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Best Internal SSDs for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 5th, 2024

🚀Switching to an internal SSD can seriously boost your PC's performance. Whether you're looking to speed up boot times, transfer files more quickly, or handle hefty workloads, an SSD is a solid upgrade.

We've done the homework for you, looking at industry expert opinions and top recommendations, to bring you the best internal SSDs for 2024. Check out our top picks, including the overall best, the runner-up, budget options, and specialized SSDs for different needs.

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Overall Best: Samsung 970 EVO Plus

Samsung 970 EVO Plus Series - 500GB PCIe NVMe - M.2 Internal SSD (MZ-V7S500BW)

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus stands out as our overall best internal SSD for 2024. It's famed for its lightning-fast read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,300 MB/s, making it ideal for gaming and professional workloads. Leveraging Samsung's V-NAND technology and advanced firmware, this NVMe drive maximizes bandwidth for top-of-the-line performance. It's also built to endure, featuring up to 1,200 TBW (Terabytes Written) and a solid 5-year warranty. To maintain optimal temperatures, it comes with Samsung's Dynamic Thermal Guard, ensuring reliability for both desktop and laptop users. Additionally, the Samsung Magician software offers robust data security, cloning features, and performance monitoring tools, making this SSD an exceptional choice for anyone looking to boost their system's efficiency.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$91.20 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB SSD? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the key features of the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB SSD?

If you're thinking about upgrading your SSD, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB is worth a look. It's packed with features that make it a good fit for everyone from tech enthusiasts to serious gamers and professionals needing fast, dependable storage. What really sets this SSD apart is its speed. From our research, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus can hit sequential read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,200 MB/s. These blazing speeds are thanks to Samsung's innovative 96-layer V-NAND tech and the Intelligent TurboWrite feature, keeping everything fast and smooth. In more practical terms, you'll notice quicker boot times, faster file transfers, and an all-around improved computing experience. Compared to many other SSDs, it's definitely a top performer. The PCIe NVMe interface is another big plus, which the manufacturer promises offers a substantial speed boost over the older SATA interface. It uses a Phoenix controller to make sure everything runs efficiently and boosts the drive's overall performance. When it comes to durability, this SSD holds its own too. Samsung offers a 5-year limited warranty and rates its endurance at up to 300 terabytes written for the 500GB version. So, even with heavy use, you can count on it for the long haul. As for usability, it's pretty user-friendly. The manufacturer's description notes that it's easy to install—even in older systems like a seven-year-old [Dell XPS 8900](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddell%2Bxps%2B8900%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). Plus, with the [Samsung Magician](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsamsung%2Bmagician%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) software, you can easily monitor the drive's health, customize settings, and update firmware. There's one potential downside we found: it might slow down a bit during really heavy write tasks. But, that's a minor issue considering everything else it offers. On the security front, it includes hardware-based encryption for peace of mind about data protection. All in all, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB SSD shines with its speed and reliability, making it a solid choice if you're looking to boost your storage with something fast and dependable.

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What is the sequential read/write speed of the Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB SSD?

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB SSD offers some impressive speeds. According to the manufacturer's product description, you can expect a sequential read speed of up to 3,500 MB/s and a write speed of up to 3,200 MB/s. This performance is largely thanks to Samsung's use of 96-layer V-NAND technology, which makes a noticeable difference in data transfer rates compared to older models. From our research, these claims hold up pretty well. Reviews frequently mention its ability to handle demanding tasks efficiently, both in sequential and random data transfers. While you might notice slight variations in speed if you're really pushing it with heavy workloads, it still manages to perform admirably. Additional reports from sources like TechRadar and PCMag further confirm its standout performance in competitive benchmarks, especially in sequential write scenarios. Lots of folks have also noted significant system performance boosts after upgrading to this SSD, with some pointing out that it easily integrated into their setups and boosted overall speed and responsiveness. So, if speed is what you're after, this drive should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to step up their storage game.

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How does the Samsung 970 EVO Plus compare to its predecessor in terms of price and performance?

