Got an ASRock X370 motherboard humming along in your PC? You’re in good company! These boards, especially those sporting AMD’s Ryzen processors, are still fantastic workhorses, perfect for gaming, content creation, or just everyday computing. But to truly squeeze every ounce of speed and responsiveness out of your system, you can’t overlook your storage. That’s where a blazing-fast M.2 NVMe SSD comes into play.
While ASRock X370 boards primarily support PCIe Gen3 for M.2 slots, many newer Gen4 and even Gen5 drives are backward compatible. This means you can still enjoy significant speed improvements over traditional SATA SSDs, and even future-proof your storage for a potential motherboard upgrade down the line. Finding the Crucial ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about compatibility, reliability, and getting the most bang for your buck.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you 7 fantastic M.2 SSDs that pair wonderfully with your ASRock X370 setup. Let’s dive in and see how you can elevate your system’s performance!
1. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
The Crucial P310 1TB is a fantastic entry point into the world of Gen4 NVMe SSDs, even for users with Gen3 boards like the ASRock X370. While it will operate at PCIe Gen3 speeds on your X370 motherboard, it still offers a significant upgrade over SATA drives. This drive is built for those looking for a reliable, spacious, and fast storage solution without breaking the bank, making it a strong contender for the Crucial ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance at its price point.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds (on Gen4 systems)
– Spacious 1TB SSD: Provides ample room for games, apps, and media
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles; backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation, improving boot times and application loading
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable performance
Pros:
– Excellent value for a 1TB NVMe drive
– Significant speed upgrade over SATA SSDs on X370
– Micron’s reputation for quality and reliability
– Good for general use, gaming, and productivity tasks
Cons:
– Won’t achieve full Gen4 speeds on an X370 board (limited by Gen3 interface)
– Not the absolute fastest Gen4 drive available
User Impressions: Users often praise the P310 for its solid performance, especially given its price. Many find it easy to install and a noticeable improvement for boot times and application responsiveness, even on older PCIe Gen3 systems. It’s considered a reliable daily driver.
2. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 11,000 MB/s
Talk about future-proofing! The Crucial P510 1TB is a cutting-edge Gen5 NVMe SSD, offering absolutely mind-blowing speeds that push the boundaries of current storage technology. While your ASRock X370 board can’t fully utilize its Gen5 capabilities, it is still backward compatible and will run at PCIe Gen3 speeds, providing a solid upgrade path if you plan to move to a newer motherboard in the future. It’s an investment in extreme performance for tomorrow, available today.
Key Features:
– SERIOUS SPEED: Reduced load times and enjoy read/write speeds up to 11,000/9,500MB/s (on Gen5 systems)
– GEN5 COMPATIBILITY: Easy installation and flexibility for Gen5 laptops and desktops, with backward compatibility
– AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE: Exceptional balance of performance and price for next-gen drives
– MICRON QUALITY: Top-tier Micron performance that you can trust
– SEAMLESS UPGRADES: Included Acronis True Image for Crucial software for easy data migration
Pros:
– Unmatched future-proofing with Gen5 technology
– Excellent performance even when limited to Gen3 speeds
– Reliable Micron components
– Includes data migration software for easy setup
Cons:
– Full Gen5 speeds aren’t achievable on an ASRock X370 board
– Price might be higher due to advanced Gen5 technology that isn’t fully utilized yet
User Impressions: Users are excited about the P510’s incredible potential for future builds. Even when running on Gen3 systems, they appreciate the noticeable speed boost over older drives and the peace of mind knowing they have a top-tier drive ready for their next upgrade.
3. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280
If you’re looking for a swift primary boot drive or a dedicated gaming drive without needing massive storage, the Crucial P310 500GB is an excellent choice. Like its 1TB sibling, it brings Gen4 speeds to the table, and while it will operate at Gen3 speeds on your ASRock X370, it still delivers a significant performance leap over SATA drives. This drive focuses on efficiency and responsiveness, making it a smart pick for users prioritizing speed over sheer capacity for their main applications.
Key Features:
– PCIe 4.0 Performance: Delivers up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds (on Gen4 systems)
– Spacious 500GB SSD: Provides space for core games, apps, and media with Gen4 NVMe performance
– Broad Compatibility: Works seamlessly with laptops, desktops, and select gaming consoles; backward compatible with PCIe Gen3 systems
– Better Productivity: Up to 2x faster than previous Gen3 generation for quicker bootups and app loading
– Trusted Micron Quality: Built with advanced G8 NAND and thermal control for reliable Gen4 performance
Pros:
– Cost-effective for a fast primary drive
– Good balance of speed and storage for core tasks
– Reliable Micron quality
– Excellent upgrade for older SATA or HDD systems
Cons:
– Limited capacity for very large game libraries or extensive media
– Won’t reach full Gen4 speeds on an X370 motherboard
User Impressions: Many users find the 500GB P310 to be a perfect sweet spot for their operating system and frequently played games. They highlight its snappy performance and ease of installation, noting a clear difference in system responsiveness after upgrading.
4. Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB, PCIe Gen 4×4, Gen
Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus SSD 1TB is a powerhouse that brings industry-leading performance and reliability to your system. While the ASRock X370 will limit this drive to PCIe Gen3 x4 speeds, you’ll still experience incredible responsiveness and data transfer rates far beyond what a SATA SSD can offer. This drive is renowned for its consistent performance and advanced thermal management, ensuring your system remains speedy even under heavy workloads. It’s a premium choice for those seeking the very best for their Crucial ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance.
Key Features:
– GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: Features latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s (on Gen4x4 systems)
– LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0
– EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Nickel-coated controller for less power usage and stable performance
– OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 for enhanced bandwidth
– NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Magician Software for firmware updates, encryption, and drive health monitoring
Pros:
– Top-tier performance and reliability from a trusted brand
– Excellent thermal control for sustained speeds
– Supports advanced Samsung Magician software
– Future-proof with PCIe Gen5 x2 compatibility
Cons:
– Premium price point
– X370 board won’t utilize full Gen4/Gen5 speeds
– Some users might find the setup slightly more complex than Crucial’s offerings
User Impressions: Users consistently praise Samsung SSDs for their reliability and performance. The 990 EVO Plus is no exception, with many highlighting its robust build and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s brand reputation. Gamers and power users often report incredibly fast load times and smooth operation.
5. Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD, Up to 14,900 MB/s
For the ultimate enthusiast looking to invest in cutting-edge technology, the Crucial T710 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD is a true marvel. Boasting staggering sequential read/write speeds, this drive is engineered for the future of gaming and demanding creative workloads. While your ASRock X370 will only tap into its Gen3 capabilities, choosing this drive means you’re acquiring a top-tier component that will unleash its full potential when paired with a compatible Gen5 system, offering unparalleled long-term value for a Crucial ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance upgrade path.
Key Features:
– WIN BIGGER: Experience Gen5 gameplay at the speed of thought (up to 14,900/13,800 sequential read/write speeds on Gen5 systems)
– ENHANCE YOUR GAMING EXPERIENCE: Improves game loading and texture rendering with future-forward tech
– POINT. CLICK. DONE.: DirectStorage speeds up creative processes and reduces waiting times
– LEADING GEN5 TECHNOLOGY: Pioneer in blazing-fast Gen5 storage, pushing performance boundaries
– STREAMLINE YOUR SYSTEM WITH A PREMIUM HEATSINK: Integrated heatsink for optimal heat dissipation (heatsink option available)
– SSD ENCRYPTION SUPPORT: Protects data with hardware encryption
Pros:
– Unrivaled Gen5 speeds for future-proof performance
– Integrated heatsink option for superior thermal management
– Excellent for demanding gaming and content creation (on Gen5 systems)
– Supports hardware encryption for data security
Cons:
– Substantial investment that won’t be fully utilized on an X370
– Heatsink might be too large for some compact builds
User Impressions: Early adopters are thrilled with the T710’s groundbreaking speeds, calling it a game-changer for future PC builds. They appreciate the included heatsink for peace of mind regarding thermal throttling and value the long-term investment in cutting-edge storage.
6. Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe M.2 Internal Gaming SSD, Up
The Crucial T500 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD is specifically designed with gamers and content creators in mind. It balances high Gen4 performance with solid reliability, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a significant upgrade for your ASRock X370 system. Although it will run at Gen3 speeds, its inherent efficiency and robust design mean you’ll still get exceptional responsiveness, faster game loads, and smoother overall operation. This is a very strong contender for maximizing your Crucial ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance right now, with room to grow.
Key Features:
– LIGHTNING SPEEDS: Get incredible performance with sequential reads/writes up to 7,300/6,800MB/s and random read/writes up to 1.15M/1.44M IOPs (on Gen4 systems)
– COMPATIBLE: Ready for performance with your laptop, desktop or workstation, installs easily in your M.2 slot
– ULTIMATE GAMING: Load games up to 16% faster and get faster texture renders and less CPU utilization with Microsoft DirectStorage (on compatible systems)
– CONTENT CREATION: Get up to 42% faster performance in content creation apps, run heavy workloads, and render photos or videos faster (on Gen4 systems)
– ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD: Get one month of Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps plan on us when you purchase and register the Crucial T500 SSD
Pros:
– High Gen4 speeds for future upgrades
– Optimized for gaming and content creation
– Easy to install and widely compatible
– Includes a valuable Adobe Creative Cloud offer
Cons:
– Full Gen4 benefits won’t be realized on an X370 board
– Might be overkill if you only need a basic boot drive
User Impressions: Gamers especially love the T500 for its noticeable impact on game loading times and overall system snappiness. Users appreciate the ease of installation and the confidence that comes with Crucial’s reliability, often touting it as a great all-around performance drive.
