The hard drive is the cornerstone that ensures the proper functioning of a computer. The market now offers a very specific model that improves computer performance: the SSD.
However, to make this possible, it's important to choose a model suited to your needs. The market is flooded with diverse and varied models, which can complicate the selection of an SSD that meets your requirements.
The SSD is a step above its predecessor, the HDD. It's designed to replace traditional hard drives. However, due to the variety of models available on the market, you might find it difficult to find one that suits your needs.
To make things easier for you, we've selected the best models on the market. The 1TB SSDs you'll find in our comparison have received positive reviews on Amazon.
After consulting our comparison, you will benefit from a buyer's guide in which we give you useful and practical advice for choosing the best 1TB SSD. But first, let's start at the beginning.
Comparison of the best 1TB SSD hard drives in 2020
Because the market offers a wide range of SSD options, we thoroughly examined numerous 1TB SSD models. Following our various tests, we selected the models with the best reviews on Amazon. Here is our selection.
1. Samsung SSD 860 EVO, 1TB Internal SATA III 2.5
Features and Reviews
Upon unboxing the Samsung Evo 1TB SSD, we quickly noticed that its construction was similar to that of previous models. Clad entirely in a black metal casing, this Samsung Evo 1TB SSD boasts a sleek design and weighs a mere 45g. It is therefore remarkably lightweight, as the market typically offers 1TB SSDs weighing around 52g.
Inside the box, you'll find a circuit board that integrates two memory chips, a controller, and a cache memory chip. Samsung offers fourth-generation V-NAND memory. With its 3D memory, the cells are stacked in 64 layers, rather than side-by-side. This feature allows for a 1TB SSD with a high storage capacity.
The two NAND chips integrated into the hard drive each have a capacity of 522 GB. For their management, Samsung has equipped its 1 TB SSD with a Samsung MJX controller. Furthermore, the lifespan of its SSDs is a key selling point for the brand. This is supported by its 5-year warranty, while the standard for mid-range products is 3 years.
Performance
Our opinion on the performance of the 860 EVO 1TB SSD is quite positive. However, the device doesn't really represent an improvement over the 850 Evo 1TB, as its performance is close to the limit imposed by the standard. In terms of read speeds, the 860 EVO SSD is a step above the Crucial MX500 and the SanDisk Ultra 3D 1TB. In write tests, these three products offer similar performance.
2. Crucial MX500 1TB
Features and Reviews
With the release of its new MX500 1TB model, Crucial positioned it in the high-end category. This model comes in two main form factors and did not disappoint us during our testing. On the contrary, the MX500 1TB displayed the same speed as its smaller sibling, the MX500 1TB.
This translates into its high-quality data transfer speeds. This characteristic is most noticeable when loading and using certain resource-intensive programs. These include, among others, HD video editing software, games, and office suites.
The importance of having an SSD installed in your computer is undeniable. In addition to offering ultra-fast transfer speeds, it provides ample storage space to back up not only your operating system but also your favorite software. The days when early hard drives offered only 40GB of storage are long gone. With this internal SSD, you'll no longer need to carry an external hard drive everywhere. Its capacity is more than enough to get everything done quickly.
Increased speed for better value for money
By purchasing this SSD, you'll benefit from an ultra-fast computer. In addition to helping you transfer your files at lightning speed, the 1TB Crucial MX500 promises accelerated read and write speeds. The device uses high-speed flash memory cells.
The device is designed with cutting-edge technology, which significantly optimizes its efficiency. As a result, the Crucial MX500 SSD consumes minimal power and offers excellent value for money. The 1TB Crucial MX500 SSD provides a quiet, fast, and energy-efficient product.
Performance
If you're looking for the performance of a 1TB internal hard drive that will ensure fast and secure backups of your photos, music, and videos, look no further: the MX 500 SSD is for you. This device benefits from the latest generation of 3D NAND technology and has undergone thousands of hours of rigorous validation and qualification testing. Its reliability and advanced features have made it a renowned SSD in Crucial's MX series.
