When it comes to PC gaming, nothing pulls you out of the action faster than a long-lasting loading screen. As your game of choice rushes to load assets and textures, a slow hard drive or solid-state drive can mean sitting around when you could be exploring a virtual world or setting out on a fishing raid. A fast SSD, though, can get you to what you want to play faster. In fact, all the latest gaming consoles, including the Xbox Series X/S, the Sony PlayStation 5, and most handheld consoles like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally X, also make use of fast SSDs.
A good SSD for gaming needs to excel in several key areas to ensure optimal performance and a seamless gaming experience. Here are the main factors that make an SSD ideal for gaming:
1. Speed (Read/Write performance):
Sequential Read/Write Speeds: High sequential read and write speeds reduce game load times, level loading, and the time it takes to install or transfer large game files. For gaming, SSDs with read speeds of at least 3,000MBps and write speeds close to that are generally considered good, though PCIe 4.0 SSDs with speeds exceeding 7,000MBps are now common in high-end builds.
Random Read/Write Speeds (IOPS): Gaming involves many small files being accessed simultaneously, so high IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) is crucial. This ensures quick access to game assets, improving in-game performance and reducing stuttering.
2. Capacity:
Games are getting larger, with some titles exceeding 100 GB. A good gaming SSD should offer sufficient storage capacity, typically starting at 500 GB, with 1TB or more being ideal for gamers with extensive libraries. Higher-capacity drives also tend to have better performance due to the increased number of NAND chips.
3. Endurance and reliability:
TBW (Terabytes Written): Endurance ratings, usually expressed as TBW, indicate how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifetime. For gaming, a high TBW is desirable, especially if you frequently install and uninstall games or use the drive for other tasks like recording gameplay.
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures): This metric gives an idea of the drive's reliability over time. A good gaming SSD should have a high MTBF to ensure longevity and consistent performance.
4. Form factor and interface:
M.2 versus 2.5-inch: M.2 SSDs are preferred in modern gaming setups because they offer better performance and take up less space compared to traditional 2.5-inch SSDs.
PCIe Interface: SSDs that use the PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 interfaces provide significantly faster data transfer rates than SATA-based SSDs, making them ideal for gaming.
5. Thermal management:
High-performance SSDs can generate significant heat, which can lead to thermal throttling, where the drive slows down to prevent overheating. A good gaming SSD should either have an effective heat sink or thermal management solution to maintain consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
6. Software and firmware support:
Some SSDs come with proprietary software that helps in managing the drive, updating firmware, and optimizing performance. This can be beneficial for gamers who want to ensure their SSD is always performing at its best.
7. Price-to-performance ratio:
While high-end SSDs offer incredible speed, they often come at a premium. A good gaming SSD balances performance with cost, providing sufficient speed and capacity without breaking the bank.
Essentially, the best SSD for gaming should offer a combination of high read/write speeds, sufficient capacity, excellent endurance, and reliable thermal management. Brands like Samsung, WD Black, and Seagate often produce SSDs that meet these criteria, making them popular choices among gamers.
Crucial T705
Fastest PCIe Gen 5 SSD for gaming
- Fastest PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD
- Black and white heat sink options
- Solid hardware encryption
- Expensive
Why you should buy this: It is currently the fastest PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD on the market.
Who it’s for: Those who are looking for the latest and fastest drive speeds.
Why we picked the Crucial T705:
The Crucial T705 SSD stands out as the fastest SSD on the market and is best suited for gaming enthusiasts who prioritize having the fastest storage available and are willing to invest in the necessary cooling solutions. This PCIe 5.0 SSD offers impressive speeds, with sequential reads and writes reaching up to 14,500MBps and 12,700MBps, respectively, ensuring rapid load times and smooth gameplay. However, this cutting-edge performance comes at a high cost, both in terms of price and power consumption.
