Is your computer feeling sluggish? Are those game loading screens taking forever, or do large files just crawl during transfers? Chances are, your storage drive is holding you back. Upgrading to a PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (SSD) is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your PC, transforming your boot times, application launches, and overall system responsiveness. But finding the best all around PCIe SSD under $100 can feel like a treasure hunt.
You want speed, reliability, and enough space without breaking the bank. Good news! The market is packed with fantastic options that deliver incredible performance without costing an arm and a leg. We’ve scoured the offerings to bring you our top picks for a budget-friendly 1TB PCIe SSD. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone looking for a snappier everyday PC, there’s a drive here for you.
What to Look for in a PCIe SSD Under $100
Before diving into the reviews, let’s quickly go over some key considerations:
- PCIe Gen3 vs. Gen4: This refers to the generation of the PCIe interface. Gen4 SSDs are significantly faster than Gen3, offering sequential read/write speeds that can more than double. While Gen4 is ideal, a Gen3 drive is still a massive upgrade over older SATA SSDs or traditional HDDs and might be more affordable. Your motherboard needs to support Gen4 to get those blistering speeds, but Gen4 drives are backward compatible with Gen3 slots (they’ll just run at Gen3 speeds).
- NVMe M.2: This is the form factor and protocol. M.2 is the physical slot, and NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is the communication protocol that allows SSDs to leverage the full speed of the PCIe interface. Most modern motherboards have M.2 slots.
- Capacity: For under $100, 1TB is generally the sweet spot, offering plenty of space for your operating system, essential applications, and a good collection of games or files.
- DRAM Cache: Some drives include a DRAM cache, which can help with sustained performance, especially under heavy loads. Budget drives might skip this, but modern controllers often compensate well.
- Brand Reputation & Endurance: Stick with reputable brands known for reliability and good warranty support. Endurance (often measured in TBW – Terabytes Written) indicates how much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime.
Ready to find your next speed demon? Let’s check out the best all around PCIe SSD under $100!
Crucial P310 1TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2…
This Crucial drive punches above its weight, offering seriously impressive Gen4 performance that will make your system feel lightning-fast. What makes it stand out is its incredible efficiency and speed for the price, promising next-level responsiveness whether you’re booting up, transferring massive files, or diving into demanding games. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to experience true Gen4 speeds without spending a fortune.
Key Features:
* SHIFT UP TO GEN4: Next-level Gen4 performance at up to 7,100MB/s sequential read
* EXTEND LIFECYCLE AND STORAGE: Increase your device’s capacity and lifecycle to store more of what matters
* FASTER GAMEPLAY AND BOOTUPS: Nearly 20% faster performance in bootups and gameplay
* BETTER PRODUCTIVITY: Up to 20% faster performance in real world tasks compared to other Gen4 SSDs when booting Windows, starting applications like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and working in applications like Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
* POWER EFFICIENCY: Provides up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than previous Gen4 SSDs
Pros:
* Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds at a competitive price
* Excellent power efficiency, great for laptops
* Noticeable improvements in productivity and gaming
* Reputable Crucial reliability
Cons:
* May not reach peak speeds of the absolute highest-end Gen4 drives consistently
User Impressions:
Customers are thrilled with the Crucial P310’s performance-to-price ratio. Many report a dramatic improvement in boot times and application loading, along with cooler operation, especially in laptops. It’s frequently praised as a smart upgrade for both gamers and everyday users.
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Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen…
Samsung’s SSDs are synonymous with top-tier performance and reliability, and the 990 EVO Plus continues that tradition. This drive is a powerhouse, offering groundbreaking read/write speeds and exceptional thermal control, making it a stellar choice for demanding users. Its forward-thinking compatibility with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 means it’s ready for both today’s and tomorrow’s systems.
