Is your PC gaming experience hampered by painfully long load times and sluggish game performance? If you’re still relying on an old HDD or a slower SATA SSD, it’s time for an upgrade that will truly transform your rig. An M.2 NVMe SSD isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a game-changer, especially for modern AAA titles that demand blazing-fast data access.
Lexar has been a strong contender in the storage market for years, offering robust and high-performing solutions. In this guide, we’re diving deep to help you find the Lexar best M.2 SSD for PC gaming—and even throw in a couple of top alternatives from other trusted brands. We’ve handpicked 7 of the top M.2 SSDs that promise to supercharge your gaming rig, reduce those dreaded loading screens, and keep you immersed in the action. Let’s get started!
Why an M.2 NVMe SSD for Gaming?
Traditional SATA SSDs are great, but NVMe M.2 drives connect directly to your motherboard via the PCIe interface, unlocking speeds several times faster. This means quicker game launches, snappier level loads, and a smoother overall computing experience. For serious gamers, a fast NVMe drive is practically a necessity.
Our Top 7 M.2 SSD Picks for PC Gaming
Here’s a closer look at the drives that made our list, focusing on performance, features, and value.
1. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
This Lexar NM790 is a powerhouse designed for those who demand top-tier performance without compromise. It’s perfect for hardcore gamers and creative professionals alike, offering exceptional read and write speeds that truly make a difference in load times and system responsiveness. If you’re looking for a Lexar best M.2 SSD for PC gaming that can also handle intense workstation tasks, this one’s a serious contender.
Key Features:
– 2TB capacity for ample game storage
– Exceptional performance: up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1500TBW endurance rating for long-term reliability
– 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother transfers
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Single-sided design, great for laptops
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds dramatically reduce load times
– High endurance rating ensures longevity
– Excellent power efficiency
– Versatile for PC gaming, PS5, and laptops
Cons:
– Lacks a built-in heatsink (though external ones can be added)
– HMB relies on system RAM, which might slightly vary performance on different systems
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the NM790 for its incredible speed, noting a significant improvement in game loading and file transfer times. Many are impressed by its cool operation despite not having a heatsink, and its compatibility with the PS5 is a big plus for console gamers too.
2. Lexar 2TB Play SSD with Heatsink PCle Gen 4×4 NVMe
Tailor-made for gamers, the Lexar Play SSD not only offers impressive PCIe Gen 4 speeds but also comes with a built-in heatsink. This pre-installed cooling solution is a fantastic feature, especially for PC builders and PS5 owners who want hassle-free installation and guaranteed thermal stability during intense gaming sessions. It’s truly a strong contender for the Lexar best M.2 SSD for PC gaming experience if you’re worried about heat.
Key Features:
– 2TB capacity
– Designed to coordinate with PS5, but also excellent for PC gaming
– Max speeds: 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1600TBW endurance
– Includes a unique heatsink for effortless installation and enhanced cooling
– HMB and SLC Dynamic cache for improved performance
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Integrated heatsink provides excellent thermal management
– PS5 compatibility means seamless cross-platform use
– Top-tier Gen4 speeds for rapid loading
– High endurance rating
Cons:
– Heatsink might be too tall for some ultra-compact laptop designs (though primarily for desktops/PS5)
– Might be slightly pricier than non-heatsink versions
User Impressions:
Gamers absolutely love the plug-and-play nature of this SSD, especially for the PS5. PC users report stable performance even under heavy loads, crediting the heatsink for keeping temperatures in check. It’s often cited as a reliable and high-value gaming storage solution.
3. Lexar 2TB NM790 SSD with Heatsink PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2
Combining the raw power of the NM790 with the added benefit of a dedicated heatsink, this version offers the best of both worlds. You get the same phenomenal speed and efficiency as the standard NM790, but with the peace of mind that thermal throttling won’t be an issue during your longest gaming marathons. It’s a fantastic choice if you want guaranteed performance without hunting for an aftermarket cooler.
Key Features:
– 2TB capacity
– Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write
– 1500TBW endurance
– Designed with a heatsink for better performance and power efficiency
– Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
– Host Memory Buffer (HMB) 3.0 for smoother performance
– Compatible with PlayStation 5
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Integrated heatsink ensures optimal thermal performance
– Extremely fast Gen4 speeds improve gaming and productivity
– High power efficiency and endurance
– PS5 compatible, adding versatility
Cons:
– Heatsink might add to the overall thickness, potentially limiting some laptop installations (though less of a concern for desktops)
– Similar to the Play SSD, the heatsink version tends to be slightly more expensive
User Impressions:
This SSD consistently receives high marks for its stellar performance and straightforward installation. Many users appreciate not having to buy and install a separate heatsink, making it a convenient and effective upgrade for their gaming PCs and PS5s.
