Having the greatest SSD for gaming will significantly enhance your gaming expertise, and provides your system a pace increase on the subject of working and loading the newest PC video games. A solid-state drive (SSD) runs off flash reminiscence to jot down and skim knowledge digitally, and any system can profit from swapping from an growing older mechanical drive to a extra fashionable SSD. Because the introduction of the NVMe protocol, high-capacity M.2 drive storage has by no means been so small or reasonably priced. However which gaming SSD is true to your wants?
There are many wonderful gaming SSDs in the marketplace, from well-known manufacturers like Samsung, Corsair, and Western Digital, in addition to extra area of interest choices that also carry out properly. That will help you select the most effective SSD for gaming, we’ve benchmarked the newest (and quickest) solid-state drives, evaluating their learn and write speeds towards each other.
The most recent PC video games can require excessive storage necessities, and which means it’s extra necessary than ever to be sure that your gaming PC or gaming laptop computer has loads of accessible house. Utilizing years of PC gaming expertise and our in-house testing experience, we’ll assist you to discover the most effective SSD for gaming accessible now.
Why you may belief our recommendation ✔ At PCGamesN, our specialists spend hours testing {hardware}, video games, and VPNs. We share sincere, unbiased opinions that will help you purchase the most effective. Discover out how we check.
Greatest SSD for gaming:
WD Black SN850X
Greatest SSD for gaming general
WD Black SN850X specs:
- Sizes1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfacePCIe 3.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 3,500MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 3,000MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Quickest PCIe 4.0 gaming SSD
- Optionally available RGB heatsink
- Good capability decisions
Causes to keep away from
- Can run scorching and not using a heatsink
The WD Black SN850X is the quickest SSD you should buy, making full use of its PCIe 4.0 interface with lightning-fast sequential learn and write speeds of seven,300MB/s and 6,600MB/s, respectively.
This stage of efficiency not solely improves loading occasions in video games, however you need to discover your gaming PC boots quicker and extra rapidly handles normal duties. You’ll all the time get probably the most out of the drive whereas enjoying video games too, because of its Sport Mode 2.0 toggle within the included software program.
In case you’re nervous about potential thermal throttling impacting the WD Black SN850X, you may decide it up with an non-compulsory heatsink for peace of thoughts. Higher nonetheless, the heatsink comes with a splash of RGB too, so it will probably look cool whereas staying cool.
Samsung 980
Greatest PCIe 3.0 SSD for gaming
Samsung 980 specs:
- Sizes250GB, 500GB, 1TB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfacePCIe 3.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 3,500MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 3,000MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Quick PCIe 3.0 speeds
- Strong Samsung Magician software program
Causes to keep away from
- Outperformed by PCIe 4.0 drives
- No DRAM
The Samsung 980 is the proper match for anybody trying to improve their growing older SATA laborious drives or SSDs with one thing a bit nippier. The South Korean tech big’s storage parts have remained among the many most fascinating available in the market for years, and it’s not laborious to see why.
Utilizing a PCIe 3.0 interface, the Samsung 980 delivers sequential learn and write speeds that remodel any sluggish gaming PC right into a nippy machine. The SSD could be additional enhanced by the usage of Samsung Magician software program, making it straightforward to get probably the most out of your new drive.
Samsung 870 EVO
Greatest SATA SSD for gaming
Samsung 870 EVO specs:
- Sizes250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type issue2.5-inch
- InterfaceSATA
- Seq. learnAs much as 560MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 530MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Nonetheless a lot quick for PC video games
- Excessive capability choices
Causes to keep away from
- Barely lofty price ticket
- A lot slower in comparison with NVMe drives
NVMe SSDs will undoubtedly substitute their SATA brethren, however there’s nonetheless loads of worth available in drives that use the ageing interface just like the Samsung 870 EVO. Whereas its sequential learn and write speeds could seem paltry within the face of PCIe storage, it’s nonetheless a lot quick for many video games and is undeniably quicker than any laborious drive.
