5 recommended built-in SSDs. Realize the effect by replacing the HDD. The operating speed is super comfortable even on an old PC!

I've come to hear the word SSD a lot. SSD is an abbreviation of "Solid State Drive" and plays the same role as HDD, but unlike HDD that magnetically records on a rotating disk, it uses flash memory as a storage medium, so it shocks at high speed. It is also an advantage that it is strong against.

Most thin notebook PCs these days use SSDs, but cost-oriented notebook PCs and desktop PCs may also use HDDs. Even if you are using a slightly older PC and are not satisfied with the operating speed, replacing the HDD with an SSD will make it much more comfortable. In addition, PS4 and PS4 Pro also have HDD as storage, but by replacing it with SSD, the time required to start the game and load the stage will be shortened.

Built-in SSD (Amazon)

There are three points to consider when choosing an SSD: "form factor," "capacity," and "type of flash memory."

The form factor is the shape, and the type of products built into the PC can be roughly divided into 2.5-inch SSDs, which are almost the same size as 2.5-inch HDDs, and bare board-type M.2 SSDs such as memory modules. .. If you want to replace the HDD of your laptop or desktop PC with an SSD, we recommend choosing a 2.5-inch SSD, and if you want to make your own new PC using the latest parts, we recommend choosing an M.2 SSD. The performance as SSD is much higher for PCI Express compatible M.2 SSD than SATA compatible 2.5 inch SSD, but even SATA compatible 2.5 inch SSD is sufficiently faster than HDD.

The larger the capacity, the more files can be stored, but the higher the price. The price of SSD is decreasing year by year, and it is now easy to buy 1TB class products. When replacing an HDD with an SSD, we recommend that you use at least twice the capacity of the original HDD.

There are several types of flash memory, and the amount of data that can be recorded in one memory cell differs depending on the type. 2bit data can be recorded in one memory cell, 3bit data can be recorded in MLC (3bit MLC), and 4bit data can be recorded in QLC (4bit MLC). Basically, the number of rewritable times and speed are in the order of MLC> TLC> QLC, and QLC is the most advantageous in terms of cost per bit. TLC is recommended for reliability, and QLC is recommended for price and capacity.

This time, we will introduce 5 products including SATA compatible 2.5 inch SSD that can be used as a replacement for old HDD-equipped PCs and PS4 / PS4 Pro, and PCI Express compatible M.2 SSD that is recommended when assembling a new PC.

Samsung 870 QVO

Achieves high cost performance with 2nd generation QLC 3D NAND

Samsung 870 QVO is a SATA compatible 2.5 inch SSD. Samsung SSDs are characterized by the fact that they develop all of the main parts of SSDs, such as flash memory, controllers, and DRAMs, and have a reputation for performance and reliability. Equipped with 2nd generation QLC 3D NAND as flash memory, it is attractive to realize a large capacity of 1TB / 2TB / 4TB / 8TB.

With a maximum read speed of 560MB / s and a maximum write speed of 530MB / s, it boasts top-class performance as a SATA-compatible SSD, and also has Intelligent Turbo Write that realizes high-speed writing by using a part of the flash memory as an SLC. I am. It is also convenient to be able to download the data migration software "Samsung Data Migration 4.0" for free from the official website.

The selling price of the 1TB model on Amazon is about 10,000 yen.

Samsung 870 QVO (Amazon)

SanDisk SSD Ultra 3D

Highly reliable 2.5-inch SSD with TLC

SanDisk SSD Ultra 3D is a SATA compatible 2.5 inch SSD. TLC 3D NAND is used as the flash memory, and 5 models with capacities of 250GB / 500GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB are available.

The maximum read speed is 560MB / s and the maximum write speed is 530MB / s, achieving performance close to the limit of SATA 6Gbps. It also has nCache 2.0, which enables high-speed writing by using part of the flash memory as an SLC. A dedicated utility, the SanDisk SSD Dashboard, gives you real-time visibility into the current performance of your SSD.

The product warranty is as long as 5 years, so it is recommended for those who are particular about reliability. The selling price of the 1TB model on Amazon is about 12,000 yen.

SanDisk SSD Ultra 3D (Amazon)

Crucial MX500

2.5 inch SSD with TLC that has a good reputation for reliability

The Crucial MX500 is a SATA compatible 2.5 inch SSD that uses TLC 3D NAND as flash memory. Crucial is a consumer brand of memory maker Micron, and the MX500 also uses Micron flash memory.

Four models with capacities of 250GB / 500GB / 1TB / 2TB are available. The maximum read speed is 560MB / s and the maximum write speed is 510MB / s, which is the top class performance for SATA 6Gbps compatible SSD. With a 5-year warranty, reliability is also endorsed. By using the dedicated utility "Crucial Storage Executive", the main memory can be used as a cache for speeding up.

As it is SATA compatible, it is recommended for HDD replacement of old notebook PCs and PS4 / PS4 Pro. The selling price of the 1TB model on Amazon is about 12,000 yen.

Crucial MX500 (Amazon)

Samsung 980 PRO

Ultra-high-speed SSD that achieves read 7000MB / s

Samsung 980 PRO is an M.2 SSD that supports the latest PCI Express 4.0. It is a high-end product among Samsung's consumer SSDs, adopts Samsung's TLC 3D NAND, and is available in 4 models with capacities of 250GB / 500GB / 1TB / 2TB.

The appeal of this product is its high performance. The read speed is up to 7000MB / s and the write speed is up to 5000MB / s, which is more than 10 times faster than SATA compatible SSD. Although the price is a little high, it is recommended for high-end gamers and creators who are particular about performance.

High-speed M.2 SSDs generate a lot of heat, so we recommend using a heat sink for stable operation. A set with a heat sink is also available for the 500GB / 1TB / 2TB model.

The selling price of the 1TB model on Amazon is about 23,000 yen.

Samsung 980 PRO (Amazon)

Crucial P5 Plus

Ultra-high-speed SSD recommended for those who are going to build a PC

Crucial P5 Plus is an M.2 SSD that supports the latest PCI Express 4.0. The latest product announced in August 2021 uses Micron's TLC 3D NAND as flash memory. Three models with capacities of 500GB / 1TB / 2TB are available.

It is the highest-end product among Crucial brand SSDs, with a maximum read speed of 6600MB / s and a maximum write speed of 5000MB / s. The startup time of the OS and applications is also greatly reduced, and a very comfortable environment can be obtained. The warranty is as long as 5 years. This product is especially recommended for those who are thinking of collecting parts and building a PC. It is also attractive that you can use the application "Acronis True Image for Crucial" that can easily perform cloning and backup for free.

The selling price of the 1TB model on Amazon is about 22,000 yen.

Crucial P5 Plus (Amazon)

The products in the article are recommended by the Engadget Japanese team. Sales information is as of the time of writing the article, and prices and inventory status are constantly changing.

Built-in SSD (Amazon)