Rankings
The WD Blue SA510 2TB is a reliable SATA SSD that delivers strong sequential performance, high endurance, and low power draw, making it ideal for legacy laptops and desktops. Its DRAM cache and 5-year warranty add confidence, though it lacks hardware encryption and NVMe-level speeds.
The Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA SSD offers near-maximum SATA III performance, strong random IOPS, high endurance, and robust encryption, making it a top choice for upgrading legacy desktops and laptops.
The ADATA Ultimate SU800 1TB is a budget-oriented SATA SSD delivering solid sequential speeds, excellent power efficiency, and a thin form factor, ideal for mainstream PCs and laptops.
The Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SATA SSD provides dependable SATA III performance, strong random IOPS, and robust encryption, making it a solid upgrade for legacy PCs and laptops.
The Silicon Power Ace A55 4TB SSD offers a high capacity SATA solution with solid sequential speeds and a slim 7 mm design, ideal for budget-conscious users upgrading from HDDs.
The Crucial BX500 1TB is a budget-oriented SATA SSD that delivers solid sequential performance and high capacity for everyday computing, but it lacks DRAM cache and hardware encryption.
The WD Green 1TB SATA SSD is an energy-efficient, budget-friendly drive that delivers solid sequential speeds and includes useful software, making it a good choice for everyday computing and boot drives. Its lack of DRAM and modest endurance keep it from being ideal for heavy workloads.
The Crucial BX500 240 GB is a budget-focused SATA SSD that delivers a noticeable speed boost over traditional hard drives while keeping power consumption low, but its DRAM-less design and lack of encryption limit its suitability for heavy workloads.
The Verbatim Vi550 4 TB Internal SSD delivers high capacity and respectable SATA-III performance in a slim 2.5-inch form factor. It lacks a DRAM cache and has a modest warranty, positioning it as a budget-friendly upgrade for legacy systems.
The HP S650 480 GB SSD offers solid SATA-III performance at a budget price, making it a good upgrade for older laptops and desktops, but its low endurance and mixed reliability limit its suitability for demanding workloads.
The Silicon Power A55 256 GB SSD delivers fast SATA III performance in a compact 7 mm form factor, making it a budget-friendly upgrade for laptops and desktops.
The Kingston A400 240 GB SSD is an entry-level SATA drive that dramatically speeds up older PCs at a low price, offering solid reliability and low power use. Its lack of DRAM and modest endurance make it unsuitable for demanding workloads.
The Transcend 1 TB 2.5" SATA SSD provides solid SATA III performance, high endurance, and a thin form factor for desktop and laptop upgrades, though it lacks encryption and DRAM cache.
A budget-friendly 2.5" SATA SSD with QLC NAND that offers decent sequential speeds and adequate endurance for everyday computing, but its DRAM-less architecture limits performance under heavy workloads.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500 GB | 1,000 GB | 240 GB | 256 GB | 240 GB | 480 GB | 1,000 GB | 1,024 GB | 2,000 GB | 1,000 GB | 1,024 GB | 4,000 GBbest | 1,000 GB | 4,000 GBbest | |
560 MB/sbest | 560 MB/sbest | 540 MB/s | 560 MB/sbest | 500 MB/s | 560 MB/sbest | 540 MB/s | 550 MB/s | 560 MB/sbest | 545 MB/s | 560 MB/sbest | 550 MB/s | 550 MB/s | 510 MB/s | |
530 MB/sbest | 530 MB/sbest | 500 MB/s | 530 MB/sbest | 350 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 525 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 450 MB/s | 470 MB/s | 450 MB/s | |
98,000 IOPS | 98,000 IOPS | — | — | — | 50,000 IOPS | — | 55,000 IOPS | 87,000 IOPS | 100,000 IOPSbest | 85,000 IOPS | — | — | — | |
88,000 IOPSbest | 88,000 IOPSbest | — | — | — | 70,000 IOPS | — | 72,000 IOPS | 83,000 IOPS | 80,000 IOPS | 85,000 IOPS | — | — | — | |
300 TBW | 600 TBW | 80 TBW | — | 80 TBW | 40 TBW | 360 TBW | 720 TBWbest | 500 TBW | 400 TBW | — | — | 200 TBW | — | |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 0.5best | — | — | — | |
3 years | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 yearsbest | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(6) | ||||||||||||||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 560 MB/s | 560 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 560 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 560 MB/s | 540 MB/s | 550 MB/s | 560 MB/s | 545 MB/s | 560 MB/s | 550 MB/s | 550 MB/s | 510 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 530 MB/s | 530 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 530 MB/s | 350 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 500 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 525 MB/s | 520 MB/s | 450 MB/s | 470 MB/s | 450 MB/s |
