Review and rating of the TOP 14 best SSD M.2 drives in 2022. Expert advice on how to choose a reliable model

SSD M.2 - review and rating of models. Selection criteria, features, specifications, advantages and disadvantages of M.2 solid state drives.

M.2 drives appeared on the mass market relatively recently.

Such drives, having generally better performance compared to traditional SSDs, can be used for expansion or as main memory in many computers and laptops.

Due to the complexity and intricacy of the specifications, not all users are at risk of purchasing such products.

The review below is intended to rectify the situation.

Top 14 best SSD M.2 drives

Place	Model	Price
Best models for 250 GB
#1	Samsung 250 GB (MZ-V7S250BW)
#2	Samsung 250 GB (MZ-V7E250BW)
#3	Kingston 250 GB (SA2000M8/250G)
#4	Western Digital WD Green SATA 240 GB (WDS240G2G0B)
Best models for 500 GB
#1	Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500 GB (MZ-V7S500BW)
#2	Samsung 860 EVO 500 GB (MZ-N6E500BW)
#3	ADATA 512GB (XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB)
#4	Samsung 512 GB (MZ-V7P512BW)
Top 1000 GB Models
#1	Samsung 1000 GB (MZ-V7S1T0BW)
#2	Samsung 1000 GB (MZ-V7E1T0BW)
#3	Kingston 1000 GB (SA2000M8/1000G)
The best game models
#1	Patriot Memory Viper 512 GB (VPN100-512GM28H)
#2	Patriot Memory Viper 1024 GB (VPN100-1TBM28H)
#3	Kingston 240 GB (SA400M8/240G)

What is SSD M2 disk and its scope?

Stay up to date! An M.2 SSD is a compact solid-state drive in the form of a board without a case, comparable in size to a RAM bar.

The device can be used in most desktop computers with the appropriate connector and in M.2 compatible laptops.

What to look for when choosing?

The criteria for choosing such a device are due to a number of important factors:

Motherboard compatible.
M.2 drives come in different sizes, types, and with different keys.
This form factor is 2242, 2280, 2260. Standards are SATA 3, NVMe. And the keys are B, M, B+M.
Before buying, you should make sure that the motherboard supports the appropriate specifications.
Read/write speed.
Everything is simple here. The higher this set of parameters, the faster the computer or laptop will process information.
Memory size.
To install the operating system with a margin, a disk with a capacity of 120-256 GB is enough.
A drive of 500 GB or more can easily be the only drive in the system.
Memory type.
All memory chips vary in terms of quality and reliability.
The most common are TLC (inexpensive and less resource-intensive option) and MLC (with an impressive rewrite cycle, but costs about twice as much).

Pros and cons of SSD M.2 drives

Note! The advantages of the considered devices include the following:

speed - the sequential read or write parameter is many times better compared to conventional 2.5-inch SSDs;
compactness - the miniature dimensions of M.2 allow you to install them even in laptops that do not have space for standard SSDs;
low energy consumption - the indicator exceeds that of conventional SSDs;
no additional power - M.2 card does not require power or data cables, it just plugs into the slot.

Important! Among the disadvantages of such devices, it is worth noting:

not compatible with all computers / laptops;
overheating of components during long-term recording to disk;
the price is higher than that of analogs with SATA interface.

Best models for 250 GB

it relatively inexpensive, but with sufficient performance for everyday tasks of the model.

Rating of the best models for 250 GB according to customer reviews and ratings.

Samsung 250 GB (MZ-V7S250BW)

SSD storage is a budget solution for users who require the highest processing speed.

The Samsung 250 GB device (MZ-V7S250BW) complies with the 2280 form factor.

It is compact and light weight. This is an exceptionally reliable model, boasting a significant 150 TBW rated life to failure.

At the same time, the solid-state drive consumes an extremely small amount of electricity, the value of the indicator does not exceed 8 watts.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 250 GB;
flash memory - 3D V-NAND;
controller - Samsung Phoenix;
read / write - 3500 MB / s-2300 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22.15? 2.38? 80.15 mm.

Advantages

high speed;
work stability;
long warranty;
high build quality.

Flaws

lack of fasteners in the kit;
decent heating during operation;
without updating the firmware, you cannot install Mac OS.

