10 Top Picks: The Best Laptop SSD for Gaming (and Laptops That Have Them!)

August 1, 2025 by John Billy

For those who prioritize raw processing power and modern connectivity, this NIMO 17.3-inch gaming laptop steps up with the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor. While specific SSD details aren’t listed, a machine of this caliber undoubtedly includes a capable solid-state drive to complement its powerful CPU and Radeon 780M graphics, ensuring a smooth gaming experience and quick data access. Its cutting-edge USB-C 4.0 port even opens the door for external GPU docks, making it incredibly future-ready for graphical demands.

• Key Features:
  • AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with Radeon 780M graphics
  • 17.3″ FHD display for expansive visuals
  • Next-Level USB-C 4.0 port with eGPU compatibility
  • Secure fingerprint login and webcam privacy switch
  • Backlit keyboard and 100W PD fast charger
• Pros:
  • Exceptional CPU performance for demanding applications and gaming
  • USB-C 4.0 offers versatile connectivity and upgrade potential
  • Large display provides ample workspace and immersive viewing
  • Secure and convenient features like fingerprint login
• Cons:
  • SSD size and type not explicitly detailed in provided features
  • Integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) might not satisfy hardcore gamers without an eGPU
• User Impressions: Customers love the snappy performance of the Ryzen 9 processor and the large display, making it versatile for both work and casual gaming. The modern connectivity options, especially USB-C 4.0, are frequently highlighted as a major benefit for future upgrades.
• See it on Amazon here

HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop, 15.6″ FHD 144Hz Display, AMD Ryzen 5 (32GB DDR5 RAM + 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD)

The HP Victus 15 is a fantastic choice for gamers seeking a balanced blend of performance and value. This model comes with a speedy 1TB PCIe M.2 Solid State Drive and 32GB of high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, ensuring your games load quickly and your system stays responsive even under heavy loads. Coupled with an AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics, it delivers crisp, smooth gameplay on its 144Hz FHD display, making it a solid contender for the best laptop SSD for gaming in its class.

• Key Features:
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor (6 cores, 12 threads)
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM + 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD
  • 15.6″ FHD 144Hz Anti-Glare display
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 4GB GDDR6 graphics
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth combo, backlit keyboard
  • Windows 11 Home operating system
• Pros:
  • Fast SSD and ample RAM for quick game loading and multitasking
  • High refresh rate display for smooth visuals
  • Modern processor and dedicated graphics card for solid gaming
  • Good port selection and updated OS
• Cons:
  • RTX 2050 is an entry-level RTX card, not suitable for maximum settings on all new games
  • Battery life might be moderate given gaming components
• User Impressions: Users often praise the Victus 15 for its excellent display, smooth performance for its price point, and quick boot times thanks to the SSD. It’s frequently recommended as a reliable entry-to-mid-range gaming laptop.
• See it on Amazon here

Lenovo LOQ 15 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop (Intel Core i5-12450HX, RTX 3050, 12GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD)

The Lenovo LOQ 15 offers a competitive entry into the gaming laptop market, featuring a respectable 512GB SSD. While not the largest on our list, this Solid State Drive still provides a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives, ensuring quicker game launches and system responsiveness. Powering it all is an Intel Core i5-12450HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, paired with a 144Hz FHD display for fluid visuals, making it a great option for gamers on a budget looking for decent gaming laptop storage.

• Key Features:
  • Intel Core i5-12450HX Octa-core processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Graphics
  • 15.6″ 1920 x 1080 FHD 144Hz Display
  • 12GB RAM DDR5, 512GB SSD
• Pros:
  • High refresh rate display for competitive gaming
  • Dedicated RTX 3050 GPU for modern gaming at good settings
  • Fast DDR5 RAM and SSD for improved performance
  • Solid value for money for an entry-level gaming laptop
• Cons:
  • 512GB SSD might fill up quickly with large modern games
  • 12GB RAM is a bit unconventional, could be 16GB
• User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate the LOQ 15 for its strong gaming performance at its price point, highlighting the smooth display and capable GPU. Many note the SSD provides a noticeable speed improvement compared to older systems, though some wish for more storage space.
• See it on Amazon here

HP Victus 15.6″ 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 (Up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD + Up to 64GB DDR4 RAM)

This iteration of the HP Victus 15 truly shines with its expandable storage options, allowing for up to a massive 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 solid-state drive. This means unparalleled storage speed, crucial for the most demanding games and applications. Combined with the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor and a dedicated AMD Radeon Graphics card (4GB GDDR6), this laptop is built for serious gaming. The 144Hz anti-glare display and premium audio complete the immersive experience, making it a top contender for the best laptop SSD for gaming configuration.