Key Features:
* GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: Features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
* LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0’s enhanced large-file performance
* EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to utilize less power while achieving similar performance
* OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 for more bandwidth and higher data processing
* NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Your 990 EVO Plus SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software
Pros:
* Outstanding sequential read/write speeds
* Excellent thermal management prevents throttling
* Future-proofed with PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility
* Samsung Magician software provides useful optimization tools
Cons:
* Can sometimes push the upper limit of the $100 budget
* PCIe 5.0 x2 compatibility is not yet widely supported by motherboards
User Impressions:
Users consistently praise the 990 EVO Plus for its blistering speeds and stable performance under load. The Magician software is a definite plus, and many consider it a premium experience that justifies its price point within the budget. It’s a fantastic contender for the best all around PCIe SSD under $100 if you catch it on sale.
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Samsung 990 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal…
The Samsung 990 PRO is a true champion in the PCIe 4.0 arena, offering near max performance for the interface. If you’re a hardcore gamer or a professional needing the absolute fastest speeds for intense tasks like video editing or large file transfers, this drive is built for you. It boasts incredible random read/write speeds and breakthrough power efficiency, all while maintaining excellent thermal control.
Key Features:
* HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0
* BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO
* SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung’s own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard
* THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games
* SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician’s advanced yet intuitive optimization tools
Pros:
* Among the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSDs available
* Exceptional random performance, perfect for gaming and heavy workloads
* Highly power-efficient and great thermal management
* Backed by reliable Samsung Magician software
Cons:
* Often at the very top of, or slightly over, the $100 budget
* Might be overkill for casual users who won’t fully utilize its speeds
User Impressions:
Gamers and power users consistently rate the 990 PRO as a top-tier drive, praising its unreal speed and stability. It’s often recommended for consoles like the PS5 and high-end PC builds where every millisecond counts. If you can snag it under $100, it’s an absolute steal.
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Crucial P3 1TB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD…
Sometimes, you don’t need the absolute bleeding edge. The Crucial P3 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective upgrade that still offers a massive performance jump over traditional hard drives or even older SATA SSDs. It’s a solid Gen3 performer, ideal for older systems, budget builds, or anyone who simply needs fast, dependable storage for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
* NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads
* Random read/write 650K/700K IOPS
* Spacious storage up to 4TB
* 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, excellent value for a 1TB NVMe drive
* Significant speed improvement over SATA SSDs and HDDs
* Reliable Crucial brand with good endurance
* Great for everyday computing and light gaming
Cons:
* Gen3 speeds are slower than newer Gen4 drives
User Impressions:
Users love the Crucial P3 for its affordability and ease of installation. It’s frequently recommended as a “no-brainer” upgrade for older systems or as a primary drive in budget-friendly new builds. Customers report noticeable improvements in system responsiveness and faster load times across the board.
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Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2…
Stepping up from the P3, the Crucial P3 Plus offers an accessible entry point into the world of Gen4 speeds. This drive is all about getting that next-generation performance boost without emptying your wallet. It’s a great option for users who have a Gen4 compatible motherboard but don’t need the extreme speeds of top-tier drives, providing a perfect balance of performance and price.
Key Features:
* NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads
* Random read/write 650K/800K 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:
* Affordable entry into PCIe Gen4 speeds
* Noticeable performance upgrade over Gen3 SSDs
* Reliable Crucial brand
* Backward compatible with Gen3 systems, offering versatility
Cons:
* Not the fastest Gen4 drive on the market, but competitive for its price point
User Impressions:
Many users find the P3 Plus to be the ideal choice for a budget Gen4 upgrade. They highlight its smooth performance for daily tasks, gaming, and creative work, noting the significant speed bump compared to their old drives. It’s a highly recommended drive for balancing cost and modern performance.
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WD_BLACK 1TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State…
If you’re a serious gamer on a budget, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is tailored for you. Designed with gaming in mind, this drive offers impressive PCIe Gen4 speeds, excellent power efficiency, and robust endurance, making it perfect for both desktop gaming rigs and increasingly popular handheld gaming devices. It’s all about getting you into the action faster and keeping your system cool.
