The digital landscape keeps changing, especially in data storage. New and improved ways to store information emerge every day, making the choice of an SSD more nuanced. This guide highlights the main criteria for selecting an SSD, considering the latest and most promising models for PCs and laptops, including SATA and NVMe M.2 options suitable for purchase in 2025.
Choosing the right SSD for a computer or laptop and figuring out which SSD best suits a Windows system can feel daunting. If the question is which external drive is worth buying or which NVMe M.2 drive fits best, this guide is for you. It also covers how to configure disk selection in the BIOS, how to judge brand reliability, and how to identify the installed drive based on the memory type in use.
SSD type
Different SSD types offer varying data transfer speeds and compatibility. For modern laptops and desktops, NVMe or PCIe-based drives deliver higher performance.
SSD-SATA
SATA-based SSDs are among the most common solid-state drives on the market. They are widely used in desktops, laptops, and other devices. A key advantage is affordability paired with solid performance. SATA SSDs provide fast data access, shorten operating system and application load times, and boost overall system responsiveness. Still, their transfer speeds are typically lower than those of NVMe M.2 drives.
Advantages of SSD SATA:
- Affordable price;
- Reliability.
Disadvantages of SSD SATA:
- Lower speed compared to NVMe, especially when dealing with large files.
NVMe SSD M.2
NVMe SSDs in the M.2 form factor (Non-Volatile Memory Express) use the PCI Express interface to achieve high data transfer speeds. They are typically mounted directly on the motherboard, which makes them much faster than SATA-based drives. NVMe M.2 SSDs offer low latency and high throughput, ideal for demands like video editing, gaming, and professional workloads. They usually cost more than SATA options and require a compatible M.2 slot on the motherboard.
Advantages of NVMe SSD M.2:
- High data transfer rates;
- More compact than SATA drives;
- Energy efficiency.
Disadvantages of NVMe SSD M.2:
- Higher price compared to SATA SSD.
External SSDs
External SSDs are portable, convenient ways to back up data or transfer files between devices. They typically feature compact, durable housings that resist damage during travel. External SSDs connect via USB and are compatible with most modern devices. They offer fast data transfer speeds, making them ideal for users who prize speed and portability.
Read and write speed
SSD read and write speeds influence how quickly the operating system boots, how fast applications launch, and how swiftly files can be copied. Speeds are measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabytes per second (GB/s). Higher read and write speeds translate to a quicker, more responsive system.
Manufacturer and reliability
When selecting an SSD, attention should be paid to the manufacturer’s reputation. Well-known brands such as Samsung, Crucial, Western Digital, and Kingston typically offer high-quality, reliable products.
Which SSD SATA to choose
- Crucial MX500: A strong choice among SATA drives with solid speed and a proven reliability history. Often offered at a competitive price, the MX500 meets a wide range of needs.
- Samsung 860 Evo: Executes strong performance from the older SATA interface. While the SATA standard tops out at around 600 MB/s, the 860 Evo achieves about 550 MB/s read and 520 MB/s write. It delivers reliable boot and transfer times for basic productivity tasks and comes in configurations from 250 GB to 4 TB.
- SAMSUNG 860 QVO 1TB V-NAND SATA SSD: A solid-level drive built on a new four-bit V-NAND memory, aimed at a broad set of devices including desktops, laptops, and servers. Its architecture maintains familiar principles while delivering dependable operation.
Which NVMe M.2 SSD you should choose
- Crucial T700: Suited for PCIe 5.0 duty with a 4 TB capacity, offering competitive pricing. It isn’t the absolute fastest option, as newer models surpass 14 GB/s, but remains quicker than many predecessors and generations. It comes with a solid warranty, though not the most energy efficient option.
- Kingston Fury Renegade M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD 2TB: A PCIe 4.0 drive achieving up to 7,300 MB/s sequential speeds, second only to top performers like the Crucial T500 in many tests. It provides excellent gaming and file-transfer performance.
- Samsung 990 Pro: A fourth-generation M.2 offering top-tier performance for PS5 and PC. In testing, the 990 Pro 2TB reached around 7,462 MB/s read and 6,877 MB/s write, a benchmark that stands out among a PCIe 4.0 class.
Which external SSD to choose?
- SanDisk Pro-G40 SSD: A versatile portable option with Thunderbolt 3 and USB compatibility. It works with many devices, though adapters may be needed. It delivers strong overall performance and robust, cool-running design, with price as its main drawback. For simpler needs, other models may offer better value.
- Silicon Power PX10: A portable SSD that delivers peak speeds above 800 MB/s, making it a compelling choice for those not handling terabytes regularly and seeking good value.
- Crucial X10 Pro: Excellent for large files or libraries when USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is available. It combines fast performance with a reasonable price, a reliable software suite, and a compact metal body.
How to install SSD
The installation process varies by computer or laptop type, but the general steps remain similar:
- Gather the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver to open the case.
- Power down and unplug the device.
- Open the chassis. Desktop users should remove the side or top panel; laptop users should access the drive bay.
- Find the correct slot or connector on the motherboard or system board.
- Insert the SSD carefully, aligning it correctly and securing it in place. If installing a SATA drive, connect power and data cables.
- Close the case or drive compartment.
How to find out which SSD is in the system and select it in the BIOS
To identify the installed SSD, follow these steps:
- Open Computer Properties.
- Access Device Manager from the left-hand menu.
- Expand Disk Devices to reveal the drives.
- Select the desired disk.
If BIOS configuration is needed, apply these steps:
- Restart the computer and wait for the OS to load or for the BIOS to enter.
- Enter the BIOS by pressing the designated key during startup (often Del, F2, F10, or Esc).
- Navigate to Storage Devices or Boot sections.
- Choose the SSD from the list of storage devices and set it as the primary boot option if required.
- Save changes and exit the BIOS. Reboot to boot from the installed SSD.
These steps can vary slightly by motherboard maker or BIOS version, so consulting the hardware manual is recommended when problems arise.