If you're looking to build or upgrade a PC, then you will need an internal SSD. Internal solid-state drives, or SSDs, are mass storage devices that reside inside a computer. They support reading and writing data in a permanent state even without power, which can determine factors like the speed of rebooting your PC, transferring files, and opening programs.
We've searched Amazon and found 10 internal SSDs that reviewers love. Our favorite is the 1TB Rocket 4 Plus from Sabrent since it's extremely fast and power-efficient. For more of our top picks, please continue reading! Also, check out our buying guide for tips on how to select the right internal SSD for you.
Image | 1 ![]() Sabrent | 2 ![]() SK hynix | 3 ![]() Samsung | 4 ![]() Western Digital | 5 ![]() Samsung | 6 ![]() XPG | 7 ![]() Western Digital | 8 ![]() Samsung | 9 ![]() Sabrent | 10 ![]() Teamgroup |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | 1TB Rocket 4 Plus | Gold P31 | 870 EVO | WD_Black SN850 | 980 PRO | S40G | WD_Black SN750 With Heatsink | 970 EVO | Rocket Q | T-Force Delta MAX |
Features | An Advanced Internal SSD for Extreme Performance | A Quality Internal SSD from South Korea | An Internal SSD for Older Generations | A Top-Tier Internal SSD Made for Gaming | A High Performance Internal SSD for Gaming | A Stylish and Efficient RGB Internal SSD | A Sturdy Internal SSD Made for Consistent Performance | A Seamless and Reliable Internal SSD | An Internal SSD With Lots of Storage Space | A Colorful RGB Internal SSD for Older Devices |
Price | $199.98 | $134.99 | $119.99 | $199.99 | $199.99 | $129.95 | $159.99 | $139.99 | $1,463.89 | $131.99 |
Capacity | 1TB-4TB | 500GB-1TB | 250GB-4TB | 500GB-2TB | 250GB-2TB | 256GB-4TB | 500GB-2TB | 250GB-2TB | 500GB-8TB | 500GB-1TB |
Form factor | M.2 | M.2 | 2.5-inch | M.2 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 2280 | M.2 | M.2 2280 | 2.5-inch |
Read speed | 7,000 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | 560 MB/s | 7,000 MB/s | 7,000 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | 3,470 MB/s | 3,500 MB/s | 3,300 MB/s | 560 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen4 | NVMe PCIe gen3 | SATA III | NVMe PCIe gen4 | NVMe PCIe gen4 | NVMe PCIe gen3x4 | NVMe PCIe gen3 | NVMe PCIe gen3 | NVMe PCIe gen3x4 | SATA III |
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Internal SSDs come in many shapes and sizes. We've gathered a list of 10 internal SSDs of different brands, designs, specs, and features to help you choose one for you.
SB-RKT4P-1TB
$199.98
Capacity | 1TB-4TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 |
Read speed | 7,000 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen4 |
$134.99
Capacity | 500GB-1TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 |
Read speed | 3,500 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen3 |
MZ-77E1T0B/AM
$119.99
Capacity | 250GB-4TB |
---|---|
Form factor | 2.5-inch |
Read speed | 560 MB/s |
Interface | SATA III |
WDS100T1X0E
$199.99
Capacity | 500GB-2TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 |
Read speed | 7,000 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen4 |
MZ-V8P1T0B
$199.99
Capacity | 250GB-2TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 2280 |
Read speed | 7,000 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen4 |
AS40G-1TT-C
$129.95
Capacity | 256GB-4TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 2280 |
Read speed | 3,500 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen3x4 |
WDS100T3XHC
$159.99
Capacity | 500GB-2TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 2280 |
Read speed | 3,470 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen3 |
MZ-V7E1T0BW
$139.99
Capacity | 250GB-2TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 |
Read speed | 3,500 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen3 |
SB-RKTQ-8TB
$1,463.89
Capacity | 500GB-8TB |
---|---|
Form factor | M.2 2280 |
Read speed | 3,300 MB/s |
Interface | NVMe PCIe gen3x4 |
T253TM001T3C302
$131.99
Capacity | 500GB-1TB |
---|---|
Form factor | 2.5-inch |
Read speed | 560 MB/s |
Interface | SATA III |
The right internal SSD can drastically improve your computer’s performance. Before you go shop, here are some tips on how to find the right internal SSD for you.
SSDs, or solid-state drives, are storage devices for computers. External SSDs are portable but more limited in speed. Internal SSDs are installed on a PC’s motherboard and are not portable, but are much faster. For the best performance, heavy programs and games are usually installed on internal SSDs.
When it comes to internal SSDs or HDDs (hard disk drives), most computers nowadays will usually come with internal SSDs, except the cheapest models. The reason for this is because SSDs are always much faster than HDDs as the primary boot drive.
This can affect the speed of booting your computer, launching apps and programs, and transferring files.
Even the slowest SSD is three times as fast as an average HDD. Although SSDs will always excel in speed, HDDs do offer a lot more storage space at nearly half the price, or even less. However, HDDs are noisier and take up more physical space than SSDs. SSDs are also more physically durable than HDDs.
SSDs are best for most people who need functionality and reliability. HDDs are only recommended if you need lots of storage space for a cheaper price, such as video collectors. Some computers may also have multiple slots for both SSDs and HDDs.
You will have to ask your manufacturer or open up your computer to make sure your device’s internal SSD is upgradeable and find out which internal SSD sizes and form factors are compatible. If you want to open up a laptop, make sure that it will not void your warranty if it’s still active.
If you’re upgrading a laptop, you will likely only have space to swap out the existing internal SSD, unless there is another slot. If you’re upgrading a desktop, however, you might be able to add multiple internal SSDs with your original one.
Form factor refers to the physical size and interface of the internal SSD. Internal SSDs nowadays often come in form factors of 2.5-inch drives, which are rectangular, or M.2 drives which are shaped like chewing gum sticks.
For the fastest speeds, look for form factors that are NVMe, or nonvolatile memory express. Other SSDs may be SATA (serial advanced technology attachment), which is much slower but much cheaper. A typical NVMe SSD is over five times as fast as a SATA. You should only consider a SATA SSD if you have an older computer that is incompatible with newer SSDs.
Your computer will have PCIe, or peripheral component interconnect express, slots to add hardware like your internal SSD. Currently, PCIe has six generations. The more recent the generation, the faster the performance of your NVMe SSD. Most PCs nowadays are generations 3 and 4.
If you get an internal SSD that is higher than your PC’s generation, it will be the maximum speed of your PC’s generation. It will work, but you won't get the full benefits from it.
Some internal SSDs may offer additional heatsinks, which are cooling pads that encompass your internal SSD. Many thin laptops may not fit heatsinks.
However, if you have a thicker laptop or a desktop, a heatsink can help reduce overheating while using intense programs. You should measure your space before purchasing.
Besides upgrading your internal SSD, there are many other devices that can give you more digital storage space. Check out our other articles for more ideas!
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