The Best M.2 SSDs of 2024: Choose the Perfect Drive for Your Needs!
ZDNET Conducts Hands-On Testing and Stress/Performance Evaluations to Determine the Top M.2 SSDs
Top-rated M.2 SSDs of 2024 Expert analysis and reviews
🖥️ Are you looking to upgrade your PC’s storage and boost its performance? Look no further than M.2 SSDs! Solid-state drives are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disk drives, and M.2 SSDs offer even higher speeds and connectivity options. But with so many brands and options available, how do you choose the best M.2 SSD for your needs? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of M.2 SSDs, analyzing the top picks for 2024 and helping you understand what factors to consider when making your decision. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s get started!
The Need for Speed: Understanding M.2 SSDs
🔌 One significant difference between M.2 SSDs and traditional hard drives or regular SSDs is their connection method. While HDDs and regular SSDs connect using a SATA port, M.2 SSDs offer faster and more direct connectivity options through an M.2 port built into modern motherboards. Think of it as upgrading from a gravel road to a superhighway!
But here’s the catch – not all M.2 SSDs are created equal. They come in various capacities, speeds, and price points, catering to different user needs. So which one should you choose? Let’s find out!
Our Top Picks: The Crème de la Crème of M.2 SSDs
💡 After extensive research, testing, and considering customer reviews, we present to you our top recommended M.2 SSDs for 2024. Remember, your ideal SSD may vary based on your specific requirements, but these options are sure to impress!
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🏆 Crucial P2 1TB 3D M.2 SSD: Best M.2 SSD Overall
Pros: – 💲 Affordable price point – ⚡ Great performance – 🔐 High reliability
Cons: – ⏳ Not the fastest drive in its class
Features: – Interface: NVMe PCIe – Sequential read speeds: Up to 2400MB/s – Sequential write speeds: Up to 1900MB/s
🔍 Crucial P2 1TB 3D M.2 SSD is our top recommended pick due to its fantastic balance of affordability, performance, and reliability. While it may not be the absolute fastest drive on the market, it offers excellent value for the price and is perfect for most everyday users. With its 1TB capacity, it provides ample storage space for your needs. Trust us, with Crucial, you can’t go wrong!
📚 More Details: Find out more about Crucial P2 on Amazon and check out this in-depth review from Digital Trends!
🏃 Crucial T700 Series SSD: Best Fast M.2 SSD
Pros: – 🚀 Blazing fast – 💯 Option for version with or without heatsinks
Cons: – 💰 Expensive
Features: – Interface: NVMe PCIe – Sequential read speeds: Up to 12,400MB/s – Sequential write speeds: Up to 11,800MB/s
💥 For those who demand the need for speed, look no further than the Crucial T700 Series SSD. With mind-blowing performance, this drive ensures lightning-fast data transfers, perfect for gamers or professionals working with large files. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for this level of performance!
📚 More Details: Unleash the power of Crucial T700 by checking it out on Amazon, B&H Photo-Video, or at Best Buy. Don’t miss out on this beast of a drive!
🎮 WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X Gaming M.2 SSD: Best Gaming M.2 SSD
Pros: – ⚡ High performance – 🔒 Great reliability
Cons: – 💸 The price – 🌡️ Can get quite hot in use
Features: – Interface: PCIe Gen4x4 – Sequential read speeds: Up to 7300MB/s – Sequential write speeds: Up to 6350MB/s
🎮 Gamers, unite! The WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X Gaming M.2 SSD is the perfect companion for unleashing the full potential of your gaming PC. With high performance and exceptional reliability, this drive ensures you’re always in the game. Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature, as things can get steamy!
📚 More Details: Get your hands on the WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X Gaming M.2 SSD at Amazon and check out its availability at Samsung for an immersive gaming experience!
💪 Samsung 990 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD: Most Powerful M.2 SSD
Pros: – 🌟 The very best M.2 drive you can buy – 🛡️ Extreme reliability
Cons: – 💰 The price – 🌡️ Can get pretty hot in use
Features: – Interface: PCIe Gen4x4 – Sequential read speeds: Up to 7400MB/s – Sequential write speeds: Up to 6900MB/s
💥 When it comes to sheer power and uncompromising performance, the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD takes the crown. This drive is perfect for users who demand exceptional speed, reliability, and life expectancy from their SSD. Buckle up because this powerhouse drive is ready to revolutionize your computing experience!
