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Geeky Gadgets
5 days ago
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
INSTANT Mac Speed Boost: Your Guide to the BEST External SSDs!
External SSDs are a practical solution for Mac users seeking to address the limitations of Apple's internal storage. Whether you require additional space, faster performance, or seamless cross-platform compatibility, external SSDs provide a versatile and cost-effective alternative. The video below from Kyle Erickson explores the essentials, including SSD types, file systems, connectivity standards, and practical advice, allowing you to make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs. Why External SSDs Are Essential for Mac Users Apple's Macs are celebrated for their sleek design and robust performance, but their internal storage options often leave users wanting more. Many modern Macs feature non-replaceable internal drives, making upgrades impossible and repairs costly. If your internal drive fails, your entire system could be compromised. External SSDs offer a practical and affordable solution, allowing you to expand storage, safeguard critical data, and even enhance your Mac's overall performance. By offloading demanding tasks to an external SSD, you can reduce wear on your internal drive and extend your Mac's lifespan. Key Benefits of External SSDs External SSDs provide numerous advantages for Mac users, making them a valuable addition to your setup: Cost-Effective: External SSDs are significantly more affordable than upgrading internal storage, offering high-speed performance without the premium price tag. External SSDs are significantly more affordable than upgrading internal storage, offering high-speed performance without the premium price tag. Extended Lifespan: Offloading data-intensive tasks to an external drive reduces strain on your Mac's internal storage, potentially prolonging its operational life. Offloading data-intensive tasks to an external drive reduces strain on your Mac's internal storage, potentially prolonging its operational life. Flexibility: These drives enable seamless data backups, file transfers between devices, and cross-platform compatibility, making them ideal for both personal and professional use. These drives enable seamless data backups, file transfers between devices, and cross-platform compatibility, making them ideal for both personal and professional use. Enhanced Performance: External SSDs deliver the speed and reliability needed for demanding workflows, such as video editing, gaming, and software development, making sure smooth and efficient operations. Types of External SSDs Selecting the right external SSD depends on your specific requirements. Here are the primary types available: Portable SSDs: Compact and lightweight, portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 and Crucial X9 Pro are designed for everyday use. They offer solid performance, durability, and often feature aluminum construction for effective heat dissipation. Compact and lightweight, portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 and Crucial X9 Pro are designed for everyday use. They offer solid performance, durability, and often feature aluminum construction for effective heat dissipation. NVMe Enclosures: For users seeking higher performance, NVMe enclosures allow you to pair an internal NVMe SSD with an external case. This setup provides faster speeds and the flexibility to swap drives. However, ensure the enclosure uses a reliable chipset to avoid compatibility or power issues. For users seeking higher performance, NVMe enclosures allow you to pair an internal NVMe SSD with an external case. This setup provides faster speeds and the flexibility to swap drives. However, ensure the enclosure uses a reliable chipset to avoid compatibility or power issues. Specialized Enclosures: Designed for niche applications, these enclosures cater to specific workflows, such as direct recording for content creators. Options like the Haggabus are particularly useful for professionals working with iPhones and Macs. File System Options The file system you choose for your external SSD significantly impacts its performance and compatibility. Here are the two most common options: ExFAT: Compatible with both macOS and Windows, ExFAT is ideal for users who frequently switch between platforms. However, it lacks advanced features like journaling and encryption, which may be critical for some users. Compatible with both macOS and Windows, ExFAT is ideal for users who frequently switch between platforms. However, it lacks advanced features like journaling and encryption, which may be critical for some users. APFS: Optimized for Apple devices, APFS offers superior performance, encryption, and data recovery options. It is the preferred choice for Mac users prioritizing speed and security within the Apple ecosystem. Understanding Connectivity Standards The connectivity standard of your external SSD plays a crucial role in determining its speed and compatibility. Here's what you need to know: USB 3.2 Gen 2: This widely supported standard delivers speeds of up to 950 MB/s, making it suitable for general use and most portable SSDs. This widely supported standard delivers speeds of up to 950 MB/s, making it suitable for general use and most portable SSDs. Thunderbolt 3/4/5 and USB 4: These advanced standards offer significantly higher speeds, with Thunderbolt 5 reaching up to 6,000 MB/s. They are ideal for resource-intensive tasks like editing 6K video or running AI workflows. However, note that USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 drives lack native support on Macs and should be avoided. Top Recommendations for Drives and Enclosures Pairing a high-quality SSD with a reliable enclosure is essential for optimal performance. Here are some recommended options: NVMe Drives: Models like the Western Digital SN770, Samsung 980 Pro, and Samsung 990 Pro are known for their speed and reliability, making them excellent choices for demanding users. Models like the Western Digital SN770, Samsung 980 Pro, and Samsung 990 Pro are known for their speed and reliability, making them excellent choices for demanding users. Enclosures: The UG USB 4 and Aacasis Thunderbolt 5 enclosures stand out for their advanced chipsets, effective cooling solutions, and