Industry Brief: Best SSDs: From SATA to PCIe 5.0, from budget to premium

{"title": "Top Solid-State Drives: Spanning SATA Models to Advanced PCIe 5.0 Units Across Various Budgets", "body": ["Solid-state drives, known as SSDs, have transformed personal computing significantly in recent years. These devices have reduced startup times from minutes to seconds, made applications and video games load much quicker, and eliminated much of the delay associated with accessing substantial files."], ["If your system still relies on traditional hard drives, switching to an SSD could be a worthwhile move. For those with outdated SSDs, consider moving to newer models based on PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 standards for substantially better speeds, provided your hardware supports these interfaces."], ["However, high-end SSDs do not always outperform budget options in everyday scenarios. Common applications, like file browsing in Windows, have not yet adopted advanced features such as multi-queue processing that NVMe drives provide."], ["One notable tool that unlocks the full capabilities of SSDs is FastCopy, a program designed for copying and synchronizing files. It is particularly useful for handling large data volumes efficiently, cutting down transfer times considerably. Similarly, the command-line tool Xcopy can achieve impressive results for those comfortable with technical commands."], ["This guide features selections for internal SSDs, prioritizing NVMe variants before SATA ones, followed by external options. For portable storage needs, consult PCWorld's roundup of top external drives."], ["PCWorld earns confidence in its SSD evaluations and purchase guidance through extensive experience. The team's experts have examined PC components for many years, conducting detailed assessments that push products to their limits—from benchmark tests to everyday usability. As avid PC users, they identify what truly differentiates standout devices, ensuring only superior SSDs appear in recommendations."], ["For those seeking a cost-effective PCIe 4.0 SSD in capacities from 1TB to 4TB with top speeds, the WD Black SN7100 stands out. In benchmarks, the 2TB model excelled among SSDs lacking dedicated DRAM, using host memory buffer (HMB) instead, and even surpassed several DRAM-equipped rivals."], ["By relying on the system's RAM for caching rather than onboard DRAM, the SN7100 achieves strong pricing. It costs around $50 less than the prior favorite, Solidigm P44 Pro, in both 1TB and 2TB sizes."], ["Paired with a standard five-year warranty and 600TBW endurance per terabyte, this makes the WD Black SN7100 the ideal PCIe 4.0 choice for everyday users and gamers alike."], ["Full review of the WD Black SN7100 1TB available."], ["Budget-conscious individuals, whether gamers or general users, can opt for the WD Blue SN5000, a PCIe 4.0 HMB SSD that delivers excellent performance at a low cost. The 1TB version was priced at $66 during testing."], ["Benchmarks showed the SN5000 as one of the quickest HMB drives evaluated. Unlike its predecessor, the SN580, it maintained strong results in the 450GB transfer test, competing well overall. Modern HMB designs match traditional ones in sequential speeds."], ["Although the WD Blue SN5100 succeeds it and improves in areas like sustained transfers, the SN5000 edges out in value due to better pricing relative to performance across tests."], ["Full review of the WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD available."], ["Performance enthusiasts should consider the Teamgroup Z540, a PCIe 5.0 SSD that delivers exceptional results. It narrowly trailed the former leader, Crucial T705, in benchmarks but offers better value, securing its position as the category frontrunner."], ["PCIe 5.0 drives like this come with considerations. They command a significant price increase over capable PCIe 4.0 HMB models, which may excel in practical sequential tasks."], ["To achieve peak speeds, users need multi-threaded applications and a recent Intel processor, as the drive's Phison PS5026-E26-52 controller is tailored for such setups."], ["Full review of the Teamgroup Z540 PCIe 5 SSD available."], ["Value seekers will appreciate the PNY CS2150, a PCIe 5.0 HMB SSD that reduces costs by using system memory for caching instead of onboard DRAM."], ["Despite the HMB approach, the 2TB CS2150 ranked ninth