Is your computer feeling a bit sluggish? Does loading times for games or large applications feel like an eternity? If so, it might be time to upgrade your storage. When it comes to lightning-fast performance, SSD M.2 drives are the champions, especially those utilizing the NVMe standard. These tiny powerhouses slot directly into your motherboard, offering incredible speed, efficiency, and a super clean build.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? You’re probably wondering, “What are the best brands for SSD M.2?” We’ve got you covered! We’ve scoured the market to bring you a comprehensive guide to some of the top solid-state drives available today, helping you make an informed decision for your next upgrade.
Let’s dive into our top picks and see what makes each of these M.2 NVMe SSDs stand out from the crowd!
What Makes an M.2 SSD Great?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s quickly touch on why M.2 SSDs, particularly NVMe ones, are a game-changer for digital storage. Unlike traditional SATA SSDs or old-school HDDs, M.2 drives connect directly to your motherboard via the PCIe interface, which acts like a superhighway for data. This connection allows for much higher data transfer rates, leading to:
- Blazing-Fast Boot Times: Your operating system will load in mere seconds.
- Rapid Application Launches: Programs like Photoshop or your favorite games will open almost instantly.
- Quicker File Transfers: Moving large video files or game libraries becomes a breeze.
- Improved Gaming Performance: Reduced load screens and smoother in-game asset streaming.
- Sleek Form Factor: Their compact size means no extra cables and less clutter inside your PC or laptop.
Now, let’s look at the best brands for SSD M.2 that are dominating the market!
Our Top Picks for M.2 SSDs
WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive
If you’re a serious gamer, the WD_BLACK SN7100 is engineered to give you a competitive edge. This NVMe SSD is built for high-octane action, delivering impressive speeds that slash load times and provide a smoother, more responsive gaming experience. It’s purpose-built for those who demand peak performance from their gaming rig, especially in laptops and handheld devices where power efficiency is a major plus.
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Key Features:
- Speeds up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write (1-2TB models)
- PCIe Gen4 interface with Western Digital’s next generation TLC 3D NAND
- Available in capacities up to 4TB
- Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
- Compatible with downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for optimization
- Up to 2,400TBW endurance (4TB model) for intense usage
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Pros:
- Excellent speeds for gaming and demanding applications
- High power efficiency, great for laptops
- Durable with high TBW ratings
- WD_BLACK Dashboard is a useful tool for drive management
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Cons:
- Dashboard software is Windows-only
- Might be overkill for casual users
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User Impressions: Gamers consistently praise its noticeable improvement in game loading and overall system responsiveness. Many users highlight its reliability and cool operation, even under heavy loads, making it a favorite for laptop upgrades.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P3 Plus 2TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
The Crucial P3 Plus offers a fantastic balance of speed, capacity, and value, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of users – from casual to serious gamers and professionals. Utilizing PCIe Gen4 technology, it delivers significantly faster performance than older Gen3 drives, ensuring your system boots quicker, applications load faster, and files transfer in the blink of an eye. It’s a reliable workhorse designed for longevity.
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Key Features:
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology
- Up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 680K/850K 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
- Backward compatibility with Gen3 systems
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Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio for a Gen4 drive
- High endurance rating for long-term use
- Excellent for general computing, gaming, and business
- Backward compatible for wider system support
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Cons:
- Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive on the market
- Random write speeds could be higher for extreme workloads
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User Impressions: Users love the significant speed boost they get for the price, often calling it a “no-brainer” upgrade. It’s particularly popular for breathing new life into older systems that support Gen4, and for its reliability.
- See it on Amazon here
Crucial P310 1TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD
While the Crucial P310 might sound similar to its sibling, it’s designed to deliver next-level Gen4 performance with incredible speed, focusing on efficiency and real-world gains. This drive excels at speeding up everyday tasks, from booting your operating system to launching demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop. What truly makes it stand out is its impressive power efficiency, allowing laptops to enjoy extended battery life without sacrificing performance.
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Key Features:
- Next-level Gen4 performance up to 7,100MB/s
- Extends device capacity and lifecycle
- Nearly 20% faster performance in bootups and gameplay
- Up to 20% faster performance in real-world tasks (booting Windows, Adobe apps, Microsoft Office)
- Up to 40% better performance-to-power ratio than previous Gen4 SSDs
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Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds for all tasks
- Exceptional power efficiency, ideal for laptops
- Noticeable real-world performance improvements
- Enhances both productivity and gaming
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Cons:
- Specific capacity might be limited compared to other models
- May generate more heat than lower-performance Gen4 drives
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User Impressions: Customers frequently commend its remarkable speed for the price point, especially in gaming and professional applications. The enhanced power efficiency is a major draw for laptop users, who report longer battery life without compromising on speed.
