Joybuy Insights

Buying an SSD: choosing the right interface, capacity and cooling

Anyone looking to buy an SSD will find internal NVMe drives, SATA models and portable external SSDs with widely varying performance specifications. However, high MB/s figures alone do not determine whether a drive is suitable for a PC, laptop, PlayStation 5 or smartphone. The most important buying decisions concern interface, form factor, storage capacity and heat generation.

Common pitfalls when buying an SSD

1. Advertised speed does not automatically equal real-world performance

Manufacturers usually quote sequential maximum speeds under ideal conditions. When starting programmes or games, access times, random read and write operations, and the specific system configuration also play a role. A PCIe 5.0 SSD can also only operate at the available generation when installed on a PCIe 4.0 motherboard.

2. M.2 does not always mean NVMe

The term M.2 SSD initially describes only the compact form factor. Depending on the model, M.2 drives may use SATA or PCIe connectivity. Before buying, check the computer or laptop manual for the slot, protocol and supported PCIe generation.

3. Cooling and installation are often underestimated

Fast NVMe models can become warm during extended file transfers, video exports or lengthy gaming sessions. If there is no suitable heatsink or airflow inside the case is poor, the speed may temporarily drop. The PS5 also has specific requirements regarding the height and cooling of the M.2 drive.

The most important selection criteria

Interface and form factor

For new desktop PCs and many laptops, an internal SSD in the M.2 2280 format with the NVMe protocol is a popular choice. The PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x4 designation describes the connection. PCIe 4.0 already offers high transfer rates and is sufficient for many gaming and productivity applications. PCIe 5.0 is mainly worthwhile if the motherboard, processor and cooling system support this interface and you regularly process large volumes of data.

Older computers with a 2.5-inch drive bay generally require a SATA SSD. SATA 6 Gb/s is slower than NVMe, but can still be a suitable upgrade when replacing a hard drive. Also check whether a SATA data cable and power connection are available.

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

  • 1 TB SSD: Suitable for the operating system, applications and a manageable games library.
  • 2 TB SSD: Practical for PC gaming, larger media libraries and several current games.
  • 4 TB SSD: A sensible choice for video editors, extensive project archives or users who frequently store large files locally.

A drive should not be kept permanently full down to the last available gigabyte. The operating system and controller need free space for management processes. If you install lots of 4K video files or large games, choosing 2 TB or 4 TB is generally more predictable than working with a tightly budgeted 1 TB SSD.

Speed, durability and cooling

Do not compare sequential figures alone. Also look out for:

  • TBW: Indicates the amount of write data specified by the manufacturer. This is a technical benchmark, not a guarantee of a particular service life.
  • IOPS: Describes the number of possible input/output operations and is particularly relevant when handling many small files.
  • DRAM or HMB: Depending on the model, a DRAM cache or Host Memory Buffer can support data management.
  • Heatsink: With a fast SSD for gaming, video editing or sustained workloads, an integrated or separately installed heatsink may be useful.
  • Firmware software: Manufacturer software can display health data and enable firmware updates.

With an external solution, the combination of drive, USB connection and cable must also be suitable. A portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 only reaches its advertised figures when the device it is connected to supports the same standard. It will generally continue to work with slower USB connections, but at reduced speed.

Our picks for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
KIOXIA EXCERIA SATA SSD 960GB

KIOXIA EXCERIA SATA SSD 960GB

Why this product suits the profile: This 2.5-inch SATA drive is suitable for older desktop PCs and notebooks with a SATA connection. It offers 960 GB of capacity and does not require a modern M.2 NVMe platform.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The SATA interface makes compatibility easier to check. The stated speeds of up to 555 MB/s read and 540 MB/s write belong to the SATA class and should not be equated with NVMe figures.

Key benefit & strengths

2.5-inch form factor, SATA 6 Gb/s and 960 GB storage capacity; according to the product specifications, with 3D flash and management software.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD with heatsink, 2TB

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD with heatsink, 2 TB

Why this product suits the profile: This PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive is aimed at PC gamers, content creators and users who prefer an integrated cooling solution.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The integrated heatsink reduces reliance on a separately purchased M.2 cooler. Before installation, you should still check the slot, height and device compatibility.

Key benefit & strengths

PCIe 4.0 x4, M.2 2280, 2 TB and, according to the product specifications, up to 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write.

Suitable for: Special applications & heavy users
Lexar NM790 4TB SSD

Lexar NM790 4 TB PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD

Why this product suits the profile: 4 TB is ideal for extensive games libraries, local video projects and professional files when you want to avoid frequently moving data to external storage.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The large capacity helps prevent storage from filling up too quickly with large projects. For the PS5, a compatible heatsink must be used and console compatibility must be checked.

Key benefit & strengths

4 TB, M.2 2280, PCIe Gen4x4 and, according to the product specifications, up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,500 MB/s write.

Suitable for: Mobile content creators
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD

Crucial X10 1 TB Portable SSD

Why this product suits the profile: This external SSD is designed for mobile use with PC, Mac, Android, iPad and Linux, making it suitable for large video files and project folders.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The IP65 rating and drop resistance of up to 2 metres provide clearly defined protection parameters. For full USB performance, both the connection and cable must support USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2.

Key benefit & strengths

1 TB, up to 2,100 MB/s read and 2,000 MB/s write, plus AES hardware encryption according to the product specifications.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Installation and operation without the usual mistakes

  1. Check compatibility: Check the motherboard or laptop manual for the M.2 key, length, PCIe generation and supported capacity.
  2. Back up your data: Create a complete backup before replacing the drive.
  3. Disconnect the power: Switch off the PC, unplug the mains cable and discharge any static electricity.
  4. Install the cooling: For a drive without an integrated heatsink, follow the requirements of the motherboard or PS5.
  5. Initialise the drive: In Windows, the SSD can be partitioned and formatted through Disk Management. For system-level use, GPT is generally the appropriate partition structure.
  6. Check the firmware: The manufacturer's management software can provide information about the drive's condition and available updates.

FAQ about buying an SSD

How much storage should an SSD have?

For a general-purpose system, a 1 TB SSD is often sufficient. If you store several large games, photos or videos, you should plan for a 2 TB SSD. For extensive video editing or large local archives, a 4 TB SSD may be the more suitable choice.

Which SSD is suitable for the PS5?

A PS5 requires a compatible internal M.2 NVMe drive. PCIe support, the correct height, sufficient read speed and a suitable heatsink are all essential. Before buying, compare the console's latest requirements with the drive's product specifications.

How long does an SSD last?

Service life depends on the volume of data written, temperature, power supply and usage. The stated TBW value serves as a technical comparison figure. Regardless, important data should be backed up regularly to a second storage medium.