📚 More Details: The Samsung 990 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD is available at Amazon. Don’t miss your chance to own the epitome of storage technology!
🔧 Satechi USB-C Aluminum Tool-Free Enclosure for M.2 PCIE NVME and SATA SSD: Best DIY M.2 SSD
Pros: – 🛠️ Build your own fast portable storage – 📦 Pick the drive and storage capacity you need – ♻️ Allows for easy drive upgrades or swaps – 🌡️ Excellent heat dissipation – 🔧 No tools needed for assembly
Cons: – ⚙️ Requires comfort with handling components
Features: – Tool-free Enclosure for M.2 PCIE NVME and SATA SSD – NVMe supports PCIE Gen3x2 protocol with read & write speeds up to 10Gbps. SATA supports Gen3 protocol with read & write speeds up to 6Gbps – Supports both SATA and NVMe M.2 drives in sizes 2242/2260/2280 – macOS, Windows, and Linux support
🔨 If you love the idea of customizing your storage solution, the Satechi USB-C Aluminum Tool-Free Enclosure is perfect for you. This sleek enclosure allows you to build your own M.2 portable storage drive with the drive and capacity of your choice. Plus, it’s incredibly user-friendly and keeps your drive running cool. Take control of your storage destiny with this DIY option!
📚 More Details: Unleash your creativity with the Satechi DIY enclosure, available at Amazon. The possibilities are endless!
But Wait, There’s More!
🤔 If you still have questions about M.2 SSDs or want to explore alternative options, we’re here to help!
❓ Q&A
Q: How do I choose the right M.2 storage drive for me? A: The ideal M.2 SSD depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like performance requirements, budget, and desired storage capacity. Refer to our “What’s the Right M.2 Storage Drive for You?” section for detailed recommendations.
Q: Can I pronounce M.2 in different ways? A: In terms of pronunciation, “M.2” is typically pronounced “M-dot-two.” However, as long as people understand what you mean, feel free to pronounce it however you like! 🎙️
Q: Are M.2 drives available in different sizes? A: Absolutely! M.2 drives come in various sizes denoted by numbers like 2242, 2260, and 2280. The first two digits indicate the width (22mm is the standard), while the remaining numbers represent the length in millimeters. Make sure to check the compatibility of your motherboard or enclosure for size restrictions.
Q: What is an M.2 drive “key”? A: M.2 slots come in different “keyings” to prevent incorrect insertion. Older systems used a B key, while newer ones use an M key. Modern drives often have both M key or B+M, which fit into both types of slots.
Q: How do I install an M.2 drive? A: Insert the M.2 drive into the slot at a 30-degree angle from the motherboard, ensuring the contacts align correctly. Push it all the way in, then gently push it down flat and secure it with the motherboard’s retaining screw. Voila! You’re ready to rock the M.2 experience!
Q: Are there any alternative M.2 drives worth considering? A: If our top picks don’t meet your needs, you can explore alternative options like the Lexar Professional 2TB NM800 PRO or the TeamGroup MP44L 1TB. These drives offer their own unique features and may be a perfect fit for your requirements.
Our Selection Process: The Science Behind the Picks
🔍 Wondering how we chose these excellent M.2 SSDs? We subjected several drives to rigorous testing, including stress tests and performance evaluations using tools like CrystalDisk and AJA System Test. Additionally, we considered customer reviews to ascertain user satisfaction, giving us a thorough understanding of each drive’s performance, reliability, and overall quality. Rest assured, these drives have passed our expert scrutiny with flying colors!
🧾 References: – Digital Trends – Amazon – B&H Photo-Video – Best Buy
💻 Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of the best M.2 SSDs for 2024, it’s time to make your selection and elevate your storage game! Share this article with your friends and let them join in on the SSD revolution. 💪💾
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are approximate and subject to change.
Sources’Video’: 1. Crucial P2 1TB 3D M.2 SSD 2. Crucial T700 Series SSD 3. WD_BLACK 4TB SN850X Gaming M.2 SSD 4. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD 5. Satechi USB-C Aluminum Tool-Free Enclosure for M.2 PCIE NVME and SATA SSD
📢 Have you upgraded to an M.2 SSD? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
