As technology advances, Solid State Drives (SSDs) have become the standard for high-speed data storage, offering superior performance compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). In 2024, the market is flooded with a variety of SSDs, each boasting unique features and specifications.
In the modern-day market, the best SSD for 2024 stands out as the Samsung 990 Pro, which offers reliable performance for an NVMe SSD. Alternatively, Western Digital Black SN850X not only holds a brand reputation but also has the approval of various gamers around the globe to be the best SSD of 2024.
All of the SSDs are available on our Disk Price/GB tool, and you can view similar drives, and choose the one offering the most value for each dollar you spend.
Note: All Values are based on 1TB Variants
But these are not the only options to go with. 2024 is all about the NVMe SSDs, and the range of choices is endless. To enhance your shopping experience, we have compiled a list of 6 best SSDs of 2024 that won’t disappoint you in terms of performance and reliability. We will also share some buying advice so you can find the right SSD for your PC while considering the essential factors.
1. Samsung 990 Pro
Samsung has long been a leader in the SSD market, and the 990 Pro continues this tradition with remarkable performance and reliability. This NVMe SSD is designed for gamers, content creators, and professionals who require top-notch speed and efficiency. With the reliable brand name and approval of thousands of users, 990 Pro can easily be your top SSD to install on your PC in 2024, and that can last for years to come.
Samsung 990 Pro Features
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Seq. Read/Write Speeds | Up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s respectively |
| Random. Read/Write Speeds IOPS | 1.2M/1.55M |
| Capacity | 1TB, 2TB |
| Warranty (TBW) | 5 years or up to 600 TB |
Pros:
- Exceptional speed and performance
- Reliable and durable
- Advanced thermal control features
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
Ideal For: Gamers, content creators, and professionals seeking the best performance.
2. Western Digital Black SN850X
Western Digital’s Black SN850X is a powerhouse, offering blazing-fast speeds suitable for gaming and heavy-duty applications. It stands out with its impressive read/write speeds and sleek design. The SN850X has a better read and write speed than the SN850 and supports up to 8TB of storage per drive. Even though Western Digital is more reputed for making storage devices for NAS-based systems, this NVMe SSD is one of their highly recommended pieces of storage hardware for thousands of users.
WD Black SN850X Features
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Seq. Read/Write Speeds | Up to 7,300 MB/s and 6,300 MB/s respectively |
| Random. Read/Write Speeds IOPS | 0.8M/1.1M |
| Capacity | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Pros:
- Ultra-fast speeds
- Wide range of capacities
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Can get quite warm under heavy load
Ideal For: Gamers and users who need top-tier performance and capacity options.
3. Crucial P5 Plus
The Crucial P5 Plus is an excellent choice for those looking for a balance between performance and price. It offers competitive speeds and is suitable for a variety of applications, from gaming to professional use. The brand crucial P5 itself holds a reputation for gamers and content creators who are looking for reliable data exchange speeds without compromising on the budget.
Crucial P5 Plus Features
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Seq. Read/Write Speeds | Up to 6,600 MB/s and 5,000 MB/s respectively |
| Random. Read/Write Speeds IOPS | 0.72M Read/0.7M Write |
| Capacity | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Pros:
- Competitive Pricing
- Good performance
- Reliable and durable
Cons:
- Slightly lower speeds compared to top-tier models
Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who still want high performance.
4. Kingston KC3000
Kingston’s KC3000 is a high-performance NVMe SSD that delivers impressive speeds and comes with a heatsink to manage thermal performance. Kingston is yet another internationally recognized brand for making storage drives that have earned a reputation over the last decade. Their KC3000 is a great option for power users and gamers who are concerned about the rising temps. With a low-profile graphene aluminum heat spreader, you get seamless performance on a smaller footprint.
KC3000 Features
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Seq. Read/Write Speeds | Up to 7,000 MB/s and 6,000 MB/s respectively |
| Random. Read/Write Speeds IOPS | 0.45M Read/0.9M Write |
| Capacity | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Warranty (TBW) | 400TB |
Pros:
- High-speed performance
- Built-in heatsink
- Wide range of capacities
Cons:
- It can be expensive at higher capacities
Ideal For: Power users and gamers who need a reliable and fast SSD with good thermal management.
5. Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus
The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus is a strong contender in the SSD market, offering impressive speeds and a robust design. It’s a great choice for those who need fast storage for intensive applications to run simultaneously. In some cases, this SSD might cope with the speed of the processor to deliver high-speed data transfer. However, the biggest challenge with this SSD is finding low storage options in it.
Price of Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 1TB: $119.99
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus Features
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Seq. Read/Write Speeds | Up to 7,000 MB/s and 5,300 MB/s respectively |
| Random. Read/Write Speeds IOPS | 0.35M Read/0.7M Write |
| Capacity | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Warranty (TBW) | 700TB |
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Good value for the price
- High endurance
Cons:
- Limited availability in some regions
Ideal For: Users who require high-speed storage for intensive tasks at a reasonable price.
6. Seagate FireCuda 530
Seagate FireCuda is a rather unheard name for storage drive but it does hold no limitations when it comes to reliability and quality of performance. The Seagate FireCuda 530 is designed with gamers and creative professionals in mind, offering outstanding speeds and high endurance. It’s a top choice for those who need reliable and fast storage. However, it comes with an expensive price tag compared to the other NVMe SSDs.
Price of FireCuda 530 1TB: $145.55
Seagate FireCuda 530 Features
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe |
| Seq. Read/Write Speeds | Up to 7,300 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s respectively |
| Random. Read/Write Speeds IOPS | 0.4 |
| Capacity | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Warranty (TBW) | 640 TB |
Pros:
- Superior speed and performance
- High endurance rating
- Comprehensive warranty
Cons:
- Higher price tag
Ideal For: Gamers and professionals who need the fastest and most reliable storage.
How to Buy the Right SSD in 2024?
To help you buy the right SSD for your PC in 2024, here are some of the important factors that you should always consider.
1. Interface
The interface of an SSD significantly impacts its performance. The most common interfaces are SATA and NVMe. SATA SSDs are slower but more affordable, while NVMe SSDs offer superior speeds due to their PCIe connection. If speed is a priority, go for an NVMe SSD.
2. Read/Write Speeds
Read and write speeds determine how fast data can be read from or written to the SSD. Higher speeds mean faster performance, which is crucial for gaming, video editing, and other intensive applications. Look for SSDs with read speeds above 3,000 MB/s and write speeds above 2,500 MB/s for optimal performance.
Only Sequential speeds don’t matter, Random Read/Write speeds matter a lot as well, and shouldn’t be ignored.
3. Capacity
The storage capacity you need depends on your usage. For general use, a 500GB SSD might suffice, but for gaming, content creation, or professional use, consider 1TB or higher. Keep in mind that as capacity increases, so does the price.
4. Reliability and Warranty
SSDs have a limited number of write cycles, measured in Terabytes Written (TBW). Higher TBW ratings indicate better endurance. Additionally, check the warranty period; a longer warranty provides peace of mind and reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product. You can always check the SSD health over time to see if it still holds its capabilities.
5. Thermal Management
High-performance SSDs can generate significant heat, which can affect performance and longevity. Look for SSDs with built-in heatsinks or thermal control features to ensure stable performance under heavy loads.
6. Price
While it’s tempting to go for the highest-performing SSD, it’s important to balance performance with budget. Evaluate your needs and choose an SSD that offers the best value for your money without compromising on essential features.
FAQs
Are NVMe SSDs Faster Than the M.2 SSDs?
NVMe SSDs are the type of M.2 SSDs which are faster than the M.2 SATA drives.
What is the Average Lifespan of an SSD?
The average lifespan of an SSD is 5 years, after which the SSD health might begin to drop.
Conclusion
The SSDs listed above represent the best options available in 2024, each catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or professional, there’s an SSD that can enhance your system’s performance and reliability. By considering factors such as interface, read/write speeds, capacity, endurance, thermal management, and price, you can make an informed decision and invest in an SSD that meets your specific requirements.
