Can I Use A Ssd As An External Drive

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Can an SSD be used as external storage?

SSDs are known for providing internal storage within a laptop or computer. But did you know SSDs can also be used as an external storage? External storage is an easy and portable way to store all your files. Connected on the outside of your device, an external storage drive allows you to back up and move all your files from one computer to another. External storage drives are available to buy, but before you spend some extra money, you might already have what you need lying around to build your own. Keep reading to learn how to use your old SSD as an external storage drive.

Are SSDs better than HDDs?

Kingston KC600 SSD with a USB 3.0 enclosure, USB cable and a mounting bracket for desktops

Solid State Drives (SSDs) have evolved in the last few years, and most laptops now contain an SSD as its primary storage, replacing Hard Disk Drive (HDD) products. SATA SSD's are almost ten times faster, and with no moving parts they are more reliable with a stronger performance than HDD's, which makes replacing a hard drive with an SSD one of the best things you can do to improve the performance of your slow computer.

When to repurpose your old storage device

Have you recently upgraded to a new storage drive? Perhaps to a NVMe SSD? Well, before you throw your old SATA SSD, M.2 SSD or HDD away, you might be pleased to hear that an old drive can be repurposed and prove more useful than you think.

If you got rid of your old drive because of serious problems, then chances are it won't work any better as external storage. But if you are upgrading your current storage for a faster or larger capacity SSD, then you can use the old one as external storage. For SATA drives, you can purchase an SSD Installation Kit separately. These kits include a USB 3.0 enclosure, USB cable, 3.5" mounting bracket for desktops, and Acronis Cloning software.

How to turn an old SSD into external storage

The first step is to transfer all the data from the old drive to the new drive. It doesn't matter if you install the new drive into the PC or in the enclosure first, just make sure you clone your data from your existing drive to the new drive. Be sure to purchase the drive that includes the cloning kit.
If you haven't already, open the case and slide the SSD in. The 3.0 enclosure included with the Bundle Kit or the SNA-B installation kit uses a latch. Other enclosures might require a screwdriver. You can also install M.2 SSDs into an enclosure. There are enclosures with either USB-A or USB-C connectors. If your computer supports USB-C and NVMe be sure to use an NVMe M.2 enclosure. You can watch our video on this topic in the gallery below.
Before you can use your old storage as external storage, you will need to either delete the old files or just reformat it.
Now you can start using it as an external drive.

You can even take your external storage to the next level and transform the enclosure into a personalised and creative device by making personalised customisations with themes like steampunk wood, leather and brass, Lego, or a concrete case! External storage doesn't have to be boring.

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How to install a M.2 SSD in a desktop

Step-by-step process on how to install a M.2" SSD in your desktop computer.
How to install a M.2 SSD in a notebook

Step-by-step process on how to install a M.2" SSD in your notebook.
How to install a 2.5" SSD in a desktop

Step-by-step process on how to install a 2.5" SSD in your desktop computer.
How to install a 2.5" SSD in a notebook

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XS2000 External Solid State Drive (SSD)

XS2000 is a high-performance portable and external solid state drive (SSD) that utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 speeds for offloading and editing high-res images, 8K videos, and large documents in a flash.
How to format a drive to erase it forever!

We show you each step to formatting and erasing an SSD or HDD.
How to install an M.2 SSD into an external enclosure

It's more affordable to get an M.2 SSD and install it into an external enclosure compared to an external USB SSD.
Make a Steampunk SATA SSD enclosure

A fun way to make an external SSD enclosure with a vintage look.
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A fun way to make an external SSD enclosure with LEGOs.
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- Pocket-sized portability
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Up to 2,000MB/s read, 2,000MB/s write
- Supports a full security suite
- M.2 NVMe form factor
- 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Up to 3,500MB/s read, 2,900MB/s write
- Supports a full security suite
- 2.5" and mSATA Form Factors
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Up to 550MB/s read, 520MB/s write
- 2.5", M.2 form factors
- 120GB, 240GB, 480GB, 960GB, 1.92TB
- Up to 500MB/s read, 450MB/s write
- Ideal for laptops & small form factor PCs
- M.2 NVMe Form Factor
- 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Up to 2,100MB/s Read, 1,700MB/s Write

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