SSDs are increasingly capturing the drive market for home use. They are slowly replacing mechanical hard drives and there are certain reasons. But they won’t ever completely win the last ones, since classic hard drives are still better suited for storing large amounts of information. And with reliability they are somehow better. By the way, I wanted to talk about the latter. What is the most reliable SSD on the market? No doubt, the answer to this question excites many. Therefore, this rating of the most reliable solid state drives of 2018 was compiled. But first, by tradition, some general information. She will never hurt.
What is an SSD?
First you have to answer this question and only then do a review of the most reliable drives on the market. So, SSD is an abbreviation of the English phrase Solid State Drive, which literally translates as a "solid state drive" or drive. Its key feature is that it uses solid-state flash memory in the form of microcircuits. This solution allowed to significantly increase the speed of data exchange between the bus and the drive. That is why such disks are usually used in order to install the operating system and important programs on them. Among the shortcomings of such drives can be called their relatively high speed and not very long resource. Even the most reliable SSDs rarely last 5 years. But we will talk about this in more detail later.
The reason SSDs began to push out classic hard drives is understandable. The latter cannot physically give such a data transfer speed as flash memory. But while the SSD resource is not very large, and the price for models with large volumes is high, the HDD will not die out completely. So far, the cost of a gigabyte in solid-state drives is quite high. But their effectiveness cannot be denied. As for reliability, manufacturers are doing everything in order to increase this indicator. It's just that not everyone succeeds. Therefore, we need a rating of the most reliable SSDs. We’ll start the review right now. We will consider the most reliable and interesting models from various manufacturers.
No. 1. Samsung MZ-76E250BW
These are the most reliable SSD drives in the budget segment. This drive has a huge number of advantages. For example, the data transfer speed of such disks is incredibly high. But this is not the main thing. This drive uses TLC memory. in itself, it is not highly reliable. But Samsung has developed a special technology to increase the resource of its solid-state drives. If we take into account the mechanical reliability, then this is also the case with Samsung drives. The board, along with microchips, is protected by a robust metal case, and inside there is a special gasket to minimize the undesirable effects of vibration.
As for quality, drives of this model are traditionally distinguished by high build quality and components used. Although not the most reliable type of SSD memory is used here, but thanks to Samsung proprietary technologies, the storage resource has been increased to 2 petabytes. This figure does not mean anything to the average user. Therefore, we will explain more simply: at home, it is impossible to achieve such a volume of information rewritable to a drive. Simply put, a drive will become obsolete sooner and will have to be changed than its end resource. And this is an impressive result.
Samsung MZ-76E250BW User Reviews
So, let's continue talking about the most reliable SSDs. Customer reviews about the Samsung model are mostly positive. Users note that these drives work very quickly. And those who use the Linux family of operating systems say that these are some of the best solid state drives in which TRIM support for these systems is fully implemented. Another feature: MZ-76E250BW has an increased resource. The company's engineers have worked hard on this issue. That's how they got the most reliable SSD drive in the budget segment. And this opinion is shared by those who have already managed to acquire this model for themselves. The most interesting thing is that users have not found a single negative trait in this drive. At least within the hardware platform. But the price of the disk is too big. Especially for a budget device. But you have to pay for quality and reliability.
No. 2. Kingston SKC400S37 / 256G
We continue to search for the most reliable SSD drive. The review would not be complete without a Kingston model. Specifically, this model has not only a pleasant price, but also an increased resource. The manufacturer is so confident in this product that he extended the warranty period from 3 to 5 years. and that says a lot. That is, the drive’s resource is definitely enough for 5 years. And if the company gives a guarantee for this period, then you can safely add another 5 years to the resource. During this time, the drive will definitely not fail. Just in ten years, the user will have to change the solid-state drive, as it will become obsolete. and who is interested in using old iron? By the way, this particular model has quite a good amount - as much as 256 gigabytes. This is enough for the operating system itself and all programs. But if you plan to install on the drive and games, it is better to choose a model with a large volume (from 512 gigabytes).
So why is this the most reliable SSD? Yes, because he simply has an incredible resource. If the previous device from Samsung had a limit of 2 petabytes, then here it grew to five. So draw conclusions. And despite the fact that this drive also uses flash memory such as TLC. Another feature of this drive: it is reliably covered by a metal casing. So weak blows are not afraid of him. Just like dust and dirt. A great happiness would be only water resistance. But only external SSDs are equipped with this option. Yes, far from all. Nevertheless, even with such characteristics, the drive from Kingston deserves the title of the best and most reliable. And if you take into account its price, then it is better not at all. It is not clear why the previously considered drive from Samsung is considered the best in the budget segment?
Kingston SKC400S37 / 256G Reviews
So what are the most reliable SSDs? User reviews will answer this question. It is worth noting that many users consider the most reliable Kingston SKC400S37 / 256G model. And for such an opinion there are quite definite reasons. Firstly, the manufacturer himself gives a guarantee for these drives for a period of five years. This alone speaks volumes. Secondly, the resource of this SSD is 5 petabytes, which is an incredible amount. Thirdly, the board of this drive is reliably protected by a metal casing. What other evidence is needed? It is worth adding that this disk provides high data transfer speed and allows the Linux operating system to work adequately with the TRIM option. And also it is worth taking into account the price of the drive. It is such that it does not make a significant gap in the family budget if the user suddenly wants to buy this SSD-drive. In general, the advantages of the product from Kingston are enough. Not to mention the fact that he is incredibly reliable.