In case you prioritize capability over pace, choosing the Samsung 870 EVO could possibly be a sensible transfer. You may decide it up in sizes that go all the way in which as much as 4TB, that means you gained’t have to fret about rehoming your Steam library and it prices a lot lower than any M.2 SSD with the identical quantity of house.
Essential P5 Plus
Greatest low-cost PCIe 4.0 SSD for gaming
Essential P5 Plus specs:
- Sizes250GB, 500GB, 1TB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfacePCIe 4.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 6,600MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 5,000MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Tremendous snappy learn/write speeds
- Nice endurance score
- 5-year guarantee
Causes to keep away from
- Not the quickest drive in its class
- May very well be extra energy environment friendly
PCIe 4.0 SSDs don’t must break the bank, and Essential’s P5 Plus proves you may decide up a drive with respectable efficiency with out having to stretch your funds.
Not solely does the Essential P5 Plus boast learn speeds as much as 6,600MB/s however its two million-hour imply time to failure (MTTF) score means it’s dependable in addition. In fact, it additionally comes with a five-year guarantee, simply in case its spectacular endurance score isn’t sufficient to incite confidence.
WD Blue SN570
Greatest low-cost PCIe 3.0 SSD
WD Blue SN570 specs:
- Sizes250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfacePCIe 3.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 3,500MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 3,000MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Full x4 PCIe 3 interface
- Nice price-to-performance worth
- 900TBW endurance
WD is right here to indicate you could, actually, have all of it, because the Blue SN570 NVMe SSD boasts as much as 2TB of storage, a stable 900TBW endurance, and respectable learn and write speeds for one the bottom costs you’ll discover.
In fact, it’s not the quickest drive on the market, however it’s arms down the most effective you will get beneath $100 with out sacrificing capability, pace, or each. That makes it the proper choice for the greatest gaming PC on a funds.
Greatest low-cost SATA SSD for gaming
Essential MX500 specs:
- Sizes250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Type issue2.5-inch
- InterfaceSATA
- Seq. learnAs much as 560MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 510MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Aggressive value
- Prime learn/write efficiency for SATA
- Good endurance
Causes to keep away from
- Decrease capacities are slower
The MX500 needs to be your go-to if you need the most affordable SSD doable, with out compromising an excessive amount of on high quality. Due to its Micron mum or dad firm, Essential can provide SSDs utilizing its high-quality reminiscence for an important value.
The MX500 significantly undercuts its competitors and whereas it’s not strictly the most affordable SSD in the marketplace, it’s probably the most budget-friendly we will suggest as a worthwhile, high quality buy.
Learn our Essential MX500 evaluate.
Gigabyte Aorus RGB
Greatest RGB SSD for gaming
Gigabyte Aorus RGB specs:
- Sizes256GB, 512GB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfacePCIe 3.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 3,480MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 2,000MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Greatest wanting SSD with RGB
- 5-year guarantee
Causes to keep away from
- Solely goes to 512GB capability
SSDs often aren’t the flashiest of parts, typically taking a again seat to RGB-clad gadgets like graphics playing cards, the greatest CPU coolers, and the gaming RAM. However the Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD is the outlier to that rule, with a surprising design that deserves to be on present.
In case you don’t need to disguise your M.2 drive beneath a shroud, the Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD is the newest PC part to be RGB’d, with its strikingly brilliant and customizable heatsink. It’s not too overbearing and may add a little bit of flare to your setup.
SK Hynix Platinum P41
Greatest M.2 SSD for laptops
SK Hynix Platinum P41 specs:
- Sizes500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfacePCIe 4.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 7,000MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 6,500MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Compact type issue
- 5-year guarantee
- Extraordinary 1,200TBW score
Even the greatest gaming laptop computer advantages from extra storage, and the SK Hynix Platinum P41 SSD is ideal for growing your on-the-go storage with out compromising on spec. That includes an in-house Aries controller, this drive is able to learn speeds as much as 7,000MB/s, that means it’ll run rings round SATA SSDs and lots of NVMe choices.
