Tired of agonizingly long load screens and sluggish system performance spoiling your gaming sessions? Upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your gaming PC. While larger capacities often grab the headlines, a Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming can be an incredibly smart and cost-effective choice for many players. It’s perfect for housing your operating system and a handful of your most-played games, drastically cutting down boot times and game loads.
You might be thinking, “Is 240GB enough?” For a boot drive, essential applications, and 2-3 AAA games, absolutely! It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of lightning-fast storage, especially when you consider the budget-friendly price point. We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive list of some of the best 240GB SSDs for gaming, including top picks from Crucial and other reputable brands, to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s dive into our top contenders and find the perfect drive to get you back in the game, faster!
Our Top Picks for Your Gaming Rig
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best SSDs that offer a great blend of performance, reliability, and value for gamers.
1. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is often heralded as a fantastic entry-level option, offering a significant performance bump over traditional hard drives without a hefty price tag. If you’re looking for a no-frills, reliable drive to breathe new life into an older system or simply want faster boot times and quicker game loads for a few key titles, this 2.5-inch SATA SSD is an excellent choice. It’s built with Micron 3D NAND technology, ensuring consistent performance and Crucial’s trusted quality.
- Key Features:
- Boot up faster, load files quicker, improve overall system responsiveness.
- Up to 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
- Improves battery life (45x more energy efficient than typical HDDs).
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology.
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty.
- Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Easy to install in most desktops and laptops.
- Dramatically improves system speed compared to HDDs.
- Energy-efficient for better laptop battery life.
- Cons:
- SATA speeds are slower than NVMe drives.
- Lacks a DRAM cache, which can affect sustained write performance.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise the BX500 for its immediate and noticeable impact on system speed, especially when replacing an old HDD. Many highlight its ease of installation and solid reliability for everyday computing and light gaming.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
While our main focus is on 240GB drives, we couldn’t skip mentioning the Crucial P310, especially this 2TB version, given its incredible versatility and performance, particularly for handheld gaming devices and compact systems. This isn’t a 240GB drive, but it showcases Crucial’s prowess in delivering high-speed NVMe storage. For gamers looking for an internal SSD upgrade for a Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, or even select ultra-compact laptops, its M.2 2230 form factor combined with PCIe Gen4 speeds makes it an absolute powerhouse.
- Key Features:
- Broad Compatibility: Works with Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Microsoft Surface, and select Dell laptops for easy portable upgrades.
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
- Spacious NVMe SSD: This 2TB SSD provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with compact M.2 2230 NVMe SSD form factor for casual gamers and home users.
- Power-efficient Design: Engineered for low power draw to extend battery life on handheld consoles and laptops.
- Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
- Pros:
- Extremely fast PCIe Gen4 speeds for rapid loading.
- Compact M.2 2230 form factor ideal for handhelds.
- High capacity for extensive game libraries.
- Excellent power efficiency for battery-powered devices.
- Cons:
- Much higher capacity and price point than a 240GB drive.
- Requires M.2 2230 slot, not universally compatible with all PCs.
- User Impressions: Reviewers are thrilled with its performance in handheld gaming devices, noting significant improvements in game loading and overall system responsiveness. Its small form factor and high speed are frequently lauded.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Kingston 240GB A400 SATA 3 2.5″ Internal SSD
The Kingston A400 is another popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and PC users seeking to upgrade from a traditional hard drive. Like the Crucial BX500, this 240GB SATA SSD offers a substantial boost in speed for every aspect of your computing experience – from booting up to loading applications and games. It’s a solid, reliable workhorse that delivers noticeable improvements for a modest investment.
- Key Features:
- Fast start up, loading, and file transfers.
- More reliable and durable than a hard drive.
- Multiple capacities available for various needs.
- Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Significantly faster than traditional HDDs.
- Durable and shock-resistant, enhancing laptop longevity.
- Easy to install.
- Cons:
- Performance is limited by the SATA III interface.
- Doesn’t include a DRAM cache, which can impact performance under heavy loads.