Random Read IOPS (IOPS) | 98000 IOPS | 98000 IOPS | — | — | — | 50000 IOPS | — | 55000 IOPS | 87000 IOPS | 100000 IOPS | 85000 IOPS | — | — | — |
Random Write IOPS (IOPS) | 88000 IOPS | 88000 IOPS | — | — | — | 70000 IOPS | — | 72000 IOPS | 83000 IOPS | 80000 IOPS | 85000 IOPS | — | — | — |
Interface | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA 6 Gb/s | SATA III | SATA III | SATA III | SATA III | SATA III | SATA III 6 Gb/s | SATA III 6 Gb/s | SATA III 6 Gb/s | SATA III | SATA III | SATA III | SATA III |
DRAM Cache (Yes/No) | true | true | false | false | false | false | false | false | true | false | true | false | false | false |
Security(1) | ||||||||||||||
Hardware Encryption | true | true | false | — | — | — | false | false | false | false | false | — | — | — |
Storage(6) | ||||||||||||||
Capacity (GB) | 500 GB | 1000 GB | 240 GB | 256 GB | 240 GB | 480 GB | 1000 GB | 1024 GB | 2000 GB | 1000 GB | 1024 GB | 4000 GB | 1000 GB | 4000 GB |
Form Factor | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch | 2.5" | 2.5" | 2.5 inch | 2.5 inches | 2.5" | 2.5" | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch | 2.5" | 2.5" | 2.5" | 2.5-inch |
NAND Type | 3-bit MLC | 3-bit MLC | TLC | 3D NAND TLC | 3D TLC NAND | 3D NAND TLC | TLC | 3D TLC NAND | 3D TLC | 3D TLC | TLC | 3D NAND | QLC | 3D NAND |
Endurance (TBW) (TBW) | 300 TBW | 600 TBW | 80 TBW | — | 80 TBW | 40 TBW | 360 TBW | 720 TBW | 500 TBW | 400 TBW | — | — | 200 TBW | — |
Warranty Period (years) | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years |
MTBF (hours) | 1500000 hours | 1500000 hours | 1500000 hours | 1500000 hours | 1000000 hours | 1000000 hours | 1500000 hours | 2000000 hours | 2250000 hours | 1000000 hours | — | 1500000 hours | 1000000 hours | — |
Power & Energy(2) | ||||||||||||||
Idle Power Consumption (W) | 0.03 W | 0.03 W | — | — | 0.195 W | — | — | — | 0.07 W | 0.08 W | 0.012 W | — | — | 0.385 W |
Active Power Consumption (W) | 2.2 W | 2.5 W | 0.06 W | — | 0.279 W | 1.97 W | — | — | 3 W | 2.8 W | 0.65 W | — | — | 2.49 W |
Design & Build(2) | ||||||||||||||
Weight (g) | 45.0 g | 45.0 g | 60 g | 50 g | 41 g | 50 g | 54.4 g | 60 g | 60 g | 32.7 g | 45.36 g | 63 g | 45 g | 45.36 g |
Thickness (mm) | 69.85 mm | 69.85 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm | 7.0 mm | 6.7 mm | 7 mm | 0.1 mm | 7.1 mm | 7.1 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm | 6.8 mm | 2.3 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the 870 EVO as a top-tier SATA SSD with excellent performance, high endurance, and strong reliability thanks to Samsung's V-NAND and MKX controller.
Users report dramatic speed gains after upgrading from HDDs, noting near-instant boot times and smoother applications, while noting the SATA speed ceiling and missing accessories.
“a premier option in the world of SATA SSDs”
“faster boot times”
“a premier option in the world of SATA SSDs”
A55 provides faster writes and an SLC cache, making it a better choice for users who want a bit more performance without paying Samsung's premium.
A55 outperforms the A400 in speed and durability, so it's the preferred budget SATA SSD unless Kingston's pricing is significantly lower.
Choose the BX500 if you need better write performance and endurance without a big price jump; stick with the A400 for the lowest cost and proven reliability.
Select Samsung for critical or heavy-use systems; HP S650 for budget upgrades where ultimate endurance isn't required.
Professional reviewers hail the 870 EVO as the premier SATA SSD, emphasizing its record-setting 4K random performance, reliable V-NAND controller, and the comprehensive Magician suite.
Everyday users praise dramatically faster boot times and system responsiveness, while noting the missing SATA cable and occasional slowdown when the drive fills up.
Professional reviewers view the BX500 as a solid, low-cost SATA SSD that meets basic performance expectations but falls short of Crucial's own MX500 in endurance, security, and warranty. The DRAM-less design keeps price down but limits sustained performance.
Everyday users praise the immediate speed uplift, quiet operation, and low power draw, especially when upgrading legacy machines, while complaints focus on setup quirks and desire for a longer warranty or accessories.