Samsung 250 GB (MZ-V7E250BW)

A solid state drive provides the ability to take the performance of a laptop or desktop computer to the highest level.

The hardware of the Samsung 250 GB device (MZ-V7E250BW) speaks of its high quality and efficiency.

The controller is represented by the proprietary Phoenix model. The memory type is TLC, the interface is V-NAND. The drive has a 2280 form factor, which makes it small.

A significant amount of free memory allows you to install an operating system, various programs and games on the disk.

Connection to the system board is made via the PCI-E 3.0 x4 interface. The power consumption of the drive does not exceed 5.4 watts.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 250 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Samsung Phoenix;
read / write - 3400 MB / s-1500 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 2.38 × 80 mm.

Advantages

5 year warranty;
compact dimensions;
optimal disk size;
high read and write speeds.

Flaws

proprietary utility Samsung Magician is not the friendliest;
there is a need to install the NVMe driver when migrating Windows.

Kingston 250 GB (SA2000M8/250G)

An M.2 SSD is a great option for a laptop or computer that has high performance requirements.

The hardware part of the device is controlled by a productive controller SM2263ENG.

The Kingston 250 GB device (SA2000M8/250G) communicates with the motherboard via the PCI-E 3.0 x4 interface.

The speed and resource of the drive are impressive, the latter is 150 TBW.

Another advantage of the presented disk is a very low level of energy consumption - the value of the indicator does not exceed 1 watt.The SSD form factor is 2280.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 250 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Silicon Motion;
read / write - 2000 MB / s-1100 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 3.5 × 80 mm.

Advantages

reasonable price for a drive of this class;
brand with a worldwide reputation;
good read and write speed;
compactness.

Flaws

no fixing screw included;
lack of a cooling system;
heating during operation.

Western Digital WD Green SATA 240 GB (WDS240G2G0B)

The model has decent speed characteristics for solving any tasks assigned to a computer or laptop.

The Western Digital WD Green SATA 240 GB (WDS240G2G0B) is compatible with systems that mount M.2 drives with B, M.

Drive form factor - 2280. The device has a small size and low weight.

The drive can withstand an incredible 1500 G's for 0.5ms.

High MTBF, excellent sequential read and write speeds, and low power consumption make the device one of the most sought after in its niche.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 240 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Silicon Motion SM2256S;
read / write - 545 MB / s-465 MB / s;
resource - 1.0 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 1.5 × 80 mm.

Advantages

democratic price tag;
reliability;
easy installation in both PC and laptop;
handy utility SSD Dashboard from the manufacturer.

Flaws

heating when reading and writing large data arrays;
not the longest service life;
not the highest speeds.

Best models for 500 GB

500 GB drives can be used not only to install the operating system, but also to install large programsand storage of personal files.

The best ssd m2 drives 500 gb in terms of price and quality.

Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500 GB (MZ-V7S500BW)

SSD M.2 drive, having technical indicators of the most serious level, belongs to extra-class devices.

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500 GB (MZ-V7S500BW) is a 2280 form factor drive, which is why it will be useful to owners of a large part of the fleet of modern desktop computers.

Connection to a PC is via an M.2 connector, but NVMe support is required. Interface for data exchange - PCI-E 3.0 x4. The disk resource is estimated by the manufacturer at 300 TBW.

At the same time, the device consumes only 9 watts of electricity. The layout of the memory chips is made by one-sided mounting.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 500 GB;
flash memory - 3D V-NAND;
controller - Samsung Phoenix;
read / write - 3500 MB / s-3200 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22.15? 2.38? 80.15 mm.

Advantages

the highest read / write speed on tests;
convenient software from Samsung for transferring the system from a hard drive;
high build quality;
compact model.

Flaws

heating during operation;
high price.

Samsung 860 EVO 500 GB (MZ-N6E500BW)

The solid state drive is manufactured by Samsung, whose product excellence is a recognized fact.

The 2280 form factor model supports TRIM technology.

The disk resource of 860 EVO 500 GB (MZ-N6E500BW) reaches 300 TBW. The high level of reliability of the device is indicated by the one and a half million hours of operation to failure declared by the manufacturer.

The SSD withstands short-term overload (within 0.5 ms) up to an incredible 1500 G.

