11 best SSD drives

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Despite the fact that classic hard drives HDD with a physical mechanically rotating disk still occupy an impressive share of the market and do not lose their relevance, every year they are confidently squeezed out by hard drives built using a fundamentally different technology. We are talking about SSD disks, in the class name of which even the word 'disk' itself is not quite appropriate, but is used more by inertia. Experts have prepared for you a rating review of eleven interesting models of SSD-drives, dividing them into categories: external, for a desktop PC, for a laptop.

Rating of the best SSD drives

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best external SSD drives	1	Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB	RUB 10 694
	2	ADATA XPG SD700X 512GB	RUB 10,663
	3	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 250GB	RUB 7,987
Best SSD drives for a desktop	1	Plextor PX-512M8SeY	RUB 17,766
	2	OCZ RVD3X2-FHPX4-240G	–
	3	Intel SSDSC2CW180A3K5	–
	4	Toshiba HDTSA25EZSTA	RUB 8,290
Best SSD drives for laptop	1	Plextor PX-512M6M	19 350 rub.
	2	Intel SSDMCEAW240A401	–
	3	Transcend TS512GMSA370	RUB 20,743
	4	Kingston SMS200S3 / 120G	RUB 4,590

Best external SSD drives

The first group of SSD drives in our roundup is standalone external solid state drives. Their advantages are quite obvious – the complete absence of a mechanical component (which means that there is practically zero probability of failure due to a fall), high data transfer rate, and minimal weight. Disadvantages, such as 'degeneration' with intensive exploitation, a decrease in the speed of data exchange over time, etc., are to one degree or another solved by manufacturers and, as the technology itself improves, gradually disappear altogether.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB

Rating: 4.9

The first device that attracted our specialists' attention was a 500GB SSD from Samsung. The dimensions of the case are 57.3×10.5×74 mm, formally the device corresponds to the 1.8 “form factor. The weight is only 51 g. The design is minimalistic, almost absent, which can hardly be considered a drawback for such a 'large flash drive'.

But if you look at the technological performance and features of the model, you can find a lot of important and good things. For example, the medium supports the extended data area markup format (4 KB sectors). Also, it does not threaten a gradual decrease in the data exchange rate over time (a typical 'disease' of modern SSDs) – it supports the TRIM command, which cleans up unused blocks, thereby bringing performance in order.

The encryption function is built in by default. This is not a direct advantage, since not everyone is comfortable with this approach to data storage. Either way, this feature can be easily disabled.

What else is remarkable about this model is the equipment. The manufacturer supplied the SSD drive with two cables at once: USB Type C and an adapter from Type C to Type A. The SSD drive is optimally 'sharpened' for operation via the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface.

The manufacturer promises read speeds of up to 540 MB / s, and in general, according to user reviews, this is true.

Advantages

• small size, minimum weight;

• high speed of reading and writing;

• extended complete set;

disadvantages

• short communication cable (subjective).

ADATA XPG SD700X 512GB

Rating: 4.8

The next SSD in the ranking is from an external solid state drive from Taiwanese manufacturer ADATA. First of all, the original design of the device is striking – all the electronics are enclosed in a square case of black plastic with bright red edging. The dimensions of the case are 83.5×13.9×83.5 mm, the weight of the device is 100 g. It is made in a conventional 2.5 “form factor.

The XPG SD700X SSD has a 512GB capacity. The memory type is TLC 3D NAND with support for 4K sectors. The manufacturer's declared write speed is 430 MB / s, and the read speed is 440 MB / s. The safe operating temperature is between 5 and 50 degrees.

Another feature of this SSD drive that can be important is decent shock resistance – up to 1500G / 0.5ms. As for the physical ability to function to a probable failure, the manufacturer estimates this period at 2,000,000 hours (more than good). It is difficult to judge how much this figure corresponds to the real state of affairs, since close research on this part has not been carried out.

A-Data Technology provides its own 36-month warranty for this SSD.

Advantages

• spectacular design;

• support for 4 kB sectors;

• high data transfer rate;

disadvantages

• no pronounced shortcomings were noted.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 250GB

Rating: 4.8

The super compact model of the well-known SanDisk brand completes the group of rating of portable SSD-carriers. It is made in the 1.8 “form factor, and its dimensions are 49.55×8.85×96.2 mm. SSD weighs 79 g. The dark gray (or black) case has a characteristic texture that effectively masks blots, fingerprints, scratches. the body contains a special hole that can be used for fastening, hooking, hanging.