For gamers, the T705's sustained performance is exceptional, particularly for those running demanding games or applications. However, its high heat production necessitates effective cooling, making it more suitable for high-end desktops with adequate airflow. While it excels in speed, the T705 may be overkill for most gamers, with PCIe 4.0 SSDs offering a more practical balance of cost and performance.
Samsung 990 Pro
Best overall
- Highly reliable brand
- Excellent performance
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Optional heat sink
- Sustained performance can be better
Why you should buy this: It's a highly reliable NVMe SSD for PC or console gaming with fast speeds and feature-packed software support.
Who it’s for: Gamers looking for a speedy SSD for PC or console gaming.
Why we picked the Samsung 990 Pro:
The Samsung 990 Pro is a high-performance PCIe 4.0 drive that excels in gaming and general computing tasks. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,450MBps and write speeds up to 6,900MBps, it significantly improves game load times and overall system responsiveness. The SSD also boasts up to 55% better IOPS performance compared to its predecessor, the 980 Pro, making it highly effective for gaming scenarios that require quick data access.
For gamers, this means faster level loads and smoother transitions within games, particularly when compared to SATA SSDs or HDDs. Samsung claims that the 990 Pro can load game levels in about one second, which is four times faster than a SATA SSD and 28 times faster than an HDD. The SSD is available in capacities of up to 4TB and comes in both standard and heat sink versions, with the latter offering improved thermal management, which can be crucial during extended gaming sessions
WD Black SN770M
Best SSD for handheld consoles
- Suitable for most consoles
- Reliable real-world performance
- Respectable endurance rating
- Up to 2TB capacity
- Not the fastest PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- May run hot in desktops
Why you should buy this: It is one of the fastest M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs on the market.
Who it’s for: Those who want to upgrade the storage of their handheld consoles.
Why we picked the WD Black SN770M:
The WD Black SN770M is tailored for handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. Designed to enhance gaming experiences on these devices, the SN770M offers a significant upgrade over standard storage options, especially in terms of speed and efficiency. With sequential read speeds of up to 5,150MBps, it drastically reduces game load times and improves overall responsiveness, making it ideal for gamers who demand quick access to their game libraries.
The SN770M is built to meet the specific needs of handheld gaming consoles, emphasizing power efficiency and thermal management. Given the compact and heat-sensitive nature of these devices, the SSD's reduced power consumption and minimal thermal output are critical features. This ensures that the SSD not only delivers high performance, but also does so without contributing to excessive heat buildup, which is crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of handheld gaming consoles.
The SSD is available in various capacities, up to 2TB, allowing users to expand their storage significantly and accommodate a large game library without compromising on speed or efficiency. This makes it an attractive option for gamers looking to maximize their handheld device's storage without sacrificing performance.
Crucial MX500
Best 2.5-inch SATA SSD for gaming
- Good price-to-performance ratio
- Five-year warranty
- Power failure protection
- Low-capacity models are marginally slower
Why you should buy this: It's a highly reliable 2.5-inch SATA SSD with a five-year warranty and power loss safeguard feature.
Who it’s for: Those who don't have an M.2 slot or want a secondary game storage drive.
Why we picked the Crucial MX500:
If you’re searching for an affordable solution to store your extensive gaming library, a 2.5-inch SATA SSD could be a great choice. The Crucial MX500 is ideal for systems that don't have the latest M.2 slots and still rely on a traditional SATA connection. With read speeds up to 560MBps and write speeds up to 510MBps, Crucial leverages Micron's 3D NAND technology to deliver solid performance.
The Integrated Power Loss Immunity feature safeguards your data in case of sudden power loss. Plus, the five-year warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring your hardware stays protected during those late-night gaming sessions. The MX500 is available in various capacities, ranging from 500GB to 4TB, though prices increase significantly for the larger models.
Seagate FireCuda 530
Best gaming SSD with high endurance rating
- High endurance rating
- Excellent read and write speeds
- Optional heat sink works well
- Five-year warranty with three-year data recovery
- Not the fastest PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Less power efficient
Why you should buy this: It's an excellent PCIe Gen 4 SSD with a high endurance rating.