• Key Features:
  • AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS processor
  • AMD Radeon Graphics (4GB GDDR6 Dedicated)
  • Up to 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD storage
  • Up to 64GB DDR4 RAM memory
  • 15.6″ 144Hz FHD Anti-Glare Display
  • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, HP Dual Speakers with B&O Audio
• Pros:
  • Extremely fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD for lightning-quick load times
  • Highly expandable RAM and storage options for future needs
  • High refresh rate display and excellent audio for immersive gaming
  • Made with recycled materials, showing environmental consciousness
• Cons:
  • Specific GPU model (beyond “AMD Radeon Graphics”) could be clearer
  • DDR4 RAM might be seen as a slight step back from DDR5 in some other models
• User Impressions: Users are highly satisfied with the incredible speed from the PCIe Gen4 SSD and the overall gaming performance. The display and audio quality are frequently praised, making it a well-rounded gaming machine. The upgrade potential is a big plus for many.
• See it on Amazon here

HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop 15.6 FHD IPS Anti-Glare 144Hz (16GB RAM | 512GB SSD)

Another strong offering from the HP Victus line, this model features a 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM, providing a capable foundation for modern gaming. It’s powered by a fast 12th Gen Intel 8-core i5-12450H processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience on its 144Hz FHD IPS display. This configuration strikes a great balance for gamers who want performance without breaking the bank, relying on its SSD for quick system operations and game loading.

• Key Features:
  • 12th Gen Intel 8-core i5-12450H processor
  • 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD
  • 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-glare 144Hz display
  • Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Graphic
  • Comprehensive port selection (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet)
  • Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, Bang & Olufsen audio, HP Wide Vision 720p HD Camera
• Pros:
  • Good balance of CPU, GPU, and SSD for its price
  • High refresh rate display for fluid gaming
  • Excellent audio quality with Bang & Olufsen tuning
  • Modern connectivity options and features like Fast Charge
• Cons:
  • 512GB SSD might be limiting for gamers with many large titles
  • 16GB RAM is good, but some users might prefer 32GB for intense multitasking
• User Impressions: Users commend this Victus 15 for its robust gaming performance, particularly highlighting the vibrant display and responsive keyboard. The SSD is noted for significantly improving boot and load times, making the overall user experience much smoother.
• See it on Amazon here

MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop 15.6″ FHD IPS 144Hz Intel (32GB RAM | 1TB SSD)

The MSI Thin 15 is built for serious gamers who demand power and ample storage. Featuring a generous 1TB SSD and 32GB of RAM, this laptop offers vast space for your game library and ensures incredibly fast load times and seamless multitasking. Under the hood, a powerful 13th Gen Intel Octa-core i5-13420H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB graphics card deliver exceptional gaming performance. This combination makes the MSI Thin 15 an excellent candidate for the best laptop SSD for gaming when considering a complete system.

• Key Features:
  • 13th Gen Intel Octa-core i5-13420H Processor
  • 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
  • 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) IPS 144Hz display
  • Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB Graphic
  • Wide range of ports (USB-A 3.2, USB-C 3.2, HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet)
  • Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, Hi-Res Audio, 720p HD Webcam
• Pros:
  • Powerful RTX 4060 GPU for high-frame-rate gaming at high settings
  • Generous 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM provide excellent storage and multitasking capabilities
  • High refresh rate display for fluid visuals
  • Modern Intel processor for strong overall performance
• Cons:
  • “Thin” design might lead to louder fan noise under heavy load
  • Specific SSD type (NVMe/PCIe) not detailed, but likely fast
• User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise the MSI Thin 15 for its strong performance, especially with the RTX 4060. The ample RAM and 1TB SSD are frequently highlighted for contributing to incredibly fast game loading and a smooth overall system experience.
• See it on Amazon here

Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD 1TB 2.5” Internal Solid State Drive

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing laptop’s storage, the Samsung 870 EVO SATA III SSD is an absolute all-star. This 1TB internal Solid State Drive offers incredible performance that maximizes the SATA interface, with sequential speeds up to 560/530 MB/s. It’s renowned for its industry-defining reliability and broad compatibility, making it one of the best laptop SSD for gaming upgrades you can make. Perfect for older laptops with 2.5-inch drive bays, it brings new life to your system with lightning-fast boot times and game loads.

