1
Samsung EVO 860 M.2
250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
Best 500GB SATA M.2 SSDs
500GBSATAM.2
There are 15 500GB SATA M.2 SSDs in our database — each linked via an Amazon search on its part number. The fastest is the Crucial MX500 M.2 at 560 MB/s read, and the highest-rated for endurance is the Samsung EVO 860 M.2 (1200 TBW). Sequential reads across the group span 500–560 MB/s.
FastestCrucial MX500 M.2560 MB/s read Most enduranceSamsung EVO 860 M.21200 TBW NewestKingston UV500 M.22019
Why this configuration
A 500GB SATA M.2 SSD is a budget and compatibility choice. SATA won't win benchmarks, but it's the cheapest way to add solid-state speed and fits essentially any PC or laptop with a 2.5-inch bay.
500GB is a sensible OS-plus-a-few-games size.
Usually chosen for: reviving older machines, cheap capacity upgrades and second drives.
Good fit: budget upgrades, older PCs and second drives.
Look elsewhere for: large-file creative work where NVMe pulls ahead.
Ranked list
Ranked by tier, then link type, then sequential read. Drives we hold a product link for show a price button; the rest open an Amazon search on the manufacturer part number. Stock and prices are not shown here — they change too often.
2
Samsung 850 EVO M.2
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB
3
Crucial MX200 M.2
250GB, 500GB
4
Crucial MX500 M.2
250GB, 500GB, 1TB
5
ADATA ULTIMATE SU800 M.2
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB
6
Western Digital BLUE M.2
250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
7
Mushkin SOURCE M.2
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB
8
ADATA ULTIMATE SU650 M.2
128GB, 250GB, 500GB
9
Mushkin ATLAS VITAL™
128GB, 250GB, 500GB
10
TeamGroup MS30
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
11
Kingston UV500 M.2
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 960GB
12
Mushkin TRIACTOR 3D M.2
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 80GB
13
Integral M.2 SATA III 22X80
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 960GB
14
15
Orico TROODON N300
128GB, 250GB, 500GB, 1TB
The parts, explained
500GB is a comfortable OS-and-games starting point.
SATA III tops out around 550 MB/s, but it is the cheapest interface and fits any 2.5-inch bay or older laptop.
The M.2 form factor plugs straight into the motherboard with no cables.
Common questions
Is SATA fast enough in 2026?
For an OS, apps and most games you won't notice the difference versus NVMe in daily use. NVMe pulls ahead mainly on large file transfers and load-heavy creative work.
How do the links to Amazon work here?
2 of the 15 drives listed have a direct product link; for the rest we link an Amazon search on the manufacturer part number, which lands on the right listing. We deliberately don't display stock or prices on this page — check both on Amazon, they change constantly.