Is your desktop PC feeling sluggish? Does it take forever to boot up, load applications, or transfer files? If you’re nodding along, then it’s probably time for an upgrade, and there’s no better place to start than with a Solid State Drive (SSD). Upgrading to an SSD is hands down one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your system’s performance. It’s like giving your PC a shot of pure adrenaline!
Crucial is a brand synonymous with reliable and high-performance memory and storage solutions. They offer a fantastic range of SSDs perfect for breathing new life into your old desktop or enhancing a brand-new build. But with so many options, how do you pick the Crucial best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC that suits your needs?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into 10 top Crucial SSDs, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a gamer, a creative professional, or just an everyday user looking for a serious speed boost, you’re sure to find the Crucial best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC right here. Get ready for faster boot times, quicker application launches, and an overall snappier computing experience!
Our Top 10 Crucial SSD Picks for Desktop Upgrades
Let’s explore the best Crucial SSDs that can significantly enhance your desktop PC’s performance. We’ve included a mix of internal SATA, lightning-fast NVMe, and even some versatile portable options.
1. Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get a massive storage boost and a significant performance jump over a traditional hard drive, the Crucial BX500 2TB is an excellent choice. This SATA 2.5-inch SSD is ideal for older desktop PCs that might not support NVMe drives, or for users who need a lot of fast storage without breaking the bank. It’s incredibly efficient, too, making your system more responsive and potentially quieter.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive (Note: primarily beneficial for laptops, but still energy efficient for desktops)
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio for a SATA drive
- Massive 2TB capacity for games, applications, and media
- Significantly faster and more responsive than HDDs
- Energy-efficient design
- Easy to install in most desktop cases
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Cons:
- Slower than NVMe SSDs
- Limited to SATA III interface speeds
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User Impressions: Customers love the noticeable speed improvement, especially when migrating from an HDD. Many praise its ease of installation and the reliability that Crucial is known for. It’s often described as a “no-brainer upgrade” for older systems.
2. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
Much like its 2TB sibling, the Crucial BX500 1TB offers a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and affordability, making it a stellar option for a Crucial best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC. This 1TB model is perfect if you need ample space for your operating system, essential applications, and a good selection of games or media files, without committing to the larger 2TB size. It’s a reliable workhorse that will transform your daily computing experience.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Affordable upgrade for desktop PCs
- Substantial 1TB capacity for most users
- Dramatically faster than traditional hard drives
- Energy-efficient and quiet operation
- Simple installation process
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Cons:
- Performance capped by the SATA III interface
- Not as fast as newer NVMe drives
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User Impressions: Users consistently report a significant boost in system responsiveness and faster load times after installing this SSD. Its reliability and ease of setup are frequently highlighted, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious upgrades.
3. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Stepping into the world of NVMe, the Crucial P310 1TB is a game-changer for modern desktop PCs. Leveraging PCIe Gen4 technology, this M.2 SSD delivers incredible speeds that will make your system feel lightning-fast. It’s an ideal internal SSD for gamers who want quicker load times and content creators who handle large files, offering a huge leap in productivity and overall PC performance.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 1TB 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. 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
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 NVMe speeds for superior performance
- Generous 1TB capacity for OS, games, and applications
- Excellent for gaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking
- Backward compatible with Gen3 slots for broader usability
- Compact M.2 form factor reduces cable clutter
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Cons:
- Requires a compatible M.2 slot on your motherboard
- Might generate more heat than SATA drives under heavy load (though thermal control is built-in)
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the speed and responsiveness, especially compared to older drives. Gamers particularly appreciate the reduced load times, while productivity users note the snappy application performance. Its straightforward installation is also a plus.
4. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
If you’re on a tighter budget but still crave the blistering speeds of NVMe, the Crucial P310 500GB is a fantastic entry point. This drive offers all the benefits of PCIe Gen4 performance, providing a significant boost to your desktop’s boot times and application loading, but in a more affordable capacity. It’s a great choice for use as a primary boot drive for your operating system and essential programs.
