Building or upgrading a PC can be exhilarating, especially when you’re chasing top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, or demanding daily tasks. At the heart of a powerful system lies a solid motherboard, and for lightning-fast storage, an M.2 NVMe SSD is absolutely essential. If you’re working with AMD’s AM4 platform, finding the right components can feel like a quest for the holy grail. That’s why we’re diving deep into some of the most sought-after components that make up the Crucial best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD setups available today.
We understand that you want a system that boots in seconds, loads games instantly, and handles large files without breaking a sweat. The good news? The AM4 platform, especially when paired with cutting-edge M.2 NVMe technology, offers incredible value and performance. From speedy storage solutions to robust motherboards that unlock their full potential, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through our top 10 picks, highlighting what makes each product shine and helping you make an informed decision for your next build. Let’s get cracking!
1. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
This compact powerhouse is an excellent choice for those needing significant storage in a tiny footprint, perfect for handheld gaming devices or specific mini-PCs. While it’s a smaller form factor, it doesn’t skimp on performance, delivering impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds that make game loading times and system responsiveness feel incredibly snappy. If you’re looking for a substantial upgrade for a Steam Deck or ROG Ally, this SSD is a crucial component to consider.
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:
– Excellent Gen4 speeds for its compact size.
– Ideal for portable gaming devices and specific laptops.
– High 2TB capacity in a small form factor.
– Energy-efficient, good for battery life.
Cons:
– 2230 form factor isn’t universally compatible with all desktop motherboards without an adapter.
– May run hotter in devices without adequate cooling.
User Impressions: Users rave about the seamless upgrade experience for their handheld consoles, praising the noticeable speed boost and the generous storage capacity. The reliability for a compact drive also receives high marks.
2. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
For users looking for a budget-friendly entry into PCIe Gen4 speeds in the standard M.2 2280 form factor, the Crucial P310 500GB offers a compelling package. It’s a great starter drive for your operating system and a few key applications, providing a significant performance leap over older Gen3 drives. This SSD proves that you don’t need to break the bank to experience faster boot times and more responsive applications on your AM4 system.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking.
– Spacious 500GB SSD: Provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with standard Gen4 NVMe performance for casual gamers and home users.
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles including ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and AYANEO Kun. Also backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems for flexible upgrades.
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation. Improve performance for real-world tasks like booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance trusted by gamers and home users.
Pros:
– Affordable entry into PCIe Gen4 performance.
– Standard 2280 form factor for broad compatibility.
– Noticeable speed improvement over Gen3 SSDs.
– Good for OS drive and essential applications.
Cons:
– 500GB might be limiting for extensive game libraries or large media files.
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available, but excellent for its price.
User Impressions: Customers often highlight the excellent value for money and the immediate performance boost it provides. It’s frequently recommended as a solid upgrade for older systems or as a fast boot drive.
3. Crucial P3 Plus 4TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
If you demand massive storage alongside impressive Gen4 speeds, the Crucial P3 Plus 4TB is a stellar option. This drive is ideal for gamers with huge libraries, video editors, or anyone who simply hates deleting files. Its robust performance and reliability make it a top contender for a primary storage drive on any modern AM4 motherboard with M.2 SSD slots, ensuring you have both speed and space in abundance.
Key Features:
– NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 650K/900K IOPS.
– Spacious storage up to 4TB.
– Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs.
– Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability.
– Backward compatibility with Gen3.
Pros:
– Enormous 4TB capacity.
– Solid PCIe Gen4 speeds for everyday tasks and gaming.
– High reliability rating for long-term use.
– Backward compatible with Gen3 systems.
Cons:
– Sequential read/write speeds are good, but not top-tier Gen4 (compared to P5 Plus or T710).
– Might require a heatsink for sustained heavy workloads on some motherboards.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the sheer volume of storage combined with the snappy performance. Many note that it’s an excellent value proposition for the capacity, making it a favorite for extensive game and media libraries.
4. Crucial P510 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 10,000 MB/s
Stepping into the future, the Crucial P510 2TB is a formidable Gen5 NVMe SSD, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in storage speed. While AM4 motherboards generally support up to PCIe Gen4, this drive represents a fantastic investment for those planning a future upgrade to a Gen5-compatible platform, or for users with cutting-edge motherboards that do support it (though rare for AM4). It offers unparalleled speed, making it an excellent choice for professionals who need the absolute fastest data transfer.
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:
– Blazing-fast Gen5 read/write speeds.
– Excellent future-proofing for next-gen systems.
– Comes with data migration software.