As it is easy to understand, this is really a 'big flash drive', and there is even a drawback here – a clearly limited volume, as for today's information world, which is extremely demanding on this indicator.

In terms of the electronics level, everything is quite decent here: the technology of dividing the space into 4 KB sectors is supported, the declared read speed is 550 MB / s, it is connected via the USB 3.1 (Gen 2) interface, and does not require additional power.

We should also say a few words about the physical characteristics of an SSD drive. It is characterized by increased shock resistance (1500 G at rest and in operation), effective protection against moisture or dust ingress. Operating temperature limit – 45 ° C

Advantages

• compact;

• convenient, practical and attractive design;

• effective moisture and dust protection;

• shockproof;

disadvantages

• small volume.

Best SSD drives for a desktop

The second group of devices in our ranking is SSD drives used to complete a desktop (non-laptop) computer. Their main difference from the previous group is the type of connection, which does not provide for easily accessible portability. These SSD drives are designed for long-term operation without transferring or reconnecting.

Plextor PX-512M8SeY

Rating: 4.9

The first number in this group is an extremely interesting model of the 'internal' SSD-carrier of the well-known Taiwanese brand Plextor. The dimensions of the device are 22.39×121.04×176.33 mm, the weight is 200 g. Although this is almost irrelevant for internal SSDs, the case looks stylish and attractive even from the outside (important for those who have transparent PC case walls).

The volume of the carrier is 512 GB, it is connected to the motherboard via a PCI-E 3.0 x4 slot. The data write speed is up to 1000 MB / s. The read speed is quite impressive – 2450 MB / s. The type of flash memory used is TLC.

The SSD contains all the innovations that are gradually becoming the de facto standard. 4K sector partitioning and TRIM command are supported. The random (non-sequential) write speed is 175K IOPS, in 4 KB blocks. 1024 MB is allocated for the buffer memory. NVMe standard is supported.

Separately, it is worth saying a few words about the 'physics' of this SSD disk, which the manufacturer himself describes quite honestly. So, the declared MTBF is 1.5 million hours – not a record figure, but worthy. The maximum safe operating temperature is 70 ° C. There is even a declared shock resistance of 1500 G, although the meaning of emphasizing this characteristic is not entirely clear.

Advantages

• high speed of writing and reading;

• one of the most powerful controllers (Marvell);

• minimum heating;

• reliability and endurance;

disadvantages

• no pronounced shortcomings were noted.

OCZ RVD3X2-FHPX4-240G

Rating: 4.8

Continues the group of rating the best SSD for PCs according to the model from the American company OCZ Storage Solutions. Since its inception, the company has specialized in the production of flash media in various forms. In 2013, the company became a subsidiary of the Japanese corporation Toshiba, and this greatly benefited it and the fans of its products.

This is a very worthy technological solution, the only drawback of which is the limited capacity of 240 GB. But if it is supposed to use the disk only for the system, this is more than enough. The dimensions of the device are 15.25×98.42×167.64 mm, weight – 114 g. Power consumption – 8.3 watts. Connects via a standard PCI-E 2.0 x4 slot. SandForce SF-2281 x4 is used as a controller.

The chip architecture uses MLC flash memory. 4K sector partitioning is supported. The stated read and write speeds are lower than those of the previous model – 1225 and 1500 MB / s, respectively, but there is reason to believe that these characteristics are more 'honest'. In any case, independent research suggests this. As for the non-sequential write speed, it is higher than that of the previous model – 200 thousand IOPS. The MTBF declared by the manufacturer is 1 million hours. Data encryption is built in by default.

Shock resistance is the same as that of Plextor PX-512M8SeY – 1500 G. The manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty for the SSD.

Advantages

• super fast;

• slight heating;

• built-in data encryption;

disadvantages

• drivers and some manipulations are needed to be used as the main (system) one.