compatibility with high-performance drives. Use Cases and Potential Drawbacks External SSDs are versatile tools that excel in various scenarios, including: Handling large file transfers and real-time data processing. Reducing reliance on internal storage for resource-intensive tasks. Supporting workflows in video editing, gaming, and software development. However, they are not without limitations. External drives can increase battery consumption, and their portability may pose challenges for users who frequently travel. Additionally, some applications may not fully support external storage, so it is essential to verify compatibility with your specific software and hardware setup. Practical Tips for Using External SSDs To maximize the benefits of your external SSD, consider the following tips: Reformat your drive to APFS for optimal performance and compatibility within the Apple ecosystem. Ensure your chosen enclosure is compatible with your SSD to prevent performance bottlenecks or power issues. Evaluate factors such as durability, speed, and power consumption when selecting a drive or enclosure to meet your specific needs. Making the Most of External SSDs External SSDs offer a powerful and cost-effective way to enhance your Mac's storage and performance. By understanding the different types of SSDs, file systems, and connectivity standards, you can select the right solution for your needs. Whether you're a professional managing demanding workflows or a casual user seeking additional storage, external SSDs provide a reliable and efficient way to optimize your Mac experience. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on External SSDs for Mac. Source & Image Credit: Kyle Erickson Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
The best SSDs in 2025
If your computer is starting to feel a little sluggish, or you're tired of waiting for games and apps to load, upgrading to one of the best SSD options out there can be a game-changer. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are much faster than traditional hard drives, helping your system boot up in seconds, load large files instantly and make everyday tasks feel snappier. Whether you're upgrading a laptop, building a gaming PC or just want extra storage for work or creative projects, the right SSD can seriously improve with so many specs to consider — PCIe Gen 4, Gen 5, SATA, NVMe — it's easy to get lost in the jargon. That's where we come in! We've rounded up the best SSD options to help you find the right balance of speed, capacity and price, so you can get the upgrade you need without overpaying for features you won't use. I've either tested or personally use daily every SSD recommended on this list. Out of our top picks, I bought four with my own money after doing about a dozen hours of research. Separately, Engadget Senior Reporter Jeff Dunn has also tested a handful of our recommendations, including the Crucial X9 Pro listed above. The most affordable way to add fast storage space to a computer is with a 2.5-inch SATA drive. It's also one of the easiest if you don't want to worry about compatibility since almost every computer made in the last two decades will include a motherboard with Serial ATA connections. For that reason, the best SATA SSDs are an excellent choice if you want to extend the life of an older PC build. Installation is straightforward, too. Once you've secured the internal SSD in a drive cage, all you need to do is to connect it to your motherboard and power supply. The one downside of SATA drives is that, in terms of responsiveness, they're slower than their high-performance NVMe counterparts, with SATA III limiting data transfers to 600MB/s. But even the slowest SSD will be significantly faster than the best mechanical drives. And with high-capacity, 1TB SATA SSDs costing about $100, they're a good bulk-storage option. If your PC is newer, there's a good chance it includes space for one or more M.2 SSDs. The form factor represents your ticket to the fastest SSDs on the market, but the tricky part is navigating all the different standards and specs involved. M.2 drives can feature either a SATA or PCIe connection. SSDs with the latter are known as Non-Volatile Memory or NVMe drives and are significantly faster than their SATA counterparts, with Gen3 models offering sequential write speeds of up to 3,000MB/s. These drives rely on NVMe NAND technology for their superior performance and durability. You can get twice the performance with a Gen4 SSD, but you'll need a motherboard and processor that supports the standard. If you're running an AMD system, that means at least a Ryzen 3000 or 5000 CPU and an X570 or B550 motherboard. With Intel, meanwhile, you'll need at least an 11th or 12th Gen processor and a Z490, Z590 or Z690 motherboard. Keep in mind that Gen4 SSDs typically cost more than their Gen3 counterparts as well. More expensive still are the latest Gen5 models, which offer sequential read speeds of up to 16,000MB/s. However, even if your computer supports the standard, you're better off buying a more affordable Gen4 or Gen3 drive. At the moment, very few games and applications can take advantage of Gen3 NVMe speeds, let alone Gen4 and Gen5 speeds. What's more, Gen5 NVMe drives can run hot, which can lead to performance and longevity issues. Your money is better spent on other components, like upgrading your GPU, for now. As for why you would buy an M.2 SATA drive over a similarly specced 2.5-inch drive, it comes down to ease of installation. You add M.2 storage to your computer by installing the SSD directly onto the motherboard. That may sound intimidating, but in practice the process involves a single screw that you first remove to connect the drive to your computer and then retighten to secure the SSD in place. As an added bonus, there aren't any wires involved, making cable management easier. Note that you can install a SATA M.2 SSD into an M.2 slot with a PCIe connection, but you can't insert an NVMe M.2 SSD into a M.2 slot with a SATA connection. Unless you want to continue using an old M.2 drive, there's little reason to take advantage of that feature. Speaking of backward compatibility, it's also possible to use a Gen4 drive through a PCIe 3 connection, but you won't get any of the speed benefits of the faster NVMe. One last thing to