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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. 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
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Pros:
- Access to super-fast Gen4 NVMe speeds at a lower price point
- Excellent for a primary boot drive and frequently used applications
- Backward compatibility with PCIe Gen3 slots
- Compact and easy to install
- Significantly improves overall system responsiveness
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Cons:
- 500GB might be limiting for users with many large games or extensive media libraries
- Requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard
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User Impressions: Users report that even at 500GB, this drive dramatically improves their PC’s performance. It’s often chosen as a dedicated OS drive, with users then pairing it with a larger SATA SSD or HDD for bulk storage. The speed gains are consistently praised.
5. Crucial P310 4TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
For those who demand ultimate speed and colossal storage, the Crucial P310 4TB is an absolute powerhouse. This NVMe SSD combines the incredible performance of PCIe Gen4 with an enormous 4TB capacity, making it the Crucial best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC if you’re a professional working with massive datasets, a hardcore gamer with a huge library, or someone who simply never wants to worry about running out of space. It’s the ultimate storage upgrade for any high-performance desktop.
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Key Features:
- PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds for quicker game load times, bootups, and smooth multitasking
- Spacious 4TB 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. 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
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Pros:
- Massive 4TB capacity to store virtually everything
- Top-tier PCIe Gen4 speeds for unparalleled performance
- Ideal for demanding applications, large game libraries, and high-resolution media
- Backward compatible for wider system support
- Superior productivity and responsiveness
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Cons:
- Premium price point due to capacity and performance
- Requires an available M.2 slot that supports 2280 drives
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User Impressions: Enthusiasts and professionals rave about the sheer capacity combined with the blistering speed. Users report being able to consolidate multiple drives into one, simplifying their system while achieving incredible performance. It’s seen as a long-term investment in a high-performance system.
6. Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2
While not an internal upgrade for your desktop, the Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is an incredibly fast and versatile external drive that can augment your desktop storage or serve as a blazing-fast external work drive. Perfect for creators, students, and gamers on the go, it offers incredible transfer speeds and robust durability, making it an excellent companion for shuttling large files between systems or using it for fast external game storage.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-fast Speeds: Designed for creators, students and PC gamers, this matte blue external SSD delivers fast data access with up to 2,100MB/s read speeds. Unlike a hard drive, SSDs offer significantly faster performance
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP65 dust and water resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 9.8 ft (3 metres). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- Ultimate Storage Capacity: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact external 1TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, gamers, and everyday users needing secure and reliable storage for their files
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
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Pros:
- Exceptionally high read/write speeds for a portable drive
- Rugged IP65 dust/water resistance and drop protection
- Wide compatibility across multiple devices and operating systems
- Compact and highly portable design
- Ideal for quick data backups, external game libraries, or moving large project files
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Cons:
- Not suitable as a primary internal desktop upgrade
- Performance can be limited by the USB port’s capabilities on the host device
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User Impressions: Users are consistently amazed by the speed, often describing it as “instant” for file transfers. Its robust build quality and compact size make it a favorite for professionals and travelers who need reliable, fast external storage.
7. Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2
The Crucial X9 2TB Portable SSD strikes an excellent balance between speed, capacity, and portability. While its speeds aren’t as extreme as the X10, 1050MB/s is still incredibly fast and a huge leap over traditional external hard drives. This generous 2TB capacity makes it a fantastic option for storing vast amounts of photos, videos, game libraries, or professional projects, providing flexible storage expansion for your desktop PC or other devices.
