Upgrading to an SSD (Solid State Drive) is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your computer but with so many options out there, it can get confusing fast.
At Cranfield IT Solutions, I help clients pick the right SSD for their needs whether it’s for gaming, professional workloads, or simply making an older PC feel brand new again. Let’s break down the different types and what makes them so game-changing.
What Type of SSD Should You Choose?
🔹 2.5″ SATA SSDs – The most common upgrade for older computers. These connect via the SATA interface, replacing traditional hard drives. While they’re much faster than HDDs, they top out at around 500–550 MB/s due to SATA limitations. Ideal for basic upgrades.
🔹 NVMe M.2 SSDs – These plug directly into an M.2 slot on the motherboard, using the PCIe interface for lightning-fast speeds—anywhere from 3,500 MB/s to 7,000 MB/s or more. Perfect for gamers, video editors, and professionals needing maximum performance.
🔹 PCIe Add-in Card SSDs – These work like graphics cards, plugging into a PCIe slot for extreme speeds. Great for high-performance setups, but requires a spare slot on your motherboard.
🔹 External SSDs – Portable drives that connect via USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB 3.0, ideal for backups or transferring large files on the go. Thunderbolt SSDs can even match NVMe speeds!
Speed Matters! Here’s Why:
A slow hard drive can take ages to open files or launch programs. An SSD? It’s instant.
💨 Example:
⏳ Old HDD: 30+ seconds to open a large program
🚀 SATA SSD: 10 or less seconds
⚡ NVMe SSD: Just a couple of seconds
The higher the speed, the smoother everything feels whether you’re booting up your PC, gaming, or working with large files.
Understanding Flash Memory Types
SSDs use flash memory, but not all flash storage is created equal:
🔹 TLC (Triple-Level Cell) – Balanced option—good speed, durability, and cost. Most consumer SSDs use this.
🔹 MLC (Multi-Level Cell) – Faster and more durable than TLC, but more expensive. Used in high-end SSDs.
🔹 QLC (Quad-Level Cell) – Budget-friendly, but slower and shorter lifespan compared to TLC. Ideal for low-cost storage upgrades.
Why You Need an SSD Upgrade
✅ Massive Speed Boost – Even the slowest SSD is way faster than an HDD.
✅ Better Durability – No moving parts = shock-resistant & long-lasting.
✅ Lower Power Use – SSDs are more efficient, making them great for laptops.
✅ Quiet Operation – No spinning disks, just silent, high-speed storage.
Which SSD Should You Buy?
💰 On a budget? → 2.5″ SATA SSD—perfect for upgrading older machines.
🚀 Need top-tier speed? → NVMe M.2 SSD for high-performance computing.
📦 Portable storage? → External SSD with USB-C or Thunderbolt for easy backups.
Our Recommended SSD Brands
🏆 Samsung – Premium performance for high-end machines. Their 970 EVO Plus & 980 Pro are some of the fastest SSDs available.
💎 Kioxia – Great balance of speed & price—formerly Toshiba, solid reliability.
💰 Kingston – Affordable & dependable—ideal for older PCs needing an SSD boost.
🔹 Fanxiang – Budget-friendly SSDs. Not top-tier, but still faster than HDDs!
Final Thoughts—Ready to Upgrade?
Swapping out an old hard drive for the right SSD can completely transform your computer. Whether you want speed, storage, or affordability, there’s an SSD that fits your needs perfectly.
Need help choosing the right one? Get in touch, and let’s make your upgrade hassle-free!
📩 Email: matt@cranfielditsolutions.co.uk
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: 07854 650293
🚀 Let’s boost your computer’s performance today