consider is that M.2 drives come in different physical sizes. From shortest to longest, the common options are 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110. (The first two numbers represent width in millimeters and the latter denote the length.) For the most part, you don't have to worry about that since 2280 is the default for many motherboards and manufacturers. Some boards can accommodate more than one size of NVMe SSD thanks to multiple standoffs. That said, check your computer's documentation before buying a drive to ensure you're picking up a compatible size. If you're buying a replacement SSD for the Steam Deck or Steam Deck OLED, things are less complicated. For Valve's handheld, you will need a 2230 size NVMe. Simple. If you don't want to open your Steam Deck, it's also possible to expand its storage by installing a microSD card. Engadget has a separate guide dedicated to SD card storage, so check that out for additional buying advice. I alluded to this earlier, but the best buying advice I can offer is don't get too caught up about being on the bleeding edge of storage tech. The sequential read and write speeds you see manufacturers list on their drives are theoretical and real-world performance benchmark tests vary less than you think. If your budget forces you to choose between a 1TB Gen3 NVMe and a 512GB Gen4 model, go for the higher-capacity one. From a practical standpoint, the worst thing you can do is buy a type of SSD that's too small for needs. Drives can slow dramatically as they approach capacity, and you will probably end up purchasing one with a larger storage capacity in the future. Portable SSDs are a somewhat different beast to their internal siblings. While read and write speeds are important, they are almost secondary to how an external drive connects to your PC. You won't get the most out of a model like the SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 without a USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2 connection. Even among newer PCs, that's something of a premium feature. For that reason, most people are best off buying a portable drive with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt connection. The former offers transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps. The best external hard drives also allow you to transfer data from your Windows PC to a Mac, or other device, if compatible. Be sure to consider this beforehand if you plan to use your portable drive across multiple devices. Additionally, if you plan to take your drive on trips and commutes, it's worthwhile to buy a model with IP-certified water and dust proofing. Some companies like Samsung offer rugged versions of their most popular drives with a high endurance rating. For additional peace of mind, 256-bit AES hardware encryption will help prevent someone from accessing your data if you ever lose or misplace your external SSD. Some of the same features contribute to a great thumbstick drive. Our favorite picks for best budget external SSD models feature USB 3.0 connections and some form of hardware encryption. If PC gaming isn't your thing and you own an Xbox Series X|S or PS5, outfitting your fancy new console with the fastest possible storage is far more straightforward than doing the same on PC. With a Series X or Series S, your options are limited to options from Seagate and Western Digital. The former offers 512GB, 1TB and 2TB models, with the most affordable starting at a not-so-trivial $90. Western Digital's Expansion Cards are less expensive, with pricing starting at $80 for the 512GB model. The good news is that both options are frequently on sale. Your best bet is to set an alert for the model you want by using a price tracker like CamelCamelCamel. With Sony's PlayStation 5, upgrading the console's internal storage is slightly more involved. Instead of employing a proprietary solution, the PS5 uses NVMe storage. Thankfully, there aren't as many potential configurations as you would find on a PC. Engadget maintains a comprehensive guide to the best SSDs for PS5; in short, your best bet is a high-capacity Gen4 drive with a built-in heatsink. Check out that guide for a full list of gaming SSD recommendations, but for a quick go-to, consider the Corsair MP600 Pro LPX I recommend above. It meets all the memory specifications for Sony's latest console and you won't run into any clearance issues with the heatsink. Corsair offers 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 8TB versions of the drive. Expect to pay about $110 for the 1TB variant and about $200 for 2TB. For those still playing on a previous generation console, you can get slightly faster game load times from a PlayStation 4 by swapping the included hard drive to a 2.5-inch SSD, but going out of your way to do so probably isn't worth it at this point and you're better off saving your money for one of the new consoles. There is no one size fits all rule for SSDs, but we generally recommend getting at least a 1TB SSD if you're looking to upgrade PC or game console storage, or looking to add an external drive to your toolkit. A 1TB drive will be plenty for most people who need extra storage space for photos, documents and programs. If you're a hardcore gamer, you may want to invest in even more storage considering many high-profile titles today can take up a ton of space. The short answer is that it depends on what you need your drive for. In general, SSDs are faster and more efficient than HDDs, but HDDs are usually cheaper. We recommend springing for an SSD for most use cases today — upgrading a PC, saving important photos and documents, storing games long term, etc. But if you're focused on getting the most amount of extra space possible (and sticking to a budget), an HDD could be a good option for you. Getting a bigger SSD doesn't always translate into a faster drive overall. A bigger SSD will provide a higher storage capacity, which means more space for storing digital files and programs. To understand how fast an SSD will be, you'll want to look at its read/write speeds: read speeds measure how fast a drive can access information, while write speeds measure how fast the drive can save information. Most SSDs list their approximate read/write speeds in their specs, so be sure to check out those numbers before you make a purchase.