4. WD_BLACK 2TB SN7100 NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
While our focus has been on Lexar, it’s impossible to talk about top-tier gaming SSDs without mentioning WD_BLACK. The SN7100 is purpose-built for high-octane gaming, delivering excellent PCIe Gen4 speeds that give you a competitive edge. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for robust performance from a renowned brand.
Key Features:
– 2TB capacity
– High-octane gaming speeds: up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write
– Designed for serious gamers with a PCIe Gen4 interface and TLC 3D NAND
– Up to 4TB capacities available
– Up to 100% more power efficiency over the previous generation
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) for optimization
Pros:
– Excellent Gen4 performance for gaming
– High power efficiency, especially good for laptops and handhelds
– Reputable brand with a strong track record
– WD_BLACK Dashboard adds useful monitoring features
Cons:
– Lacks a built-in heatsink
– Read/write speeds are slightly lower than the top Lexar NM790 drives
User Impressions:
Users frequently highlight the SN7100’s reliability and consistent performance. It’s a popular choice for laptop gamers due to its power efficiency, and many report a noticeable boost in system responsiveness and game load times.
5. WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State
The WD_BLACK SN850X is another titan in the gaming SSD arena, representing the pinnacle of Western Digital’s performance offerings. With even faster speeds than the SN7100 and a suite of advanced features, this drive is designed to “transform your PC” and provide a truly next-gen gaming experience. Its optional heatsink version is a big plus for sustained peak performance.
Key Features:
– 2TB capacity
– Top-tier performance: insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
– Capacities up to 8TB available
– Optional heatsink version for peak performance
– WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) with customizable RGB lighting (heatsink versions) and Game Mode 2.0
– Future-forward features: Predictive Loading, Overhead Balancing, Adaptive Thermal Management (ATM)
Pros:
– Extremely fast Gen4 speeds for virtually no load times
– Optional heatsink for enhanced thermal control and aesthetics (RGB)
– Advanced features optimize gaming performance
– Massive capacity options for extensive game libraries
Cons:
– Premium price point
– Some advanced features are Windows-only via Dashboard
User Impressions:
The SN850X is consistently praised for its breathtaking speed, with gamers reporting instantaneous load times for even the most demanding titles. The heatsink version is a favorite for its effective cooling and customizable RGB, adding both function and flair to gaming rigs.
6. Lexar 2TB NM710 SSD PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 Internal
If you’re looking for a high-value PCIe Gen4 upgrade that doesn’t break the bank, the Lexar NM710 is an excellent choice. While not as blistering fast as its NM790 sibling, it still offers a significant performance boost over Gen3 SSDs, making it a perfect upgrade for casual gamers or users looking for a solid all-around performer.
Key Features:
– 2TB capacity
– High-speed PCIe Gen4x4 interface
– Features HMB (Host Memory Buffer) 3.0 and SLC Cache technology
– Shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts
– More than 40% faster speed than PCIe 3.0 SSDs
– Sequential read speed up to 4850MB/s, sequential write speed up to 4500MB/s
– 1200TBW endurance
– Five-year limited warranty
Pros:
– Excellent value for a PCIe Gen4 drive
– Significantly faster than Gen3 SSDs
– Good endurance rating for its price point
– Reliable and durable design
Cons:
– Slower than premium Gen4 drives like the NM790 or WD_BLACK SN850X
– Lacks a built-in heatsink
User Impressions:
Reviewers commend the NM710 for its impressive performance for the price. Many note it’s a perfect upgrade for older systems or as a secondary gaming drive, offering a tangible speed boost without the premium cost of top-tier drives.
7. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
Rounding out our list is the Crucial P310, an accessible yet powerful PCIe Gen4 option. While listed here as 1TB, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a balance of performance, affordability, and broad compatibility. It delivers substantial speed improvements over Gen3 drives, making it ideal for casual gamers and everyday users upgrading their systems.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds
– Spacious 1TB capacity (other capacities available)
– Broad Compatibility: works with laptops, desktops, and select handheld gaming consoles (ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, AYANEO Kun)
– Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation
– Improves productivity for real-world tasks
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control
Pros:
– Excellent Gen4 speeds for quicker game loads and system responsiveness
– Broad compatibility, including handheld gaming devices
– Trusted Micron quality and reliability
– Good performance for its price segment
Cons:
– 1TB capacity might be limiting for a large game library (though larger options exist)
– Read/write speeds are on the lower end of premium Gen4 drives
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight the P310’s ease of installation and the immediate performance boost it provides. It’s a popular recommendation for budget-conscious gamers and those upgrading older systems, offering a significant jump in speed without breaking the bank.
FAQ: All Your M.2 SSD Gaming Questions Answered
Q: What is an M.2 SSD and why is it good for gaming?
A: An M.2 SSD is a small, rectangular solid-state drive that connects directly to your motherboard via a dedicated M.2 slot. Unlike traditional SATA SSDs, M.2 NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives use the PCIe interface, allowing them to achieve significantly higher read and write speeds. For gaming, this means much faster game loading, quicker level transitions, and reduced latency, leading to a smoother and more immersive experience.
Q: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen3 and Gen4 for gaming?
A: PCIe Gen4 offers double the bandwidth of PCIe Gen3. This translates to theoretical maximum speeds of around 7,000-7,500 MB/s for Gen4 compared to about 3,500 MB/s for Gen3. For gaming, this means Gen4 drives can load game assets faster, which is particularly beneficial for large open-world games and titles designed with DirectStorage (a Windows API that leverages NVMe SSDs to speed up game asset loading) in mind. While Gen3 is still good, Gen4 provides a noticeable edge for the latest games.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: For most general use cases, a heatsink isn’t strictly necessary, as modern SSDs have built-in thermal throttling to prevent overheating. However, for intense PC gaming or sustained heavy workloads, an M.2 SSD can generate significant heat. A heatsink helps dissipate this heat, preventing the drive from throttling down its performance to cool off. If your motherboard doesn’t have an integrated heatsink for its M.2 slots, or if you’re pushing your drive hard, an SSD with a built-in heatsink (like the Lexar Play or Lexar NM790 with heatsink) is highly recommended for optimal, consistent performance.
Q: How much storage capacity do I need for gaming?
A: This really depends on your gaming habits. A 1TB M.2 SSD is a good starting point for most gamers, allowing you to install several AAA titles. However, with game sizes constantly increasing (often 100GB+ per game), a 2TB M.2 SSD is quickly becoming the sweet spot for a dedicated gaming drive, giving you plenty of room for your favorite games and future releases without constantly managing storage. For serious enthusiasts, 4TB or even 8TB options are available.
Q: What does TBW (Terabytes Written) mean?
A: TBW stands for Terabytes Written and is a measure of an SSD’s endurance or lifespan. It indicates the total amount of data that can be written to the drive before it might start to experience reliability issues. For example, a 1500TBW rating means you can write 1500 terabytes of data to the drive over its lifetime. For most gamers, even a lower TBW rating (e.g., 600TBW for a 1TB drive) is far more than they’ll ever use during the drive’s typical lifespan. Higher TBW indicates greater durability, especially for heavy users.
Q: Can I use these SSDs with a PlayStation 5?
A: Yes, several of the drives listed, such as the Lexar NM790, Lexar Play, and Lexar NM790 with Heatsink, explicitly state PS5 compatibility. For PS5 expansion, you’ll need a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD with a minimum sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s and a heatsink is generally required. Always check the specific SSD’s specifications and PS5 requirements to ensure full compatibility and proper installation.
Q: Are Lexar SSDs reliable for long-term gaming?
A: Lexar has established itself as a reputable brand in the storage market, and their recent M.2 NVMe SSDs, like the NM790 and Play series, offer excellent performance and reliability. They typically come with a five-year limited warranty and competitive TBW ratings, indicating good durability. User reviews generally attest to their solid performance and endurance, making them a reliable choice for long-term gaming.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your PC gaming experience. The drives we’ve reviewed, from the blazing-fast Lexar NM790 series to the robust WD_BLACK SN850X and the value-packed Crucial P310, all offer significant performance boosts over older storage solutions.
Whether you prioritize raw speed, integrated cooling, or overall value, there’s a drive on this list that’s perfect for you. For many, finding the Lexar best M.2 SSD for PC gaming means striking a balance between cutting-edge performance and smart features like a built-in heatsink. Whichever you choose, prepare to say goodbye to long load times and hello to seamless, immersive gaming!