Repurposing Your Old SSD: From Internal Drive to External Storage Powerhouse

Solid state drives (SSDs) have become ubiquitous in modern computing, offering significantly faster speeds and improved performance compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). As technology evolves, many users find themselves upgrading the SSDs in their laptops and desktops, often due to the need for greater storage capacity. But what happens to the old SSD once it’s been replaced? Instead of relegating it to a drawer or discarding it altogether, you can easily repurpose it as a versatile and valuable external storage device.

This article explores various methods for transforming your retired SSD into a portable, high-speed storage solution, offering practical advice and considerations to ensure a successful and cost-effective transition.

The Versatility of a Repurposed SSD

The benefits of converting your old SSD into an external drive are numerous. It provides a convenient way to:

• Expand your storage on the go: Carry your files, documents, and media library with you wherever you go, without relying on cloud storage or bulky external HDDs.

• Create a fast temporary storage solution: Use it for transferring large files between computers, backing up important data before system updates, or creating a portable workspace for editing photos or videos.

• Clone other SSDs: Create an exact copy of another drive for backup or upgrading purposes.

Options for Transforming Your SSD into External Storage

Several methods exist for repurposing your old SSD as an external drive, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

1. External Hard Drive Enclosure

The simplest and most common method is to install your 2.5-inch SSD into an external hard drive enclosure. These enclosures are designed to house both HDDs and SSDs, typically accommodating drive thicknesses of 7 and 9.5 millimeters.

• Enclosure Materials: You can choose between plastic and aluminum enclosures. Metal versions are generally more durable and offer better heat dissipation but are slightly more expensive.

• Installation: Installation is typically quick and easy, often requiring no tools. For example, with a Ugreen 2.5″ Hard Drive Enclosure, you simply slide the top cover open, connect the internal 2.5-inch drive to the SATA III port, replace the cover, and slide it shut.

• Connectivity and Speed: Most external enclosures for 2.5-inch hard drives utilize USB 3.2 Gen1 (formerly USB 3.0), offering a theoretical transfer speed of up to 5Gbps, translating to approximately 500MBps. However, the actual transfer speeds depend on the internal SSD drive. A Samsung 860 EVO SATA SSD can achieve sequential read and write speeds of around 430- to 450MBps using a CrystalDiskMark benchmark tool.

• Upgrading to Faster Connections: For faster speeds, consider enclosures with a Type-C interface, often specified according to USB 3.2 Gen2, which are theoretically designed for 10Gbps. This allows you to almost fully utilize the SATA interface and achieve data rates of 530- to 560MBps.

• Durability: For increased protection, rugged waterproof and shockproof enclosures are available, though they come at a higher price.

2. Docking Station for Hard Drives

Another option is to use a docking station for hard drives. These devices offer a convenient way to access storage via USB, similar to an external hard drive.

• Mobility: While not as mobile as an enclosure, a docking station allows you to easily store the SSD on your desk.

• Compatibility: Many docking stations were originally designed for HDDs but often recognize flash memory with a SATA interface. However, older docking stations may have slower USB 2.0 interfaces, resulting in slower data transfer speeds.

• Modern Docking Stations: Current docking stations feature USB-C connections and data transfers up to 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2). Some models include two bays and an integrated cloning function, allowing you to create a complete copy of one drive onto a second without a PC connection.

• NVMe Compatibility: More expensive docking stations also work with NVMe drives as well as SATA drives.

• Capacity Limits: Before purchasing a docking station, check the maximum storage capacity it supports.

3. SATA or PCIe to USB Adapters

Adapters for SATA or PCIe to USB are ideal for moving disks or performing a quick SSD function check.

• Power: In the case of SSDs, you can typically dispense with an external power supply for the adapter.

• Connectivity: SATA to USB adapters are available for as little as $7, with the USB-A interface specified according to USB 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps).

• M.2 Adapters: Adapters with an M.2 slot are also available, consisting of a slot, a converter, and a USB port.

• Compatibility Considerations: When purchasing M.2 adapters, ensure that the connection type supports both SATA and NVMe SSDs.

• Enhanced Features: M.2 adapters with a stand can make usage easier and may be compatible with both SATA and NVMe SSDs, enabling connections to both Type A and Type C interfaces.

4. M.2 SSD Enclosures

For those repurposing M.2 SSDs, external housings provide a compact and portable solution.

• Connectivity: The largest selection of enclosures features a Type-C connection, specified for USB 3.2 Gen2, providing enough bandwidth for fast data transfers.

• Performance: The actual transfer speed depends on the interaction between the SSD, the converter chip, and the external interface. An NVMe SSD for PCIe 3.0 can achieve transfer speeds of around 1GBps per lane, but this is slowed down by the USB 3.2 Gen2 interface.

• Compatibility: When buying an enclosure, consider whether it supports both M.2 SATA and NVMe SSDs, as models that fit both types are more expensive.

• Cooling: Many enclosures include a silicone cooling pad to dissipate heat.

• High-Speed Options: For even faster speeds, enclosures with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connection (2GBps) are available but are typically only suitable for NVMe SSDs.

• Thunderbolt and USB 4 Enclosures: The most expensive enclosures include models with Type-C interfaces for Thunderbolt 3 and 4 or USB 4, designed for up to 40Gbps. These housings are often made of aluminum with cooling fins and may even include a mini fan.

5. USB-C Hubs and Docking Stations with M.2 Slots

If you frequently use a USB-C hub or docking station, consider a model with an integrated M.2 slot for a SATA and/or NVMe SSD.

• All-in-One Solution: This provides a convenient way to add external storage without requiring a separate enclosure.

• Compatibility: Ensure that the SSD slot is suitable for your flash memory type.

• Performance: USB-C hubs with an M.2 SSD slot typically offer USB-C with 10 Gbps for NVMe SSDs.

• Ease of Installation: SSD installation is typically tool-free, and a cooling pad is often included to dissipate heat.

Important Considerations Before Purchasing

Before you invest in any of these solutions, keep the following points in mind:

• SSD Type: Determine whether your old SSD is SATA or NVMe, as this will influence the type of enclosure or adapter you need.
• Interface: Choose a solution with a fast interface like USB 3.2 Gen2 or Thunderbolt 3/4 to maximize transfer speeds.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the enclosure or docking station is compatible with your SSD’s form factor (2.5-inch or M.2) and connection type.
• Cooling: Consider enclosures with cooling pads or fans, especially for high-performance NVMe SSDs, to prevent overheating.
• Durability: If you plan to use the external drive in demanding environments, opt for a rugged, waterproof, and shockproof enclosure.
• Budget: Prices vary significantly depending on the features and performance of the enclosure or docking station, so set a budget and choose the best option that meets your needs.

Conclusion

Repurposing your old SSD as an external drive is a smart and cost-effective way to extend its lifespan and gain valuable portable storage. By carefully considering your needs and choosing the right enclosure, docking station, or adapter, you can transform your retired SSD into a high-performance storage solution that enhances your productivity and convenience. From simple enclosures to advanced docking stations with integrated cloning functions, the options are diverse, allowing you to tailor your solution to your specific requirements and budget.