Is an SSD really worth it?

[mdsimmons1118]

I am trying to look for a new laptop and some have 1TB HDD while for under a hundred dollars more there are some with 256 GB SSD. The storage capacity doesn't really matter to me because an external drive can be purchased if needed but is it better to get the one with the SSD or HDD right off the bat if these computers are both not easily upgradable?

 

[Barty1884]

If not easily upgradeable, I'd opt for the SSD off the bat.

An SSD is just a faster all-round experience. From boot, to load/save or shutdown times. General navigating in the OS is much snappier etc.
Even a "budget" SSD will outperform the fastest HDD.

If on an extreme budget or in need of sizeable bulk storage (on a budget), the HDD still has a place.... but if you're ok with an external drive etc, then I'd highly recommend you opt for the SSD.

 

[mdsimmons1118]

If not easily upgradeable, I'd opt for the SSD off the bat.

An SSD is just a faster all-round experience. From boot, to load/save or shutdown times. General navigating in the OS is much snappier etc.
Even a "budget" SSD will outperform the fastest HDD.

If on an extreme budget or in need of sizeable bulk storage (on a budget), the HDD still has a place.... but if you're ok with an external drive etc, then I'd highly recommend you opt for the SSD.

So it would still be worth it even though the SSD is lower capacity and higher price. There are also higher capacity SSDs on Amazon for less but it looks like the laptop is not easily upgradable.

 

[Doctor Rob]

YES!! BUT you can always IF you know how upgrade to an SSD.. it makes a LOT of difference in load times etc.. it can make an slow computer feel MUCH faster depending on usage. MIN SSD size I like to go with us always around 256GB or larger. then if you need more space have a second HDD and so on. unless you can afford more ssds or a larger one off the bat..

 

[mdsimmons1118]

YES!! BUT you can always IF you know how upgrade to an SSD.. it makes a LOT of difference in load times etc.. it can make an slow computer feel MUCH faster depending on usage. MIN SSD size I like to go with us always around 256GB or larger. then if you need more space have a second HDD and so on. unless you can afford more ssds or a larger one off the bat..

The SSD off the bat may actually be better anyway because the SSD included in the more expensive laptop is the faster nvme interface while even if I upgrade the hdd in the cheaper laptop to SSD it would only support SATA and be slower.

 

[Doctor Rob]

If you are looking for a decent laptop as an desktop like replacement Nice gaming etc.. and out of the box allaround a nice Laptop https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834316435&cm_re=acer_8750h-_-34-316-435-_-Product I would get that one. Then if you need more storage then the 256GB of ssd space get an external drive. It has the current gen Intel CPU and a VERY nice Vid Card for gaming.

 

[Barty1884]

Which laptop(s), specifically? They might be easier to upgrade than you think.

When looking at an SSD, there's always a tradeoff in capacity. A 1TB HDD will set you back ~$35. The best you can do capacity-wise in an SSD at that pricepoint is ~120GB (unless you find a really good sale). A budget ~240GB range SSD start around $45, with the "best" (ie fastest) SSDs being more in the $80-$100 range for the same capacity.


What kind of price differences are you looking at? If it's <$50, I'd opt for the SSD off the bat. If it's much more than that (and the laptop can be upgraded), I'd be inclined to take the HDD option and buy an SSD + enclosure.

Switch the SSD in for the HDD, put the HDD in an enclose = external drive.

Say $50 for a halfway decent ~250GB SSD and maybe $10 for a USB3.0 enclosure.

 

[mdsimmons1118]

Which laptop(s), specifically? They might be easier to upgrade than you think.

When looking at an SSD, there's always a tradeoff in capacity. A 1TB HDD will set you back ~$35. The best you can do capacity-wise in an SSD at that pricepoint is ~120GB (unless you find a really good sale). A budget ~240GB range SSD start around $45, with the "best" (ie fastest) SSDs being more in the $80-$100 range for the same capacity.


What kind of price differences are you looking at? If it's <$50, I'd opt for the SSD off the bat. If it's much more than that (and the laptop can be upgraded), I'd be inclined to take the HDD option and buy an SSD + enclosure.

Switch the SSD in for the HDD, put the HDD in an enclose = external drive.

Say $50 for a halfway decent ~250GB SSD and maybe $10 for a USB3.0 enclosure.

I believe this was the one I saw:
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G7DS4968&cm_re=acer_swift_3-_-34-316-477-_-Product
Keep in mind I am also using to take to classes and am trying not to spend more than $700 if possible.

 

[Barty1884]

Solid enough.

If you're interesting in that 14" model though, I'd be inclined to look to refurbished/open box.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834316322

13.3", equivalent spec.... saves you $150

 

[mdsimmons1118]

Solid enough.

If you're interesting in that 14" model though, I'd be inclined to look to refurbished/open box.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834316322

13.3", equivalent spec.... saves you $150

Although I usually try to stay away from the refurbished especially when looking online you don't know the condition it is in but if it is just open box because someone bought it and took it back for no problems that might be fine.

 

[Barty1884]

NewEgg are pretty good, there will be a description/classification and, worst case it's more dinged up that you'd like, send it back.

Worth the few days extra inconvenience (IMO) to save $150. Just a thought.

 

[tejayd]

Once you go SSD you will never go back. Lots of little things on a pc with a HDD you never realized were slow before, will feel slow after using a SSD

 

[mdsimmons1118]

Once you go SSD you will never go back. Lots of little things on a pc with a HDD you never realized were slow before, will feel slow after using a SSD

True I wasn't planning on keeping the HDD in the computer though. My desktop has an SSD and the laptop I am replacing with the new one also has an SSD and I don't want to have one with an HDD now. If I did get one with HDD I would make sure I also bought an SSD to replace it.