Top 8 Best 120GB SATA SSDs to buy in 2023 (SATA 2.5″ and M.2 SATA)

Planning to upgrade your PC or Laptop with SSD?

Well, if you have low storage space requirements or if you have a low-end laptop, it may support only up to 128 GB SSD. So, here in this article, I am going to give you a list of the best 120GB SSD that you can buy in 2023.

Nowadays, Solid-State Drive is preferred by the majority of computer users, to acquire better system performance. Why HDD is replaced with SSD? The reason is it’s “Old Machinery” Hard Disk Drives includes different components such as Platters, Spindle, Actuator and so on.

Every part of the HDD must be functional; hence it leads to more power consumption. Also, the HDDs will normally have high latency periods when it comes to finding and accessing the information stored on their magnetic disks.

Moreover, Hard Disk Drives consume more time for bootup. The inconvenient Read/Write Speed of HDDs will eat up more time Importing/Exporting huge files from external drives. That’s not the end, you might be annoyed by some unwanted noise using a PC/Laptop, well the annoying sound is of “HDDs platter”.

I hope, now you are aware of why HDD is replaced with SSDs. Previously, it was just SATA SSDs but now you can acquire the “SATA M.2 SSDs” to upgrade your slim laptops.

Also Read: Full SSD Buying Guide 2021

SATA Solid-State Drive Vs SATA M.2 Solid State Drive

Well, there is no such big difference between SATA and SATA M.2 SSDs, the Read/Write Speed of both Solid-State are comparatively the same. Considering the Price factor and features, there is no big difference in both SSDs.

The only difference is the SIZE of the Solid-State Drives. In simple words, the M.2 Form Factor is way smaller than the 2.5″ form factor. The SATA SSDs are compatible with old PC and Laptops. Whereas, SATA M.2 SSDs are meant for the latest PC and Laptops. You will find M.2 SSD slot in your latest Operating System’s Mother Board.

Note: Don’t get confused between the M.2 SATA and M.2 NVMe. NVMe drives will look similar to the M.2 SATA but actually, they are high-speed devices that will work only in PCIe NVMe-supported motherboards. Read this article for more information.

Benefits of SATA and SATA M.2 SSDs

Below-Stated, are some of the advantages that you obtain, once you upgrade your Operating System (PC/Laptop) with Compatible SSDs.

Once, you go through the SSD benefits, you will gain a relevant answer to the question “Why invest in SSD?”

1. SATA M.2 and SATA Solid-State Drives are 10x faster compared to old Hard Disk Drives
2. The lifespan of these SSDs and 5x more compared to HDDs.
3. SSDs consume very low Power
4. Provides enhanced Read/Write speed
5. Helps Operating Systems stay away from overheating
6. Effective Drives for Fast System bootup.
7. Let’s you work with Peace “NO annoying sounds of Platters”

You can quickly launch highly intensive apps in your OS (PC/Laptop)

Moreover, upgrading the System with an internal SSD will improve the multitasking capabilities. However, upgrading the RAM along with SSD will be a good step toward the best results.

The only Disadvantage of the SATA and M.2 SSDs is, that it’s costlier compared to HDDs. However, you can acquire, 1TB, and 2TB SSDs for more storage. Else, you can upgrade your Operating System with average storage SSD as “Primary Storage” and make use of the internal HDDs as “Secondary Storage”. This process is simply known as the HDD+SSD combo which I have discussed in this article.

In simple words, the SATA SSDs are a little bit expensive because they are fast at the same time. So, the price totally worth it.

Best 120GB SATA SSDs

If you are using an old Laptop or PC, you can rely on SATA SSDs. I have enlisted some of the most preferred “Top-Rated” SATA SSDs, go through each of them to settle down with the favorable SSD for your Operating System.

1. Crucial MX500

Crucial MX500 SSD is one of the best compatible Internal SSD for MacBook Pro 2010. Upgrading your old Mac OS with the SSD will help you experience better system performance. The SSD is available in various storage spaces from 256GB to 2TB.

The MX500 comes with an SMI SM2258 controller with a single-core and 8-channels. 3D TLC NAND is used in this SSD with 64/96-layers. The NAND is manufactured by Micron and is known for its great performance.

Adaptive Thermal Protection of the Solid-State Drive will keep your Mac Pro 2010 away from Overheating. It includes effective Read and Write Speed, gain 10x speed for Import/Export huge files. Crucial MX500 SSD includes active garbage collection, which helps your Operating System with more storage.

Specification of Crucial MX500 SSD

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. External SSD dimension is 4.06 x 0.28 x 2.76 inches
3. SSD Weight is 1.38 ounces 
4. Read Speed is up to 560MB/s
5. Write Speed is up to 510MB/s

2. Kingston A400

Kingston A400 is one of the best Top-Rated 120GB SSDs, highly-rated SATA SSD “Reliable SSD” to upgrade any desktop or laptop. The Body of the SATA 2.5″ Solid-State Drive is made up of metal, hence it’s a durable SSD.

The Kingston A400 is equipped with the Phison S11 controller which has a single-core and 8-channel architecture. The company has used Toshiba’s TLC 2D/3D NAND with 32+ layers of NAND. with its higher capacity versions, you may see the uses of QLC and SMI NAND which is a bit disappointing.

You can also choose its M.2 SATA Form Factor with the same performance features but at a little bit higher price tag. We are going to discuss it below in this article.

You can launch highly intensive gaming or editing apps, within a fraction of time. The SSD is available in various storage spaces starting from 120GB to 2TB.