among all NVMe SSDs tested and matched the performance of the pricier Corsair MP700, another HMB model."], ["The CS2150 undercuts the Corsair MP700 by $10 to $40 in 1TB and 2TB capacities, while including a five-year warranty and 600TBW rating."], ["For systems with PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, this drive provides a budget-friendly option to enhance future-proof storage."], ["Full review of the PNY CS2150 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD available."], ["Steam Deck owners aiming to boost storage capacity or speed should evaluate the Crucial P310, the quickest 2230-form-factor SSD in our tests by a wide margin."], ["Devices like the Steam Deck require 2230 SSDs (22mm by 30mm) rather than standard 2280 sizes (22mm by 80mm), though some accommodate 2242 variants."], ["Close rivals include the WD Black SN770M and Corsair MP600 Core Mini, but the P310 leads in most benchmarks except the 450GB write test. It costs about $10 more than the SN770M in 1TB and 2TB at current prices."], ["For maximum velocity without frequent large-file writes, the P310 is the superior selection."], ["Full review of the Crucial P310 NVMe SSD (2230) available."], ["PS5 users desiring a durable, high-performing SSD should choose the Seagate Game Drive SSD, a PCIe 4.0 NVMe model with DRAM caching and exceptional endurance."], ["DRAM enhances small-file handling on the PS5, which lacks HMB support common in cheaper drives."], ["Seagate backs it with a five-year warranty and 1,275TBW rating—twice the typical standard—ensuring longevity beyond the console's lifespan. TBW indicates the data volume writable before potential read-only mode."], ["The 1TB and 2TB versions carry a premium, justified by the endurance assurance. Though PS5-optimized, it performs strongly as a general SSD, ranking second in random operations among PCIe 4.0 drives tested."], ["Full review of the Seagate Game Drive PS5 NVMe SSD available."], ["For adding reliable 2.5-inch SATA SSD storage, the Samsung 870 EVO offers outstanding speed in its class, with options up to 4TB at competitive prices."], ["Though slower than NVMe, its 550MB/s speeds and quick access far exceed hard drives. Pricing includes $100 for 1TB, $190 for 2TB, and $300 for 4TB, complemented by Samsung's Magician software for management."], ["Full review of the Samsung 870 EVO SATA SSD available."], ["Ultra-low-cost SATA storage seekers will find the Crucial BX500 appealing, with the 1TB at $72—nearly $30 below the Samsung 870 EVO equivalent—and 2TB at $130."], ["It also offers 240GB and 480GB sizes at bargain rates. Caution is advised for QLC-based small-capacity units during heavy writes, as performance may drop."], ["Full review of the Crucial BX500 SATA SSD (2TB) available."], ["The Crucial X9 Pro excels for users wanting peak 10Gbps external SSD speeds without excessive cost. This compact unit achieves 1GB/s transfers in 1TB ($90), 2TB ($130), or 4TB ($237) sizes."], ["Tests confirmed its strong showing against other 10Gbps drives, particularly in 48GB and 450GB transfers where it outperformed peers."], ["Crucial's 20Gbps X10 Pro costs more and requires USB 3.2×2 ports for full speed. The X9 Pro provides balanced, cost-effective performance for most needs."], ["Explore additional external SSD options in our best external drives roundup."], ["Full review of the Crucial X9 Pro available."], ["Several SSDs nearly earned spots in our recommendations: The Corsair MP700 Micro combines PCIe 5.0 with 2242 sizing effectively; the Corsair MP700 Pro XT represents premium PCIe 5.0 in 2280 form; the 16TB VectoTech V-Max SATA SSD suits high-capacity needs over HDDs; the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 nearly topped PCIe 5.0 performance charts; the Kingston NV3 delivers solid PCIe 4.0 results; the Lexar Play 2280 SE is sleek and quick but suboptimal for PS5; the Teamgroup T-Create C47 handles extended writes well; the Samsung 9100 reestablishes Samsung in PCIe 5.0; the TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus enclosure enables efficient custom storage; the Asus TUF Gaming A2 offers similar DIY benefits with IP68 durability; the Lexar NM1090 Pro is rapid in PCIe 5.0 but trails leaders; the Crucial T710 impresses in PCIe 5.0 with optional heatsink; the Lexar NQ780 is worthwhile at favorable prices; the Orico IG740-Pro adds unique features despite