Joybuy Insights

Buying an SSD: how to choose the right storage for your laptop, desktop or PS5

An SSD usually makes a computer more responsive than a traditional hard drive. But buying an SSD isn’t just about choosing the highest read speed or the lowest price per gigabyte. The wrong form factor, an incompatible connection or too little storage could mean your purchase won’t fit your laptop, desktop or PlayStation 5.

The three most common pitfalls:

  1. High speed without a compatible connection
    A PCIe 5.0 SSD won’t automatically run at full speed in a PCIe 3.0 or SATA slot. Performance is limited by the slowest link.

  2. Confusing M.2 with NVMe
    M.2 mainly describes the physical form. An M.2 SSD can use NVMe/PCIe, but M.2 models with SATA are also available. So always check both the form factor and the protocol.

  3. Underestimating capacity
    An operating system, games and video projects can quickly take up space. A 1TB SSD is a practical starting point for many users; for large game libraries or 4K video files, a 2TB SSD or 4TB SSD may make more sense.

Which SSD is right for your device?

Before buying, check your device’s manual or your motherboard specifications. Pay particular attention to the following connections.

  • 2.5-inch SATA SSD: suitable for many older laptops and desktops. The Kingston A400 480 GB uses Serial ATA III, has a 2.5-inch form factor and is specified to reach read speeds of up to 500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 450 MB/s.
  • M.2 NVMe SSD: a compact internal SSD for laptops and desktops with a compatible M.2 slot. NVMe SSDs use PCIe and, according to product specifications, generally offer higher transfer speeds than SATA models.
  • PCIe 4.0 SSD: suitable for systems with PCIe 4.0. A model such as the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB is specified to reach maximum read speeds of 7.450 MB/s and write speeds of 6.900 MB/s.
  • PCIe 5.0 SSD: designed for newer desktops with a PCIe 5.0 slot. The Lexar NM1090 Pro 1TB is specified with a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface and an integrated heatsink with a fan. Check that your motherboard supports the required connection, space and cooling.
  • External SSD: a portable SSD connects via USB. The Samsung Portable SSD T7 uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 and is specified to reach maximum read speeds of 1.050 MB/s. Actual speeds also depend on the USB port and cable.

For an SSD for a laptop, form factor, power consumption and heat dissipation are particularly important. A desktop SSD will usually have more room for a heatsink and multiple storage drives. A PS5 SSD needs sufficient capacity, but it must also physically fit. Check the maximum thickness and follow Sony’s official installation instructions.

Three specifications you should always check

1. Interface and theoretical speed

Don’t just look for the term ‘fast SSD’. Check the interface:

  • SATA III: a maximum connection speed of around 6 Gbit/s; Kingston A400 models are specified to reach read speeds of up to 500 MB/s.
  • PCIe 3.0 x4: suitable for many affordable NVMe SSDs, such as the Lexar NM620 1TB, which is specified to reach read speeds of up to 3.300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3.000 MB/s.
  • PCIe 4.0 x4: offers higher bandwidth for modern systems. For example, the Samsung 990 1TB is specified to reach read speeds of up to 7.150 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6.450 MB/s.
  • PCIe 5.0 x4: requires a compatible motherboard and good cooling. The higher figures on the packaging are only achievable under the right conditions.

The speeds listed are manufacturer or product specifications. Real-world performance varies depending on the computer, file type, temperature and workload.

2. Storage capacity and write endurance

A 240GB or 256GB SSD may be enough for a basic system, but it leaves less room for updates and software. For everyday use, a 1TB SSD is a good middle ground. Gamers and content creators often choose 2TB or more.

For intensive writing, the TBW rating is relevant. TBW stands for Total Bytes Written and indicates how much data can be written to the SSD according to its product specification. It isn’t an exact prediction of the drive’s lifespan. Always back up important files, regardless of the TBW rating.

3. Cooling and physical dimensions

NVMe SSDs can get hot during prolonged transfers. A heatsink or sufficient airflow can help dissipate heat, but check that the heatsink won’t touch other components. A large built-in heatsink is usually unsuitable for laptops.

Also look out for the M.2 2280 form factor: this usually means 22 millimetres wide and 80 millimetres long. Check whether your laptop supports a single-sided or double-sided SSD, too.

Recommended options for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Kingston Technology A400 480 GB 2.5 inch

Kingston Technology A400 480 GB 2.5-inch

Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for an older laptop or desktop with a 2.5-inch SATA bay.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The SATA III connection and 2.5-inch form factor make compatibility clearer than with an unspecified M.2 drive.

Key benefit and advantages

480 GB of storage, TLC memory and specified read and write speeds of 500 and 450 MB/s respectively.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Samsung 990 PRO NVMe 2TB SSD

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe 2TB

Why it suits this profile: Designed for users who play lots of games, edit large media files and have a PCIe 4.0 system.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The interface, capacity and speed limits are clearly specified. Just check that your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0.

Key benefit and advantages

2TB of storage, an M.2 2280 form factor and, according to the product specifications, maximum read speeds of 7.450 MB/s and write speeds of 6.900 MB/s.

Suitable for: Specialist uses and intensive users
Samsung 990 PRO NVMe Heatsink 2TB SSD

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe Heatsink 2TB

Why it suits this profile: An option for intensive PC workloads and expanding PS5 storage, provided the physical dimensions are suitable.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The integrated heatsink is designed to manage heat. For PS5 use, check the specified height and official compatibility.

Key benefit and advantages

PCIe 4.0 x4, 2TB of storage and, according to the product details, maximum read speeds of 7.450 MB/s and write speeds of 6.900 MB/s.

Suitable for: Portable storage and content creators
Samsung Portable SSD T7 1TB

Samsung Portable SSD T7 1TB

Why it suits this profile: Handy for transferring files between a laptop, desktop, camera and compatible games console.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The included USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables reduce the chance of choosing the wrong cable. Still, check the port standard.

Key benefit and advantages

1TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 and specified read and write speeds of 1.050 and 1.000 MB/s.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying an SSD

Is an NVMe SSD suitable for every laptop?

No. Your laptop needs a compatible M.2 slot with PCIe/NVMe support. An M.2 SATA slot and an M.2 NVMe slot aren’t always interchangeable. Check your laptop’s model number before ordering an internal SSD.

How long does an SSD last?

Lifespan depends on the type of memory, the amount of data written, temperature and usage. Check the TBW rating as an additional guide, but don’t treat it as a guarantee. Keep the firmware up to date and back up important files.

Does an external SSD use a lot of power?

A portable SSD usually draws power via USB and doesn’t need a separate adapter. Power consumption varies by model and usage. On a laptop, prolonged writing can drain the battery faster, especially at high transfer speeds.