Want an external SSD? This guide covers why you should build done instead of buying one. It also covers how we can do it. Including everything from choosing the right SSD and enclosure to assembling your external SSD.
Typically when people think of an external SSD drive, pre-built models like the Samsung T7 Shield and Crucial X10 Pro come to mind. These portable SSDs are solid choices for a plug-and-play solution but they come with hidden limitations.
Most prebuilt external SSDs lock you into a fixed speed and capacity. If you buy a USB 3.2 SSD rated at 10Gb/s, that’s the maximum speed you will ever get. Pick a 1TB SSD, and you are stuck with that amount of storage space… no upgrade path, no flexibility.
For some users this might not be an issue, but it didn’t work for me. I own a few 500GB portable SSDs that I bought years ago, but when I needed a new drive for my backups, I wanted something different. 500GB wasn’t enough, and I wanted the ability to upgrade. I wanted higher capacity, better durability, or faster read/write speeds.
That’s why this time round, I decided to build my own external SSD instead.
Build a External SSD
Building your own external SSD is a game changer. It can be cheaper than buying a prebuilt one, plus you get to pick the best components for speed and durability. So if you need extra storage for gaming, video editing, or backups, a DIY external SSD offers top notch performance without breaking the bank.
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- The difference between external SSD vs internal SSD
- How to pick the best case for an external SSD
- A step-by-step assembly process
- Tips to boost external SSD drive performance
External SSD vs Internal SSD – What’s the Difference?
- Speed & Performance: Internal SSDs are faster due to direct motherboard connections, but external SSDs can still reach high speeds with USB-C or Thunderbolt.
- Portability: External SSDs are compact and easy to carry, while internal SSDs stay inside your PC/laptop.
- Upgrade Flexibility: Internal SSDs require opening your device, while external SSDs plug and play.
- Cost Comparison: DIY external SSDs can be more affordable than prebuilt options.
External SSD Hard Drive – Choosing the Right One
When choosing the right SSD for your external SSD drive, it’s important to consider performance, storage capacity, and long-term durability. While prebuilt external SSDs come with fixed specs, building your own lets you pick the best components for your needs. Whether you want lightning-fast speeds for gaming and video editing or a budget-friendly option for backups, here’s what to keep in mind when selecting your SSD.
- SATA vs NVMe SSD: NVMe SSDs offer much faster speeds, but SATA SSDs are more budget-friendly.
- Storage Capacity: Pick between 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, or higher based on your needs.
- Read/Write Speeds: Higher speeds (e.g., 3000+ MB/s for NVMe) mean better performance.
- Durability & Lifespan: Look for SSDs with high TBW (terabytes written) ratings.
Case for External SSD – How to Pick
Picking the right case for your external SSD is just as important as choosing the SSD itself. A good enclosure ensures maximum speed, proper cooling, and long-term durability. If you are using a SATA or NVMe external SSD, the right case will help you get the best performance while keeping your drive protected. Here’s what to look for when selecting an external SSD enclosure.
- SSD Compatibility: Make sure the case supports your SSD type (SATA or NVMe).
- Connection Type: Choose USB 3.1, USB-C, or Thunderbolt for the fastest speeds.
- Cooling & Heat Dissipation: Metal cases help with cooling, while plastic ones may trap heat.
- Portability & Durability: Shockproof and waterproof cases offer extra protection.
Build a External SSD – Our Recommendations
DIY External SSD Parts List: Two Build Options
If you’re building your own external SSD drive, you will need two key components: a high-quality SSD and a compatible enclosure. Below are two solid options depending on your budget and performance needs.
Both setups will give you a custom, upgradeable external SSD drive, but the NVMe build is significantly faster, while the SATA build is more budget-friendly. Pick the one that fits your needs!
Option 1: SATA SSD + Enclosure (Budget-Friendly & Reliable)
A SATA SSD external drive is an affordable and dependable choice. It offers great speeds for everyday tasks like backups, file transfers, and gaming.
- SSD: Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA SSD (Reliable and widely compatible)
- Enclosure: UGREEN 2.5″ SATA to USB 3.1 Enclosure (Supports up to 6Gbps transfer speeds)
- Connection Type: USB 3.1 (Compatible with most devices)
- Why Choose This? Easy to install, cost-effective, and works great for general storage needs.
SAMSUNG SSD 870 EVO 1TB
UGREEN 2.5″ SATA to USB 3.1 Enclosure
Option 2: NVMe M.2 SSD + Enclosure (High-Speed Performance)
If you need faster read/write speeds, go for an NVMe external SSD. This is perfect for video editing, gaming, or any high-performance tasks.
- SSD: Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen 4, ultra-fast speeds up to 6600MB/s)
- Enclosure: ORICO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure (USB-C 3.2 Gen 2) (Supports speeds up to 10Gbps)
- Connection Type: USB-C or Thunderbolt for maximum speed
- Why Choose This? Lightning-fast performance, compact design, and future-proof speeds.
Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe M.2
ORICO M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure
Build an External SSD – Step-by-Step
- Gather Your Components: Hard Drive, external case, screwdriver (if needed).
- Open the Enclosure: Remove screws or slide open the case.
- Insert the Drive: Align the Hard Drive properly and secure it in place.
- Connect the Drive to the Interface: Make sure it’s seated firmly in the case.
- Close the Case: Secure it with screws or snap it shut.
- Plug It In & Format: Connect the drive to your PC/Mac and format it for use (NTFS, exFAT, or APFS).
Building an external SSD is easy, cost effective, and lets you customize your storage for speed, durability, and portability. Whether for gaming, editing, or everyday use, your DIY SSD will perform better than most prebuilt options.
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