– Strong balance of price and performance for a Gen5 drive.
Cons:
– AM4 motherboards don’t natively support Gen5 speeds; this drive will run at Gen4 speeds on an AM4 board.
– Requires a robust cooling solution for optimal Gen5 performance.
User Impressions: Early adopters of Gen5 systems are thrilled with the incredible speed, while those using it on Gen4 platforms still report it to be a beast, offering performance that easily matches or exceeds top-tier Gen4 drives. The value for a Gen5 drive is frequently highlighted.
5. Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 14,900 MB/s
The Crucial T710 is pure speed incarnate. This Gen5 NVMe SSD is designed for the absolute performance enthusiast, pushing sequential read/write speeds to staggering levels. While an AM4 platform won’t fully utilize its Gen5 capabilities, if you’re building a top-tier system with an eye towards future platforms or just want the fastest possible storage that money can buy for the moment, the T710 is an undeniable contender. Its integrated heatsink also ensures optimal thermal management, a crucial detail for such extreme performance.
Key Features:
– WIN BIGGER: Experience Gen5 gameplay at the speed of thought. With up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds, you’ll be faster out of the gate.
– ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Don’t miss out on the detailed atmospheres of your favorite games. Activate advanced ray tracing in applicable games to see all the reflections, fog and lighting to improve your gameplay.
– POINT. CLICK. DONE.: Spend more time being creative and less time waiting on your latest renders. 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. The T710 showcases Crucial’s innovation and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming, creativity, and beyond.
– STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: The T710 offers an integrated heatsink to maximize heat dissipation for optimal performance without noisy fans or liquid cooling. A non-heatsink option is also available.
– SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protect your data with hardware encryption. Install the latest T710 firmware exclusively via Crucial’s official support page (Support > Firmware Updates) to enable encryption.
Pros:
– Phenomenal Gen5 speeds, among the fastest available.
– Integrated heatsink for superior thermal performance.
– Excellent for extreme gaming, content creation, and professional workloads.
– Future-proof technology.
– Hardware encryption support.
Cons:
– Significantly more expensive than Gen4 alternatives.
– AM4 motherboards cannot utilize its full Gen5 potential.
– 1TB capacity might be limiting for some users given its price.
User Impressions: Professional users and hardcore gamers are in awe of the T710’s speed, noting significant improvements in workload times and game loading. The integrated heatsink is also highly praised for maintaining performance under load.
6. ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 PCIe 4.0 X4 Expansion Card Supports
Sometimes, your AM4 motherboard might not have enough M.2 slots, or you want to consolidate multiple NVMe drives into a single PCIe slot for ultimate storage density and speed. The ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 card is a brilliant solution, allowing you to run up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs (like those Crucial ones we’re reviewing!) in one x16 PCIe slot. This is particularly useful for RAID configurations or for simply expanding your storage capacity without swapping out drives. It’s a key accessory for power users looking for a versatile AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD expansion.
Key Features:
– Supports 4 NVMe M. 2 (2242/2260/2280/22110) up to 256 Gbps in one card by utilizing PCIe 4. 0 bandwidth.
– PCIE 4. 0 X16 Interface with server-grade (low loss) PCB material, compatible with PCI express x8 and x16 slots.
– Supports 14W power consumption SSDs for next gen latest drives.
– Stylish heatsink and integrated blower style fan prevent M. 2 throttling.
Pros:
– Massively expands M.2 storage capacity (up to 4 drives).
– Utilizes full PCIe 4.0 bandwidth for multiple drives.
– Integrated heatsink and blower fan for effective cooling.
– Supports various M.2 form factors.
Cons:
– Requires a spare PCIe x16 slot, potentially limiting GPU configuration.
– Some AM4 chipsets (like B550) might have limited PCIe lanes, impacting overall performance if other slots are used.
– BIOS support for NVMe RAID can vary by motherboard.
User Impressions: Users building high-capacity storage arrays or seeking maximum performance from multiple NVMe drives highly recommend this card. The cooling solution is frequently praised for keeping temperatures in check.
7. Crucial P5 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P5 Plus is a flagship Gen4 NVMe SSD, offering premium performance for hardcore gamers, professionals, and creatives. This 1TB version provides a sweet spot between capacity and speed, making it an excellent primary drive. It’s built with Micron’s advanced 3D NAND and innovative controller technology, ensuring both reliability and blistering speeds. This is one of the Crucial best AM4 motherboards for M.2 SSD pairings you can make for a high-end Gen4 system, even being PlayStation 5 compatible if you’re building a gaming powerhouse!