average speeds; the PNY CS2342 fits Steam Deck needs compactly; the XPG Mars 980 Blade shines in random tasks for OS use; the Samsung 9100 Pro leads NVMe speeds at a high cost; the WD SN850X 8TB balances velocity and volume; the Adata 970 Pro attracts gamers with PCIe 5.0 and cooling; the PNY CS2150 serves as a PCIe 5.0 budget option; the Addlink G55H merits consideration for PCIe 5.0."], ["All evaluated SSDs underwent a mix of synthetic benchmarks and practical tests, including 48GB single-file and multi-file transfers plus a 450GB operation to reflect user scenarios."], ["Reported speeds pertain to the tested units and capacities, as performance varies with chip count, NAND for caching, and occasional vendor component changes. Report any major differences from our results under similar conditions."], ["Details on internal SSD testing and external drive assessments are covered in dedicated articles."], ["Jon Jacobi, who began computing with manual switch operations, has observed storage evolution from tapes and cards to modern solids. For over 20 years at PCWorld, he has assessed HDDs, SATA SSDs, and NVMe models."], ["Selecting an SSD involves key considerations."], ["Opt for SATA only if NVMe is unsupported; older M.2 slots may use mSATA instead—verify manual for NVMe compatibility and boot support to maximize benefits."], ["SATA suits replacements for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch HDDs, including in NAS where cost and network limits make NVMe unnecessary. Large-capacity SATA like the $1700 16TB VectoTech V-Max exists but is uncommon."], ["DRAM-cached SSDs excel in random small-file tasks, while HMB versions leverage system RAM to cut costs."], ["HMB now rivals or exceeds DRAM in sequential transfers, though random speeds remain slightly behind."], ["For superior overall and random performance, choose DRAM, but expect higher prices—HMB often halves the cost."], ["NVMe speeds are capped by the host PCIe version; a PCIe 5.0 drive gains little on PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 systems."], ["Given limited multi-queue support in Windows, PCIe 4.0 suffices for most real-world gains, even on PCIe 5.0 boards, avoiding unnecessary expense."], ["PCIe 3.0 NVMe remains extraordinarily quick—avoid overspending on higher generations."], ["Prioritize maximum affordable capacity, ranging from 250GB to 8TB, for better caching and sustained writes. The 16TB VectoTech V-Max SATA is a rare high-end example; no equivalent NVMe noted."], ["Internal SSDs typically carry five-year warranties, externals three years—ensure at least that. TBW may limit coverage."], ["TBW estimates writable data before read-only failure from cell wear; reads cause no degradation."], ["Standard TLC TBW is 600 per TB; QLC is around 250 or less per TB—still ample for most."], ["For optimal NVMe use, boot the OS from it, requiring compatible hardware. Modern PCs support this; check older specs."], ["The WD Black SN7100 is our top all-around internal SSD pick, a PCIe 4.0 model up to 4TB. The tested 2TB led benchmarks, with HMB caching enabling strong value."], ["The WD Blue SN5000 is the leading budget option, trailed by the Kingston NV3—both fast PCIe 4.0 drives at low cost. For PCIe 5.0 value, select the PNY CS2150."], ["Gaming consoles benefit from PC SSDs, but the Seagate Game Drive PS5 excels with its performance, high TBW, and DRAM for PS5 random operations compatibility."], ["The Samsung 870 EVO is our preferred SATA SSD for speed and affordability; for vast capacity, consider the $1700 16TB VectoTech V-Max."], ["The Crucial BX500 tops bargain SATA choices with sufficient speed and low pricing."], ["An SSD employs non-volatile NAND memory for data storage without moving parts, unlike mechanical HDDs that use spinning disks and read/write heads, which are prone to failure over time."], ["SSDs suit long-term archiving, with no observed NAND degradation in over a decade of use. They should endure decades reliably, though not millennia."], ["Seagate offers strong warranties; Samsung and WD provide proven quality."], ["Many brands, including majors, rely on Phison controllers, ensuring few poor options among established vendors."], ["Jon Jacobi, a musician and veteran programmer in x86/6800, is a dedicated tech aficionado. He reviews TVs, SSDs, dash cams, remote software, Bluetooth audio, and various hardware/software."]}