A good SSD is critical to the performance of your computer. The question is- what kind of SSD do you need? If you’re a video editor, photography hobbyist, or looking to install an operating system on a new PC, the answer may not be as simple as it sounds.
These are two primary kinds of solid-state drives.
- Internal SSD
- External SSD
The internal SSDs are less expensive, perform better than portable models, and are accessible in higher capacities. You’ll have to get inside your machine to upgrade your capacity, and opening your device can void the guarantee.
Portable or external SSDs, on the other hand, can be used out of the box, simply “plug and play“. They permit a simple switch between various gadgets and can help when you run out of space on internal drives, which may occur eventfully.
Top 5 Internal SSDs
1. PNY XLR8 CS3140 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD
Overview
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is a great option for content creators. It’s incredibly fast, with reading speeds of up to 7,500MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,850MB/s. It also has a huge amount of storage space, with 1TB,2TB, and even 4TB of capacity. That’s enough space to store hours of 4K video or tens of thousands of photos.
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is also very reliable, with an endurance rating of up to 1TB: 700, 2TB: 1,400, and 4TB: 3,000 (terabytes written). That means it can handle a lot of writing and rewriting without any problems.
The PNY XLR8 CS3140 has the following dimensions: 22 x 80 x 4 mm (Max). It weighs about 6.6 grams only. Its operating temperatures are 0°C to 70°C. Moreover, it has a 5-year Limited Warranty.
Performance
The chip is powered by generic ARM Cortex R5 IP and Phison proprietary designs, making it capable of speeds up to 7.4 GB/s write and 7 GB/s read speeds.
The model of a 1 TB hard drive has DDR4 cache memory and a big, fat, hunky-looking heat sink. The XLR8 is a little bit off the advertised numbers- but still runs significantly faster than other products in its category.
Surprisingly, the performance of the XLR8 was superb in terms of the sustained performance benchmarking, before the drive degraded and became inconsistent. The initial file copy testing speed was 1.67GB/s, before degrading to 416MB/s and 859MB/s.
With a good heatsink, the controller chip stays cool during heavy loads. This means that the performance cliff comes from being limited by the cache rather than being limited by heat
Overall, it is known that the 4K performance on this drive is good, but not at the absolute bleeding edge. For the highest level of performance, you’d have to turn to Intel’s Optane drives with their exotic 3D Xpoint memory.
2. WD BLACK SN850 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD
Overview
The WD BLACK SN850 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is a high-performance storage device that offers excellent speed and reliability. It is designed for use in demanding applications such as gaming and video editing.
The SSD has a maximum capacity of 2TB and supports the PCIe 4.0 interface for maximum data transfer rates. It also features a built-in heatsink to help keep the drive cool during operation.
The WD BLACK SN850 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD has the following dimensions: 3.15 inches x 0.92 inches x 0.35 inches (H x W x D). This makes it one of the smaller SSDs on the market, which is ideal for laptops and other devices where space is limited.
Performance
It is based on the latest NVMe Gen4 interface and uses the PCIe 4.0 bus for maximum performance. The drive is available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB. It delivers sequential read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 5300 MB/s. The drive also features a 256-bit AES encryption engine for security.
This is more than enough speed to handle any workflows thrown at it – whether it’s loading Windows, heavy games, 4k video edits, and more. The SN850 also performs well when it comes to copying files. It takes mere seconds to copy gigabytes of folders from one section of the drive to another.
Keep in mind that the M.2 drive may run hot when you are gaming, so it is important to check the temperature before continuing to play. The hottest we saw was 62 degrees Celsius, but this dropped to less than 40 when idle. 62 degrees is a pretty high temperature and you will want to either get a laptop cooling pad or ensure there’s adequate ventilation.
3. SAMSUNG EVO 980 Pro NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD
Overview
SAMSUNG’s newest SSD is the EVO 980 Pro NVMe Gen4 M.2. This drive is designed for high-end PCs and laptops that need the fastest possible storage. It has a top speed of 7,000 MB/s, which is about double the speed of the previous generation. The drive also has a larger capacity than its predecessor, at 2 TB.
The drive has a 2.5-inch form factor and is 7mm thick. It weighs only 41 grams.
The drive uses a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface and is compatible with the NVMe 1.3 protocol.
The operating temperature range for the drive is 0 to 70 degrees Celsius. The drive can withstand shocks of up to 1500 Gs.
Performance
The SAMSUNG EVO 980 Pro NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is a high-performance solid-state drive that offers excellent speed and reliability. It is one of the fastest SSDs on the market, with read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and writes speeds of up to 5000 MB/s. This makes it ideal for gamers and other users who need quick access to their data.
The SAMSUNG EVO 980 Pro SSD is also very reliable. It has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1.5 million hours, which is much higher than most other SSDs on the market. This means that you can trust it to store your data safely and securely.
The Samsung 980 Pro is the company’s latest high-end consumer NVMe SSD. Launched in early 2020, it succeeds the 970 Pro, which was released in 2017. The new SSD is available in capacities of 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
The 980 Pro uses the same M.2 2280 form factor as its predecessor and is compatible with the PCIe 4.0 interface. It features a new controller and Samsung’s latest 3D TLC V-NAND memory.
