250GB Solid State Drives

Solid state drives are reliable storage solution for desktop and laptop computers, data centers and ultralight notebooks. They replace the magnetic platters used in hard disks with efficient memory chips, which increases data access speeds and reduces overall energy consumption. Staples carries 250GB solid state drives in a variety of form factors from manufacturers such as Samsung and Crucial.

High-Speed Data Access
Fast access to your data is one of the main advantages of using a solid state drive. These devices can read up to 555 megabytes per second and write up to 520 megabytes per second, depending on the model chosen. That's 5 to 10 times faster than a typical hard disk. High-speed access makes an SSD with 250GB of capacity ideal for use as an operating system drive. In this role, it reduces startup times and boosts overall performance by providing fast access to system data. These devices have plenty of space for critical user files too. Drives of this size can hold about 7,800 digital photos or 4,000 hours of MP3 music, which is plenty of space to meet the needs of most computer users.

A 250GB SSD for Any Device
Solid state drives come in several physical form factors designed to handle various installation options. Standard 2.5-inch SATA drives fit the traditional drive enclosures found in desktops, laptops and data centers, making it simple to replace existing hard disks with faster SSDs. M.2 and mSATA drives are much smaller and plug directly into your computer's motherboard. Use these compact devices in Ultrabooks or similar lightweight computers.

Reliable Data Storage
With features designed to enhance drive performance and data integrity, solid state drives offer demanding users a reliable way to store critical information. Most have S.M.A.R.T. technology that monitors device performance and alerts users to potential problems before they occur. They also support TRIM commands that optimize file deletions and reduce drive wear. These features give most SSDs a mean time between failure of 1.5 million hours.

Many SSDs also handle tough environments. They can withstand shocks of up to 1,500Gs and operate at temperatures of 0 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Some models come with management software that lets users monitor drive performance, update firmware and manage advanced options such as over-provisioning settings. These products are also energy efficient. Most use 3.6 watts of electricity or less and support DevSleep mode, which significantly reduces energy consumption when the drive is inactive.

Secure Information Storage
Data security is a common issue for most home and business computer users, and solid state drives include features that simplify this problem. Built-in AES encryption adds password protection to stored files and prevents unauthorized access. Many drives also support the Opal Storage Specification, which defines standards for cryptographic features, authentication and access control.

Solid state drives offer an excellent combination of fast access speeds, reliability and security. They come in form factors that fit many different devices and withstand harsh operating conditions. Find a 250GB solid state drive to meet any home, office or data center need when you shop the many storage products available at Staples.