- See it on Amazon here
Samsung 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280
The Samsung 990 PRO is a flagship among Gen4 NVMe SSDs, setting the bar for performance and efficiency. If you’re looking for the absolute fastest speeds available on the PCIe 4.0 platform for heavy computing, serious gaming, or intense video editing, this is your go-to drive. Samsung, a leader in flash memory, ensures top-tier quality and reliability with this powerhouse, offering unparalleled responsiveness and power efficiency.
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Key Features:
- Lightning-fast read/write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s
- More than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO
- Capacities from 1TB to 4TB
- Up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO
- Optimized for gaming, video editing, and data analysis
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Pros:
- Among the fastest Gen4 SSDs on the market
- Excellent random performance for demanding workloads
- Superb power efficiency for a high-performance drive
- Trusted Samsung reliability and quality
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Cons:
- Premium price point
- May require a heatsink for sustained peak performance
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User Impressions: Enthusiasts and professionals alike rave about the 990 PRO’s incredible speed, noting significant improvements in load times for games and large software. Its consistency and reliability are frequently praised, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier choice.
- See it on Amazon here
SSK M.2 NVME SATA SSD Enclosure Adapter, USB 3.2 Gen 2
Okay, so this isn’t an M.2 SSD itself, but it’s an incredibly useful tool for anyone with M.2 drives! The SSK M.2 SSD Enclosure Adapter allows you to turn an internal M.2 NVMe or SATA SSD into a blazing-fast external portable drive. This is perfect for backing up data, creating a super-speedy portable game library, or even transferring files between computers without needing to install the SSD internally. Its sleek aluminum design ensures good heat dissipation and portability.
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Key Features:
- Compatible with M.2 NVMe PCIE & SATA M-Key / B+M SSDs (2242/2260/2280 sizes)
- USB-C Gen 2 10Gbps interface, backward compatible with USB 3.1 Gen1 and USB 3.0
- Aluminum alloy shell for excellent heat dissipation
- Blue indicator shows data transfer status
- Adopts high-performance controller IC Chipset (UASP and Trim support)
- Plug-and-play, compatible with Windows, Linux, MAC
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Pros:
- Turns internal M.2 SSDs into portable, high-speed external drives
- Broad compatibility with both NVMe and SATA M.2 SSDs
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Very fast data transfer speeds via USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
- Includes necessary cables and tools
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Cons:
- SSD not included (it’s an enclosure, not a drive)
- Does not support M.2 PCIe AHCI SSDs
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User Impressions: Users find this enclosure indispensable for repurposing old M.2 drives or for portable, high-speed storage. Its ease of use, robust build, and reliable performance in transferring large files are consistently highlighted as major benefits.
- See it on Amazon here
Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 2TB, PCIe 5.0×4 M.2 2280
Stepping into the future, the Samsung 9100 PRO is a true next-generation storage solution, leveraging the bleeding-edge PCIe 5.0 interface. This drive isn’t just fast; it’s lightning fast, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for sequential read/write speeds and random IOPS. Designed for the most demanding users – think professional content creators, AI developers, and hardcore gamers building top-tier rigs – the 9100 PRO offers unparalleled performance, ensuring virtually no lag and seamless multitasking.
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Key Features:
- Breakthrough PCIe 5.0 performance: up to 14,800/13,400 MB/s sequential read/write speeds
- Random read/write speeds up to 2,200K/2,600K IOPS
- Twice as fast as the 990 PRO SSD
- 5nm controller boosts power efficiency up to 49% over the 990 PRO
- Advanced thermal control for sustained performance
- Available up to 8TB of storage
- Magician Software for drive health, updates, and encryption
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Pros:
- Unmatched speed for PCIe 5.0 systems
- Exceptional random performance for intense tasks
- Improved power efficiency despite extreme speed
- Massive storage capacities available
- Samsung’s renowned reliability and in-house component production
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Cons:
- Requires a PCIe 5.0 compatible motherboard and CPU (newer platforms only)
- Premium price point, definitely a high-end investment
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User Impressions: Early adopters are blown away by the sheer speed, reporting incredibly fast game loads and rendering times for large projects. Users appreciate the advanced thermal management, which keeps the drive performing optimally even under sustained high loads, making it a true next-gen workhorse.