No. 3. Intel SSDPEKKW256G801
Which of the drives is the third most trusted SSD in the ranking of reputable publications and experts? Oddly enough, this is a drive from Intel. Although the blue brand in this regard is rather catching up, and not leading. Nevertheless, the SSDPEKKW256G801 model fell into this rating for a reason. Firstly, this is the first drive in our review that uses the M2 connection type. Everyone else used SATA. Secondly, this model is the most reliable for one simple reason. When a disk resource ends, it does not turn off, taking all the data with it, and switches to read-only mode, which makes it easy to copy all data to a new disk. But even with this option in mind, users will have to wait a long time in order to use it. The drive resource is at around 5 petabytes. And this is a lot. Its resource will begin to approach a critical point only after ten years of use. And during this time, the user may well decide that it is time for him to update the configuration of the equipment and purchase a drive with a larger capacity.
The main advantage of the SSD drive from Intel is its very high data transfer rate. but this is understandable, since the M2 connection interface is used. But not speed makes it one of the most reliable SSDs in the world. It's all about its resource and read-only options. But the drive case is not particularly protected. it is a bare board with microcircuits soldered on it. Needless to say, the drive has no protection against shock (even the lightest). This is sad. but the user has a high data transfer rate and a decent resource. It is also worth a lot. I would also like to note the high quality of Intel products. Only high quality materials were used in this drive. And this is noticeable to the naked eye. It is unlikely that any of the above drives can compare with the disk from Intel in this regard. However, the price of the drive is a bit high. Although for type M2 drives - this is commonplace. Now let's see what those who have already purchased this drive will say.
User reviews about Intel SSDPEKKW256G801
Those who purchased this solid-state drive model themselves claim that it works really really fast (specifically measured). But no one left any comments about the “read-only” option, since no one has yet run out of resources. Also, users say that in a Linux-type OS, the TRIM technology works as expected. It seems that manufacturers have massively decided to adapt their products under Linux. And this is good. Also, this drive has a very simple connection process. Users note that it is enough just to install it in the M2 port. You do not even need to install any drivers. the operating system will do everything itself. But the lack of a full body upset users. On the other hand, if there was a case, how convenient would it be to mount this drive in the M2 connector? Another disadvantage users considered the relatively high price of the drive. But this is subjective. the most reliable drives cannot be cheap. Especially if they are from such a reputable manufacturer.
Number 4. A-Data SD700 External
So the time has come for external solid state drives. The most reliable external SSD is the A-Data SD700 External. And now you will understand why. Firstly, it has incredible protection against shock, dust, dirt and water. Its case does not give external factors a single chance to harm the circuit board with microcircuits. And this cannot but rejoice. Secondly, its resource is 3 petabytes. For an external drive, this is a lot. It is worth considering that this is not an internal drive. Accordingly, it will be less frequently rewritten. And this means that his resource is enough for fifteen years. Least. Now about his other characteristics. The device is capable of recording data at a speed of 480 megabits per second. This is a great speed. But it is worth considering that you must have a USB port in your computer or laptop that can provide such a data transfer speed. As for the volume, that is, various modifications of this drive. Up to 1 terabyte. But the latter are very expensive. Nevertheless, many buy them. Because such a reliable solid-state drive (and even external) from other manufacturers simply does not exist.
Now about the other features of the disk. It is worth noting that this monster is not required external power. It is capable of operating on the voltage of a regular USB port. And this is very good, since the presence of external power would not make this drive portable. And so you can take it with you anywhere without problems. A sturdy case will protect it from any type of threat. The most reliable SSDs with this design usually cost a lot of money, but A-Data has a fairly affordable price tag. In any case, its acquisition will not affect the family budget. Unless, of course, you purchase a large-capacity drive. Be that as it may, this solid state drive is the best portable SSD for home use. The needs of professionals in this review are out of the question. If you need a high-quality external drive, then it makes sense to pay attention to this particular model. Disappointed after its acquisition, the user will definitely not stay. It is also worth noting that this drive works perfectly with televisions and other household appliances, which, of course, is another plus.
A-Data SD700 External User Reviews
If the drive exists in free sale, it means that someone has already bought it. Therefore, it is very useful to see what users say about the A-Data SD700 External. Is it as good as the manufacturers promise? It is worth noting that the vast majority of reviews about this device are positive. Users note that the drive is very fast. Problems with him never arise. If you need to quickly throw a movie in Full HD, then the drive does not think for a minute. Another feature that users liked is the reliably protected case. some claim that they have repeatedly dropped the drive into water. and after that he worked as if nothing had happened. Well, let us take their word for it. Just check its unsinkability is not necessary. protection by protection, but the guarantee for the drowned does not apply. There is also a lot of evidence that the drive fell many times (sometimes even on tiles) and after that continued to work wonderfully. In general, users in this device like a lot.
But there is a fly in the ointment. For example, users strongly dislike that only models with a relatively small amount of memory have low prices. Anything above 512 gigabytes is prohibitively expensive. but this is the specifics of solid state drives. You can’t do anything here. Also, users note that it would be nice to increase the data transfer rate. At least to the limits of internal drives. but it’s very difficult to do, because the USB channel is used for data transfer. it is not particularly fast in itself. And internal drives use SATA and M2. And these are completely different speeds. Nevertheless, users rather like this device than dislike this device. And therefore it was included in the rating of the best and most reliable solid state drives.
Conclusion
So, we tried to consider the most reliable SSDs in this rating. The top 10 did not work, but even the options considered are enough to choose a solid-state drive that is right for you. And it is not necessary to acquire the coolest model with a huge amount of memory. Firstly, it is very expensive. And secondly, it is enough to transfer the OS and programs to such a drive in order to feel the significant difference in the speed of the computer. And for these purposes, a solid-state drive of 256 gigabytes is quite enough. 512 is only needed if you want to speed up the games. On this material came to an end. Now you know exactly which SSDs are the most reliable.