Intel SSDSC2CW180A3K5

Rating: 4.7

Now, as part of the rating from, we will consider a solid-state drive for a PC made by a company that does not need any introduction – Intel. Despite the fact that the ability Intel to produce outstanding electronics is beyond any doubt, you should not expect any 'superpowers' from this particular SSD model. Nevertheless, our experts included it in the review, and further it will become clear why.

The 'pure' linear dimensions of the SSD disk are 70×9.5×100 mm, the weight is 78 g. It is made in a conventional 2.5 “form factor, but the manufacturer pleased with the presence of a set of parts for installing the disk into a 3.5” bay.

As in all the devices discussed above, including external ones, this one has support for splitting into large sectors by 4KB. The type of flash memory used is MLC. The controller is the same as that of the previous model – SandForce SF-2281. Power consumption – 0.85 W.

Now about those moments that are noticeably worse in this SSD than in previous SSDs for desktop PCs. First, the volume. It is only 180 GB. Secondly, the speed of writing and reading: 520 and 550 MB per second, respectively (far from the characteristics of the same OCZ RVD3X2-FHPX4-240G. The speed of inconsistent writing in blocks of 4KB is up to 80,000 IOPS (also far from outstanding result). The device is connected. via SATA 6Gbit / s with an external bandwidth of 600 MB / s Claimed MTBF – up to 1.2 million hours Implemented support for NCQ (technology that increases SSD performance) and built-in data encryption.

And finally, let's explain why this SSD is noticeably inferior to its neighbors in direct terms. The fact is that Intel SSDSC2CW180A3K5 is positioned by the manufacturer itself as a game one. This means that it, by definition, cannot balance on the brink of performance and border on noticeable risks of fault tolerance.

Advantages

• positioned as a game;

• complete set (adapter for 3.5 “compartment);

• reliability, reliability;

disadvantages

• modest volume and other key indicators.

Toshiba HDTSA25EZSTA

Rating: 4.6

And the second group of the SSD rating for PCs is completed by a very good model manufactured by the Japanese corporation Toshiba. Let's say right away that this model is positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming model, with all that it implies – a relatively small volume, a modest inconsistent write speed, etc., which is most often characteristic of external drives, but not inherent in stationary ones.

This SSD disk also supports 4KB sectors (you won't be surprised by this, but we must tell you about it), the type of memory used is MLC. The 'native' Toshiba TC358790 controller is used, and this is pretty good in terms of subtle technical points.

Toshiba HDTSA25EZSTA measures 69.85x7x100 mm and weighs only 54 g. It is positioned as 'for a desktop PC and a laptop', and no special questions arise here. The volume of the device is far from outstanding, but not as modest as that of the previous model – 256 GB. Writing speed – 510 MB / s, reading – 550 MB / s. The random write speed (4KB blocks) is quite modest – 58,000 IOPS, but, again, the disk is 'kind of' a gaming one. Connects via SATA 6Gbit / s with an external bandwidth of 600 MB / s. TRIM and NCQ technology are supported. The latter partly compensates for the performance disadvantages. The first, in fact, is aimed at the same.

The declared MTBF is at the level of 1.3 million hours. The operating temperature limit is 'not very' – up to 65 ° C, power consumption – 3.30 W.

Advantages

• reliability and reliability;

• additional manipulations with the installation of the system are not needed;

• famous brand;

disadvantages

• for installation on a PC, you need to purchase a sled, bracket and cable.

Best SSD drives for laptop

And the rating is completed by a specific group of SSD models, specially designed for portable computers. Special requirements are put forward for them: 'correct' compactness, performance, good cooling, compatibility and so on. Our experts have identified four interesting models in the mass of the market offer.

Plextor PX-512M6M

Rating: 4.9

The first number in the third group is the second model from the Taiwanese electronics brand Plextor, but now it will be a specially designed device for portable computers. The manufacturer positions this SSD as a gaming one, how much this is – judge from the direct technical characteristics and reviews, which we will also go through.

The dimensions of the device are 29.8×3.6×50.8 mm, the weight is almost nothing (only 10 g). Power consumption is also minimal – just 0.25 W.

Of course, this SSD has progressive support for partitioning space into conventional 'sectors' of 4KB each. The controller used is Marvell 88SS9188 (one of the most powerful and reliable for this model).