- User Impressions: Many users report that the Kingston A400 transforms older laptops and desktops, making them feel like new machines. Its affordability and performance gains are consistently highlighted as key benefits for basic gaming and general use.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Crucial T710 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 14,500 MB/s
Stepping into the high-performance arena, the Crucial T710 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD is a beast designed for enthusiasts and hardcore gamers who demand the absolute best. This isn’t your average Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming; it’s a top-tier drive pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Gen5 technology. While a 2TB capacity, its inclusion here highlights Crucial’s commitment to cutting-edge gaming storage and what you can achieve with top-tier hardware for your larger game library.
- Key Features:
- WIN BIGGER: Experience Gen5 gameplay at the speed of thought with up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds.
- ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Activate advanced ray tracing in applicable games to see all the reflections, fog, and lighting.
- POINT. CLICK. DONE.: Included DirectStorage speeds up your creative process and allows you to create as fast as you can imagine.
- LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: Crucial is a pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage, built for maximum performance.
- STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: Integrated heatsink to maximize heat dissipation for optimal performance.
- SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protect your data with hardware encryption.
- Pros:
- Unparalleled Gen5 NVMe speeds, ideal for future-proof gaming.
- Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal performance.
- DirectStorage compatibility for next-gen game loading.
- Hardware encryption for data security.
- Cons:
- Premium price point, far exceeding 240GB budget drives.
- Requires a Gen5-compatible motherboard, which is not universal.
- Overkill for casual users or systems not supporting Gen5.
- User Impressions: Users are blown away by the T710’s speed, describing it as “insane” and “future-proof.” Gamers who invest in this drive appreciate the nearly instantaneous load times and the peace of mind that comes with cutting-edge technology.
- See it on Amazon here
5. Crucial BX300 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5 Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX300 240GB offers a step up from the BX500 in terms of raw performance for a SATA drive, utilizing Micron’s 3D NAND technology to deliver impressive sequential and random read/write speeds. If you’re looking for a slightly snappier SATA experience for your operating system and a few crucial games, this drive provides excellent value, making it a strong contender for the title of a Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming in its category.
- Key Features:
- Sequential Read 555 MB/s / Sequential Write 510 MB/s.
- Random reads/writes up to 90K on all file types.
- More than 300% faster than a typical hard drive.
- More than 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive.
- Accelerated by Micron 3D NAND technology.
- Pros:
- Good all-around performance for a SATA SSD.
- Excellent energy efficiency.
- Reliable Crucial/Micron 3D NAND technology.
- Solid upgrade from traditional hard drives.
- Cons:
- Still limited by the SATA III interface compared to NVMe.
- May be harder to find new compared to newer models like the BX500.
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the BX300 for its consistent performance and reliability, noting a tangible difference in boot times and application responsiveness. Many consider it a superior SATA option for its price.
- See it on Amazon here
6. Patriot Memory Burst Elite SATA 3 240GB SSD 2.5 Inch
The Patriot Memory Burst Elite 240GB SSD is designed for users seeking an easy and affordable way to boost their system’s performance. As a SATA III drive, it offers a substantial improvement over mechanical hard drives, making everyday tasks, including loading games, much snappier. Its focus on reliability features like static and dynamic wear leveling makes it a durable option for prolonged use.
- Key Features:
- Latest SATA 3 Controller; Capacity: 240GB.
- Interface: SATA III 6Gb/s.
- Static and Dynamic Wear Leveling.
- Bad Block Management.
- Low Power Management.
- Form Factor: 2.5″.
- Warranty: 3 Years.
- Pros:
- Cost-effective storage upgrade.
- Incorporates advanced wear-leveling for enhanced longevity.
- Low power consumption is great for laptops.
- Comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Cons:
- SATA performance is limited compared to NVMe.
- Not as widely recognized as some other major brands.
- User Impressions: Users find the Patriot Burst Elite to be a competent and reliable entry-level SSD. Its affordability and the significant performance increase over HDDs are frequently highlighted, making it a popular choice for older system revamps.