Professional reviewers view the A55 as a cost-effective upgrade that punches above its weight class, offering SATA-III performance comparable to premium models while keeping costs low, but they note the absence of a DRAM cache and slowdown once the SLC cache is exhausted.
Everyday users praise the drive for lightning-fast boot times, straightforward installation and silent, low-heat operation, while noting speed drops after the cache fills during large transfers.
Professional reviewers position the A400 as a solid, budget-friendly SSD that revitalises older PCs with noticeable speed gains, praising its plug-and-play ease and durability, but note its lack of DRAM cache and TLC-only NAND limit sustained performance, making it unsuitable for demanding or professional workloads.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the dramatic boot-time reduction and overall responsiveness, citing easy installation and reliable day-to-day operation, while common complaints revolve around occasional drive failures after a few years, slow RMA handling, and reduced write performance under heavy loads.
Professional reviewers note that the S650 is a solid, compatible upgrade for older systems, praising its plug-and-play nature and the use of 3D TLC NAND with SLC caching. However, they caution that it is not a high-performance or high-endurance drive, positioning it as a budget-friendly option rather than a premium SSD.
Everyday users appreciate the noticeable speed boost, easy installation, and low price, often citing faster boot times. Conversely, many report early failures, rapid wear, and reliability concerns, with some labeling the drive as junk after short use.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the BX500 as a solid entry-level SSD that delivers the expected SATA performance at a low price. PCMag notes that while it performs well in benchmarks, the lack of DRAM cache and shorter warranty make the MX500 a better overall value. Gagadget praises its affordability and real-world speed but warns against heavy write workloads due to the SLC cache limitation.
Everyday users appreciate the noticeable speed boost over mechanical drives, the ease of installation, and the included cloning tools, while complaints focus on the sharp write-speed drop after the cache fills and the absence of mounting hardware.
Professional reviewers note the SSD230S's fast SATA performance and high endurance, but point out the absence of hardware encryption and DRAM cache.
Users report noticeable system responsiveness improvements, but note lack of encryption and occasional confusion over model specifications.
Professional reviewers consider the WD Blue SA510 a well-rounded, reliable SATA SSD that delivers excellent real-world performance, high endurance, and quiet operation, though they note its inherent speed ceiling and lack of hardware encryption.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive for fast boot and load times, quiet operation, and dependable reliability, while the most common complaints focus on the bundled Acronis cloning software and expectations of NVMe-level speeds.
Professional reviewers from TechRadar and PCMag view the WD Green 1TB SSD as a solid, low-cost option for users replacing aging HDDs, praising its low power draw and reliable operation while noting the lack of DRAM and limited SLC cache hurt performance for power users.
Everyday users appreciate the noticeable boost in boot speed, the ease of cloning with bundled software, and the three-year warranty, but complain about slower write performance once the SLC cache is exhausted and occasional inconsistency when the drive is near full.
Professional reviewers consider the SU800 a solid, budget-oriented SATA SSD with near-advertised speeds and low power draw, but note the lack of hardware encryption and limited endurance data keep it from being a premium recommendation.
Everyday users praise quick boot times and value, while complaining about write throttling on large transfers and occasional issues with the bundled migration utility.
Professional reviewers view the Ace A55 as a solid, budget-friendly SATA SSD that delivers the expected speed improvements over HDDs and benefits from SLC caching, but they note its limitations in speed and endurance compared to NVMe drives and competitors with DRAM caches.
Everyday users praise the drive for quick boot times, lightweight design, and reliability, while common complaints focus on stock shortages, model number confusion, and the lack of a clear performance advantage over similar SATA options.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the Vulcan Z as a solid, low-cost option for users who need extra storage without demanding top-tier performance. While its read speeds are competitive, the DRAM-less QLC architecture limits sustained write throughput and durability.
Everyday users appreciate the straightforward upgrade experience, faster boot and app times, and the drive's quiet, compact design, but complain about slower write performance under heavy loads and the lack of management software.
Professional reviewers view the Vi550 as a solid, budget-oriented SSD that revitalizes older PCs. While praised for its reliability, 3D NAND use, and value, they note it lacks the speed and warranty length of premium SATA drives, positioning it as a practical refresh rather than a high-performance solution.
Everyday users appreciate the noticeable speed boost, quiet operation, and ease of installation, especially on legacy laptops. Common complaints focus on write-speed performance falling short of advertised figures, the relatively short warranty, and the absence of bundled cloning tools or software.
Choose the Samsung 870 EVO if you need higher durability and DRAM-boosted performance; stick with WD Green for the lowest cost and lowest power draw.
If budget is the sole concern, A400 works; otherwise, SU800 provides a noticeable performance boost for a modest price increase.