- See it on Amazon here
Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen 5×2
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus aims to be a versatile powerhouse, offering a fantastic blend of high performance and broad compatibility. It supports both PCIe Gen 4×4 and PCIe 5.0×2, meaning it’s ready for current high-end systems and offers a taste of future performance. With impressive read/write speeds and enhanced thermal control, this drive is optimized for a smooth, efficient experience whether you’re gaming, creating, or simply managing large files. It’s a smart choice for those looking for a premium SSD without going for the absolute top-tier price of a full Gen5 drive.
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Key Features:
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
- Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 for enhanced large-file performance
- Available in up to 4TB capacity
- Efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller for exceptional thermal control
- Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2
- Magician Software for firmware updates, encryption, and drive monitoring
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Pros:
- Excellent blend of Gen4 speed with Gen5 compatibility
- Strong performance for both gaming and productivity
- Superior thermal control keeps drive cool and efficient
- Large capacities available for extensive storage
- Reliable Samsung brand and software support
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Cons:
- Not a full PCIe 5.0 drive (operates at Gen5x2, not x4)
- Might be overkill for very basic users
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User Impressions: Reviewers appreciate its forward-thinking compatibility and impressive real-world speeds. Many highlight its efficient heat management and the overall responsiveness it brings to their systems, making it a highly recommended upgrade for discerning users.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about M.2 SSDs
Q1: What is an M.2 SSD, and why should I choose one over a traditional 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, M.2 drives, especially those using NVMe technology, leverage the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster data transfer speeds (up to 10x or more!) and a compact, cable-free design.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 for M.2 SSDs?
A2: These generations refer to the version of the PCIe interface used. Each new generation doubles the bandwidth of the previous one. Gen3 offers good speeds (up to ~3,500 MB/s), Gen4 is common now with speeds up to ~7,000 MB/s, and Gen5 is the latest, pushing speeds beyond 10,000 MB/s. To utilize Gen4 or Gen5 speeds, your motherboard and CPU must support that specific PCIe generation.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 NVMe SSD?
A3: For high-performance NVMe M.2 SSDs, especially Gen4 and Gen5 drives, a heatsink is highly recommended. These drives can generate significant heat under sustained heavy loads, which can lead to thermal throttling (slowing down to prevent overheating). Many motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones.
Q4: Can I use an NVMe M.2 SSD in any M.2 slot?
A4: Not always. There are different M.2 keying (B-key, M-key, B+M key) and protocols (SATA, NVMe). Most modern motherboards support M-key NVMe drives, but it’s essential to check your motherboard’s manual to confirm compatibility and the supported PCIe generation (Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5) for each M.2 slot.
Q5: How do I install an M.2 SSD?
A5: Installing an M.2 SSD is relatively simple. Locate an available M.2 slot on your motherboard, gently insert the drive at an angle, and then push it down and secure it with a small screw (often provided with the motherboard or the SSD). After physical installation, you may need to initialize and format the drive in your operating system’s disk management utility.
Q6: What does “TBW” mean, and why is it important for an SSD?
A6: TBW stands for “Terabytes Written,” and it’s an endurance rating for SSDs. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive over its lifetime before it might start to degrade. A higher TBW means the drive is more durable and can handle more write operations, making it important for users who frequently write large amounts of data.
Q7: Is a 1TB M.2 SSD enough for gaming?
A7: For many gamers, a 1TB M.2 SSD is a good starting point. It’s usually enough for your operating system, several AAA titles, and frequently used applications. However, if you have a vast game library or play very large modern games, you might quickly fill it up. In that case, 2TB or even 4TB options would be more suitable to avoid constant game uninstalls and reinstalls.
Conclusion
Choosing the best brands for SSD M.2 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming PC, upgrading a workstation for demanding tasks, or simply looking to breathe new life into an aging laptop, there’s an M.2 NVMe SSD out there for you.
From the blistering speeds of the Samsung 9100 PRO to the balanced performance of the Crucial P3 Plus, each drive offers something unique. Remember to consider factors like your motherboard’s compatibility, the type of tasks you’ll be performing, and the storage capacity you truly need. Whichever you choose, making the switch to an M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for overall system responsiveness and speed. Happy computing!