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Key Features:
- High-speed Performance: Designed for casual gamers and everyday use, this external SSD with up to 1050MB/s accelerates large file transfers, media editing, and backup processes outperforming traditional hard drives
- Built to Last: Perfect for travel and all types of weather with IP55 water and dust resistance. Plus, it’s drop resistant up to 7.5 ft (2 meters). This portable drive is designed for durability and reliability wherever you go
- Broad Compatibility: External drive connects effortlessly with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox via USB-C and USB-A for easy and fast file transfers
- High-Capacity Storage: Store all your photos, videos, backups, and more with this compact 2TB SSD. It’s perfect for students, everyday users, and anyone needing secure and reliable storage for their files
- Bonus Software Included: Enjoy three months of Mylio Photos plus and Acronis True Image when you purchase and register your external drive
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Pros:
- Excellent 2TB capacity for extensive external storage
- Very fast speeds for general file transfers and backups
- Durable and resistant to dust, water, and drops
- Broad compatibility with a wide range of devices
- Compact and lightweight design for easy transport
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Cons:
- Slower than NVMe internal drives and the X10 portable SSD
- Not designed as a primary internal boot drive
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User Impressions: Users highly rate the X9 for its reliable performance and solid build quality. The 2TB capacity is a big draw for those needing substantial external storage, and its compatibility with various devices makes it a versatile tool for many.
8. Crucial BX500 240GB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
If you’re looking for the absolute most affordable way to experience the benefits of an SSD, or simply need a dedicated, snappy boot drive for your operating system and essential apps, the Crucial BX500 240GB is a budget-friendly champion. While 240GB isn’t huge, it’s more than enough for Windows and your core software, making it a stellar Crucial best SSD for upgrading a desktop PC if your main goal is to banish slow boot times and application lag.
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Key Features:
- Boot up faster. Load files quicker. Improve overall system responsiveness
- 300% faster than a typical hard drive
- Improves battery life because it’s 45x more energy efficient than a typical hard drive
- Micron 3D NAND – advancing the world’s memory and storage technology for 40 years
- Crucial 3-year limited warranty
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Pros:
- Extremely affordable entry point into SSD performance
- Dramatically improves boot times and application loading
- Highly energy-efficient and silent operation
- Reliable Crucial brand quality with a 3-year warranty
- Easy to install in any desktop PC with a SATA port
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Cons:
- Limited storage capacity for games or large media files
- SATA speeds are slower than NVMe
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User Impressions: Many users purchase this drive specifically to use as a boot drive for their OS, and they are consistently thrilled with the immediate and noticeable speed improvements. It’s often recommended as an excellent value upgrade for older systems.
9. Crucial P310 2TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe
This particular Crucial P310 is a bit of a niche gem, specifically designed in the ultra-compact M.2 2230 form factor, making it perfect for smaller devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. However, with the right M.2 adapter, it can be used in a desktop PC, offering a powerful 2TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage. If you’re building a tiny ITX desktop or repurposing a drive, this offers incredible performance and capacity in a minuscule package.
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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
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Pros:
- Ultra-compact M.2 2230 form factor
- Blazing-fast 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance
- Power-efficient for cooler operation
- Great for small form factor desktop builds (with an adapter) or specialized use cases
- Excellent for large game libraries and demanding applications
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Cons:
- M.2 2230 form factor requires an adapter for most standard desktop M.2 slots (which typically use 2280)
- Might be overkill or less convenient than a standard 2280 drive for most desktop users
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User Impressions: Users primarily praise this drive for its performance in handheld gaming devices. For desktop users who manage to integrate it, the compact size combined with 2TB Gen4 speed is a unique advantage for specific small builds.
10. Crucial P3 Plus 2TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2
The Crucial P3 Plus 2TB represents another fantastic option for a high-performance NVMe upgrade. This PCIe Gen4 SSD offers excellent sequential read/write speeds, making it a significant step up from Gen3 NVMe drives and a monumental leap from SATA SSDs or HDDs. With 2TB of storage, it’s perfect for a gaming rig, a professional workstation, or any user who needs a spacious and incredibly fast primary drive for their desktop PC.