Specification of Kingston A400

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. SATA SSD dimension is 3.94 x 0.28 x 2.75 inches
3. SSD Weight is 1.44 ounces
4. Read Speed up to 500 MB/s
5. Write Speed up to 450 MB/s

3. WD Green SATA SSD

WD Green WDS120G2G0A is one of the best choices for SATA SSD. No hard efforts are needed to upgrade the internal SATA Solid-State Drive. Just like the other SATA SSDs, this one can offer you a read speed up to 550MB/s with its SATA 3 protocol.

This SSD comes with the SMI SM2258XT controller with a single-core and 8 channels. However, the SSD has no DRAM buffer. The NAND is 2D TLC manufactured by SanDisk.

It includes SLC caching technology which gets you with an effective write speed. This internal SSD consumes half of the power, compared to the old Hard Disk Drives. Moreover, you can have routine health check-ups of the SSD, relying on WD SSD Dashboard Software. It will also help you to download the latest firmware updates.

Specification of WD Green WDS120G2G0A

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. SATA SSD dimension is 3.96 x 2.75 x 0.28 inches
3. SSD Weight is 1.4 ounces
4. Read Speed up to 540 MB/s
5. Write Speed up to 430 MB/s

4. SanDisk G27 SSD PLUS

SanDisk G27 is one of the most effective SATA Solid-State Drive, preferred by gamers, professionals & multitaskers. It holds a place in the list of Top-Rated 120GB SSDs due to it’s quality features.

SanDisk G27 internal SSD is meant for heavy workloads, which lets users experience with better speed and a swift functional operating system. If you’re fond of PC games or multitasking, the SanDisk G27 SATA SSD will be a great choice.

One of the best advantages of the Solid-State Drive is that “It won’t corrupt your stored files” hence, your data are safe, even the SATA SSDs bumps out from its holdings. The price of this SSD is way lower than its competitors. Also, the price-to-performance ratio is just amazing and that’s why this SSD is here on our list.

Specification of SanDisk G27 SSD PLUS

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. SATA SSD dimension is 0.28 x 3.96 x 2.75 inches
3. SSD Weight is 1.12 ounces
4. Read Speed up to 530 MB/s
5. Write Speed up to 400 MB/s

Best 120GB M.2 SATA SSDs (Top-Rated)

The M.2 Solid-State Drives are compatible with those Operating Systems, which include SATA M.2 slots in the motherboard. Mainly, preferred by those users who have new model Laptops and PC. I have enlisted some of the reliable SATA M.2 SSDs and their features. Insist you go through each of them so that you can choose the favorable SATA M.2 SSD for your PC/Laptop.

Also Read: M.2 SSD Buyer’s Guide 2021

1. Kingston A400 (M.2 SATA 2280 SSD)

Kingston A400 is one of the Best SATA M.2 SSD, preferred by the majority of customers due to its reliability and durability. I am personally using the Kingston A400 on my laptop and it’s offering great results.

The price of this SSD will be a little bit higher than the same A400 2.5″ SSD. But, when you get a compact design and light-weight, you can afford that price. Built-in with flash memory, hence your stored data are completely safe, even if you’re system turns off due to lack of power.

Specification of Kingston A400 M.2 SSD

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. SATA SSD dimension is 0.05 x 0.87 x 3.15 inches
3. SSD Weight is 0.16 ounces
4. Read Speed up to 500 MB/s
5. Write Speed up to 450 MB/s

2. WD Green WDS120G2G0B (M.2 SATA SSD)

WD Green WDS120G2G0B is a reliable and durable SSD, compatible with the latest Laptops/PC. The internal SSD is built-in with SLC caching technology which gets you an impressive write speed. Once, you replace the HDD with the latest SATA M.2 SSD you can experience an enhanced overall System Performance.

The SATA M.2 SSD is light in weight and is Shock Resistant. As compared to the WD SATA 3 2.5″ SSD which we have discussed above, this one is just 5 USD expensive. So, if your laptop or desktop motherboard supports the M.2 form factor, you can surely go for this one. Moreover, you can rely on the WD SSD dashboard And Acronis software to have a routine health check-up for the SATA M.2 SSD.

Specification of WD Green WDS120G2G0B M.2 SSD

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. SATA SSD dimension is 3.74 x 3.74 x 1.77 inches
3. SSD Weight is 0.227 ounces
4. Read Speed up to 540 MB/s
5. Write Speed up to 430 MB/s

Features of WD Green WDS120G2G0B M.2 SSD

1. Built-in with SLC caching technology 
2. Consumes very low power, provides better outputs
3. Compatible SSD for latest laptops 
4. Reliable and Durable SATA M.2 SSD
5. Shock-Resistant SATA M.2 SSD

3. Mushkin Helix MKNSSDHL (M.2 SATA SSD)

Mushkin Helix SATA M.2 is included in the list of Top-Rated 120GB SSDs, due to its reliability and great performance. It is mainly meant for those who are fond of PC games, professional editing, and multitaskers to perform heavy workloads in their Operating systems. It is one of the best reliable internal SSDs, compatible with the latest Laptops/PC.

Built-in with thermal protection, hence keeping your system away from overheating. You can perform multitasking, without System Lag. SSD does not include rotating parts such as HDD platters “No annoying Noise” work with peace.

Upgrading your Operating System with Mushkin HelixSATA M.2 SSD will let you gain 15x speed compared to HDD. Moreover, the lifespan of the SATA M.2 SSD is 5x compared to traditional Hard Drive Disks. 

Specification of MKNSSDHL M.2 SSD

1. Internal Solid-State Drive
2. SATA SSD dimension is 3.15 x 0.87 x 0.15 inches
3. SSD Weight is 0.247 ounces
4. Read Speed up to 1,850 MB/s
5. Write Speed up to 650 MB/s

Conclusion

I’m glad to review the top-6 rated 120GB SSDs [SATA + M.2 SATA], in this article. Go through each of the enlisted internal SSDs, so that you can recognize the utmost favorable Solid-State Drive to upgrade your Operating System.