Another interesting feature of the device is its extremely low (2.4 W) power consumption.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 500 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Samsung MJX;
read / write - 550 MB / s-520 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 2.38 × 80 mm.

Advantages

small size compared to 2.5 inch drives;
it is possible to install a radiator;
good compatible with Mac OS;
ease of installation;
low power consumption.

Flaws

rather high price;
there are no accessories for mounting on the motherboard;
speed is not the best.

ADATA 512GB (XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB)

The ADATA 512 GB (XPG SX8200 Pro 512GB) is an innovative solid state memory device that delivers superior performance and speed.

This moment is due to the use of a high-speed PCI-e 3.0 x4 port, the introduction of a 3D volumetric structure into NAND memory, and the use of a modern SM2262EN controller.

The mentioned technologies speed up the work with files, the launch of the operating system, the opening of various programs.

SLC caching, built-in DRAM buffer, E2E data protection, LDPC ECC improve the reliability and stability of the device.

The layout of the memory chips is double-sided. Power consumption - 0.33 W.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 512 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Silicon Motion;
read / write - 3350 MB / s-2350 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 3.5 × 80 mm.

Advantages

long warranty period (5 years);
affordable cost;
excellent performance;
high speed.

Flaws

decent heating under load;
additional cooling may be required;
budget TLC, not 3D MLC memory.

Samsung 512 GB (MZ-V7P512BW)

Installing a solid state drive will transform even a very fast computer, since the model uses the PCI-E 3.0 x4 interface for data exchange at an incredibly high level of performance.

The Samsung 512 GB drive (MZ-V7P512BW) is designed to be installed in almost any desktop computer or laptop that supports NVMe technology.

The device has a 2280 form factor and uses an M slot key. The drive resource is 600 TBW.

The reliability of the model is also indicated by its MTBF of 1.5 million hours.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 512 GB;
flash memory - MLC 3D NAND;
controller - Samsung Phoenix;
read / write - 3500 MB / s-2300 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 2.38 × 80 mm.

Advantages

durability;
high read/write speed;
productive controller;
democratic price.

Flaws

heating components;
lack of a cooling radiator;
unfriendly software from Samsung to transfer the system disk.

Top 1000 GB Models

1TB models are significantly more expensive, but the acquisition of a single disk for all needs pays off with interest.

Samsung 1000 GB (MZ-V7S1T0BW)

Terabyte M.2 SSD is a premium device with speed capabilities that are an order of magnitude superior to those of competitors' solid-state drives.

For example, such a characteristic as the sequential read and write speed provided by the drive significantly exceeds the corresponding parameter of mass segment SSD drives.

In addition, the resource of the Samsung 1000 GB device (MZ-V7S1T0BW) declared by the manufacturer is a significant 600 TBW.

The high performance of the model determines the 9-watt power consumption.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 1.0 TB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Samsung Phoenix;
read / write - 3500 MB / s-3300 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22.15? 2.38? 80.15 mm.

Advantages

one of the fastest drives;
an impressive amount of memory;
good performance in standard scenarios;
5 year warranty;
suitable for games.

Flaws

additional cooling is required;
there is a drop in speed during heating;
high price.

Samsung 1000 GB (MZ-V7E1T0BW)

The drive belongs to ultra-class equipment, the performance level of the model is so high that for some users the figure may even seem redundant.

Data exchange with the motherboard is carried out via the PCI-E 3.0 x4 interface.

The Samsung 1000 GB Drive (MZ-V7E1T0BW) is compatible with modern laptops and desktops that support NVMe technology.

The form factor of the device is 2280. The board is made with one-sided mounting of memory chips.

This SSD can withstand 1500G overload for 0.5ms. Its maximum power consumption is 6W.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 1.0 TB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Samsung Phoenix;
read / write - 3400 MB / s-2500 MB / s;
resource - 1.5 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 2.38 × 80 mm.

Advantages

high read and write speed;
long warranty period;
large amount of memory;
reliability.

Flaws

impressive price tag;
lack of a cooling system;
high temperatures even under normal loads.

Kingston 1000 GB (SA2000M8/1000G)

A terabyte SSD-drive has unique speed characteristics and a volume sufficient to use the device as the only disk in the system.

