Intel 540s 180 GB

This is a 180GB 2.5" SSD on the SATA interface. Sequential throughput tops out at 550 MB/s reads and 520 MB/s writes. At roughly $0.83 per gigabyte it sits in the high-end tier. SATA throughput caps near 550 MB/s — fine for game libraries and backups, slower for heavy scratch work.

At $149.00 it sits in the high-end drive bracket. PlanMyPC's builder flags compatibility problems automatically and tracks the latest drive deals from multiple stores. Support and warranty service run through Intel, with terms that vary by region. Scroll down for the complete spec table; the builder's compatibility checker will warn you about any conflicts with components you have already picked.