Building Your Own External SSD: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
If your PC is running low on storage space or you need to transfer large files between devices, investing in external storage is a sensible solution. However, premade portable SSDs can be expensive and often don’t offer the best value for money. Instead, consider building your own external SSD – it’s easier than you think!
Advantages of DIY External SSDs
- Flexibility: Choose the capacity, size, connection protocol, and design that best suits your needs.
- Repurposing: You can reuse an existing SSD or disassemble the drive later to use the SSD in your PC or console.
- Cost-Effectiveness: DIY external SSDs are significantly cheaper than premade options, especially when using high-capacity PCIe drives.
Components Needed
1. SSD:
- Avoid 2.5-inch SATA drives, as they are slower and less cost-effective than NVMe drives.
- Consider a PCIe 4.0 drive for future-proofing.
- Choose a capacity that meets your storage requirements.
2. Enclosure:
- Choose an enclosure that supports your SSD’s form factor and provides the desired connection protocols (e.g., USB4, Thunderbolt 4).
- Consider enclosures that offer fast data transfer speeds.
Assembly Instructions
Assembling a DIY external SSD is straightforward.
- Open the Enclosure: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to open the enclosure, typically by removing a screw or popping it open.
- Install the SSD: Insert the SSD into the designated slot inside the enclosure. Ensure it is securely seated.
- Close the Enclosure: Reverse the opening process to close the enclosure and fasten it.
Cost Savings
To demonstrate the cost savings, we tested a 2TB SK Hynix Beetle X31 against DIY external SSD combinations:
| Combo | Price | Read Speed | Write Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SK Hynix Beetle X31 | $170 | 1,050 MB/s | 1,050 MB/s |
| 2TB Silicon Power US70 + Ugreen CM642 | $144 | 5,398 MB/s | 5,611 MB/s |
| 2TB Corsair MP400 + Ugreen CM642 | $125 | 5,288 MB/s | 5,555 MB/s |
| 2TB Crucial P3 + Orico TCM2 | $109 | 2,626 MB/s | 2,543 MB/s |
As you can see, DIY external SSDs offer significantly faster speeds and cost less than premade options.
Conclusion
Building your own external SSD is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your storage capabilities. With numerous drive and enclosure options available, you can customize a solution that meets your specific requirements. Whether you need a high-performance external drive for data-intensive tasks or a budget-friendly option for general storage, building your own is the way to go.
