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A 1TB SSD is a solid-state drive advertised with one terabyte of storage capacity. “SSD” describes the type of storage device; “1TB” describes its stated capacity—not its speed, interface, or a particular model. The capacity is usually counted as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, so a computer may display a smaller figure when it reports storage using binary units.
What do “SSD” and “1TB” mean?
- SSD stands for solid-state drive, a device that stores data.
- 1TB is the drive’s advertised capacity: one terabyte. It does not tell you how fast the drive is or whether it fits a particular computer.
Storage manufacturers commonly use decimal units: 1TB equals 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Apple Support explains this convention in its storage-capacity guide, published February 26, 2025.
Why might a 1TB SSD show about 931GB?
Computers and storage manufacturers may use different unit conventions when describing the same number of bytes. In binary units, one tebibyte is 1,099,511,627,776 bytes—more than a decimal terabyte. When a system reports a decimal 1TB drive using binary-based units, the displayed figure can be about 931.32 binary GB. Intel gives this as an approximate conversion example in its explanation of advertised versus reported SSD size, last reviewed November 8, 2022.
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That lower display does not by itself mean the drive has lost capacity. It reflects the difference between decimal and binary measurement. The label “GB” can be used inconsistently across displays; Intel’s example is a binary-based conversion, not 931.32 decimal gigabytes. Apple’s guide to storage measurements, Samsung Semiconductor’s storage-units explainer, and Seagate’s capacity-measurement guide also explain the decimal-versus-binary distinction.
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Why can available space be lower still?
The converted capacity is not necessarily the amount of free space you can use. Formatting and operating-system software also occupy storage, and the reported figure can vary by device and system. A 1TB SSD therefore does not guarantee one exact available-space number.
Does 1TB tell you whether an SSD is compatible?
No. Capacity alone does not identify an SSD’s physical form factor or interface, and it does not establish read/write speed or endurance. To check whether a drive will work with a computer, confirm the device’s supported form factor and interface separately; the “1TB” label answers only the capacity question.
Quick Recap
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- High-Efficiency Performance: The SSD 1TB SATA adopts 3D NAND flash memory, which achieves a read speed of up to 560MB/s and a write speed of up to 510MB/s. Get a faster data transfer experience and improve your work efficiency.
- Upgrate Your Computer: The SATA 1TB SSD achieved faster app load and response times, and faster boot-up and shut-down, compared to HDDs. The internal SSD adopts advanced SLC Cache Technology, which improves overall computer performance.
- Reliability and Stability: The 2.5 SSD 1TB supports garbage collection, advanced wear-leveling technology, RAID, ECC, TRIM, and S.M.A.R.T, which makes the SATA SSD more reliable and stable. With the characteristics of shockproof, the SSD hard drive can keep your data safe, without worry even if your computer drops.
- Wide Compatibility: The 2.5'' SSD built-in SATA III 6Gb/S interfaces, witch backwards compatible with SATA II and SATA interfaces. The Internal SATA SSD is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, and compatible with laptops, desktops, and all-in-one computers.
- 3-Year Service: Our SSDs come with a 3 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will sincerely and professionally solve the problem for you.
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- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung's own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician's advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
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- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
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- This product has been replaced by our latest generation. Please search for the SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD
- HIGH-OCTANE GAMING. Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models), with up to 35% faster performance than previous generation.
- PURPOSE-BUILT. Designed for serious on-the-go gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and SANDISK’s next generation TLC 3D NAND.
- MORE TIME TO CLEAR THAT CHECKPOINT. Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation.
- DO MORE WITH DASHBOARD. Ensure your drive is optimized for prime performance with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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