Regardless of its spectacular speeds, the Platinum P41 options an equally spectacular energy effectivity score, one thing that helps preserve peak efficiency inside a toasty laptop computer surroundings. Naturally, this additionally means it’ll be kinder to your moveable powerhouse’s battery, which might assist you to spend much less time gaming subsequent to an influence outlet.
Sabrent Rocket 2230
Greatest Steam Deck SSD
Sabrent Rocket 2230 specs:
- Sizes256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Type issueM.2 Sort-2280
- InterfaceM.2 PCIe 4.0 x4
- Seq. learnAs much as 5,000MB/s
- Seq. writeAs much as 4,300MB/s
Causes to purchase
- Proper measurement for Steam Deck
Causes to keep away from
- Inconsistent efficiency
- Simple to put in
In case you’ve already had a peek inside Valve’s handheld, you’ll already know that a regular M.2 SSD isn’t going to suit. Fortunately, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 is strictly the fitting measurement, so that you gained’t must make any bizarre modifications to broaden your on-the-go storage.
The Sabrent Rocket 2230 is likely to be dinky sufficient to suit contained in the Steam Deck, however it nonetheless packs a solid-state punch. The PCIe 4.0 drive boasts as much as 4,750MB/s learn speeds, and also you’ll be capable to write as much as 4,300MB/s to the compact SSD. Regardless of its measurement, 1TB fashions are additionally accessible, that means you could possibly convey a good higher chunk of your Steam library with you in your travels. It’s one of many greatest Steam Deck equipment listing to improve the storage on your handheld gaming PC.
Greatest SSD for gaming FAQ
What are the advantages of utilizing an SSD?
Stable-state drives are inherently quicker than conventional mechanical drives, principally as a result of truth they function no transferring components. So, by changing your outdated laborious drive with even the most affordable SSD, you may anticipate quick boot occasions, speedy file switch charges, and even enhanced gaming efficiency. Nonetheless, putting in a brand new storage drive gained’t make your gaming PC quicker if you happen to’re nonetheless rocking outdated parts elsewhere.
SATA vs NVMe SSDs
SATA drives have been round for some time longer, and whereas they provide decrease learn and write speeds than you’ll discover on an NVMe-based drive, the value per GB is far decrease. This makes them the proper alternative if you need a high-capacity solid-state drive for storing your Steam library, or if you happen to’re going for a funds PC construct. Plus, the speeds are nonetheless considerably higher than a traditional laborious drive.
What’s an add-in card SSD?
Add-in card SSDs look somewhat bit like graphics playing cards, they usually hook up with your PC by way of PCIe. Whereas they use the identical normal as M.2, PCIe choices boast compatibility over M.2, as you gained’t want a motherboard with a more moderen socket kind to improve from SATA.
Which capability SSD ought to I get?
A better-capacity SSD will value extra, so take into account how a lot you need to spend. Not the entire greatest PC video games profit from being put in on an SSD, so that you don’t essentially want a drive as huge as your secondary storage. Some of the SSD choices on this information begin at 250GB capability, however if you happen to can afford it, we suggest getting a 1TB SSD to future-proof your system for longer. You will get an SSD as much as 4TB, however that is costly. In case you simply need an SSD to put in Home windows onto, then a 512GB capability is enough.
What’s the most effective SSD model?
We belief the entire SSD manufacturers in our information (in any other case we wouldn’t have included them). Western Digital and Samsung are well-known for being dependable and long-lasting, however we additionally suggest checking the retailer and producer guarantee while you purchase an SSD, as some will provide prolonged guarantee durations of as much as three or 5 years – offering peace of thoughts within the unlikely occasion that your gaming SSD fails.
Can you set a PCIe 5.0 SSD in a PCIe 4.0 slot?
PCIe 4.0 is from side to side appropriate, that means you need to use a PCIe 3.0 drive with the newer format and vice versa. It’s value noting in each situations, your efficiency will probably be constricted by the three.0 normal’s limitations.
For extra assist constructing your superb gaming PC, take a look at our listing of the most effective gaming playing cards, which is able to assist you to discover the fitting graphics card.