• Key Features:
  • 1TB capacity, 2.5-inch SATA III form factor
  • Sequential read/write speeds up to 560/530 MB/s
  • V-NAND Technology, Samsung Magician 6 software for management
  • Up to 600 TBW (Terabytes Written) under a 5-year limited warranty
  • AES 256-bit Encryption (Class 0), TCG/Opal, IEEE1667
  • Widely compatible with major host systems and applications
• Pros:
  • Excellent performance for a SATA SSD, maximizing the interface speed
  • Industry-leading reliability and endurance for long-term use
  • Easy to install and widely compatible with many laptops
  • Samsung Magician software provides useful drive management tools
• Cons:
  • Slower than newer NVMe (PCIe) SSDs, but limited by SATA interface
  • Requires a 2.5-inch drive bay; not for M.2 slots
• User Impressions: This SSD consistently receives rave reviews for its transformative impact on laptop performance. Users report significantly faster boot times, application loading, and game performance. Its reliability and ease of installation are frequently mentioned as major positives.
• See it on Amazon here

MSI Katana A15 AI 15.6” 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop: Ryzen 8040 Series (RTX 4060)

The MSI Katana A15 AI is designed to deliver a cutting-edge gaming experience, powered by the new AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors with AI capabilities and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060. While specific SSD details are not listed in the features, you can expect a fast Solid State Drive to be part of this modern gaming setup, crucial for leveraging the power of ray tracing and fast game loading. This laptop is a strong contender for those seeking a future-proof gaming machine with the latest in CPU and GPU technology, backed by MSI’s intelligent performance tuning.

• Key Features:
  • AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processor with AI power
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics (Ada architecture for ray tracing)
  • 15.6” 144Hz FHD Display for smooth visuals
  • MSI Intelligent Technology for optimized performance
  • Windows 11 Home operating system
• Pros:
  • Latest generation AMD Ryzen processor with AI capabilities
  • Powerful RTX 4060 GPU for high-fidelity gaming
  • High refresh rate display for immersive gameplay
  • MSI’s performance tuning enhances the gaming experience
• Cons:
  • Specific SSD size/type and RAM capacity not detailed in features
  • “AI” features might be underutilized by some users
• User Impressions: Early impressions highlight the impressive graphical capabilities of the RTX 4060 and the smooth performance delivered by the new Ryzen processors. Users expect quick game loading, typical of high-end gaming laptops, making it a compelling choice for serious gamers.
• See it on Amazon here

HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop 15.6” FHD IPS Anti-Glare 144Hz (32GB RAM | 1TB SSD)

Rounding out our list is another excellent HP Victus 15 configuration, this time offering a robust 1TB SSD and a generous 32GB of RAM. This combination provides ample space for large game installations and ensures incredibly smooth multitasking, making it a powerful choice if you’re looking for the best laptop SSD for gaming pre-installed. It’s equipped with a 12th Gen Intel 8-core i5-12450H processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, all displayed beautifully on a 144Hz FHD IPS anti-glare screen.

• Key Features:
  • 12th Gen Intel 8-core i5-12450H processor
  • 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
  • 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-glare 144Hz display
  • Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Graphic
  • Full suite of ports (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card Reader)
  • Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, Bluetooth 5.3, Bang & Olufsen audio, HP Wide Vision 720p HD Camera
• Pros:
  • Large 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM for extensive game libraries and smooth operation
  • Strong mid-range CPU and GPU for excellent gaming performance
  • High refresh rate display and quality audio for immersive experience
  • Comprehensive connectivity options
• Cons:
  • RTX 3050, while capable, isn’t the highest-tier GPU
  • Design might be considered less “flashy” than some other gaming laptops
• User Impressions: This HP Victus model is a hit with users for its fantastic balance of features and performance. The ample SSD storage and RAM are frequently highlighted for significantly improving game loading times and overall system responsiveness, making it a reliable daily driver for both gaming and productivity.
• See it on Amazon here

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Gaming Laptop SSD (or a Laptop with One)

Beyond just picking one from our list, here’s what to keep in mind to ensure you get the best laptop SSD for gaming:

