Storage is one of the easiest upgrades to make and one of the most noticeable — faster load times, quicker file transfers, and no more juggling what to delete. Here’s a rundown of four solid options depending on whether you need something portable or something built into your PC.
Best Portable Option: SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD
If you need storage that travels with you, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is built for it — speeds up to 1050MB/s over USB-C, plus IP65 water and dust resistance, which matters if it’s living in a bag or getting used on location.
Best Internal Upgrade: Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB
For a desktop or laptop upgrade, the Samsung 990 PRO is a PCIe 4.0 M.2 drive rated up to 7,450 MB/s — well beyond what SATA drives can do, and a noticeable jump for anyone still running on an older SSD.
Best Value Internal Drives: Lexar NQ780 & NM790
Lexar’s PCIe Gen 4 lineup covers two different needs. The 1TB NQ780 is a straightforward, capable everyday drive, while the 2TB NM790 steps up with a built-in heatsink and higher rated speeds — worth it if you’re doing sustained large file transfers or gaming installs that benefit from staying cool under load.
Which One Should You Get?
- Need it portable and rugged: SanDisk 2TB Extreme
- Want the fastest internal option: Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB
- Upgrading on a budget: Lexar 1TB NQ780
- Doing heavy, sustained transfers: Lexar 2TB NM790 (with heatsink)
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