- See it on Amazon here
7. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 10,000 MB/s
Another high-end Gen5 NVMe option from Crucial, the P510 2TB aims to strike a balance between top-tier performance and competitive pricing for its class. While not a 240GB drive, its inclusion illustrates Crucial’s diverse range of high-performance gaming SSDs. It’s a serious contender for gamers and content creators who need massive storage and blistering speeds for their main drive, leveraging PCIe Gen5 technology.
- Key Features:
- SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s.
- GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 laptops and desktops.
- AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price, making it an ideal choice for savvy buyers.
- MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust.
- SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software allows users to easily migrate data from old drives to the P510.
- Pros:
- Excellent Gen5 NVMe speeds for ultra-fast performance.
- Comes with data migration software for easy upgrades.
- Strong performance-to-price ratio within the Gen5 category.
- Backed by trusted Micron quality.
- Cons:
- High price tag for the 2TB capacity.
- Requires a Gen5-compatible motherboard.
- May generate more heat than slower drives, potentially needing a heatsink (check variant).
- User Impressions: Early adopters of Gen5 technology commend the P510 for its impressive speed and relative affordability compared to other Gen5 drives. The included software for data migration is a welcome bonus for easy upgrading.
- See it on Amazon here
8. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5In Solid State Drive
This is another listing for the popular Crucial BX500 240GB, emphasizing its core benefit: providing all the speed of a new computer without the hefty price tag. It reiterates the value proposition of a Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming if you’re looking for a simple, effective, and economical performance upgrade for your system. Its plug-and-play nature makes it an accessible choice for anyone.
- Key Features:
- The easiest way to get all the speed of a new computer without the price. (This is a simplified feature list from the provided text, as most features overlap with Product 1).
- Pros:
- Extremely cost-effective performance boost.
- Simple and straightforward upgrade.
- Improves overall system responsiveness significantly.
- Cons:
- Limited by SATA III speeds.
- No DRAM cache.
- User Impressions: Consistent positive feedback for its ability to revive older machines and provide a noticeable speed increase. It’s a go-to for budget-friendly system optimizations.
- See it on Amazon here
9. Western Digital 240GB WD Green SATA Internal Solid State Drive
Western Digital is a household name in storage, and their WD Green 240GB SSD is designed for everyday computing, offering solid performance and reliability at an attractive price. It’s a fantastic alternative if you’re exploring beyond Crucial for a Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming-like experience. The focus on ultra-low power consumption and compatibility with various form factors makes it a versatile choice for many systems.
- Key Features:
- SLC (single-level cell) caching boosts write performance to quickly perform everyday tasks.
- Shock-resistant and WD F.I.T. Lab certified for compatibility and reliability.
- Ultra-low power-draw so you can use your laptop for longer periods of time.
- Available in 2.5″/7mm cased and M.2 2280 form factors to accommodate most PCs.
- The free, downloadable Western Digital SSD Dashboard* lets you easily monitor the status of your drive.
- Pros:
- Very power-efficient, extending laptop battery life.
- Reputable brand with a focus on reliability.
- Includes SLC caching for improved burst performance.
- Comes with useful SSD management software.
- Cons:
- Performance is typically entry-level SATA, not as fast as premium SATA or NVMe drives.
- May not be the top choice for hardcore gamers who prioritize peak speed.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise the WD Green for its reliability and excellent power efficiency, making it a favorite for laptop upgrades. The included dashboard software is also a big plus for monitoring drive health.
- See it on Amazon here
10. Crucial P5 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
Rounding out our list is the Crucial P5 Plus 1TB, a formidable PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. While a larger 1TB capacity, its features position it as an outstanding gaming drive. It’s engineered for hardcore gamers and creative professionals, offering high performance that’s even compatible with the PS5. If you’re considering a significant jump in speed and capacity beyond a 240GB drive, this solid-state solution from Crucial is definitely worth a look.
- Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 NVMe technology with up to 6600MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 630K/700K IOPS.