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:
– Top-tier PCIe Gen4 performance.
– Excellent for gaming, content creation, and demanding applications.
– High endurance rating and long warranty for peace of mind.
– PS5 compatibility (requires heatsink).
– Robust build quality from Micron.
Cons:
– Can run warm under sustained heavy loads, requiring a motherboard’s built-in heatsink or an aftermarket one.
– Premium pricing compared to entry-level Gen4 drives.
User Impressions: Gamers and professionals are consistently impressed with the P5 Plus’s speed and reliability. It’s often highlighted as a solid choice for reducing load times and improving overall system responsiveness, especially in demanding scenarios.
8. GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 Motherboard, Supports AMD AM4
The GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 motherboard is a fantastic foundation for a mid-range to high-end AM4 system, perfectly suited for leveraging fast M.2 SSDs. With two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0), you get excellent flexibility for storage. Its robust power delivery, advanced thermal design, and built-in WiFi 6 make it a versatile choice. For those seeking a reliable and feature-rich AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD setups without breaking the bank, this Gigabyte board is certainly worth considering.
Key Features:
– AMD Socket AM4: Ready to support AMD Ryzen 5000 / Ryzen 4000 / Ryzen 3000 Series processors.
– Enhanced Power Solution: Digital twin 10 plus3 phases VRM solution with premium chokes and capacitors for steady power delivery.
– Advanced Thermal Armor: Enlarged VRM heatsinks layered with 5 W/mk thermal pads for better heat dissipation. Pre-Installed I/O Armor for quicker PC DIY assembly.
– Boost Your Memory Performance: Compatible with DDR4 memory and supports 4 x DIMMs with AMD EXPO Memory Module Support.
– Comprehensive Connectivity: WIFI 6, PCIe 4.0, 2x M.2 Slots, 1GbE LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C.
Pros:
– Excellent value for a B550 chipset with WiFi 6.
– Robust VRM design for stable CPU overclocking.
– Good thermal management for VRMs.
– Two M.2 slots (one Gen4, one Gen3) offer storage flexibility.
– Modern connectivity options including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
Cons:
– Only one M.2 slot operates at PCIe Gen4 speeds.
– 1GbE LAN might be a bottleneck for some users who prefer 2.5GbE.
– Aesthetics are more subdued compared to some flashier boards.
User Impressions: Users praise this motherboard for its stability, solid feature set, and reliable performance, especially for its price point. The inclusion of WiFi 6 and the durable build quality are frequently highlighted as major positives.
9. Crucial P3 500GB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
For those on a tighter budget or with an older AM4 motherboard that only supports PCIe Gen3, the Crucial P3 500GB Gen3 NVMe SSD is an outstanding choice. It offers significant speed advantages over traditional SATA SSDs and HDDs, providing a noticeable upgrade for daily computing and lighter gaming. It’s a solid, reliable drive from a trusted brand, perfect for an operating system and essential applications without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
– NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 350K/460K IOPS. Specific uses: Personal, Gaming, Business.
– Spacious storage up to 4TB (this variant is 500GB).
– Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation.
– Solid Gen3 performance.
– Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability.
Pros:
– Very affordable for an NVMe SSD.
– Excellent performance for a Gen3 drive.
– High reliability rating.
– Good for budget builds or Gen3-only systems.
Cons:
– Significantly slower than PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 drives.
– 500GB may be too small for main game drive or large media collections.
User Impressions: This drive is highly popular among budget builders and those upgrading from SATA SSDs, with users reporting a dramatic improvement in boot times and application responsiveness. The value and reliability are consistently praised.
10. Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4
The Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is a premium AM4 motherboard designed for serious gamers and enthusiasts. It offers robust power delivery, exceptional connectivity, and effective cooling solutions – everything you need to extract the maximum performance from your Ryzen processor and M.2 SSDs. With two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0), excellent networking (WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet), and a feature-rich BIOS, this board truly represents a Crucial best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD configurations, offering both performance and a sleek aesthetic.
Key Features:
– AM4 socket: Ready for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series, plus 5000 and 4000 G-series desktop processors. Bluetooth v5.2.
– Best gaming connectivity: PCIe 4.0-ready, dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, plus HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.2 output.
– Smooth networking: On-board WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard.
– Robust power solution: 12+2 teamed power stages with ProCool power connector, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors.
– Renowned software: Bundled 60 days AIDA64 Extreme subscription and intuitive UEFI BIOS dashboard.
Pros:
– Premium power delivery for stable overclocking.
– Excellent thermal design for VRMs and M.2 slots.
