What’s the finest SSD for gaming? We’ve been maintaining with the newest (and, after all, 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 essential to ensure your system’s received loads of area in your present and future favorite video games.
Regardless of how outdated your gaming PC is, any system can profit from swapping from ageing mechanical drives to extra fashionable SSD choices. Along with getting quicker 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 finest SSD for gaming is the WD Black SN850X.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2280 |
Execs
- The quickest PCIe 4.0 gaming SSD
- Optionally available RGB heatsink
- Software program ensures most efficiency with Sport Mode 2.0
Cons
- Nice efficiency comes at an important value
- Can run a contact sizzling 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 occasions in video games, however it’s best to discover your gaming PC boots quicker and extra shortly handles common 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.
When you’re apprehensive about potential thermal throttling impacting the WD Black SN850X, you’ll be able to 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 could look cool whereas staying cool.
2. Samsung 980
The finest PCIe 3.0 SSD is the Samsung 980.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2280 |
Execs
- 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 trying 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 available in the market 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 via using Samsung Magician software program, making it simple to get probably the most out of your new drive.
3. Samsung 870 EVO
The finest SATA SSD is the Samsung 870 EVO.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | 2.5-inch |
Execs
- Nonetheless lots 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 lots quick for many video games and is undeniably quicker than any arduous drive.
When you prioritise capability over pace, choosing the Samsung 870 EVO might be a sensible transfer. You’ll be able to decide it up in sizes that go all the way in which as much as 4TB, which 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 area.
4. Essential P5 Plus
The finest low cost PCIe 4.0 SSD is the Essential P5 Plus.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2280 |
Execs
- 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’ll be able to 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 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.
5. WD Blue SN570
The finest low cost PCIe 3.0 SSD is the WD Blue SN570.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2280 |
Execs
- Full x4 PCIe 3 interface
- Nice price-to-performance worth
- 900TBW endurance
Cons
WD is right here to point out that you may, in truth, 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, nevertheless it’s fingers down one of the best you will get underneath $100 with out sacrificing capability, pace, or each. That makes it the proper possibility for the finest gaming PC on a price range.
6. Essential MX500
The finest low cost SATA SSD is the Essential MX500.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | 2.5-inch |
Execs
- Aggressive value
- Prime 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 affordable SSD potential, with out compromising an excessive amount of on high quality. Due to its Micron father or mother firm, Essential is ready to provide SSDs utilizing its personal 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 advocate 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 finest RGB SSD is the Gigabyte Aorus RGB M.2 NVMe SSD.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2280 |
Execs
- Finest trying SSD with RGB
- 5-year guarantee
Cons
- Not as quick as it’s fairly
- Tops out at 512GB
SSDs often aren’t the flashiest of parts, typically taking a again seat to RGB-clad gadgets like graphics playing cards, the finest 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.
When you don’t need to conceal 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 finest M.2 SSD for laptops is the SK Hynix Platinum P41.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2280 |
Execs
- Compact kind issue
- 5-year guarantee
- Extraordinary 1,200TBW score
Cons
Even the finest 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, which 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 preserve peak efficiency inside a toasty laptop computer surroundings. Naturally, this additionally means it’ll be kinder to your transportable powerhouse’s battery, which may allow you to spend much less time gaming subsequent to an influence outlet.
9. Corsair EX100U
The finest exterior SSD for gaming is the Corsair EX100U.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | Moveable |
Execs
- Thrice quicker than SATA SSDs
- Compact design
- USB Kind-C connection
Cons
- No mud or water resistance
- No USB-A adaptor
- Included cable is a bit quick
The opposite SSDs on this checklist will dwell inside your rig, however if you happen to’re clever, you’ll additionally preserve backup exterior storage on standby. The Corsair EX100U is each small and speedy, making it the proper storage answer for once you’re on the go.
It’s value 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 quicker 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 finest Steam Deck SSD is the Sabrent Rocket 2230.
Count on 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 |
| Type issue | M.2 Kind-2230 |
Execs
- Proper dimension for Steam Deck
- Nice specs
- Sturdy
Cons
- Requires opening up your Deck
When you’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 precisely the suitable dimension, so that you gained’t should make any bizarre modifications to increase your on-the-go storage.
The Sabrent Rocket 2230 is perhaps dinky sufficient to suit contained in the Steam Deck, nevertheless 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 of write as much as 4,300MB/s to the compact SSD. Regardless of its dimension, 1TB fashions are additionally accessible, which means you could possibly deliver a fair better chunk of your Steam library with you in your travels.
Searching for extra transportable add-ons? Try our greatest Steam Deck equipment checklist for extra methods to boost Valve’s handheld gaming PC.
What are the advantages of utilizing an SSD?
Strong-state drives are inherently quicker than conventional mechanical drives, largely because of the reality they function no shifting elements. So, by changing your outdated arduous drive with even the most affordable SSD, you’ll be able to anticipate quick boot occasions, speedy file switch charges, and even enhanced gaming efficiency. That mentioned, putting in a shiny new storage drive gained’t magically make your gaming PC quicker, particularly if you happen to’re nonetheless rocking outdated 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 far decrease. This makes them the proper selection if you would like 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 of bit like graphics playing cards, and so they connect with your PC through PCIe. Whereas they use the identical commonplace 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 am going for?
Not all the finest 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. When you simply need an SSD to put in Home windows onto, then a 512GB capability is enough. 1TB is sufficient for putting in a couple of video games that profit, too, though you’ll be able to 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, which means you should use a PCIe 3.0 drive with the newer format and vice versa. It’s value noting in each cases, your efficiency might be constricted by the three.0 commonplace’s limitations.
