to 1.92TB)
- ✓ Low power consumption extends laptop battery life
- ✓ Simple drop-in replacement for 2.5-inch hard drives
Why We Recommend It
Kingston is known for reliability, and the A400 lives up to that reputation. It’s not the fastest SSD, but it’s consistently dependable and offers a huge leap in performance over traditional hard drives—especially for everyday use.
Best For
Users upgrading from HDDs for the first time, especially in budget laptops or older desktops.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Significantly faster than HDDs
- Reliable brand with good warranty support
- Affordable and widely available
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Lower sequential speeds compared to premium SSDs
- 240GB may feel limited for heavy media users
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. But I’m not a professional so I waited until my Wife got home. She’s a Computer Science Grad. For…”
“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. I’d find some chores to do if I needed to reboot…it took some 3-4 minutes. Now it reboots in less than 30 seconds.”
5. Crucial BX500 SATA SSD 2TB
The Crucial BX500 delivers solid performance at an attractive price point, especially in the larger 2TB capacity. With read speeds up to 540MB/s and Dynamic Write Acceleration technology, it ensures smooth operation even during heavy workloads. It’s a great choice for users who need ample storage without sacrificing speed.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 540MB/s read speed for fast data access
- ✓ Dynamic Write Acceleration improves write performance
- ✓ 2TB capacity ideal for media, games, and backups
- ✓ 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- ✓ Compatible with both Windows and macOS systems
Why We Recommend It
Crucial is a trusted name in memory and storage, and the BX500 offers excellent value. It’s not the flashiest SSD, but it’s built to last and performs reliably under everyday use. Great for users who prioritize capacity and dependability.
Best For
Users needing large storage space for photos, videos, or games, especially on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High capacity at a reasonable price
- Good real-world performance
- Reliable brand with solid warranty
- Easy installation and compatibility
Cons:
- Not the fastest SATA SSD available
- Lacks advanced features like hardware encryption
Customer Reviews
“I have a Dell Inspiron 3521 that is 8 years old. Although I perform most tasks on my phone, I like to keep a laptop computer around to perform certain tasks that require a lot of typing and for printing documents. It got to where it was running extremely slow and often freezing. I decided to upgrade…”
“It’s good enough I bought two! I haven’t broken down and done any hardcore performance tests but they seem solid so far.”
Complete Buying Guide for Which Ssd Should I Buy 2014
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD in 2014—or even today—there are several key factors to keep in mind. First, consider the interface type: SATA III is common and compatible with most older systems, while NVMe offers faster speeds but requires newer hardware. Next, look at capacity—256GB is the minimum for modern use, but 500GB or more is ideal. Endurance (measured in TBW) matters for longevity, especially if you write large amounts of data regularly. Finally, check brand reputation and warranty terms—established brands like Samsung, Crucial, and Kingston tend to offer better support and reliability.
Budget Planning
SSDs vary widely in price. Budget options like the fanxiang S101 or Kingston A400 start under $50 for 240–512GB, making them perfect for basic upgrades. Mid-range drives like the Crucial BX500 offer more capacity and better performance for around $100–$150. Premium models like the Samsung 870 EVO justify their higher cost with top-tier speed, endurance, and software support. Decide what you need most: raw speed, large storage, or affordability—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Even though 2014 feels like a lifetime ago in tech years, many of these SSDs remain excellent choices today—especially for upgrading older systems. Whether you’re reviving a vintage laptop or building a reliable desktop, investing in an SSD is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. Speed, reliability, and responsiveness will transform your computing experience overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an SSD in an older computer from 2014?
A: Absolutely! Most SSDs are backward compatible with older systems as long as they have a SATA III or SATA II port. You may not get full speed on SATA II, but you’ll still see a massive improvement over an HDD.
Q: Is NVMe better than SATA SSD?
A: NVMe is significantly faster than SATA SSDs, but only if your system supports it. For 2014-era machines, SATA is usually the only option—and that’s perfectly fine for everyday use.
Q: How much SSD storage do I really need?
A: For basic use (web, office apps), 256GB is enough. For gaming, media, or work files, aim for 500GB–2TB. Remember, SSDs perform best when not completely full.
Q: Do I need special software to install an SSD?
A: Not necessarily. Many SSDs come with cloning software, but you can also use free tools like Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla to transfer your OS and data from an old drive.
Q: Will an SSD make my old laptop feel new?
A: Yes! Even a budget SSD can reduce boot times from minutes to seconds and make apps launch instantly. It’s one of the best upgrades for aging hardware.
Ready to upgrade your system? Whether you’re looking for blazing speed, massive storage, or budget-friendly reliability, one of these top-rated SSDs will give your computer the boost it deserves. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and start enjoying faster performance today!
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