Joybuy Insights

Buying an SSD: how to choose the right internal or external SSD

Buying an SSD seems simple until you have to choose between an internal SSD, external SSD, NVMe SSD, M.2 SSD or portable SSD. Manufacturers quote high speeds, large capacities and sturdy enclosures, but those specifications are only useful if they suit your device and how you plan to use it.

Most poor purchases come down to three common pitfalls:

  • Choosing the wrong connection: a PCIe 5.0 SSD won’t automatically work with every laptop or desktop. First check which M.2 slot, PCIe generation or USB version your device supports.
  • Confusing speed with everyday benefits: an SSD rated at 14.000 MB/s is mainly useful with compatible hardware and large files. For everyday office work, you may notice less of a difference than the figures suggest.
  • Not having enough storage: a 1TB SSD can fill up quickly with modern games, 4K videos and photo libraries. If you regularly store large files, it’s worth considering 2TB or more.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Connection and compatibility

An internal M.2 SSD usually uses NVMe over PCIe. Check your motherboard or laptop manual to see:

  • whether it has an M.2 2280 slot;
  • whether the slot supports PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0;
  • how many PCIe lanes are available, such as x4;
  • whether a heatsink is needed or already fitted.

A PCIe 4.0 SSD can generally work in an older PCIe system, but its speed will be limited by the older interface. A PCIe 5.0 SSD, such as the Samsung 9100 PRO, requires a compatible PCIe 5.0 slot and adequate cooling.

For an external SSD, the USB port is especially important. A USB-C connection doesn’t automatically mean your device supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. The cable, port and controller all affect the transfer speed.

2. Capacity: 1TB, 2TB or 4TB?

Choosing between a 1TB SSD and a 2TB SSD depends on your files and how you use the drive:

  • 1TB: suitable for office work, study, photos and a modest games library.
  • 2TB: a practical choice for several games, video projects and long-term use without running out of space too quickly.
  • 4TB: worth considering for large media libraries, professional projects or a desktop you don’t want to spend much time clearing out.

Bear in mind that the available space will be lower than the stated capacity. The operating system and formatting use some of it. You’ll still need a separate backup for important files; an SSD isn’t a replacement for a backup system.

3. Speed, heat and durability

Sequential read and write speeds are useful for large files, but tell you less about opening individual documents or starting programmes. For a gaming SSD, load times, compatibility and heat are also important.

A fast PCIe 5.0 SSD can get hot during sustained use. Check that your desktop has adequate airflow and whether a heatsink is included. If you’re choosing an SSD for PS5, also check the size, maximum thickness and Sony’s official compatibility information. A heatsink may be necessary, but it mustn’t be too large for the expansion slot.

For external models, a sturdy enclosure, the right cable and protection against dust or splashes are all worth considering. A stated drop-resistance rating doesn’t guarantee protection against every impact. Handle the drive with care and safely eject it before unplugging the cable.

Our product recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Lexar NQ100 2TB 2.5 SATA III SSD

Lexar NQ100 2TB 2.5" SATA III SSD

Why it suits this profile: This 2TB SATA SSD is designed for desktops and laptops with a 2.5-inch SATA connection. According to the product information, it offers read speeds of up to 550 MB/s.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The SATA connection makes compatibility more straightforward than with NVMe models. However, check that your device has a spare 2.5-inch bay and a SATA cable.

Main benefit & highlights

2TB of storage, a 2.5-inch form factor and a SATA III interface for everyday files and programmes.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Samsung 9100 PRO PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD 2TB

Samsung 9100 PRO PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 SSD - 2TB

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this M.2 SSD supports PCIe 5.0 x4 and delivers read speeds of up to 14.700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 13.400 MB/s.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications make it clear that you’ll need a PCIe 5.0 motherboard and suitable cooling. That way, you won’t pay for speed your system can’t make use of.

Main benefit & highlights

2TB capacity, PCIe 5.0 x4, NVMe 2.0 and stated random write performance of up to 2.600K IOPS.

Suitable for: Specialist use & intensive users
Samsung 990 PRO NVMe Heatsink 2TB SSD

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe Heatsink 2TB - SSD

Why it suits this profile: This PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD has a built-in heatsink and is listed in the product information as suitable for PlayStation 5 and high-performance desktops.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The heatsink means you’re less likely to need to choose separate cooling. If you’re using it with a PS5, still check your console’s current size and installation requirements.

Main benefit & highlights

2TB of storage, PCIe 4.0 x4, stated speeds of up to 7.450/6.900 MB/s and a built-in heatsink.

Suitable for: Portable storage and USB-C users
Samsung Portable SSD T7 2TB USB Type-C

Samsung Portable SSD T7 2TB USB Type-C

Why it suits this profile: This compact external USB-C SSD is designed for use with Windows, macOS, Android devices, cameras and games consoles, among other devices.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The included USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables make it easier to connect to different devices. However, your device’s port determines the final speed.

Main benefit & highlights

2TB capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2, stated read and write speeds of up to 1.050 and 1.000 MB/s, plus AES-256 hardware encryption according to the product information.

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 always faster than a SATA SSD?

According to the stated interface and speed specifications, NVMe over PCIe can offer significantly higher sequential speeds than SATA. In practice, the difference depends on your computer, files and programmes. A SATA SSD may be a suitable upgrade for an older system.

How long does an SSD last?

Lifespan depends on factors such as write load, temperature and model. Check the stated TBW rating: Total Bytes Written indicates how much data can be written to the drive according to its specifications. Always back up your files, as an SSD can fail unexpectedly too.

How much storage do I need for gaming?

1TB may be enough for a modest games library. If you store several large games, updates and other files, a 2TB SSD gives you more room. If you have a PS5, also check that the model, heatsink and dimensions meet the console’s requirements.