The storage capacity is 'honest' 512 GB. The read and write speed (declared by the factory) is quite ordinary – 440 and 520 MB / s, respectively. The non-sequential write speed is 80,000 IOPS. 768 MB are allocated for the buffer.

An SSD is connected in two ways – via mSATA or 'normal' SATA 6Gbit / s, but the external data exchange rate will be the same – about 600 MB / s. There is support for NCQ technology, which to one degree or another compensates for the drop in performance over time.

There is even a declared impact resistance indicator. It is 'standard' for such devices – 1500 G, and unlike desktops, for laptops it can make at least some meaning. MTBF is 1,500,000 hours. There is a built-in data encryption function.

Advantages

• small, lightweight, durable, energy saving;

• there is built-in encryption;

• powerful and reliable controller;

disadvantages

• a noticeable failure rate within the warranty period.

Intel SSDMCEAW240A401

Rating: 4.8

Now let's talk in the rating about another SSD drive from a famous electronics manufacturer – Intel. This 'laptop' SSD is also claimed to be a gaming one, which means that it should at least have a decent resource with intensive use. To a large extent, all this is exactly the case, and this is done due to the volume and partly the speed of work. Although, the speed of modern SSDs is such that this question can seriously interest only very close reviewers.

So, this SSD drive, like everything else in the review, supports 4 KB sectors. Flash memory is MLC type. The controller is quite common and tested in all conditions – SandForce SF-2281. The dimensions of the device are 29.85×3.8×50.8 mm, weight – 10 g.

The storage capacity is 'so-so' – 240 GB, but more than enough for the system. The write and read speeds are on average 480 and 540 MB / s, respectively. Random write speed in 4K blocks is 80,000 IOPS.

Connection via mini-SATA or full SATA 6Gbit / s with a connection bandwidth of 600 MB / s. There is built-in support for NCQ technology and data encryption, as in most previous models. True, the shock resistance is lower – 1000 G, but even this is such an indicator that you need to deliberately set a goal in order to physically damage the device, especially if it is in a laptop case. The declared MTBF is 1200000 hours. Power consumption is 0.14 watts.

Advantages

• reliable controller;

• is afraid of direct blows;

• small and reliable;

disadvantages

• small volume.

Transcend TS512GMSA370

Rating: 4.8

Now let's touch on in our rating a budget SSD model for a laptop, which in terms of its main technical characteristics is not particularly inferior to devices from renowned and renowned brands – Transcend.

It is also a gaming SSD 'hard' with support for 4 KB sectors, built on MLC architecture flash memory. The SSD drive measures 29.85x4x50.8 mm and weighs even less than the previous three notebook models – 8 g.

The volume of the drive is 512 GB, it is connected via mSATA or classic SATA 6Gbit / s with an external data transfer rate of up to 600 MB / s. The data read speed (declared) is 570 MB / s, the write speed is 450 MB / s.

As in previous models, NCQ support is implemented here, compensating for the shortcomings of the data exchange rate that grow over time.

The manufacturer provides a 36 month warranty.

Advantages

• affordable price;

• reliable;

• compact and lightweight;

disadvantages

• not marked.

Kingston SMS200S3 / 120G

Rating: 4.7

And, finally, completing our rating, and at the same time the entire review, is another model of solid state drive for notebooks from the 'mainstream' manufacturer Kingston.

This is also an SSD-hard with gaming potential, support for 4KB sectors, built on an MLC flash memory architecture. The popular SandForce SF-2241 controller is used. The dimensions of the SSD drive are 30x4x51 mm. Weight – the smallest in our review – only 7 g.

This is the smallest solid-state hard drive not only in the notebook group, but in general in the review – its volume is only 120 GB. That is, its size will only be enough to install the system and basic applications. The read and write speed, which the manufacturer promises, are rather big, but not outstanding – 520 and 550 MB per second, respectively. The random write speed is pretty 'sad' – about 45000 IOPS, but this was done not least for the sake of the gaming component to increase the resource.

Hard is connected via mSATA or SATA 6Gbit / s with an external data exchange rate of 600 MB / s. The claimed MTBF is about 1,000,000 hours. There is a built-in data encryption function.

Advantages

• minimum weight;

• significant MTBF;

• good speed;

• affordable price;

disadvantages

• minimum volume.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.