Many people are hesitant to open their computer and transfer data. This isn't a problem if you find this operation difficult, as the MX500 1TB SSD comes with a setup guide that details all the installation steps.
3. Western Digital WD Blue 1TB Internal SSD Hard Drive
Features and Reviews
The 1TB WD Blue Western Digital SSD is based on the SanDisk SSD technology. This product belongs to WD's second-generation product line. The drive features a 2.5" SATA plastic casing with some metal accents and weighs 58g. Its dual-material construction provides excellent weather resistance. Furthermore, the drive uses TLC memory, which can store up to 3 bits of data per memory cell, compared to two 2-bit cells for MLC and only one bit for SLC. This high density significantly reduces manufacturing costs. A Marvell 88SS1074 plated controller manages the various available memory chips. This controller supports four different channels, giving it versatility. This versatility is further explained by its ability to control TLC, 2D MLC, or 3D memory.
Increasingly user-friendly writing speed
The WD Blue 1TB SSD from Western Digital features an SLC cache system. This is a characteristic of SSDs equipped with TLC memory. The cache system is indeed effective at accelerating write operations. It behaves as if it were using SLC memory. Because of the reduction in latency and the number of checks, the hard drive's throughput increases considerably.
The cache offers a capacity of 12 GB. Therefore, write tasks will be accelerated if the file set is not larger than 12 GB.
Performance
Regarding the performance of the 1TB WD Blue, our opinion is very positive. We were pleased to learn that the device offers sequential read speeds of 500 MB/s and sequential write speeds of 476 MB/s. These results are quite similar to those offered by the Crucial MX300 1TB or the Samsung 850 Evo 1TB. The device achieves a respectable read speed of 454 MB/s in manual copy mode. Under these conditions, it reaches a write speed of 273 MB/s.
In manual copying, we achieved a very good 454 MB/s read and 273 MB/s write speeds. Our test involved copying a file of approximately 30 gigabytes, which saturated the SLC cache. With the cache active, the actual throughput was around 400 MB/s, but after copying 12 GB, the throughput dropped to around 200 MB/s. This is still a fairly decent speed, as some competing models can fall below 80 MB/s under the same conditions.
4. Samsung Internal SSD 860 QVO 2.5 SATA
Features and Reviews
This 1TB 860 QVO SSD is a 2.5-inch model from Samsung. Made entirely in Korea, its model number is MZ-76Q1T0BW. Installation is quite simple, and an installation guide is included for those with no prior experience. In addition to its 2.5-inch form factor, the SSD measures 10 cm long, 7 cm wide, and 0.7 cm thick. Even though the 1TB 860 QVO is an entry-level model, it boasts excellent build quality.
Furthermore, the Samsung 860 QVO supports QLC "Quad Level Cell" NAND Flash. More specifically, it uses 1 gigabyte 4-bit 3D MLC V-NAND. Available at a lower cost, this flash memory theoretically allows for the deployment of high-capacity SSDs, up to 1 TB, at an affordable price. However, this comes at the cost of basic performance compared to the TLC and MLC available in the PRO and EVO series. The device features a memory controller and a SATA 6Gb/s interface with 256-bit AED encryption.
Price, warranty and availability
The warranty for this 860 QVO SSD is 3 years. This is rather unfortunate, as most competitors offer a 5-year warranty. While the product is commercially available in a 1TB capacity, you can also find SSDs with capacities of 2TB and 4TB. The model we tested is available for €150.
However, you should expect to pay €300 for the 2TB and €575 for the 4TB versions. The price of the Samsung 860 QVO 1TB is relatively similar to that of the Samsung 860 EVO 1TB, available for €140 with TLC NAND flash. The latter, of course, is in the higher price range and offers a 5-year warranty. As you can see, the price-performance ratio of the Samsung 860 QVO 1TB is not as excellent as that of the 860 EVO 1TB.
Performance
Samsung advertises read speeds of 550 MB/s and sequential write speeds of 520 MB/s with the cache active. However, according to user reviews, the device achieved CrystalDiskMark transfer rates of 560 MB/s read and 525 MB/s write. Nevertheless, this SSD does not offer the same performance when transferring large files compared to the Samsung 860 EVO.