– Dual M.2 slots (one Gen4, one Gen3) with heatsinks.
– Top-tier connectivity: WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
– Stylish ROG Strix aesthetic.
Cons:
– Higher price point than entry-level B550 boards.
– Only one M.2 slot operates at full PCIe 4.0 speeds.
– Some users might find the BIOS a bit overwhelming if they’re new to ASUS ROG.
User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the B550-F Gaming WiFi II for its rock-solid stability, impressive performance with Ryzen CPUs, and feature-rich design. The networking capabilities and robust power delivery are frequently cited as standout features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is an M.2 SSD and why should I choose it over a SATA SSD?
A1: An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a dedicated M.2 slot. Unlike traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSDs that use cables, M.2 SSDs are more compact and can utilize the faster PCIe interface (NVMe protocol), leading to significantly higher data transfer speeds (up to 7-10x faster) compared to SATA drives. This means quicker boot times, faster game loading, and smoother overall system responsiveness.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 NVMe SSDs?
A2: These refer to different generations of the PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, which determines the maximum speed an NVMe SSD can achieve.
* PCIe Gen3 offers sequential read speeds up to around 3,500 MB/s.
* PCIe Gen4 doubles that, with speeds up to around 7,000-7,500 MB/s.
* PCIe Gen5 doubles Gen4 again, pushing speeds upwards of 12,000-14,900 MB/s.
For an M.2 SSD to reach these speeds, both the drive and the motherboard’s M.2 slot must support the corresponding PCIe generation.
Q3: Can I use a PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 M.2 SSD on an AM4 motherboard?
A3: Most modern AM4 motherboards (especially those with B550 or X570 chipsets) support PCIe Gen4 for at least one M.2 slot, usually the one directly connected to the CPU. You can use a Gen4 SSD in a Gen4 slot to get full Gen4 speeds. If you put a Gen4 SSD into a Gen3 slot, it will run at Gen3 speeds. PCIe Gen5 SSDs will work in Gen4 slots, but they will be limited to Gen4 speeds, as AM4 platforms do not natively support Gen5.
Q4: Do M.2 SSDs need a heatsink?
A4: For PCIe Gen3 SSDs, a heatsink isn’t always critical unless you’re performing very heavy, sustained writes. However, for high-performance PCIe Gen4 and especially Gen5 NVMe SSDs, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under load, which can lead to thermal throttling – where the drive slows down to prevent overheating. Many modern AM4 motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones.
Q5: How many M.2 slots does a typical AM4 motherboard have?
A5: Most modern AM4 motherboards (B550, X570) come with at least two M.2 slots. One slot typically offers PCIe Gen4 speeds (connected directly to the CPU), while the second or subsequent slots might be PCIe Gen3 (connected via the chipset). Higher-end boards might offer more M.2 slots, though their speed capabilities can vary.
Q6: What should I look for in a good AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSDs?
A6: When choosing an AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSDs, consider:
1. M.2 Slot Count & Speed: Ensure it has enough M.2 slots for your needs, and that at least one supports PCIe Gen4 for your primary drive.
2. M.2 Heatsinks: Built-in heatsinks for M.2 slots are a big plus.
3. Power Delivery (VRM): A robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is important for stable performance, especially with high-end Ryzen CPUs.
4. Connectivity: Look for essential ports like USB 3.2 Gen 2, Wi-Fi 6/6E, and fast Ethernet.
5. Chipset: B550 offers excellent value with Gen4 support, while X570 provides more PCIe lanes and Gen4 connectivity across the board.
Q7: Can I use an M.2 expansion card with my AM4 motherboard?
A7: Yes, an M.2 expansion card (like the ASUS Hyper M.2 X16 reviewed above) can be a great way to add more M.2 NVMe SSDs to your AM4 system, especially if your motherboard has limited M.2 slots. You’ll need a spare PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard, and it’s essential to check your motherboard’s manual for specific compatibility and potential PCIe lane allocation limitations.
The Final Word
Choosing the right components for your AMD AM4 system, especially when it comes to high-speed M.2 NVMe storage and the motherboard that supports it, is paramount for an outstanding PC experience. We’ve highlighted some of the Crucial best AM4 motherboard for M.2 SSD combinations, from budget-friendly options to high-performance contenders.
Whether you’re building a brand-new gaming rig, upgrading an existing workstation, or looking for lightning-fast storage for your handheld, the products reviewed here offer a fantastic blend of speed, capacity, and reliability. Remember to match your chosen SSD’s PCIe generation with your motherboard’s capabilities to unlock its full potential. Happy building!