Solid State Drives

Why Choose a Solid State Drive?

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are an advanced type of permanent storage memory, used by PCs, laptops and desktop computers. Unlike Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which use spinning magnetic disks, SSDs have no moving components and use flash storage to store data. This makes them faster, more reliable, more durable and more energy efficient than HDDs - making them the preferred choice for modern PC users.

• Faster boot times
  SSDs have incredibly fast boot times, enabling them to load your operating system and applications in seconds. This is a welcome advancement from older HDDs with long boot times.
• Improved performance
  SSDs provide a smoother experience across gaming, creative applications, streaming or internet browsing. As programs launch faster and data can be transferred, read and written faster, overall system performance is improved significantly.
• Enhanced durability
  With no moving components, SSDs are more resistant to physical damage and have a far higher durability overall compared to HDDs - even in external portable devices.
• Improved energy efficiency
  SSDs consume less power and generate less heat than HDDs. This can extend the battery life of devices and make them overall far more power efficient.

Types of Solid State Drives

There are a number of different types of SSDs, each designed with specific performance advantages and system requirements - including SATA SSDs, PCIe NVMe SSDs, and M.2. It's important to choose an SSD that's right for your needs and compatible with your current system.

SATA SSDs

SATA SSDs are the most common type of solid-state drive. They are compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktops and laptops. They use the same SATA interface as HDDs which can make them ideal for upgrading older systems.

• Pros
• Much faster than HDDs (read and write speeds ~6x faster)
• Perfect for everyday or light tasks, like internet browsing and word processing
• Affordable for budget conscious buyers
• Cons
• Not as fast as newer SSD types like NVMe SSDs
• May not be suitable for gamers or those working with very large files, such as creative applications
• Large form factor compared to newer SSD types like M.2

NVMe SSDs

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs deliver unparalleled speed and performance. Designed to take full advantage of the PCIe interface, they offer significantly faster data transfer rates compared to SATA drives, making them ideal for high-demand applications. If your system supports NVMe, this is the go-to choice for anyone seeking maximum performance and speed.

• Pros:
• Lightening-fast file transfers and operational speeds
• Perfect choice for gamers and professional workloads
• Efficient use of PCIe lanes for low latency and improved performance
• Cons:
• May not be compatible with all systems
• More expensive option, not as budget-friendly

M.2 and PCIe SSDs

M.2 and PCIe SSDs are compact and versatile, designed for modern devices that demand small, light form factor components. If you have an ultrabook, small form-factor PC or gaming console, this is the SSD for you.

• Pros:
• Support both SATA and NVMe interfaces for maximum compatibility
• Perfect for users who need cutting-edge performance without sacrificing space
• PCIe versions deliver ultra-fast speeds and performance specs
• Cons:
• Installation may be challenging for those less experienced in PC builds
• Some motherboards may not support all M.2 types
• Can be more expensive, especially NVMe M.2 drives

Solid State Drive Capacity Explained

The capacity of an SSD (how many files and how much data it can store) is one of the most vital considerations. SSDs range in capacity specifications - from entry-level SSDs starting at 120GB to high capacity drives at 2TB and above.

Entry-Level (120GB - 256GB)

Entry-level SSDs are ideal for users with basic storage needs. Capacities in this range, generally starting at 120GB and going up to around 256GB, are perfect for installing operating systems and essential applications, leaving room for light file storage.

• People looking to store operating system installations and improve boot times
• Those working with everyday applications like web browsers, office tools, and email servers
• Budget-conscious users upgrading older devices from HDDs

Mid-Range (512GB - 1TB)

Mid-range SSDs strike a good balance between capacity and cost, making them suitable for a wide range of users. They start at capacities of 512GB and go up to around 1TB. They're ideal for storing large programs, games, and multimedia files without running out of space.

