Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD

Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD — image 1
Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD — image 2
Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD — image 3
Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD — image 4
Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD — image 5
85%
92%
Value for Money
88%
Performance for General Use
93%
Ease of Installation
89%
Compatibility with PCs & Laptops
84%
Durability & Reliability
91%
Read Speed
75%
Write Speed Under Load
86%
Energy Efficiency
80%
Shock Resistance
82%
Long-Term Value
88%
Product Dimensions & Portability
77%
Customer Support & Warranty
More

Overview

The Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD offers a reliable and cost-effective storage solution for users looking to upgrade from traditional hard drives. With its 480GB capacity, this drive delivers a solid performance boost in a compact 2.5-inch form factor. Utilizing the SATA3 interface, it ensures fast read and write speeds that can handle typical computing tasks with ease. Whether you're installing it in a desktop or a laptop, this drive's easy installation process makes it an excellent choice for most everyday users.

Features & Benefits

The Q500 SSD leverages a fast SATA3 interface with speeds up to 500MB/s for read and 450MB/s for write, making it a solid performer for general use. Built with shock-resistant technology, this drive ensures durability in typical computing environments. Additionally, its low power consumption helps extend battery life in laptops while maintaining efficiency. It's an affordable option for those looking to improve system performance without breaking the bank. The drive is compatible with a wide range of PCs and laptops, making it versatile for different setups.

Best For

This Kingston SSD is ideal for users who want to upgrade from traditional hard drives to the speed and reliability of solid-state storage. It's a great fit for budget-conscious buyers looking for dependable storage without paying for high-end models. The drive is perfect for PC and laptop users seeking faster boot times and improved system responsiveness. Whether you're using it for everyday office work or light gaming, the Kingston SSD provides a balance of performance and cost-efficiency that suits general home or office use.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the Kingston SSD for its quick boot-up times and overall improvement in system performance. Installation is simple, and many find the value for money to be one of its strongest points. However, some report experiencing lower-than-advertised write speeds during heavy use, which may affect more demanding tasks. Despite this, most reviewers highlight the durability and longevity of the drive, noting that it holds up well over time. Overall, it's a reliable option for those seeking an affordable SSD upgrade without the premium price tag.

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Pros

  • This 480GB SATA3 SSD offers a noticeable speed boost over traditional hard drives, improving system responsiveness and boot times.
  • Installation is straightforward, with many users highlighting the ease of setup in both desktops and laptops.
  • It offers solid reliability for everyday use, making it an excellent option for general home or office computing.
  • The affordable price point makes it a great choice for budget-conscious users looking for a dependable upgrade from HDDs.
  • With a compact 2.5-inch form factor, it fits easily into most systems without requiring additional space or special adapters.
  • Its shock resistance ensures better durability and protects data during regular use, providing peace of mind.

Cons

  • Some users report lower-than-advertised write speeds, especially under heavy load or during prolonged high-write operations.
  • While ideal for basic use, this SSD may not meet the performance needs of users engaged in heavy gaming or professional video editing.
  • The 480GB capacity may be limiting for users with larger storage needs, especially for those storing large media files or games.
  • A few users have mentioned that the drive shows performance dips over time, particularly with intensive use.
  • The drive may not be the best fit for older PCs that do not support the SATA3 interface, reducing potential speed benefits.
  • Some reviews mention the drive gets slightly warm under heavy use, though it hasn't led to any reported failures.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages worldwide, we found that the Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD consistently delivers solid performance and reliability for its price. Reviews were filtered for authenticity, ensuring that only high-quality feedback influenced the results. Both strengths and pain points have been reflected in the following ratings, based on diverse user experiences and expectations across different regions and markets.

