A solid state drive is the single most impactful upgrade you can make to any computer. Unlike spinning hard drives, an SSD has no moving parts, so it boots your system in seconds, loads games and applications almost instantly, and transfers large files in a fraction of the time. Whether you are building a new gaming rig, speeding up an aging laptop, or backing up your photo library on the go, the right SSD changes how your whole setup feels.
When shopping, the biggest decisions are form factor and interface. Internal M.2 NVMe drives running on PCIe Gen4 deliver the fastest sequential speeds for desktops and modern laptops, while portable USB-C SSDs trade some peak speed for the freedom to carry your data anywhere. Beyond raw speed, pay attention to capacity, endurance ratings, thermal design, and warranty length so the drive keeps up with you for years.
Samsung 990 PRO SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P2T0B/AM
The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB delivers top-tier PCIe Gen4 read and write speeds with excellent sustained performance thanks to its strong controller and cache. Its generous 2TB capacity and proven reliability make it the ideal internal M.2 2280 drive for gamers, creators, and high-end PC builds.
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD'S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
SANDISK 1TB Extreme Portable SSD (Old Model) - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD pairs pocketable durability with read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s over USB-C. It is a dependable, fast external drive for backups, photo offloads, and moving files between devices on the go.
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
WD_Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,250 MB/s Read Speed, Up to 6,900 MB/s Write Speed, Next Gen TLC 3D NAND, for Laptops, Handheld Gaming Devices - WDS200T4X0E
The WD_Black SN7100 2TB pushes Gen4 PCIe read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s in a compact M.2 2280 form factor. Its high performance and roomy 2TB capacity make it a standout pick for serious gamers and demanding workloads.
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE SPACE FOR FAVORITES AND NEW TITLES. Available in multiple capacities up to 2TB, upgrade to an SSD that gives you tons of storage.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 Gen 4x4 | Up to 6000 MB/s | SNV3S/1000G
The Kingston NV3 1TB offers PCIe 4.0 Gen 4x4 speeds up to 6,000 MB/s in a no-frills M.2 2280 package. It is an easy, fast upgrade for laptops and value builds that want NVMe performance without overspending.
- Ideal for high speed, low power storage
- Gen 4x4 NVMe PCle performance
- Capacities up to 4TB
Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD provides 2TB of external storage with speeds up to 1,050 MB/s in a sleek, compact shell. It is a reliable, travel-friendly drive for anyone who needs large portable capacity over USB-C.
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive - from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
Key buying factors
PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives are the current sweet spot for internal storage, hitting read speeds well above 7,000 MB/s. Make sure your motherboard or laptop has an M.2 slot that supports Gen4 to unlock full performance, since a Gen3 slot will cap a Gen4 drive.
Internal M.2 2280 drives slot directly onto your motherboard for the fastest, most permanent storage. Portable USB-C SSDs sit outside your machine and travel easily between devices, which is ideal if you move files between a laptop, console, or camera.
Choose capacity based on your library and headroom needs, with 1TB suiting most laptops and 2TB better for gamers and creators. Remember that filling a drive past roughly 80 percent can slow it down, so size up if you store large game installs or video projects.
Peak speeds look impressive, but sustained write performance matters more for long transfers and video editing. Drives with larger DRAM or SLC caches, like the Samsung 990 PRO, hold their speed far better during heavy workloads than cache-light budget models.
Endurance is measured in terabytes written (TBW), which tells you how much data the drive can handle over its life. For heavy users, a higher TBW rating and a longer warranty signal a drive built to last under daily stress.
Fast Gen4 drives can throttle when they get hot, especially in cramped laptops or PS5 installations. Look for drives with efficient controllers or a heatsink, and confirm your case has airflow over the M.2 slot for consistent speeds.
Types explained
The fastest mainstream internal storage, slotting directly onto your motherboard with read speeds above 7,000 MB/s. Ideal for gaming desktops, content creation rigs, and PS5 expansion.
Best for: Gamers and creators who want maximum internal speedStill dramatically faster than any hard drive, these drives top out around 3,500 MB/s and run cooler and more efficiently. A great match for laptops or older boards that lack Gen4 support.
Best for: Laptop upgrades and value-focused buildsCompact external drives that connect over USB-C and travel anywhere, reaching speeds around 1,050 MB/s. Perfect for backups, photo and video offloading, and moving files between devices.
Best for: Photographers, travelers, and console gamers on the goA hardened variant of the portable SSD with shock, dust, and water resistance for tough environments. Built to survive drops and outdoor use while keeping your data safe.
Best for: Field work, outdoor creators, and frequent travelersCare & usage tips
For internal M.2 drives, power down fully, seat the drive at the correct angle, and secure the standoff screw before reassembling. After first boot, initialize the drive in your operating system's disk utility and apply any included heatsink or thermal pad for stable temperatures.
Manufacturers like Samsung and WD release firmware updates that improve speed and reliability through their management software. Keep at least 10 to 20 percent of the drive free so it can manage wear leveling and maintain peak performance.
Always use the safe eject or unmount option before unplugging a portable USB-C SSD to prevent data corruption. Store external drives in a protective case and avoid exposing them to extreme heat, which shortens the life of any flash memory.
The advertised peak read speed is often the least important number for everyday use. Random read and write performance and sustained write speed after the cache fills have far more impact on how snappy your system feels and how quickly large projects copy, which is why a well-cached drive like the 990 PRO can outperform a cheaper drive with a higher headline number.
If you are upgrading a PS5 or a compact laptop, prioritize a drive with good thermal design or add a heatsink, because throttling from heat will cost you more real-world speed than the difference between two similar drives on paper.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?+
NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface and the M.2 slot to deliver speeds many times faster than older SATA SSDs, which are limited to around 550 MB/s. NVMe is the better choice for performance, while SATA remains a budget option for older systems without an M.2 slot.
Do I need a Gen4 SSD or is Gen3 enough?+
Gen4 offers roughly double the sequential speed of Gen3, which benefits large file transfers and demanding creative work. For general use, gaming load times, and laptops, a Gen3 drive still feels extremely fast, so match the drive to what your system actually supports.
How much SSD capacity do I really need?+
Most users are well served by 1TB, which holds your operating system, applications, and a healthy game or media library. Gamers and creators who work with large installs or video files should consider 2TB to avoid filling the drive, which can slow it down.
Can I use a portable SSD with a console or phone?+
Yes, portable USB-C SSDs work with PCs, Macs, many phones, and game consoles for storing media and games. Just confirm the port type and that the device supports external storage, and use the correct cable to reach full speed.
How long do SSDs last?+
Modern SSDs are rated for years of typical use, with endurance measured in terabytes written and backed by warranties that often run five years. For everyday computing you are far more likely to upgrade for more capacity than to wear the drive out.