Who it’s for: Gamers who are looking for a fast and reliable SSD with a low failure rate.
Why we picked the Seagate FireCuda 530:
The Seagate FireCuda 530 is a highly recommended M.2 SSD that excels in both gaming and endurance. It offers excellent speeds, with sequential read speeds of up to 7,300MBps and write speeds of up to 6,900MBps, making it one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs available. This speed translates directly into faster load times and improved responsiveness in games, providing a significant performance boost for demanding titles and applications.
In terms of endurance, the FireCuda 530 stands out with its exceptional durability. It uses 3D TLC NAND flash and is rated for an industry-leading 1.8 million hours MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and up to 5,100 TBW (terabytes written) for the 4TB model. This makes it a reliable choice for gamers who frequently download and update large game files or professionals who require consistent high-speed storage for intensive workloads.
The SSD is also compatible with Sony’s PlayStation 5, making it an attractive upgrade option for console gamers who need more storage without sacrificing performance. The FireCuda 530 comes with a heat sink option, which prevents thermal throttling and is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during extended gaming sessions.
Teamgroup MP44L
Best value for money
- Well-priced
- Good overall performance and endurance
- Power-efficient
- Slim design
- No DRAM
- Small SLC cache
Why you should buy this: It's a good value for money SSD for gaming and everyday computing.
Who it’s for: Gamers who want fast speeds without spending too much money.
Why we picked the Teamgroup MP44L:
The Team Group MP44L SSD is a budget-friendly PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive that offers solid performance for its price. It comes in various capacities, ranging from 250GB to 2TB, and is designed with a DRAM-less architecture, relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology. The drive’s performance is notably consistent, with sequential read speeds up to 5,000MBps and write speeds up to 4,500MBps. It’s a good option for users looking for a cost-effective upgrade to their storage, especially for those using it in gaming laptops or desktops.
When it comes to gaming, the MP44L performs well, loading games quickly and efficiently, which is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Its consistent performance makes it suitable for mainstream gaming, though it may not match the speeds of higher-end drives. For gamers on a budget, this SSD provides a decent balance between price and performance, ensuring that games run smoothly without the long load times associated with slower drives.
In terms of endurance, the MP44L offers a reasonable lifespan, with endurance ratings ranging from 200TBW for the 250GB model to 1200TBW for the 2TB model. This endurance is adequate for typical consumer usage, including gaming and general computing tasks. The drive’s efficient power consumption and low operating temperatures also contribute to its longevity, making it a reliable choice for those looking to upgrade or build a system that will last.
Frequently Asked Questions
PCIe, or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, is a high-speed interface standard used to connect various internal components to a computer's motherboard, such as graphics cards, SSDs, and network cards. It offers fast data transfer rates, with multiple versions (e.g., PCIe 3.0, 4.0, 5.0) providing increasing bandwidth. PCIe slots come in different sizes (x1, x4, x8, x16), which determine the number of data lanes and, consequently, the speed and bandwidth available for connected devices.
M.2 is a form factor specification for internal computer expansion cards and associated connectors that's commonly used for SSDs (solid-state drives). It is designed to replace older standards like mSATA and provides a more compact and flexible interface. M.2 connectors can support various protocols, including PCIe and SATA, allowing for high-speed data transfer. The slim and versatile design of M.2 drives makes them ideal for modern laptops and desktops, as they offer fast storage solutions in a small footprint.
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a protocol designed for accessing high-speed storage media, particularly SSDs, over the PCIe interface. Unlike older protocols like SATA, NVMe is optimized for flash storage, offering significantly faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and higher input/output operations per second (IOPS). This makes NVMe ideal for tasks requiring fast data access, such as gaming, video editing, and large data transfers. Its efficiency and speed make NVMe the preferred choice for modern high-performance storage solutions.