The Kingston 1000 GB model (SA2000M8/1000G) follows the 2280 form factor. An impressive 1000 GB of memory allows you to use the disk as the main storage in the system.

Data exchange with the motherboard is carried out via the PCI-E 3.0 x4 interface. The controller used is SM2263ENG.

Of particular note is the huge resource of the device - the time to failure is an amazing 2 million hours.

At the same time, the power consumption of the drive is extremely small - the indicator does not exceed 1 W.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 1.0 TB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Silicon Motion;
read / write - 2200 MB / s-2000 MB / s;
resource - 2.0 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 3.5 × 80 mm.

Advantages

compact dimensions;
lack of heating;
good performance;
impressive total memory;
great work resource.

Flaws

a slight drop in speed when writing large files;
the price tag corresponds to the high quality.

The best game models

It is worth noting! A gaming SSD not only reduces level loading, but also has a positive effect on performance in general.

This, including an increase in FPS, improved detail of the worlds, and so on.

Ultra-fast M.2 SSDs for gamers have a huge amount of working life and, as a rule, support the NVMe protocol.

Patriot Memory Viper 512 GB (VPN100-512GM28H)

The model, having incredible speed parameters in write and read modes, will help get rid of delays and lags during loading and passing games.

The Patriot Memory Viper 512 GB (VPN100-512GM28H) solid state drive is M.2 and supports NVMe protocol. The control is carried out by the controller PS5012-E12.

The device demonstrates exorbitant sequential read and write speeds.

The device is equipped with a highly efficient cooling system with a massive heatsink for high-quality heat dissipation.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 512 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Phison;
read / write - 3300 MB / s-2200 MB / s;
resource - 2.0 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 10.5 × 80 mm.

Advantages

speed corresponds to the declared;
work stability;
powerful controller;
impressive declared resource of operating time;
efficient radiator.

Flaws

a very thin board that requires careful handling during installation;
no fasteners included.

Patriot Memory Viper 1024 GB (VPN100-1TBM28H)

A solid state drive will be a real godsend for gamers who are tired of long loading levels and low FPS in games.

The Viper VPN100 series comes with a hefty 1TB storage capacity.

This SSD has an M.2 size and supports the current NVMe protocol. Phison's state-of-the-art E12 controller provides control of the device.

Sequential read / write speeds reach space 3450 MB / s-3000 MB / s, respectively.

The Patriot Memory Viper 1024 GB (VPN100-1TBM28H) model is equipped with a massive heatsink for effective cooling of the elements.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 1024 GB;
flash memory - TLC 3D NAND;
controller - Phison;
read / write - 3450 MB / s-3000 MB / s;
resource - 2.0 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 10.5 × 80 mm.

Advantages

high speed;
no heating during operation;
the presence of a cooling radiator;
large amount of memory.

Flaws

rather expensive model;
inconvenient proprietary software.

Kingston 240 GB (SA400M8/240G)

An SSD drive will ensure the quick opening of any gaming applications and the comfortable passage of the most demanding blockbusters on hardware.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Kingston 240 GB (SA400M8/240G) module can be easily installed on the motherboard of a desktop computer and a number of laptop models.

Management is carried out by the productive controller PS3111-S11 from Phison. The resource of "life" of the device reaches 80 TBW.

Another feature of the model is extremely low power consumption, not exceeding 1.53 watts.

Technical specifications:

disk capacity - 240 GB;
flash memory - TLC;
controller - Phison;
read / write - 500 MB / s-350 MB / s;
resource - 1.0 million hours;
dimensions (W? H? D) - 22 × 1.35 × 80 mm.

Advantages

budget solution from a well-known manufacturer;
convenient proprietary utility for monitoring Kingston SSD Manager;
low energy consumption;
compact dimensions.

Flaws

not the highest speed and performance;
relatively low operating time resource;
small total memory.

Reviews

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Conclusion

M.2 drives - type of SSD drivesinstalled in the corresponding slot on the motherboard.
Devices inare distinguished by high speed, reliability, compactness and low power consumption.
M.2 SSDs can be installed in computers or laptops with support for a number of specifications.
There is a wide range of SSD models of this format on the market with different characteristics and cost.

Useful video

From this video you will learn about the types of drives, how to choose the right one and what is the difference:

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