Value for Money
92%
Many users are impressed by the affordable price of this drive considering its solid performance and capacity. It's often noted as an excellent value for those looking to upgrade their storage without breaking the bank. The reliable everyday performance makes it a strong choice for budget-conscious buyers.
A few buyers feel that while the price is great, the performance doesn't quite match higher-end models, especially under heavy write workloads. Some also mention that cheaper models can sometimes feel less reliable over the long term, which can be a concern for long-term storage needs.
Performance for General Use
88%
The SSD provides a significant speed boost compared to traditional hard drives, especially for general computing tasks. Users report faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and improved overall system responsiveness. For typical daily tasks, the performance is excellent for its price range.
While the performance is solid for everyday use, some users have found it underwhelming when handling more intensive tasks, such as large file transfers or multitasking with several heavy applications. It's not the best choice for users looking for extreme speed during heavy workloads or gaming.
Ease of Installation
93%
Numerous users praise the simple, hassle-free installation process. The compact 2.5-inch form factor is compatible with most desktops and laptops, making it easy to swap in as a replacement for traditional hard drives. Setup takes just a few minutes, even for those with minimal technical experience.
A small number of users have reported difficulties during installation, usually related to compatibility issues with older PCs or laptops. Additionally, while the installation process is simple, some users noted that detailed instructions or a helpful guide could have made it even smoother.
Compatibility with PCs & Laptops
89%
This SSD works seamlessly with a wide variety of devices, from older PCs to more modern laptops. The SATA3 interface ensures that it's compatible with the vast majority of systems, making it a versatile choice for upgrading storage across different devices.
A few users experienced compatibility issues with certain systems, particularly older desktops or laptops with limited SATA support. Additionally, users with devices lacking a 2.5-inch drive bay may need adapters, which isn't always ideal for those seeking a plug-and-play solution.
Durability & Reliability
84%
Several reviews highlight the reliability of the Q500 SSD, with many users appreciating its shock resistance. It's designed to endure typical wear and tear, making it a good option for users who need dependable storage without constant worry about data loss.
While the majority of users report satisfactory durability, a few have noted that heavy usage can sometimes lead to slower performance or even failure in extreme cases. The lower write endurance compared to higher-end SSDs may make it less suitable for more demanding environments.
Read Speed
91%
Users consistently report strong read speeds up to the advertised 500MB/s, which significantly improves overall system responsiveness. This speed is ideal for most everyday tasks, from booting up your operating system to accessing files and applications quickly.
Though the read speed is solid, some reviewers have found that the performance isn't as fast as other SSDs on the market in certain scenarios, especially when using programs or games that require sustained high-speed data access. In such cases, the speed might feel slightly underwhelming.
Write Speed Under Load
75%
25%
When the SSD isn't under heavy usage, it delivers solid write speeds, making it a great choice for daily tasks like document saving, file copying, and general application use. Users find the write performance consistent for typical workloads.
Under more demanding conditions, such as large file transfers or during extended periods of high usage, some users report noticeable drops in write speeds. This can result in slower performance than expected, particularly in more intense use cases like video editing or running virtual machines.
Energy Efficiency
86%
This SSD consumes very little power, making it a good choice for users who prioritize energy efficiency in their devices. It's especially beneficial for laptop users looking to conserve battery life without sacrificing storage performance.
While the low power consumption is generally appreciated, some users felt that other high-performance SSDs offer a better balance between power efficiency and raw performance, particularly when used in high-end systems or gaming setups.
Shock Resistance
80%
20%
The drive's shock-resistant features are particularly beneficial for users who transport their devices frequently or work in mobile environments. Many users appreciate the added peace of mind knowing their data is more secure against physical impacts or drops.
A few users question how effective the shock resistance truly is in real-world conditions. Although the SSD is marketed as shock-resistant, there were some concerns that its durability might not be enough to withstand more extreme physical conditions or accidental drops.
Long-Term Value
82%
18%
Users generally feel that this SSD offers excellent long-term value due to its solid balance of price, performance, and reliability. It’s a great entry-level option for those looking to upgrade without a hefty investment, and it performs well over time for everyday computing tasks.
Despite its overall good value, some buyers have expressed concerns about the drive's longevity, particularly in more demanding environments. A few users reported experiencing degradation in performance after extended use, especially when performing heavy write operations regularly.
Product Dimensions & Portability
88%
The compact 2.5-inch size of this SSD makes it a portable solution for users who want to upgrade their storage without adding bulk to their setup. It's easy to transport between devices and fits well in most laptops and desktop configurations.
Though its portability is a strong point, some users feel that the 2.5-inch form factor is less ideal for those who need a larger storage capacity in a single drive. The smaller size may require additional drives for users with heavy storage needs.
Customer Support & Warranty
77%
23%
Kingston offers solid customer support with decent warranty coverage, which provides users with peace of mind knowing that they're backed by a reputable brand. Many users have praised Kingston for responding quickly to support inquiries.
Some users have mentioned that customer support can be slow to respond at times, particularly during high-demand periods. Additionally, a few users reported difficulties when trying to claim warranty services, leading to frustration with the support process.