• Gamers looking to store several modern titles with fast load times
• Creative professionals who need space for editing software and media files
• Everyday users who want to store more files without sacrificing speed

High Capacity (2TB and above)

High-capacity SSDs are designed for power users and data-intensive tasks. With ample space for large files, these drives are perfect for those who need extensive storage without compromising speed.

• Video editors and photographers working with 4K or RAW media
• Professionals managing extensive data libraries or AI datasets
• Gamers with large game libraries and content creators storing completed projects

What are SSDs best used for?

SSDs can be a great choice for anyone looking to increase the storage capacity of their laptop or PC - either to store specific files, or to free up space and improve system performance, speed and efficiency. You'll want to think about your speed, capacity and compatibility needs before choosing which SSD is right for you. Make sure you also check which formatting type your operating system requires.

Speed

We recommend opting for an NVMe drive if you're primarily seeking improving system speeds. These drives are ideal for performance-critical tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.

Compatibility

Make sure you check your device's specifications to ensure your motherboard supports the SSD type you are looking to buy. Most motherboards will support SATA SSDs, but not all will support newer NVMe or M.2 drives.

Formatting

• Apple users: SSDs often need to be formatted to APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for compatibility with macOS systems.
• Microsoft users: Most SSDs come pre-formatted in NTFS, suitable for Windows. However, reformatting may be necessary if you're dual-booting or using external drives with other systems.

Solid State Drives: Brands You Can Trust

There are lots of brands that make exceptional SSD drives. Choosing a reputable brand is important and will ensure future-proofing for your drive. At ebuyer we recommend the following brands for the best SSDs.

Samsung	Crucial	Western Digital (WD)
The market leader in SSD technology, with cutting edge products like the 990 EVO Plus and 980 PRO. These cards offer some of the absolute best in class specs available today.	These are your go-to for the best cost to performance ratio. With models like the MX500 and P5 Plus, Crucial SSDs are great for everyday users and professionals on budget.	With a wide range of SSDs on offer from their Blue, Black and Green lines, WD makes some of the most reliable cards available. A strong choice for gamers and casual users.
ebuyer recommends: Samsung 990 EVO PLUS 1TB M.2 Internal SSD	ebuyer recommends: Crucial BX500 1TB 2.5 Inch Internal SSD	ebuyer recommends: WD BLACK SN770 1TB M.2 Internal SSD

Solid State Drives FAQs

What is the difference between SSDs and HDDs?

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a more modern, updated storage technology for PCs. They are generally faster and more reliable than Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), using flash memory instead of spinning magnetic disks. SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds, enabling super-fast data transfer, boot speeds, and overall system responsiveness. SSDs can also handle files from games and are better for bulk storage, especially large creative files or RAW edit files.

How do I install an SSD? / How do I upgrade an SSD?

Installing a new SSD will depend on your system and whether you're upgrading a laptop or a desktop computer. Installation will involve:

• Switching off the power supply to your device
• Opening up the laptop back or computer case to reveal the motherboard
• Mounting the SSD into the drive bay or inserting into the M.2 slot
• Connecting the SATA or PCIe cables if necessary
• Closing the case or laptop back and configuring the operating system

Can I use an SSD alongside an HDD?

Yes, combining SSD and HDD storage can be beneficial and many users choose to use both in tandem for maximum system benefits. HDD can be great for particularly large file storage, whereas storing the operating system on an SSD can significantly improve system speeds and boot times.

How long do SSDs last?

The lifespan of an SSD depends on its write endurance, which is measured in terabytes written (TBW). Modern SSDs are designed to last for years with moderate use. Internal drives will usually last around 5-10 years, with external drives being similar, but more prone to physical damage or wear and tear.

Why Buy from ebuyer?

Buying your new SSD from ebuyer is a safe and reliable choice. With a huge range of SSDs to choose from, we offer fast and secure delivery options, and flexible payment options - supporting thousands of happy customers with their new tech.

• Fast delivery
• Secure and safe delivery of computer parts
• Excellent customer reviews
• Flexible payment options

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