What’s the greatest SSD for gaming? We’ve been maintaining with the newest (and, in fact, quickest) stable state drives, racing their learn and write speeds towards each other. With storage necessities rising ever bigger, it’s by no means been extra necessary to ensure your system’s bought loads of area on your present and future favorite video games.
Irrespective of how previous your gaming PC is, any system can profit from swapping from ageing mechanical drives to extra trendy SSD choices. Along with getting sooner with the arrival of the NVMe protocol, M.2 drives imply terabytes of storage has by no means been so small or inexpensive.
Right here are our greatest SSD for gaming picks in 2023:
1. WD Black SN850X
The greatest SSD for gaming is the WD Black SN850X.
Anticipate to pay $159.99-$699.99 / £153.99-£701.99.
| WD Black SN850X specs | |
| Capability | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 7,300MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 6,600MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2280 |
Professionals
- The quickest PCIe 4.0 gaming SSD
- Elective RGB heatsink
- Software program ensures most efficiency with Sport Mode 2.0
Cons
- Nice efficiency comes at an incredible value
- Can run a contact scorching with no 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 degree of efficiency not solely improves loading instances in video games, however it’s best to discover your gaming PC boots sooner and extra shortly handles basic duties. You’ll at all times get essentially the most out of the drive whereas taking part in video games too, because of its Sport Mode 2.0 toggle within the included software program.
For those who’re frightened about potential thermal throttling impacting the WD Black SN850X, you possibly can decide it up with an elective heatsink for peace of thoughts. Higher nonetheless, the heatsink comes with a splash of RGB too, so it may look cool whereas staying cool.
2. Samsung 980
The greatest PCIe 3.0 SSD is the Samsung 980.
Anticipate to pay $52.99-$139.99 USD / £44.99-£93.99 GBP.
| Samsung 980 specs | |
| Capability | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 3,500MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 3,000MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2280 |
Professionals
- Quick PCIe 3.0 speeds
- Sturdy Samsung Magician software program
Cons
- Outperformed by PCIe 4.0 drives
- No DRAM
The Samsung 980 is the proper match for anybody seeking to improve their ageing SATA arduous drives or SSDs with one thing a bit nippier. The South Korean tech big’s storage parts have remained among the many most fascinating out there for years, and it’s not arduous 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 will be additional enhanced by way of using Samsung Magician software program, making it straightforward to get essentially the most out of your new drive.
3. Samsung 870 EVO
The greatest SATA SSD is the Samsung 870 EVO.
Anticipate to pay $33.99-$269.99 / £29.99-£223.99.
| Samsung 870 Evo specs | |
| Capability | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | SATA |
| Sequential learn | As much as 560MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 530MB/s |
| Kind issue | 2.5-inch |
Professionals
- Nonetheless a lot quick for PC video games
- Excessive capability choices
Cons
- Barely lofty price ticket
- A lot slower in comparison with NVMe drives
NVMe SSDs will undoubtedly exchange 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 sooner than any arduous drive.
For those who prioritise capability over pace, choosing the Samsung 870 EVO may very well be a wise transfer. You possibly can decide it up in sizes that go all the best way as much as 4TB, that means you received’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 area.
4. Essential P5 Plus
The greatest low cost PCIe 4.0 SSD is the Essential P5 Plus.
Anticipate to pay $74.99-$149.99 / £71.99 – £239.99.
| Essential P5 Plus specs | |
| Capability | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 6,600MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 5,000MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2280 |
Professionals
- Tremendous snappy learn/write speeds
- Nice endurance score
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- Not the quickest drive in its class
- May very well be extra energy environment friendly
PCIe 4.0 SSDs don’t should break the bank, and Essential’s P5 Plus proves you possibly can decide up a drive with respectable efficiency with out having to stretch your price range.
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 as well. After all, it additionally comes with a five-year guarantee, simply in case its spectacular endurance score isn’t sufficient to incite confidence.
5. WD Blue SN570
The greatest low cost PCIe 3.0 SSD is the WD Blue SN570.
Anticipate to pay $29.99-$99.99 / £24.99-£89.99.
| WD Blue SN570 specs | |
| Capability | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 3,500MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 3,500MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2280 |
Professionals
- Full x4 PCIe 3 interface
- Nice price-to-performance worth
- 900TBW endurance
Cons
WD is right here to point out you could, in reality, 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.
After all, it’s not the quickest drive on the market, however it’s fingers down the most effective you will get underneath $100 with out sacrificing capability, pace, or each. That makes it the proper choice for the greatest gaming PC on a price range.
6. Essential MX500
The greatest low cost SATA SSD is the Essential MX500.
Anticipate to pay $34.99-$218.99/ £26.99-£235.99.
| Essential MX500 specs | |
| Capability | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | SATA |
| Sequential learn | As much as 560MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 510MB/s |
| Kind issue | 2.5-inch |
Professionals
- Aggressive value
- High learn/write efficiency for SATA
- Good endurance
Cons
- Decrease capacities are slower
The MX500 must be your go-to if you happen to’re wanting the most cost effective SSD potential, with out compromising an excessive amount of on high quality. Due to its Micron mother or father firm, Essential is ready to supply SSDs utilizing its personal high-quality reminiscence for an incredible value.
The MX500 critically undercuts its competitors and whereas it’s not strictly the most cost effective SSD available on the market, it’s essentially the most budget-friendly we are able to suggest as a worthwhile, high quality buy.