• Type: NVMe (PCIe) vs. SATA:
  • NVMe SSDs (PCIe Gen3/Gen4): These are the kings of speed, connecting directly to your motherboard via the PCIe lanes. They offer significantly faster sequential read/write speeds (often thousands of MB/s) compared to SATA. Ideal for bleeding-edge gaming performance and heavy data transfer. Most modern gaming laptops feature NVMe slots.
  • SATA SSDs: While slower than NVMe, SATA SSDs (like the Samsung 870 EVO) are still vastly superior to HDDs. They’re typically 2.5-inch drives and max out around 550 MB/s. They’re a great, cost-effective upgrade for older laptops that don’t support NVMe or for adding secondary storage.
• Capacity:
  • Modern games are massive! A 500GB SSD might seem sufficient, but it’ll fill up fast. Aim for 1TB or more if you can afford it. Many gaming laptops now offer 1TB or 2TB SSDs, or configurations with smaller boot SSDs and larger HDDs (though we recommend full SSD for gaming).
• Speed (Sequential Read/Write):
  • Look for the specified speeds. Higher numbers mean faster data transfer. For gaming, high read speeds are crucial for loading assets quickly, while good write speeds help with game installations and large file transfers. PCIe Gen4 drives offer the fastest speeds available for consumer laptops.
• DRAM Cache (for standalone SSDs):
  • SSDs with a DRAM cache often perform better and maintain their speed under sustained load. While many budget NVMe drives skip this, a DRAM cache is generally a sign of a higher-quality, more consistent performing SSD.
• Reliability/Endurance (TBW – Terabytes Written):
  • This indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifespan before performance degradation might occur. For gaming, you’re mostly reading data, but a higher TBW rating suggests better longevity and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Choosing the best laptop SSD for gaming isn’t just about raw specs; it’s about finding the right balance of speed, capacity, and overall system performance that fits your budget and gaming habits. Whether you opt for a powerful pre-built gaming laptop with a blazing-fast NVMe SSD or decide to give your current rig a new lease on life with a reliable SATA upgrade, faster storage means more gaming and less waiting. Happy gaming!

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FAQ Section

Q1: What’s the main difference between an SSD and an HDD for gaming?
A1: The main difference is speed. SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory and have no moving parts, leading to significantly faster load times, boot times, and overall system responsiveness. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning platters and read/write heads, making them much slower but generally cheaper per gigabyte. For gaming, an SSD is a clear winner due to its superior speed.

Q2: Is NVMe or SATA SSD better for gaming?
A2: NVMe SSDs are generally much better for gaming. They connect directly to your laptop’s motherboard via PCIe lanes, offering speeds several times faster than SATA SSDs. This translates to incredibly fast game loading, smoother texture streaming, and quicker system operations. SATA SSDs are still good and a vast improvement over HDDs, but NVMe is the top choice for performance.

Q3: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A3: We recommend at least 1TB of SSD storage for gaming. Modern game titles are massive, often requiring 100GB or more each. A 500GB SSD can fill up very quickly, forcing you to constantly uninstall and reinstall games. 1TB gives you enough room for a decent library, and 2TB is even better if your budget allows.

Q4: Can I upgrade the SSD in my current gaming laptop?
A4: Most modern gaming laptops allow for SSD upgrades, but it depends on the model. Many have M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and some older or larger laptops may also have 2.5-inch bays for SATA SSDs. Check your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s specifications to see what type of SSD it supports and if there’s an available slot.

Q5: Will a better SSD improve my game’s FPS (frames per second)?
A5: Directly, no. An SSD primarily improves load times, asset streaming, and overall system responsiveness, but it doesn’t directly increase your game’s frames per second. FPS is mainly determined by your CPU, GPU, and RAM. However, by reducing stuttering caused by slow asset loading, a fast SSD can contribute to a smoother feel of gameplay.

Q6: What is PCIe Gen4, and why is it important for gaming SSDs?
A6: PCIe Gen4 (PCI Express Generation 4) is the latest standard for the interface that connects your SSD to your laptop’s motherboard. It doubles the bandwidth of the previous Gen3 standard. For gaming, this means compatible Gen4 NVMe SSDs can achieve incredibly fast read/write speeds, drastically reducing load times in games that support direct storage access and making large file transfers almost instantaneous.

Q7: Should I consider an SSD with DRAM cache?
A7: Yes, for performance-oriented SSDs, having a DRAM cache is generally beneficial. The DRAM cache acts as a buffer, allowing the SSD controller to manage data more efficiently and maintain consistent speeds, especially under heavy, sustained workloads. While some budget-friendly SSDs are “DRAM-less,” models with DRAM tend to offer better and more consistent long-term performance, making them ideal for a gaming setup.