Whether you're a hardcore gamer, or video editor, or just want to speed up your daily computer use, upgrading to a fast solid-state drive is a wise investment. This guide examines 8 Best M.2 Solid-State Drives under $110 for enhancing performance. We'll look at specifications like storage capacity, read/write speeds, warranty lengths, and additional features to help you pick the right drive.
1. WD Blue SN570 1TB
This SSD from WD delivers fast NVMe performance at an affordable price point. The single-sided M2 2280 form factor saves space inside slim systems. Read speeds up to 3500MB/s allow for lightning quick file access. Its dynamic SLC caching ensures good sustained write speeds too. A 5-year warranty provides peace of mind for your stored files and applications.
Pros
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Fast read/write speeds up to 3500/3000 MB/s
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Compact M.2 form factor
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5-year warranty
Cons
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No included heatsink
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2. Crucial P2 1TB
As Crucial's mainstream option, the P2 offers robust NVMe speeds starting from just $72. Its efficient QLC flash provides great value without compromising too much on endurance. The included SSD toolbox software simplifies cloning and monitoring. Generous capacities to 2TB suit bulk storage needs. Five years of manufacturer support gives it strong longevity assurances.
Pros
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Excellent value for price
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Capacities up to 2TB
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5 year warranty
Cons
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Not the fastest option
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3. Crucial P3 1TB
A step up, the P3 boasts some of the fastest real world speeds in its class. Read benchmarks hit an impressive 3500MB/s maximum while writes maintain good performance too. Like all Crucial drives, it features sophisticated thermal and power management for reliability. At under $60, it strikes an ideal balance of value and raw NVMe power.
Pros
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Impressive 3500MB/s reads
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Excellent value at under $60
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Thermal management
Cons
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Not the latest PCIe 4.0 model
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4. XPG S40G 1TB
This SSD amps up your system with more than just speed - its multi-color RGB lighting strips sync effects to motherboard software. Sequential speeds max out at 3500/3000 MB/s which is no slouch. 5th gen 3D NAND flash cells preserve data for years of use. Limited 5 year warranty could offer more peace of mind however.
Pros
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Fast speeds up to 3500/3000MB/s
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RGB lighting
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Low power consumption
Cons
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Higher cost than other options
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5. SK hynix Gold P31 1TB
Though budget oriented, the Gold P31 holds its own against rivals with 3500MB/s sequential reads. Hynix's refined controller sips power, keeping laptops running strong. Its DRAM-less design maintains responsiveness without breaking the bank. Rigorous quality controls endow it with a reputation for reliability.
Pros
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Fast read speeds
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Low power for laptop use
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Competitive price
Cons
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Lacks AES 256-bit encryption
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6. Samsung 990 PRO 1TB
As one of the most reputable SSD makers, Samsung drives like the 990 are known for quality. This model stands out with zippy 7,450/6,900 MB/s speeds backed by 1GB of cache DRAM. The five year warranty remains class leading. Proven Samsung components give it an edge in sustained write endurance too.
Pros
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Samsung reliability
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Speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s
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5 year warranty
Cons
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High Price
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7. WD Black SN850X 1TB
As WD's flagship gaming model, the SN850X offers top dog performance. Its sustained 7300/6300MB/s speeds annihilate benchmarks. The optional heatsink keeps temperatures in check during endless raid sessions. Dash software controls snazzy RGB lighting and expertly monitors overall health.
Pros
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Extreme speeds up to 7300/6300MB/s
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Optional heatsink
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RGB lighting control
Cons
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Higher price than other options
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8. Crucial T500 1TB
The lightning fast T500 tears through work and play demanding tasks with ease. Its 7300/6800MB/s extreme speeds are enabled by the latest PCIe 4.0 interface. Native M2 2280 form factor retains seamless compatibility. Whether gaming or video editing, DirectStorage optimized access brings near instant load times.
Pros
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Extreme PCIe 4.0 speeds
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DirectStorage optimized
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Fast content creation
Cons
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High cost compared to others
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Note: In this article, we covered the Best M.2 Solid-State Drives under $100. However, prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest updated prices using the Amazon links provided.
Conclusion
Choosing the optimal SSD for your needs involves balancing factors such as intended usage, storage needs, budget and productivity goals. While entry-level choices like the Crucial P2 offer excellent value, step-up models in the P3 and SK Hynix P31 provide even greater speeds. Power users may prefer full-blown NVMe performance of the Samsung 990 PRO or Crucial T500, and gamers can’t lose with the lightning fast WD Black SN850X. No matter your choice, a quality SSD will vastly improve the responsiveness of your computing experience for years to come.
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