PNY CS900 2TB 2.5-inch SATA SSD: features, specs and who it suits

The PNY CS900 2TB is an internal solid state drive in the standard 2.5-inch laptop-drive size, connecting over SATA III. It is meant as a straightforward upgrade for older laptops and desktops that still use a hard disk, or as extra storage in a machine with a free SATA connection.

What SATA III and 2.5-inch mean

SATA III is the interface that connects the drive to the computer, with a theoretical maximum of about 600MB/s. The 2.5-inch size is the same as laptop hard drives, so the CS900 usually drops into laptop bays and into desktop cases with 2.5-inch mounts. Many desktop cases need a bracket, and the drive is thin (0.3 inches, according to the listing).

This is different from the smaller M.2 drives that plug straight into a motherboard. The CS900 is not one of those, so check that your computer has a spare SATA data port and a power connection if it's a desktop.

Rated speeds

PNY rates the drive at up to 550MB/s sequential read and 530MB/s sequential write. That is close to the limit of the SATA III interface, so it is a typical figure for this kind of drive. Sequential speeds describe large files read or written in one go. Everyday tasks such as starting an operating system or opening applications depend more on small random reads and writes, which the listing doesn't quantify.

For comparison, the brand says the drive can bring up to 50% faster boot times than a traditional hard disk. That is the brand's figure, and your result will depend on the computer.

3D NAND and no moving parts

The listing says the drive uses 3D NAND, a type of flash memory in which cells are stacked in layers to fit more capacity in the same space. A solid state drive has no spinning platters or moving heads. That generally makes it quieter and more resistant to knocks than a hard drive, which matters in a laptop that gets carried around. PNY describes the drive as highly durable and less likely to fail than a hard disk because of this.

Power use

PNY lists ultra-low power consumption. SSDs typically draw less power than spinning hard drives, which can help battery life in a laptop, though the effect depends on the whole system.

Capacity: what 2TB gives you

A 2TB drive suits a main drive that holds the operating system, programs and a large library of files, or a second drive for photos, games and projects. The usable space shown by your operating system is a little less than the labelled capacity because of formatting and how capacity is counted.

Support

The listing mentions 24/7 US-based technical support. If that matters to you, check PNY's site for the terms and warranty that apply to your region.

Who it suits

It suits people replacing the hard disk in an older laptop or desktop, or adding a roomy secondary drive. It is less suited to a newer computer that only has M.2 slots, or to anyone who wants the speeds of faster NVMe drives.

What to check before you buy

• Connections: confirm a free SATA port and a power connection (desktop), or a 2.5-inch bay (laptop).
• Drive height: the drive is 0.3 inches thick. Check that it fits your bay.
• Moving data: you will need a way to copy or clone your existing system to the new drive.
• Mounting: desktop cases may need a bracket.
• Warranty: check the length and terms on PNY's site.

The short version

• A 2TB 2.5-inch SATA III internal SSD with 3D NAND.
• Rated at up to 550MB/s read and 530MB/s write.
• No moving parts and low power consumption, per PNY.
• Intended as an upgrade from a hard disk in a laptop or desktop.

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