- Engineered for hardcore gamers, professionals, creatives who demand high-performance computing, works well with PS5 and has Heatsink compatibility.
- Built on our own leading Micron Advanced 3D NAND and innovative controller technology.
- Rated at MTTF greater than 2 million hours for extended longevity and reliability.
- 5-year limited warranty or up to the max endurance rating of 600 TBW.
- Pros:
- Excellent PCIe Gen4 performance, significantly faster than SATA.
- PS5 compatibility makes it versatile for console and PC gamers.
- High endurance rating and a 5-year warranty for long-term reliability.
- Micron’s advanced 3D NAND technology ensures quality.
- Cons:
- Higher price point compared to 240GB SATA drives.
- Requires an M.2 NVMe slot and PCIe Gen4 support to achieve full speed.
- User Impressions: Gamers and power users consistently highlight the P5 Plus’s impressive speed and reliability, particularly for demanding tasks and game loading. Its PS5 compatibility is a huge selling point for many.
- See it on Amazon here
FAQs About Gaming SSDs
Q1: Is a 240GB SSD really enough for gaming?
A1: Yes, a 240GB SSD is sufficient for many gamers, especially if you prioritize faster boot times for your operating system and quick loading for 2-3 of your most frequently played games. For your larger game library, you can still use a traditional hard drive or a secondary, larger SSD. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming on a budget.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs?
A2: SATA SSDs connect via the SATA III interface and typically offer speeds up to around 550 MB/s. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs, on the other hand, connect directly to the motherboard via the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster speeds, often ranging from 3,000 MB/s to over 14,000 MB/s, making them ideal for high-performance gaming and demanding tasks.
Q3: Do all SSDs require DRAM cache?
A3: Not all SSDs have a DRAM cache. Drives like the Crucial BX500 and Kingston A400 often omit DRAM to keep costs down. While a DRAM cache generally improves performance, especially with sustained writes and random operations, for typical gaming and everyday use, a DRAM-less SSD can still offer a massive upgrade over an HDD and perform perfectly fine.
Q4: How do I install a new SSD in my gaming PC?
A4: Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is usually straightforward: connect a SATA data cable from the SSD to your motherboard and a SATA power cable from your power supply to the SSD. For M.2 NVMe SSDs, you simply insert the drive into the M.2 slot on your motherboard and secure it with a screw. Always check your motherboard’s manual for specific instructions.
Q5: What does “3D NAND” mean?
A5: 3D NAND refers to a type of flash memory where cells are stacked vertically in multiple layers, rather than arranged in a single plane. This allows for higher storage densities, better performance, and improved power efficiency compared to older 2D NAND technology, contributing to more robust and faster drives like the Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming options.
Q6: Should I get a Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5 NVMe SSD for gaming?
A6: For most current games, a Gen3 NVMe SSD provides excellent performance and is perfectly sufficient. Gen4 offers a noticeable speed boost, especially for games utilizing Microsoft’s DirectStorage API, and is a great future-proof option. Gen5 is the bleeding edge, providing astronomical speeds, but its full potential isn’t yet realized in most games and it requires a compatible, high-end motherboard. Consider your budget and current system compatibility.
Q7: How long do SSDs last?
A7: SSDs have a finite number of write cycles, but for average users and gamers, they are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Most modern SSDs are rated for hundreds of Terabytes Written (TBW) and have Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) ratings in the millions of hours, meaning they’ll likely outlast the rest of your PC components under normal use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SSD can dramatically transform your gaming experience, from shaving minutes off load screens to making your entire system feel snappier. While larger capacity drives are fantastic, a Crucial best 240GB SSD for gaming (or a similar capacity from other top brands) offers an incredible performance-per-dollar value, providing a high-speed boot drive and space for your favorite titles.
Whether you opt for the budget-friendly yet effective Crucial BX500 or the rapid performance of a Crucial P5 Plus, upgrading to a solid-state drive is one of the smartest investments a gamer can make. Happy gaming, and may your load times be ever short!