Furthermore, the hard drive offers enhanced compatibility with Samsung Magician 28MB software. It will also be compatible with Samsung Data Migration Software 37MB. You can download these different software programs from the manufacturer's website.
5. Sandisk Extreme SSD 1TB (External SSD)
Features and Reviews
To store your data or securely transfer your most important computer documents to another storage device, this product will be your best ally. The brand offers its Extreme S TB SSD for professional photographers and anyone looking to improve their computer's performance.
Known for its reliability, this SSD will be invaluable if you need to work on professional tasks. With read and write speeds of up to 550 MB/s, you'll save a significant amount of time during data transfers.
In terms of design, this SSD boasts an aluminum casing perfectly suited for weather resistance. That said, it's completely waterproof and impervious to water and dust. Meeting the IP55 standard, this device will remain safe even if dropped from a height of 2 meters.
Furthermore, this 1TB SanDisk Extreme SSD offers a completely secure experience. It features 256-bit AES encryption and is extremely robust. In addition, the 1TB SSD includes a handy carabiner for attaching it to various supports, such as a backpack or belt. This feature makes it a practical product that you can take with you everywhere.
Design and design
The SanDisk Extreme isn't as compact as its competitors, such as the Samsung T5 SSD. At 8.85 mm, this model is quite thin. Its size allows you to slip it comfortably into the back of your pocket. Furthermore, its small footprint (50 x 96.2 mm) makes it significantly smaller than most recent smartphones.
Perfectly suited for users likely to use the device outdoors, this SanDisk drive features a rubberized casing and an orange plastic loop in the upper right corner that can be used to securely attach it to an item. While its edges are smooth, the top and bottom surfaces are textured, making the drive easier to handle.
Hardware and performance
The Sandisk Extreme external SSD has a USB 3.1 port. This port is best used with the included Type-C to Type-C cable, which will allow it to achieve speeds of up to 550 MB/s.
The hard drive includes a copy of SanDisk's Secure Access 3.02 software, allowing you to create a password-protected folder or a private space accessible only to you by entering a password. The system offers 128-bit AES encryption.
The brand states that it uses BiCS Flash developed by Western Digital (WD) and Toshiba, likely the 64-layer version, not the 96-layer version. Thanks to the three-dimensional nature of BiCS Flash, the SanDisk Extreme SSD 1TB will offer the potential to boost computer performance.
What does 1 TB mean?
First, you should know that the byte is the unit of measurement for a computer's storage capacity. The term "TB" is used to refer to the terabyte. 1 TB is equivalent to 1000 GB (Gigabytes). To put it more simply, 1 TB is equivalent to 8 smartphones with a storage capacity of 128 GB each, or 4 computers with 256 GB of storage each.
Although the terabyte is the most widely used unit of measurement for computer storage capacity, the megabyte and gigabyte have long been established in the market. What can you actually store with 1 TB?
Indeed, getting an idea of the number of documents, photos, and 4K videos that can be stored in a terabyte isn't easy. But after our numerous tests, we determined that it was possible to store more than 250,000 photos captured with a 12 MP camera.
This storage capacity will also allow you to save up to 500 hours of HD video or 250 movies. As for documents, the limit is 6.5 million, whether in Office or PDF format. This number is equivalent to 1,300 filing cabinets of hard paper.
What is an SSD hard drive?
If you want to understand what an SSD actually is, you'll find it easier to choose better equipment to optimize your computer's performance. In SSD, "SSD" stands for Solid-State Drive.
An SSD is different from a traditional hard drive. However, in appearance, it could be mistaken for a traditional hard drive, except that it is thinner. Like traditional hard drives, SSDs have mounting screws at their ends.
The difference between an SSD and a traditional hard drive lies in the technology used. A traditional hard drive consists of several platters. Each platter has a read/write head that handles reading and writing data, processing it at lightning speed.
In contrast, SSDs don't use traditional disks; instead, they use flash memory, similar to that used in SD cards. In real time and in a single section, this flash memory reads and writes data to and from an SSD. This feature makes SSDs significantly faster than traditional hard drives.