Other than reading and writing speed it also offers up to 700 MB/s of random read speed and up to 650 MB/s of random write speed.
Overall, the SAMSUNG EVO 980 Pro NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is an excellent choice for gamers, creative professionals, and power users who need the fastest possible storage performance as it is a high-performance and reliable solid state drive. If you don’t need the extra speed, the cheaper 970 Pro is still a great option.
4. CORSAIR MP600 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD
Overview
The CORSAIR MP600 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is a high-performance solid state drive that offers fast data transfer speeds and reliable data storage.
It also has a number of features that make it stand out from other SSDs. It has a low power mode that conserves energy when not in use. It also has a thermal monitoring system that keeps the drive cool and prevents overheating.
The CORSAIR MP600 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems, including Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, as well as macOS Sierra and later. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Performance
The CORSAIR MP600 NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD provides extreme storage performance, with up to 4,950MB/s sequential read speeds and up to 4,250MB/s sequential write speeds. Built using cutting-edge QLC NAND technology, the MP600 brings unmatched storage density and value to your PC.
This SSD features a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface and NVMe 1.3 support for fast data transfer speeds. It also has a DRAM cache for improved performance, and it is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems. It is also one of the most reliable SSDs, with an MTBF of 1.8 million hours.
CORSAIR MP600 is the successor of CORSAIR MP510 and both of them are the most popular NVMe SSDs on the market. They are both great choices for anyone looking to upgrade their PC with a fast and reliable SSD.
The CORSAIR MP510 is a great entry-level NVMe SSD. It offers excellent read and writes speeds, and it is very affordable. The only downside of the CORSAIR MP510 is that it is not as durable as CORSAIR MP600.
The CORSAIR MP600 is a bit more expensive than the CORSAIR MP510 and its successor, but it offers much better performance. It is also more durable, which makes it a better choice for gamers and power users.
If you are looking for the best possible NVMe SSD, the CORSAIR MP600 is the way to go. However, if you are on a budget, the CORSAIR MP510 is a great option.
5. Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD
Overview
The AORUS NVMe SSD is made with high-quality components and is designed for durability. It has an MTBF of 2 million hours and comes with a 5-year warranty. It also includes a free copy of the AORUS Storage Manager software, which allows you to easily manage your SSD.
Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD has Dimensions (L x W x H): 22.0 x 80.0 x 3.5 mm and weighs only 8g. Moreover, it has an operating Temperature of 0°C – 70°C and a storage Temperature of -40°C – 85°C. It also has a Shock resistance of 1500G/0.5ms
The AORUS NVMe Gen4 SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles. It is also compatible with a variety of operating systems, such as Windows 10, 8, 7, and Linux.
Performance
The Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is a high-performance storage device that offers excellent speed and reliability. It features a PCIe 4.0 interface and delivers up to read and write speeds of 5,000 MB/s and 4,400 MB/s respectively.
The SSD also comes with a large capacity of up to 2 TB, making it ideal for storing large amounts of data. In addition, the SSD is equipped with a heat sink that helps to keep it cool during operation, ensuring optimal performance.
It has a 3D TLC Nand which has a Random Read Speed of up to 450,000 IOPS and a Random Write Speed of 550,000 IOPS.
Top 5 External SSDS
1. SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2
Overview
The SanDisk Extreme PRO is a high-end portable SSD that offers excellent performance and features. It is one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market and it comes with a generous 4TB of storage space.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO is twice as fast as the previous generation of portable SSDs, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as 4K video editing and 3D gaming. It also has a rugged construction that makes it resistant to shocks and drops. It can withstand being dropped from up to 6.5 feet.
It is also IP55-rated, meaning it is dust-resistant and water-resistant.
The SanDisk TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD V is available in different capacities that ranges from 1TB up to 4TB. It comes with a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter. It is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, and 7, as well as macOS 10.13 and later.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-performance storage device that offers fast data transfer speeds and reliable durability. It features a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to take with you on the go.
The SSD has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface for fast data transfer speeds, and it is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. The SSD also features a shock-resistant design that helps to protect your data from damage.
Performance
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 is a high-performance external solid-state drive (SSD). It offers read speeds of up to 2000MB/s and writes speeds of up to 1980MB/s. The drive is compatible with both USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3 ports. Its dimensions are 4.33 x 2.78 x 0.39 inches (110 x 71 x 10 mm) and weigh 79 grams.
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is an ideal storage solution for photographers, videographers, and other creative professionals who need fast and reliable access to their data. It offers fast data transfer speeds and reliable durability in a compact and portable design.
Overall, the SanDisk TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD V is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast and durable portable SSD.
2. G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD
Overview
The G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive (SSD) designed for professional photographers and videographers. It offers up to 960GB of available storage capacity, making it ideal for storing large photo and video files.
