Home » Computers and Accessories » Computer Components » 2.5" SATA SSD Drives

2.5" SATA SSD Drives

2.5″ SATA SSD Drives are the simplest way to make any desktop or laptop feel fast, quiet, and reliable. Since 1988, our UK-based online shop has supplied quality storage with clear compatibility advice, fast UK delivery, and easy returns. Pick a capacity, check the connector, and enjoy instant speed upgrades with minimal fuss.

Choose a 2.5-inch SATA SSD if your PC or laptop has a 2.5-inch bay and a SATA cable. Go for 1 TB or 2 TB capacity, speeds around 500 to 550 MB s, and TLC NAND with a good TBW endurance rating. Most drives are 7 mm thick and include a spacer for older 9.5 mm bays. You will need a SATA data cable and SATA power lead in a desktop, or your existing caddy in a laptop.

What is a 2.5″ SATA SSD

A 2.5 inch SATA SSD is a solid state drive that uses the standard SATA connector and fits the same bay size as a 2.5 inch hard drive. It replaces a mechanical HDD with silent flash storage. Real world speeds are typically 500 to 550 MB s reads and 450 to 520 MB s writes, which is many times faster than a hard drive. It is ideal for older laptops and desktops that do not have M.2 NVMe slots.

Buying guide

1) Pick the right capacity

Use caseRecommended capacityWhy it helps
Everyday Windows PC1 TBSpace for OS, apps, and documents
Gaming desktop2 TBRoom for several modern titles
Photo and light video work2 TBFast access to libraries and previews
Office replacement for HDD500 GB to 1 TBBig speed jump at low cost
Laptop upgrade1 TBBalance of space and price

2) NAND type and cache

  • TLC NAND gives the best balance of speed and endurance for most users

  • QLC NAND is cheaper per GB but slows on very long writes. Fine for light use and cold storage

  • DRAM cache helps maintain performance during large transfers

  • DRAM less models are cheaper and fine for day-to-day tasks

3) Endurance and warranty

  • Check TBW or DWPD ratings if you write lots of data

  • Typical consumer warranties are 3 to 5 years

  • For heavy-duty roles, consider a high-endurance model

4) Fit and connectors

  • Most drives are 7 mm thick. Older laptops may need a 9.5 mm spacer

  • Desktops need a SATA data cable to the motherboard and a SATA power lead from the PSU

  • If your case lacks a 2.5 inch bay, use a 3.5 inch adapter bracket

5) Compatibility

  • Works on SATA III and is backwards compatible with SATA II and SATA I at lower speeds

  • Not a replacement for NVMe in an M.2 slot. The connectors and protocol are different

  • Fine for PS4 and many older consoles that accept 2.5 inch SATA, but not for PS5 internal storage

Quick comparison

Feature2.5″ SATA SSDNVMe M.2 SSD3.5″ HDD
Typical speed500 to 550 MB s2,000 to 10,000 MB s150 to 270 MB s
LatencyLowVery lowHigh
NoiseSilentSilentAudible
Best forEasy upgrades in any SATA bayPeak performance on newer boardsCheap bulk storage
Install effortVery easyEasy if you have M.2Easy but slower result

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Buying M.2 SATA or NVMe by mistake when you need a 2.5 inch SATA drive

  • Choosing too small a capacity and filling it to 100 percent, which slows performance

  • Forgetting SATA cables or a 3.5 inch bracket for desktop installs

  • Ignoring TBW if you edit video or move large files daily

  • Cloning to the new SSD and leaving the old drive as the first boot in BIOS

  • Skipping a firmware update offered by the SSD maker

Setup, migration, and care tips

  • Back up your files first

  • Clone your old drive with a trusted tool or do a clean install of Windows

  • Set the SSD as the primary boot in BIOS

  • Check AHCI is enabled and TRIM is active in Windows

  • Leave 10 to 20 percent free space for wear levelling and speed

  • Keep firmware and motherboard SATA drivers up to date

  • Mount securely to avoid vibration and use the correct screws

Popular sub categories

  • 1 TB 2.5 inch SATA SSDs

  • 2 TB 2.5 inch SATA SSDs

  • High endurance TLC SATA SSDs

  • Encrypted SATA SSDs

  • Laptop caddies and spacers

  • 3.5 inch adapter brackets and SATA cables

  • USB to SATA cloning kits

FAQs. 2.5″ SATA SSD Drives

1) Will a 2.5 inch SATA SSD fit my laptop
If your laptop has a 2.5 inch bay it should fit. Most drives are 7 mm thick and often include a spacer for 9.5 mm bays.

2) Do I need special cables
In a desktop, you need a SATA data cable to the motherboard and a SATA power lead from the PSU. Laptops reuse the built-in connector or caddy.

3) How fast are 2.5 inch SATA SSDs
Around 500 to 550 MB s reads and 450 to 520 MB s writes, which is many times faster than a hard drive.

4) Is a SATA SSD better than NVMe
NVMe is faster. A SATA SSD is still a huge upgrade over HDDs and is the easiest option when you do not have an M.2 slot.

5) Can I use a SATA SSD in a PS5
No for internal storage. PS5 needs an M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive. A SATA SSD can be used in an external USB enclosure for media.

6) TLC or QLC. Which should I choose
Choose TLC for most PCs. Pick QLC only if you want a lower cost per GB and do not do heavy write workloads.

7) Do I need to enable anything in Windows
Make sure TRIM is enabled. Use the Windows optimise tool and do not defragment SSDs.

8) How much free space should I leave
Keep 10 to 20 percent free to maintain performance and wear levelling.

9) Can I clone my old drive to a SATA SSD
Yes. Use a reliable cloning tool or a USB to SATA cable. After cloning, set the SSD as the first boot in BIOS.

10) Will a SATA SSD improve game frame rates
Frame rates depend on CPU and GPU. An SSD cuts load times and reduces stutter.

11) What thickness do I need? 7 mm or 9.5 mm
Most modern drives are 7 mm. Use a spacer if your bay expects 9.5 mm.

12) Is SATA III required
No. SATA SSDs work on SATA II and SATA I at lower speeds. Use SATA III for best performance.

13) Do SATA SSDs wear out
All flash wears over time. Check TBW and the maker health tool. Normal home use lasts many years.

14) Can I use a SATA SSD in a desktop without a 2.5 inch bay
Yes, with a 3.5-inch adapter bracket or by mounting behind the motherboard tray if your case supports it.

15) What warranty comes with these drives
Most include a 3 to 5-year manufacturer’s warranty plus our easy UK returns. See each product page for details.

Ready to speed up your PC

Explore 2.5″ SATA SSD Drives in 1 TB and 2 TB sizes with TLC NAND, DRAM cache, and strong endurance ratings. With clear compatibility notes, cloning kits, brackets, and fast UK delivery from a retailer trusted since 1988, you can install in minutes and enjoy instant performance.

Seasonal Products

Halloween or Christmas, this is where you will find all of our Seasonal Products

Outdoor Clothing

Hiking or Walking this Winter, here are our Outdoor Clothing Products

Amazon Associate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, the Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Please know that this does not affect reviews,  content, or this site's opinions of products, services, manufacturers, partners, or merchants. The mission of the Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park is to provide the best functionality for this site's users, regardless of any potential affiliate commissions.

Scroll to Top