Key Features:
* Experience speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models)
* Up to 35% faster performance than previous drives
* Designed for serious gamers, with a PCIe Gen4 interface and latest TLC 3D NAND
* Available in capacities up to 4TB
* Built with laptops and handheld gaming devices in mind, with up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
* Create confidently with up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model)
Pros:
* Exceptional speeds for gaming and demanding applications
* Highly power-efficient, great for portable gaming devices
* High endurance for long-term use
* Reliable Western Digital WD_BLACK brand for gamers
Cons:
* May be slightly pricier than non-gaming focused Gen4 drives at this capacity
User Impressions:
Gamers consistently praise the SN7100 for its consistent performance during intense gaming sessions and its ability to keep cool. It’s a popular choice for building responsive gaming PCs and upgrading handhelds, with users reporting quick game loads and smooth gameplay.
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Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0…
The Kingston NV3 offers a straightforward, no-frills entry into the PCIe 4.0 world from a trusted memory brand. This drive is perfect for general use, system upgrades, and anyone looking for a dependable and power-efficient Gen4 SSD at a very competitive price. It’s ideal for users who want to enjoy faster boot times and snappier application launches without needing the absolute highest sequential speeds.
Key Features:
* Ideal for high speed, low power storage
* Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe performance
* Capacities up to 4TB
Pros:
* Very affordable entry into PCIe Gen4
* Low power consumption
* Reliable Kingston brand
* Simple and effective for general use
Cons:
* Likely offers entry-level Gen4 performance compared to premium drives
* Specific detailed performance metrics might be less impressive than higher-priced competitors
User Impressions:
Users appreciate the Kingston NV3 for its value and ease of use. It’s often highlighted as a solid, dependable upgrade for those moving from older storage, providing a noticeable boost in everyday system responsiveness. It’s a great pick if budget and basic Gen4 performance are your main priorities.
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Conclusion
Finding the best all around PCIe SSD under $100 is clearly not just a dream – it’s a reality with a fantastic array of options available. Whether you prioritize the absolute fastest Gen4 speeds for gaming, a balanced performance for productivity, or a budget-friendly Gen3 upgrade, there’s a drive on this list that fits the bill.
Remember to consider your motherboard’s compatibility and your specific usage needs when making your choice. Any of these drives will provide a significant performance boost over older storage, breathing new life into your system. Happy upgrading!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the main difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 SSDs?
A: The primary difference is speed. PCIe Gen4 SSDs offer roughly double the sequential read and write speeds compared to Gen3 SSDs. This means faster file transfers, quicker game loading, and snappier overall system responsiveness, especially for demanding tasks.
Q2: Do I need a Gen4 SSD if my motherboard only supports Gen3?
A: While a Gen4 SSD will work in a Gen3 slot, it will only operate at Gen3 speeds. You won’t get the full performance benefits of the Gen4 drive. If your motherboard is Gen3, a high-quality Gen3 SSD might be a more cost-effective choice.
Q3: Is 1TB enough storage for a gaming PC?
A: For many users, 1TB is a good starting point. It’s usually enough for your operating system, essential applications, and a decent collection of large games. However, if you have a massive game library or work with very large files, you might consider larger capacities or adding a secondary storage drive.
Q4: What does NVMe mean, and why is it important for SSDs?
A: NVMe stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express. It’s a communication protocol specifically designed for SSDs that allows them to leverage the full speed capabilities of the PCIe interface. Unlike older SATA protocols, NVMe minimizes bottlenecks, leading to much faster data transfer rates and lower latency.
Q5: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: For high-performance PCIe Gen4 SSDs, especially if they’ll be under sustained heavy loads (like during long gaming sessions or video editing), a heatsink is highly recommended. It helps dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling which can reduce performance. Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks.
Q6: Can I use these SSDs in a laptop?
A: Yes, as long as your laptop has an M.2 2280 slot (22mm wide, 80mm long). Most modern laptops feature this slot. Always double-check your laptop’s specifications or manual to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Q7: What’s the “best all around PCIe SSD under $100” specifically for serious gamers?
A: For serious gamers within this budget, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is an excellent choice due to its high speeds and gaming-specific design. If you can catch the Samsung 990 PRO or 990 EVO Plus on sale under $100, they offer even more premium performance that gamers will truly appreciate.