【2026 SSD Buying Guide】SSD Buying Guide | Precautions | Frequently Asked Questions | Recommendations

In recent years, SSDs (Solid-State Drives) have gradually gained popularity, replacing many traditional hard drives (HDDs). Compared to HDDs, SSDs offer faster speeds, lighter weight, and more mature technology that has made their prices more affordable. With minimal price differences, but superior performance, SSDs have become the choice for most users. Today, we will introduce the types of SSDs and important factors to consider when making a purchase.

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1. What is an SSD?

An SSD, short for Solid State Drive, is a type of storage drive that uses flash memory to access data. In contrast, traditional HDDs use a mechanical structure with rotating disks to store data. As a result, SSDs operate quietly and can read data over twice as fast as HDDs.

2. Types of SSDs

SSDs can be categorized into two main types based on their interfaces:

i. SATA

SATA is the most common specification for SSDs, widely supported by devices ranging from desktop computers and laptops to home gaming consoles. Installation is simple and quick.

However, it's important to note that SATA drives come in two versions: the older SATA2 and the current mainstream SATA3, so checking your motherboard or laptop's manual before purchasing is advisable.

ii. M.2

M.2 interface SSDs are installed directly onto the motherboard, eliminating cable clutter. However, because they require direct installation, they are more suitable for mid to high-end users. M.2 SSDs come in two types: M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe.

M.2 SATA's speed and efficiency are similar to traditional SATA SSDs, with the only difference being their connection method.

In contrast, M.2 NVMe drives provide even faster speeds and better performance. Using PCIe for data transfer, M.2 NVMe drives can achieve speeds up to three times that of SATA SSDs, making them ideal for users needing high speed and heavy workloads.

3. Considerations When Selecting an SSD

i. Capacity

Current market capacities for SSDs range from 128 GB to 4 TB. Users should consider their needs when selecting a capacity. For general internet browsing and standard document work without a lot of heavy files, a 128–256 GB SSD should suffice for speeding up software execution. For more software installations or concerns about capacity, a 256 GB SSD is safer.

For gamers, a capacity of 512 GB or more is recommended, as modern games are increasingly larger. If a significant amount of media files need to be stored or future software needs room, opting for a 1TB or larger SSD is advisable.

ii. Size

When choosing an SSD, you should also consider the interface of your computer when deciding between SATA and M.2, as there might be size differences among SSDs.

Most SATA SSDs are 2.5 inches, mimicking traditional hard drives. If your computer has a 2.5-inch hard drive bay and a spare SATA connector, there will be no issues with fitting.

M.2 SSDs, on the other hand, install directly onto the motherboard, with most widths being 22mm and lengths typically 80mm. Different lengths and widths exist, indicated by a four or five-digit number; the first two digits denote width, and the last digits specify length. The most common size is M.2 Type 2280, with a width of 22mm and a length of 80mm.

iii. Read/Write Speed

M.2 SSDs, depending on the motherboard slot used, fall under either M.2 SATA or NVMe. When selecting, SATA, while older technology, still marks a significant improvement over HDDs, offering average read/write speeds around 500 MB/s, which is 3–6 times faster than HDD speeds.

NVMe is a newer technology, with faster speeds than SATA. When purchasing NVMe drives, you may encounter terms like PCIe Gen3 or PCIe Gen4, which might also indicate “x2” or “x4,” referring to the number of PCIe lanes available. More lanes mean more data can be transmitted at once. Currently, PCIe Gen3 x4 SSDs have average read/write speeds between 2500–3200 MB/s, while PCIe Gen4 x4 SSDs reach around 5000 MB/s.

Always check your computer's specifications for compatibility with specific SSD models.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

i. Can I build a PC with only an SSD and no traditional HDD?

Yes, a computer can operate with only an SSD, but you'll need to rely on an external drive for your important files, which can't remain connected to your computer long-term. External drives can also fail, so it’s recommended to have both an SSD and an HDD.

ii. Do I need an SSD if my computer is only for general document work?

While high-spec SSDs may not be necessary, replacing a traditional hard drive with a 128 GB SSD as the system drive can significantly enhance the overall performance and user experience.

iii. External SSD - USB Interface

The two SSD types mentioned (SATA and M.2) are installed directly within a computer or laptop, which might be daunting for beginners. Choosing a USB external SSD is a simpler approach. Ensure your computer supports USB 3.0 or higher to avoid slow reading speeds before purchasing.

5. SSD Recommendations

Kingston A400 480GB 2.5-inch SSD

Compared to mechanical drives, the Kingston A400 SSD offers incredible boot, load, and transfer times, enhancing the responsiveness of existing systems. It features reading and writing speeds up to 500MB/s and 450MB/s, making it ten times faster than traditional hard drives, providing improved performance and multi-tasking capabilities.

Samsung 870 EVO 500GB 2.5-inch SATA SSD

The 870 EVO SSD utilizes Samsung’s advanced V-NAND technology, achieving SATA read/write speeds of 560MB/s and 530MB/s, respectively. It also features Intelligent TurboWrite technology, ensuring peak performance by maintaining a larger variable SLC buffer.

ZhiTai Ti 600 500Gb PCIe, NVMe SSD QLC M.2_2280 #ZTSS2EB05D23MC

Supporting PCIe 4.0 and NVMe 2.0 protocols with a design that maximizes interface limits, it can achieve sequential reads up to 7000 MB/s.

Sandisk WD-SN5100 4Tb PCIe, NVMe SSD M.2_2280 #WDS400T5b0E-00CPE0

The WD Blue SN5100 NVMe SSD employs the PCIe Gen 4.0 interface, reaching read speeds of up to 7100 MB/s, a 30% improvement over the previous generation.

Western Digital Black SN850X 4TB PCIe M.2 SSD (#WDs400T2X0E-00bCA0)

Delivering impressive speeds tailored for gaming, this SSD significantly reduces loading times and lag. It’s designed for peak performance with capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB.

(Images source: Online)

All information provided is for reference only.