The variety of M.2 NVMe SSDs can sometimes be overwhelming. To simplify your choice, I’ve selected for you the three best models for upgrading a laptop in December 2024. This comparison highlights the best value for money for upgrading your hard drive without compromise.
1. Crucial P3 Plus, the affordable M.2 SSD
Gen4 performance at an unbeatable price. The Crucial P3 Plus Gen4 NVMe SSD offers first-class performance with sequential read/write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. Designed by Micron using the latest NVMe Gen4 technology, the Crucial P3 Plus offers a variety of storage options and is backward-compatible with Gen3.
Highlights
- High read/write speeds
- TLC memory
- Affordable and often on special offer
Weak points
- Nothing
2. Seagate FireCuda 530, top-of-the-range for gamers and designers
With its exceptional performance and formidable endurance, the FireCuda 530 rethinks the concept of speed, taking full advantage of 4th-generation PCIe with transfer speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s (twice as fast as with 3rd-generation PCIe).
Highlights
- Very high flow rates
- Very good writing stamina
- 5-year warranty
Weak points
- Higher price than Crucial P3 Plus
3. Samsung 970 EVO Plus, Samsung quality in an SSD
Featuring the latest V-NAND memory technology and the Phoenix controller, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus offers fast read and write speeds, allowing you to load applications in a flash and transfer large files in an instant.
Highlights
- High read rates
- TLC memory
- Samsung quality
Weak points
- Throughput below the best
How do I install an NVMe hard disk?
As its name suggests, an M.2 SSD is installed on an M.2 connector, i.e. directly on your computer’s motherboard. All recent boards are equipped with this connector, and you only need to consult the manual to check that this port is present and compatible with the NVMe standard for optimum performance.
To install, simply locate the M.2 connector, remove the fixing screw and/or heatsink. Insert the disk into the connector and secure parallel to the board using the screw and/or heat sink.
The difference between NVMe M.2 and SATA SSDs
SATA SSDs are an attractive entry-level option for those looking for a significant performance improvement over traditional hard disks. They are based on a standard SATA interface, widely compatible with motherboards, and offer remarkable data transfer speeds, far exceeding those of HDDs.
For those seeking the ultimate in performance, NVMe M.2 SSDs are the preferred choice. By exploiting the revolutionary NVMe interface, they significantly outperform SATA SSDs in terms of read and write speeds. This technology is particularly appreciated for resource-intensive tasks such as video editing, gaming and professional applications requiring ultra-fast data access.