Another great thing about G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD is that it’s very reliable. It features a durable aluminum casing that can withstand drops and bumps. This means that you can rest assured knowing that your data is safe and secure.
G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD is very portable. It weighs just over 200 grams and is small enough to fit in your backpack or camera bag. This makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD is available in several different capacities, from 500GB to 1TB.
Here are the technical specifications for the G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD:
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 2
- Dimensions: 4.4″ x 2.8″ x 0.4″ (111mm x 71mm x 10mm)
- Weight: 204 Grams
Performance
The G-DRIVE Mobile Pro SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive (SSD) that offers up to 1TB of storage space. It features a Thunderbolt 3 interface for transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, making it ideal for storing and editing large 4K video files or RAW photos.
The drive is also compatible with USB 3.1 Gen 2 for 10Gbps transfer speeds and can be used with older devices that only support USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 2.
3. LaCie Mobile SSD
Overview
The LaCie Mobile SSD TB is a high-performance solid-state drive that offers fast data transfer speeds and reliable data storage. This drive is ideal for users who need to store large amounts of data or for users who require fast data access.
The LaCie Mobile SSD is a high-capacity solid-state drive that offers great performance and reliability. It features a USB 3.1 interface for fast data transfer speeds, and it is backward compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports.
The drive is encased in a durable aluminum casing that protects your data from physical damage. It also comes with a three-year warranty, so you can be confident in its quality and reliability.
Moreover, it has the following specifications:
- Connection: USB-C
- Dimensions: 98 x 78 x 9mm
- Weight: 45g
- Weatherproofing: 3m drop-proofing
Performance
The LaCie Mobile SSD TB features a SATA III interface and a 2TB capacity. It offers read speeds up to 1050MB/s and writes speeds up to 1000MB/s. This drive also features TRIM support and advanced error correction technology.
The LaCie Mobile SSD TB is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
The LaCie Mobile SSD is a great choice if you’re looking for an upgrade from an older generation SSD. It offers faster data transfer speeds and more storage capacity than its predecessors.
4. SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD
Overview
The Samsung Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 2TB is a portable solid-state drive that offers high storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, and it comes with a USB Type-C cable for easy connectivity. The drive is encased in a durable metal casing, making it resistant to shock and vibration.
Samsung’s Portable SSD T7 USB drive offers a whopping 2 TB of storage space, making it one of the largest capacity drives on the market. It features the latest USB 3.2 interface and TurboWrite technology. The drive is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 for older computers.
It has a built-in fingerprint security option. The T7 Touch utilizes AES 256-bit encryption and gives you the option of unlocking with a touch of your finger or with a password. The T7 Touch comes embedded with upgraded software for PCs and Macs to help you set up a password and fingerprints and get the latest firmware updates. This management software is also available for Android smartphones and tablets.
The drive is just 7 mm thick and weighs only 58 grams, making it extremely portable. It comes with a protective case to keep it safe while you’re on the go. And it’s backed by a three-year warranty from Samsung.
Performance
The Samsung Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 external storage drive packs blazing-fast read/write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively. This makes it approximately 9.5 times faster than a standard external HDD drive. In addition to its speed, the T7 is also very compact and durable, making it the perfect choice for storing and transporting large amounts of data.
The Samsung Portable SSD T7 is available in three different capacity options: 500GB,1TB, and 2TB. It also comes with a USB Type-C to Type-A cable, which allows you to connect it to a wide variety of devices. The drive is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.
5. ADATA SE800
Overview
ADATA SE800 is a portable SSD that offers external storage for your computer. It’s also very rugged and can withstand drops from up to 2 meters. The drive is available in two different sizes: 500 GB and 1 TB. If you need extra storage space for your computer, the ADATA SE800 is a great option.
The SE800 is dust and water-resistant. This means that even if your device falls in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, you won’t need to worry about damaging your data. The SE800 is a sleek and lightweight external hard drive. It has an elegant metal design that’ll catch your eye, and it’s easy to carry when going from one location to the next.
The ADATA SE800 external SSD has the following technical specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
- Dimensions: 80 x 114 x 21 mm
- Weight: 158 g
Performance
With its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, the SE800 can have read/write speeds of up to 1000 MB/s*, making data transfers fast and furious. The SE800 will transfer files 12.5 times faster than an external hard drive. For example, it will take 50 seconds to transfer a movie that is 50GB and 4K.
The SE800 has a built USB-C, so there’s no “upside down” like with traditional USB. Just plug it in and it works every time.
Plugging your device in to start typing content is easy with compatible devices making it available on both Windows and Mac OS.
If you game on a console, the SE800 can provide rapid data transfer speeds and backup access. This allows better gameplay optimization. It’s compatible with both older and newer consoles.
Verdict
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which SSD is best for content creation. It depends on your specific needs and what you intend to use your SSD for.
If you plan on doing a lot of video editing, then you will need an SSD with a lot of storage space and fast read/write speeds.
On the other hand, if you are mostly interested in photography, then you might be able to get away with a smaller and cheaper SSD. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you need and what you are willing to spend.