Learn our Essential MX500 evaluation for a full verdict and rating.
7. Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD
The greatest RGB SSD is the Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD.
Anticipate to pay as much as $119.99 / £87.99.
| Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD specs | |
| Capability | 256GB, 512GB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 3,480MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 2,000MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2280 |
Professionals
- Greatest trying SSD with RGB
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- Not as quick as it’s fairly
- Tops out at 512GB
SSDs normally aren’t the flashiest of parts, usually 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 shocking design that deserves to be on present.
For those who don’t need to cover your M.2 drive underneath a shroud, the Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD is the newest PC element to be RGB’d, with its strikingly vibrant and customisable heatsink. It’s not too overbearing and might add a little bit of flare to your setup.
8. SK Hynix Platinum P41
The greatest M.2 SSD for laptops is the SK Hynix Platinum P41.
Anticipate to pay $89.99-$156.99 / £89.99-£156.99.
| SK Hynix Platinum P41 specs | |
| Capability | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB |
|---|---|
| Flash reminiscence | TLC |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | 7,000MB/s |
| Sequential write | 6,500MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2280 |
Professionals
- Compact type issue
- 5-year guarantee
- Extraordinary 1,200TBW score
Cons
Even the greatest gaming laptop computer advantages from extra storage, and the SK Hynix Platinum P41 SSD is ideal for rising 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 plenty of NVMe choices.
Regardless of its spectacular speeds, the Platinum P41 options an equally spectacular energy effectivity score, one thing that helps keep peak efficiency inside a toasty laptop computer setting. Naturally, this additionally means it’ll be kinder to your moveable powerhouse’s battery, which may allow you to spend much less time gaming subsequent to an influence outlet.
9. Corsair EX100U
The greatest exterior SSD for gaming is the Corsair EX100U.
Anticipate to pay $69.99-$384.99 / £74.99-£389.99.
| Corsair EX100U specs | |
| Capability | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 1,600MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 1,500MB/s |
| Kind issue | Moveable |
Professionals
- 3 times sooner than SATA SSDs
- Compact design
- USB Sort-C connection
Cons
- No mud or water resistance
- No USB-A adaptor
- Included cable is a bit quick
The opposite SSDs on this listing will dwell inside your rig, however if you happen to’re smart, you’ll additionally maintain backup exterior storage on standby. The Corsair EX100U is each small and speedy, making it the proper storage resolution for once you’re on the go.
It’s price noting that the Corasir EX100U makes use of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which permits it to supply learn and write speeds sooner lightyears forward of SATA. Nevertheless, don’t fear if you happen to don’t have a built-in USB-C port in your machine because it comes with a USB-A adapter.
10. Sabrent Rocket 2230
The greatest Steam Deck SSD is the Sabrent Rocket 2230.
Anticipate to pay $49.99-£159.99 / £49.99-£149.99.
| Sabrent Rocket 2230 specs | |
| Capability | as much as 1TB |
|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Sequential learn | As much as 4,750MB/s |
| Sequential write | As much as 4,300MB/s |
| Kind issue | M.2 Sort-2230 |
Professionals
- Proper measurement for Steam Deck
- Nice specs
- Sturdy
Cons
- Requires opening up your Deck
For those who’ve already had a peek inside Valve’s handheld, you’ll already know that an ordinary M.2 SSD isn’t going to suit. Fortunately, the Sabrent Rocket 2230 is strictly the correct measurement, so that you received’t should make any bizarre modifications to develop your on-the-go storage.
The Sabrent Rocket 2230 is perhaps 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 may deliver a fair better chunk of your Steam library with you in your travels.
In search of extra moveable add-ons? Try our greatest Steam Deck equipment listing for extra methods to reinforce Valve’s handheld gaming PC.
What are the advantages of utilizing an SSD?
Strong-state drives are inherently sooner than conventional mechanical drives, largely because of the reality they characteristic no shifting components. So, by changing your previous arduous drive with even the most cost effective SSD, you possibly can count on quick boot instances, speedy file switch charges, and even enhanced gaming efficiency. That stated, putting in a shiny new storage drive received’t magically make your gaming PC sooner, particularly if you happen to’re nonetheless rocking previous parts.
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 way decrease. This makes them the proper alternative in order for you a high-capacity solid-state drive for storing your Steam library, or if you happen to’re going for a price range PC construct. Plus, the speeds are nonetheless considerably higher than a traditional arduous drive.
What’s an add-in card SSD?
Add-in card SSDs look a bit bit like graphics playing cards, and so they connect with your PC by way of PCIe. Whereas they use the identical customary as M.2, PCIe choices boast compatibility over M.2, as you received’t want a motherboard with a more moderen socket kind to improve from SATA.
Which capability SSD ought to I am going for?
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 large as your secondary storage. For those who simply need an SSD to put in Home windows onto, then a 512GB capability is ample. 1TB is sufficient for putting in a couple of video games that profit, too, though you possibly can go even increased.
Can you place a PCIe 5.0 SSD in a PCIe 4.0 slot?
PCIe 4.0 is each backwards appropriate and forwards appropriate, that means you should utilize a PCIe 3.0 drive with the newer format and vice versa. It’s price noting in each cases, your efficiency will probably be constricted by the three.0 customary’s limitations.