If you're thinking about upgrading from the [Samsung 970 EVO](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsamsung%2B970%2Bevo%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to the 970 EVO Plus, here's a quick rundown of the differences in price and performance, based on what we've found. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus, especially the 500GB PCIe NVMe M.2 model, really steps up in terms of performance due to Samsung's newer 96-layer V-NAND tech. This means you can expect about 57% faster random write speeds compared to the 970 EVO, which is great if you're big on gaming or need snappy response times for data-heavy tasks. From our research, the 970 EVO Plus boasts pretty impressive read and write speeds—up to 3,500 MB/s for reads and 3,200 MB/s for writes. These numbers are right in line with top performers in its class, making it a solid choice if you're handling demanding applications or serious gaming. In terms of durability, the 500GB 970 EVO Plus can handle up to 300TB of written data over its life, which should reassure anyone worried about heavy-duty data usage and storage lifespan. Price-wise, the 970 EVO Plus tends to be a bit more expensive than its predecessor, which makes sense given the performance improvement and new tech features. Many folks feel the extra cost is worth it if quicker speeds and better efficiency are what you're after. If you're currently using the 970 EVO and looking for an upgrade, the 970 EVO Plus delivers notable gains in speed and endurance. And if you're new to SSDs, the EVO Plus is a solid choice with its advanced features and reliable performance. Just keep an eye on the pricing, as deals and discounts could make it even more appealing when you're ready to buy.

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Runner-up: WD Black SN770

WD_Black SN770 2TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Internal Gaming SSD

The WD Black SN770 earns its place as our runner-up for its exceptional performance and balanced price point. With read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s, this NVMe Gen 4 SSD stands out for gaming and other high-performance tasks. Despite its DRAM-less design, the drive is equipped with 3D TLC flash, making it reliable for both boot and storage purposes. The WD Black SN770 also supports Western Digital's Dashboard software, allowing users to enable gaming mode and further optimize performance. Available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, this SSD provides incredible speed and value, making it a perfect choice for users who demand quick performance without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$134.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Crucial MX500

Crucial MX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD, up to 560MB/s - CT1000MX500SSD1 1 TB

For those on a budget, the Crucial MX500 offers outstanding value without compromising on performance. As a SATA SSD, it provides read speeds up to 560 MB/s and write speeds up to 510 MB/s, making it a practical choice for everyday computing tasks. Despite its affordability, the drive includes dynamic write acceleration technology and boasts low power consumption. It features a step-by-step installation guide and offers capacities up to 4TB, making it suitable for users upgrading from traditional HDDs or slower SSDs. If you're looking for an economical yet efficient upgrade, the Crucial MX500 is a solid pick.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$80.99 at Amazon

Best for Gaming: WD_BLACK SN850X

The WD_BLACK SN850X is our top pick for gaming enthusiasts. Boasting ultra-fast read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this NVMe SSD is optimized for gaming, ensuring reduced load times, minimal lag, and fewer texture pop-ins. It features optional heatsinks on the 1TB and 2TB models to maintain peak performance. Additionally, Game Mode 2.0 and support for Microsoft's DirectStorage technology ensure a seamless gaming experience. Available in 1TB to 4TB capacities, the SN850X offers high endurance and reliability for extended gaming sessions, making it a must-have for any serious gamer.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$149.49 at Amazon

Best High-Capacity SSD: Corsair MP600 PRO XT

CORSAIR MP600 PRO XT 2TB Gen4 PCIe x4 NVMe M.2 SSD – High-Density TLC NAND – Aluminum Heatspreader – M.2 2280 Form-Factor With Heatsink 2TB Black

For those needing maximum storage space, the Corsair MP600 PRO XT is an excellent choice. Available in sizes up to 8TB, this high-capacity SSD delivers impressive read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,800 MB/s. Its aluminum heatsink ensures efficient heat dissipation, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as video editing and data-intensive applications. The MP600 PRO XT is perfect for users who require extensive storage capacity without sacrificing speed and performance.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$181.99 at Amazon

Best RGB SSD: Patriot Viper VPR400

Patriot Viper 4 Blackout DDR4 RAM 32GB (2X16GB) 3600MHz CL18 UDIMM Desktop Gaming Memory Kit - PVB432G360C8K

The Patriot Viper VPR400 is ideal for users who want their SSD to look as good as it performs. This PCIe Gen 4 SSD features integrated RGB lighting that can be customized using your motherboard’s RGB sync feature. It delivers robust performance with read speeds up to 4,600 MB/s and write speeds up to 4,400 MB/s. To ensure efficient cooling, it also comes equipped with aluminum heatsinks. Perfect for gamers and PC builders wanting to add a stylish yet powerful component to their systems, the VPR400 combines eye-catching aesthetics with reliable endurance and thermal management technology.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$61.99 at Amazon

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