How does an SSD hard drive work?
In general, an SSD uses a controller and memory cells to store data. The controller acts as an intermediary between the SSD and the host computer. It is thanks to this controller that reading and writing requests from the host computer are possible.
Thanks to the disk controller, the information stored on the hard drive will be preserved. It also performs numerous tasks such as error checking and management, and implements wear leveling to extend the lifespan of the memory cells. It's also worth noting that there are two types of SSDs on the market: external SSDs and internal SSDs.
Buying guide: how to choose the right 1TB SSD hard drive?
SSDs are fast and efficient, but that doesn't mean you should choose just any model. What you need to know is that manufacturers use various technologies to design high-end and standard models. Considering certain factors when choosing an SSD is essential. Among the criteria to consider are the form factor and type of SSD, storage capacity, and the read and write speeds offered.
SSD Hard Drive Types and Formats
Like HDDs, SSDs come in two main types: external and internal. An external SSD offers the advantage of a USB 3.0 port, enabling file transfers up to 10 times faster than 2.0 models. Another benefit of an external SSD is its ability to store data across multiple devices. Furthermore, external SSDs can be connected in two ways: via PCI for desktop towers or via SATA for laptops.
Compatibility
As we mentioned earlier, choosing an SSD isn't something to be done haphazardly. Whether you're looking for an external or internal drive, first make sure it's compatible with your computer's operating system. It's always important to check your computer's specifications to understand the available ports and slots. If your computer has an M.2 interface, you should consider the SSD's interface, whether SATA or NVMe. If you have a laptop with a 2.5" hard drive, a 2.5" SATA SSD is ideal.
Storage capacity
Storage capacity is also an important factor to consider when choosing an SSD. Just like traditional hard drives, SSDs also offer a certain amount of storage space.
Now, you can find models on the market with capacities up to 4TB, or 4000GB. In our comparison, we've selected the best 1TB SSDs of 2020. If you're looking for the best models in this category, you've come to the right place. Our selection will certainly save you time in choosing a suitable model.
However, it's important to note that your choice of storage capacity depends primarily on your intended use. If you're choosing a hard drive for storing movies, a 2TB capacity is best. However, 250GB will be more than enough for basic use.
Possible read/write speeds
When it comes to SSDs, throughput refers to the speed at which data is transferred. Manufacturers typically specify two types of speed: read speed and write speed. This speed depends on several factors, such as the type of connection the hard drive uses. This could be a PCI or SATA connection.
Internal SATA III drives offer speeds ranging from 450 to 600 MB/s for both reading and writing. In contrast, internal PCI SSDs offer speeds ranging from 600 to 1700 MB/s for writing and 1400 to 2500 MB/s for printing. Performance between SATA and PCI can be up to four times higher in a desktop computer.
The market also includes several other technologies, namely IOPS, which stands for Input/Output Operations Per Second. This measures the number of tasks the SSD can perform simultaneously. While MLC flash memory is highly recommended, it's also important to know that SLC NAND and TLC NAND flash memory also exist.
Some SSDs are also equipped with SMART and TRIM technologies. SMART anticipates potential errors and repairs possible disk failures. TRIM provides SSDs with information about unused data spaces, allowing for improved storage capacity while ensuring faster data access.
Which brand should I choose?
In the SSD market, there are reputable brands and others that are not. Among the best-known brands are SanDisk and Samsung. These brands are known for the performance and reliability of their devices. Every year, they continue to design new models to satisfy their most demanding customers.
However, you should know that just because a brand is less well-known doesn't mean its products are of lower quality. Considering the criteria listed below when choosing your SSD is important. This way, you'll be able to get an SSD perfectly suited to your needs.
Comparison of the best 1TB SSDs: conclusion
Choosing an SSD is not a decision to be taken lightly. In addition to considering the main technologies offered by the manufacturer, it's important to consider storage capacity. In this article, we've focused on SSDs with 1TB or 1TB of storage. The market is crowded with models, but we've selected the best products available on Amazon.