7. Crucial P310 1TB M.2 2230 SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe, Up
While listed as a compact 2230 form factor, this Crucial P310 1TB SSD still delivers robust PCIe Gen4 NVMe performance, making it a versatile option. Even though your ASRock X370 will operate it at Gen3 speeds, you’re still getting a significant speed boost compared to traditional storage. What makes this particular P310 stand out is its specific compatibility with smaller form-factor devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, highlighting its power efficiency and adaptability. For a compact yet powerful solution, this P310 is a solid choice.
Key Features:
– Broad Compatibility: Works with Steam Deck, 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 (on Gen4 systems)
– Spacious NVMe SSD: This 1TB SSD provides space for AAA games, apps, and media with compact M.2 2230 NVMe SSD form factor
– 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
Pros:
– Excellent power efficiency, ideal for laptops and handhelds (and good for desktops too)
– Reliable Micron performance
– 1TB capacity is generous for its size
– Good upgrade path for various devices
Cons:
– 2230 form factor might be less common for primary desktop use (though compatible)
– Full Gen4 speeds not utilized on X370
User Impressions: Users are impressed with the performance this compact drive offers, especially its ability to fit into smaller devices. For desktop users, it’s seen as a reliable and efficient storage option that delivers consistent speeds for everyday tasks and gaming.
Making the Right Choice for Your ASRock X370
Choosing the right M.2 SSD for your ASRock X370 motherboard comes down to a few factors: your budget, how much storage you need, and whether you want to future-proof your system. While X370 boards are limited to PCIe Gen3 speeds, all the Gen4 and Gen5 drives listed here are backward compatible and will still offer a substantial performance boost over older SATA drives.
The Crucial ASRock X370 for best M.2 SSD performance can be found in a variety of drives. The Crucial P310 series offers excellent value and solid Gen3 performance. For those wanting a taste of next-gen speeds and future-proofing, the Crucial T500 (Gen4), Crucial P510 (Gen5), or Crucial T710 (Gen5) are stellar choices, even if their full potential isn’t unlocked on the X370 yet. And the Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers premium performance and reliability.
No matter which one you pick, upgrading to an NVMe M.2 SSD will significantly enhance your system’s responsiveness, shorten load times, and make your entire computing experience feel much snappier. Happy upgrading!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can an ASRock X370 motherboard use PCIe Gen4 SSDs?
A1: Yes, ASRock X370 motherboards can use PCIe Gen4 SSDs, but they will operate at PCIe Gen3 speeds. This is because the X370 chipset and older Ryzen CPUs (like first and second-gen) are limited to PCIe Gen3. However, even at Gen3 speeds, these drives offer a substantial performance upgrade over SATA SSDs.
Q2: What’s the main difference between M.2 and NVMe?
A2: M.2 refers to the physical form factor of the SSD (its shape and connector slot). NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a communication protocol that allows SSDs to communicate directly with the CPU over the PCIe bus, offering much faster speeds than older protocols like SATA. So, an M.2 NVMe SSD is an M.2 form factor drive that uses the NVMe protocol.
Q3: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD on an X370?
A3: For PCIe Gen3 speeds on an X370, a heatsink isn’t always strictly necessary for most casual use, as these drives generally don’t generate as much heat as higher-end Gen4 or Gen5 drives running at full speed. However, for sustained heavy workloads (like large file transfers or intense gaming), a heatsink can help maintain optimal performance and prevent thermal throttling. Some motherboards come with integrated M.2 heatsinks, or you can purchase aftermarket ones.
Q4: How much storage capacity do I need for my M.2 SSD?
A4: This depends on your usage.
* 250GB-500GB: Good for a boot drive and essential applications.
* 1TB: Ideal for most users, providing ample space for the OS, several games, and general software.
* 2TB+: Recommended for gamers with large libraries, content creators working with big files, or users who store a lot of media.
Q5: Will upgrading to an M.2 NVMe SSD really make a difference on my ASRock X370?
A5: Absolutely! Even when running at PCIe Gen3 speeds, an M.2 NVMe SSD will offer significantly faster boot times, quicker application loading, and much snappier overall system responsiveness compared to a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) or even a SATA SSD. It’s one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for an older system.
Q6: How do I install an M.2 SSD on my ASRock X370 motherboard?
A6: Installation is usually straightforward:
1. Locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard (check your manual for exact placement).
2. Remove the small screw and standoff if present.
3. Carefully insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at a slight angle.
4. Push the drive down until it’s flat, then secure it with the small screw.
5. If your motherboard has an M.2 heatsink, install it over the drive.
6. Once installed, you’ll need to initialize and format the drive in Windows Disk Management (or your OS equivalent) before it appears as usable storage.
Q7: What factors affect M.2 SSD performance on an X370 board?
A7: Key factors include:
* PCIe Generation: As X370 boards are Gen3, this is the primary bottleneck for newer Gen4/Gen5 drives.
* Number of PCIe Lanes: Most M.2 slots on X370 boards use x4 lanes, which is ideal.
* SSD Controller & NAND Quality: Higher quality components lead to better sustained performance.
* Firmware: Up-to-date firmware can improve compatibility and performance.
* Thermal Throttling: If the SSD gets too hot, its performance will intentionally slow down to prevent damage. A heatsink can mitigate this.