Suitable for:

The Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD is an excellent option for budget-conscious users looking to upgrade from traditional hard drives to SSDs. Its affordable price point and reliable performance make it ideal for students, home office users, or anyone in need of faster boot times and improved system responsiveness. Whether you're a casual user or someone with moderate storage needs, this drive will offer a noticeable improvement in speed and overall performance without a hefty investment. Its compatibility with both desktops and laptops further enhances its versatility, making it a practical choice for most general computing tasks.

Not suitable for:

While the Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD excels in everyday computing tasks, it may not be the best fit for users with more intensive storage needs. Gamers, video editors, or professionals handling large files might find the write speeds slower than expected under heavy use, especially during prolonged high-write operations. Its performance may also fall short for those who require top-tier speed or durability for demanding applications. Additionally, users with older PCs lacking SATA3 support or those needing more storage capacity might find this drive less suitable.

Specifications

  • Capacity: 480GB of storage space provides ample room for everyday computing needs and file storage.
  • Form Factor: 2.5-inch form factor ensures compatibility with most desktops and laptops.
  • Interface: SATA3 (6Gb/s) interface allows fast data transfer speeds for improved system performance.
  • Read Speed: Read speeds of up to 500MB/s help speed up boot times and application loading.
  • Write Speed: Write speeds of up to 450MB/s ensure fast data writing, ideal for daily use and large file transfers.
  • Shock Resistance: Shock-resistant design enhances durability and protects against accidental drops or bumps.
  • Power Consumption: Low power consumption contributes to energy efficiency and extended battery life in laptops.
  • Weight: Weighs only 1.45 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle for installations.
  • Dimensions: Measures 3.94 x 2.75 x 0.28 inches, a standard size for 2.5-inch drives.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with PCs and laptops that support 2.5-inch SATA drives, offering broad compatibility.
  • Manufacturer: Manufactured by Kingston, a reputable brand known for reliable storage solutions.
  • Series: Part of Kingston's Q500 series, designed for solid performance in everyday computing tasks.
  • Durability: Built for reliable, long-lasting performance in standard computing environments.
  • Warranty: Includes a 3-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind for everyday use.
  • SATA Backward Compatibility: Backwards compatible with SATA2 ports, though at reduced speeds.
  • Operating Temperature: Operates effectively in temperatures ranging from 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F).
  • MTBF: Has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 1 million hours, ensuring long-term reliability.

FAQ

This SSD is designed to replace traditional hard drives (HDDs) in desktops and laptops. It offers faster read/write speeds, improving system performance, responsiveness, and boot times. It's ideal for users looking to upgrade from an HDD to an SSD without breaking the bank.

Installation is simple due to the drive’s 2.5-inch form factor. Just connect it to a SATA3 interface on your motherboard or laptop. For laptops, ensure you remove the old drive and replace it with this SSD. No special tools or adapters are typically needed.

This Kingston SSD offers read speeds up to 500MB/s and write speeds up to 450MB/s. These speeds help improve system performance compared to traditional hard drives, especially when booting up or loading programs.

Yes, this SSD is compatible with most desktops and laptops that support a 2.5-inch drive bay and a SATA3 interface. It is recommended to check your system's specifications to ensure compatibility with 2.5-inch SSDs.

Yes, this drive is ideal for use as a primary boot drive for your operating system. With its fast read/write speeds, it can significantly improve your computer’s performance, including faster boot times and improved responsiveness.

The drive is shock-resistant, which makes it durable for everyday use. It is designed to withstand normal handling and typical environmental conditions. However, it is not recommended for heavy physical impacts or extreme conditions like high-temperature environments.

While the Kingston SSD is designed for SATA3 interfaces, it is backward compatible with SATA2 ports, but at reduced speeds. If your PC supports only SATA2, you may experience slower performance than advertised.

Some users report experiencing lower-than-advertised write speeds, especially during heavy or prolonged use. Also, while it’s generally reliable for everyday tasks, it may not perform as well for high-demand applications like gaming or video editing.

This SSD is designed for low power consumption, making it energy-efficient. It draws minimal power compared to traditional hard drives, which can be especially beneficial for laptop users looking to extend battery life.

The Kingston SQ500S37/480G 480GB Q500 SATA3 2.5 SSD comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and provides peace of mind in case of failure under normal use.