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 680K/850K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB (this specific model is 2TB)
- 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
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Pros:
- Excellent PCIe Gen4 performance for demanding tasks
- Substantial 2TB capacity for operating system, applications, and games
- Superior longevity and reliability ratings
- Backward compatible with Gen3 motherboards
- Great value for Gen4 NVMe performance
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Cons:
- Not quite as fast as the absolute top-tier Gen4 drives (like some P310 models for sequential reads/writes)
- Requires an M.2 slot on your motherboard
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User Impressions: Users report significant speed improvements, especially in game load times and large file transfers. Its reliability and the peace of mind from Crucial’s brand reputation are often mentioned, making it a highly recommended upgrade for modern desktop PCs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crucial SSD Upgrades
Upgrading your desktop PC with a new SSD can seem daunting, but it’s often one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make. Here are some common questions answered:
Q1: Why should I upgrade my desktop PC with an SSD?
A: Upgrading to an SSD provides a massive performance boost over traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). You’ll experience dramatically faster boot times, quicker application loading, snappier multitasking, and overall improved system responsiveness. SSDs also have no moving parts, making them more durable, quieter, and more energy-efficient.
Q2: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe SSDs, and which one is right for me?
A:
* SATA SSDs (like the Crucial BX500 series) connect via a SATA III interface and come in a 2.5-inch form factor. They offer speeds up to around 550MB/s, which is 3-5 times faster than HDDs. They are typically more affordable and compatible with older motherboards.
* NVMe SSDs (like the Crucial P310 or P3 Plus series) connect via the PCIe interface, usually in an M.2 stick form factor. They are much faster, with speeds ranging from 3,500MB/s (PCIe Gen3) to 7,000MB/s+ (PCIe Gen4). They are ideal for modern systems, gaming, content creation, and professional tasks.
Choose SATA if you have an older desktop or a strict budget. Go NVMe for the best possible performance, especially if your motherboard has an M.2 slot.
Q3: How much capacity do I need for my desktop SSD?
A:
* 240-500GB: Good for a primary boot drive (OS and essential applications) if you have a secondary HDD for bulk storage.
* 1TB: A great all-rounder for OS, essential apps, several large games, and some media.
* 2TB-4TB+: Ideal for gamers with large libraries, content creators, or users who want all their files on a single, fast drive without needing a secondary HDD.
Q4: Is installing a Crucial SSD difficult for a desktop PC?
A: No, it’s generally quite straightforward!
* 2.5-inch SATA SSDs: Simply mount it in a drive bay, connect a SATA data cable to your motherboard, and a SATA power cable from your power supply.
* M.2 NVMe SSDs: Locate an M.2 slot on your motherboard, gently insert the drive, and secure it with a small screw.
You’ll then need to either clone your existing OS to the new SSD or perform a fresh Windows installation. Crucial often provides helpful guides and cloning software.
Q5: Can I use an external Crucial SSD (like the X9 or X10) to upgrade my desktop PC?
A: While external SSDs offer incredible portable performance and can significantly expand your storage, they are generally not suitable as the primary internal boot drive for a desktop PC. They connect via USB, which introduces latency and doesn’t offer the same seamless integration or peak performance as an internal SATA or NVMe drive. However, they are fantastic for fast external storage, quick backups, or transferring large files between systems.
Q6: Are Crucial SSDs reliable?
A: Yes, Crucial is a highly reputable brand in the memory and storage industry, backed by Micron (one of the world’s largest memory manufacturers). Their SSDs are known for their reliability, performance, and competitive pricing, often coming with multi-year warranties. They are a trusted choice for PC upgrades.
Q7: Do I need to format my new SSD before using it?
A: If you’re performing a fresh installation of Windows, the installer will typically handle the formatting for you. If you’re adding it as a secondary data drive, you’ll need to initialize and format it through Windows Disk Management before it appears in “This PC.” Crucial’s support resources can guide you through this simple process.
Q8: Will an SSD improve my gaming performance significantly?
A: Absolutely! While an SSD won’t directly increase your in-game frame rates (that’s largely dependent on your CPU and GPU), it will drastically reduce game load times, map loading times, and asset streaming, making for a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. It can also help eliminate stuttering caused by slow texture loading.