SSD storage

This category covers SSDs for desktop PCs, laptops, servers and workstations, in M.2, 2.5-inch SATA and U.2 formats. Our range includes over 3000 products, with drives from HP Enterprise, Lenovo, Transcend, Samsung, SanDisk and ADATA among others.

They suit anyone speeding up an older computer, building a new one or upgrading a server.

How to choose an SSD

Form factor and connection. Start by checking what your device supports: an M.2 slot or a 2.5-inch bay with a SATA connector. Most drives in our range are M.2 or 2.5-inch, and there are also U.2 and mSATA models for specialist equipment. An M.2 slot may accept SATA drives, NVMe drives or both, so read the motherboard or laptop specification first.

NVMe or SATA. The SATA III interface is limited to roughly 600 MB/s, while NVMe drives use PCI Express and are much faster. We stock PCIe 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 models. A PCIe 5.0 drive only pays off if your platform supports it, and for everyday use PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 is usually enough. Servers also use SAS drives.

Capacity. Our range includes 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB drives, and server models often come in 960 GB and 1.92 TB. For an operating system and programs, 512 GB is a sensible minimum, and 1 TB or more suits games and large files. Leave some space free, because a nearly full SSD slows down.

Intended use and endurance. Consumer drives are enough for home and office PCs. Server and workstation models are built for constant workloads, so look at the stated endurance (TBW or DWPD) and the operating temperature range. Most drives in our range work at 0 to 70 °C, though some have a narrower range.

Brands we carry

• HP Enterprise, Lenovo, Dell: server and workstation makers whose branded drives are intended for expanding or replacing storage in their own equipment.
• Samsung: makes its own memory chips and controllers, and is known for both consumer and professional NVMe drives.
• Transcend: specialises in memory products, including SSDs, memory cards and USB drives.
• SanDisk and Western Digital: well known for everyday SSDs and portable storage, and Western Digital also has separate gaming and NAS lines.
• ADATA: has the XPG gaming line with fast PCIe drives.
• Kioxia: the former Toshiba memory business, which produces flash memory itself.
• Crucial: the consumer memory brand of Micron, popular for straightforward upgrades.

Also in our range: Verbatim and Intenso drives. The category also has the subcategories External SSDs and SSD accessories.

SSD frequently asked questions

What is the difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs?

An NVMe drive connects through PCI Express and transfers data much faster than SATA III, which is limited to roughly 600 MB/s. In everyday tasks such as browsing or office work the difference is not always noticeable. It shows more when copying large files, editing video or loading games.

How much SSD capacity do I need?

For an operating system and programs 512 GB is enough, while 1 TB or 2 TB is better if you keep games or many large files. A 256 GB drive can serve a simple office computer. Always leave part of the capacity free so the drive stays fast.

How do I know if an M.2 SSD will fit my laptop?

Check that the laptop has an M.2 slot, which interface it supports (SATA or NVMe) and what drive length fits. The manufacturer's specification will give you this. If the slot only supports SATA, an NVMe model may not work.

Can I replace a hard drive with an SSD?

Yes. If you have a 2.5-inch bay, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD can go in place of the hard drive, and you can clone the system or install it fresh. Many newer laptops and desktops can use an M.2 drive instead. The result is faster start-up and quicker program loading.