A laptop without SSD? It’s just not acceptable, isn’t it? Although the HDD lot hasn't hit the history page already, our new laptop doesn’t feel new without a high-speed SSD in this era of rat-race. Everyone is searching for the best SSD for laptops. Even when we are not buying a new computer, most of us can’t sleep before upgrading the storage device with an SSD, or at least a hybrid SSHD.
Well, it’s obvious. Who wants to be left behind in a slow-motion movie when advanced technology is calling out with tons of opportunities. Today's professional applications demand a lot of speed. And even a high-end processor can’t reach its full potential if the data-processing capacity of the storage device doesn’t match its footstep.
But then arises another common problem of this age. So many choices! Ok, don’t freak out folks. It’s our job to seek out the best SSD for laptops. Yeah. your laptop needs it and all you need to do is to stay with us for a while. Now, before we start fishing out the best SSD for laptops that fit your requirement, let’s learn a short story on how it works.
Why SSD is Better Than HDD
Although some SSDs resemble the shape of HDDs to allow easy upgrade, they are far thinner than them. HDDs run on mechanical models of a stacked pile of disc-shaped spinning platters. A turntable-like arm with read-write heads presses down on the platter surface to access or put data physically in it. Therefore, HDDs are prone to slow down with time and fail after a while.
On the other hand, SSDs are expected to last longer before breaking down. But their main selling point is speed. Even the lowest-level SSD can perform at least three-four times quicker than the highest HDD models.
The advantages of SSD over HDD offers:
- Significantly reduced boot time
- Faster program loading (noticeable in heavy professional applications)
- Less hitching or static moments in video games
- Smooth workflow for photo-editing and video-editing jobs
- Quicker data-processing and file transfer
- Better multitasking
SSDs use NAND flash semiconductor technology (hence the label ‘solid-state’) of transistor chip arrays with other connectors similar to computer chips these days. While in operation, the chips represent 1 or 0 values respectively when they carry current or not. The current flow is managed by their arrangement style. Each column-row intersection forms a cell of two chips, one working as a control gate, and another as a floating gate.
The more chips stuffed on this board, the more capacity it holds. And the advancement in the semiconductor industry offers more powerful but cost-effective chips with smaller dimensions day-by-day, and gradually they are becoming better than the best SSD for laptops and for any high-end computing purpose.
Best SSD for Laptop
When you are buying an SSD for laptops, the most important thing to consider is what type of SSD your laptop supports before searching for one.
Best SSD for Laptop: Different Types:
Form factors aside, different SSDs are compatible with various hardware-software combos. Yet, the mainstream classification shows only two kinds of engineering. The older one is SATA 3 AHCI SSD and the advanced one is PCIe NVME SSD. AHCI and NVME interfaces are the controlling software (transfer protocols or languages) used by the respected storage units for communicating with the computer. They run on transfer interfaces (connection arrangement) like PCIe or SATA.
- SATA 3 SSD
SATA SSDs are set to the SATA bus interface, the same connector bus used by HDDs. Hence, these SSDs resemble the HDD shape but are thinner. SATA SSDs come in 7mm heights, whereas HDD sizes are 7mm and 15mm. Because of their price range and easy replacement for old HDDs, SATA SSDs are still popular in mainstream notebooks. These are the best SSD for laptops with standard sizes, especially for the old models and budget PCs.
Admittedly, it's the best SSD for laptops right now. Advanced NVME SSDs use higher bandwidth PCIe interface over outdated SATA technology, but they are relatively expensive and can be overkill for regular uses. Because you can only experience a significant performance variance (almost 7 times) between them while accessing large files or running hardware-demanding professional software like a photo or video editing. The time difference between SATA and NVME SSDs is just a few seconds in case of booting, light gaming, or day-to-day office works.
This form factor is the budding star in the mainstream market, due to its versatility with so many choices of PCIe 3.0, SATA 3.0, and USB 3.0 interfaces. Also, M.2 factors connect different sizes of devices varying through the key-socket compatibility. These RAM-shaped but smaller drives superseded the mSATA standard and are popularly known to connect the best SSDs for ultra-portable laptops and tablets.
The gum stick-sized M.2 modules can be installed directly to the motherboard without the need for connecting wires like traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. This is beneficial for using more than SSDs as in the case of desktop motherboards.
Among M.2 SATA SSDs, there are four variants of 22nm width. The last two digits mentioned in their name define the length. Longer SSDs pack more cells, hence offering higher capacity. But higher capacity can raise thermal-throttling issues if the chassis is too compact for heat-dissipation as in the case of slim laptops. And that can affect the stability and performance of the entire system. So, it’s important to know your device capacity perfectly before upgrading.
M.2 SATA SSDs of Different Lengths
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The performance level for all SATA interface SSDs are identical, but the diminished size without cable requirements over traditional form-factors are advantageous when you don’t need to pay a premium for them.
The real champion is the M.2 NVME SSDs using PCIe potential. Based on protocol, interface, and form-factor, these are the best SSDs for laptops, especially ultra-portable high-end notebooks.
But before installing an SSD storage in your m.2 socket you must know which key-styling is allowed in your motherboard. The keys decide which card-connector (male) can be inserted into the m.2 socket. The keys keep them perfectly fitted to the motherboard so that no awkward rattling can harm the connecting edge or make any weird noise inside.
All the M.2 SSDs are made to use among three common key styles of B, M, and B+M.
M.2 SATA SSDs use the B+M key, and they can also be inserted in B and M key sockets. Whereas, M.2 PCIe-NVMe SSDs run on M-key sockets.
- For NVME SSDs
High-velocity PCIe-NVME SSDs are always more expensive than traditional SATA drives. But the price also varies for different companies in their case. Because some NVME SSDs are somewhat confined in performance. And these are the tricky parts because that’s what makes them cheaper in some cases. Therefore, you must research a product description and feedback before purchasing one.
Also, you must learn about the compatibility of your mobo with a proper M.2 socket with PCIe super.
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