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Thinking about whether you should buy NVMe SSD? You’re not alone. With faster load times, smoother multitasking, and better overall system responsiveness, NVMe SSDs have become a must-have upgrade for gamers, content creators, and everyday users alike. Whether you’re building a new PC, upgrading your laptop, or expanding storage on your PS5, switching from a traditional SATA SSD or HDD to an NVMe drive can feel like going from dial-up to fiber internet. In this guide, we break down the top 5 NVMe SSDs worth your money in 2024—tested, reviewed, and ranked so you can make a confident decision.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should I Buy Nvme Ssd Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 for Gaming, PS5, Laptop, and Desktop with Heatsink
This NVMe SSD delivers blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 performance with read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s—perfect for gamers, creators, and multitaskers. It comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it ideal for PS5 expansion or high-heat desktop builds.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4x4 interface with up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Includes heatsink and installation kit (screwdriver, screw, standoff)
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, games, and media
- ✓ Durable 3D NAND with strong thermal management
Why We Recommend It
This drive offers near-flagship performance at a mid-range price, and the included heatsink and hardware make installation hassle-free. It’s a fantastic all-rounder for anyone upgrading from SATA or older NVMe drives.
Best For
Gamers upgrading their PS5 or PC, students needing fast storage for large files, and professionals who want reliable speed without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for the price
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- Easy installation with full kit
- Works seamlessly across devices
Cons:
- Write speeds slightly lower than top-tier models
- Limited endurance rating compared to enterprise drives
Customer Reviews
“The media could not be loaded.The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 (1TB, 2280) absolutely exceeded my expectations. It arrived well packaged with everything I needed — an optional heatsink, screwdriver, screw, and standoff — which honestly saved me a trip to the store since I had lost my factory set screw.”
“I decided to get this for my laptop as I needed more drive space and was looking for something that would also be high speed. So far this drive has been working great! Really fast for the price, speeds have been working just as advertised so far. Installation was also pretty easy, I did have to use “
2. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptop, Desktop, and Handheld Gaming
The Crucial P310 packs serious Gen4 performance into a compact 500GB drive, hitting up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write. It’s a smart pick for handheld gaming devices like the ROG Ally X and Legion Go, as well as laptops and desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 4.0 NVMe with up to 6,600 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Optimized for handheld gaming consoles and small form factor PCs
- ✓ 500GB capacity balances speed and affordability
- ✓ Low power consumption—great for battery-powered devices
- ✓ Backed by Micron’s reliable NAND technology
Why We Recommend It
Crucial is a trusted name in memory, and the P310 delivers consistent, reliable performance. It’s especially strong in handheld gaming setups where space and heat are concerns, making it our top pick for portable power users.
Best For
Handheld gamers, ultrabook users, and anyone needing fast, efficient storage in a compact build.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world performance in handhelds
- Low heat output and power draw
- Solid build quality from a reputable brand
- Great for OS and game storage on the go
Cons:
- 500GB may feel tight for heavy game libraries
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
“I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD (CT2000P310SSD801) and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Here’s a quick breakdown:What I like:Plenty of space: 2 TB gives me lots of room for OS, apps, games, and files without tight space concerns.Fast speeds: For Gen4 NVMe, load and boot ti”
“I’ve been using this Crucial P310 2TB SSD for 4 months now in my small form factor PC build and it’s been fantastic. Installation was simple and straightforward – no issues at all.The performance is outstanding for both gaming and everyday use. Boot times are superfast, and game loading speeds have “
3. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and High-Performance Gaming
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a powerhouse NVMe SSD built for gamers, offering up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds and a sleek integrated heatsink. With 2TB of space, it’s perfect for storing your entire game library while keeping load times lightning-fast.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Pre-installed heatsink designed for PS5 compatibility
- ✓ 2TB capacity for massive game and media storage
- ✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
- ✓ Optimized firmware for gaming workloads
Why We Recommend It
This drive strikes the perfect balance between performance, capacity, and value. The heatsink ensures stable operation under load, and WD_BLACK’s gaming-focused design makes it a favorite among PC and console gamers.
Best For
PS5 owners, PC gamers with large libraries, and streamers who need fast access to games and recordings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds
- Heatsink included and PS5-ready
- Huge 2TB capacity at a fair price
- Reliable performance over long gaming sessions
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than non-heatsink versions
- Overkill for basic office tasks
Customer Reviews
“Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability.Speed & Performance:Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat”
“The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are”
4. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write spe…
This version of the WD_BLACK SN850X offers the same elite performance as its heatsink sibling—up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write—but without the added heatsink, making it ideal for custom cooling setups or tight spaces.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 NVMe with up to 7,300 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 2TB capacity for extensive storage needs
- ✓ No heatsink—ideal for custom cooling or compact builds
- ✓ SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for long-term reliability
- ✓ Optimized for high-performance gaming and content creation
Why We Recommend It
If you already have a motherboard with a built-in M.2 heatsink or prefer liquid cooling, this non-heatsink version saves space and cost while delivering identical performance.
Best For
Custom PC builders, users with existing cooling solutions, and those who want maximum speed without extra bulk.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same speed as heatsink model at a lower price
- More flexible for tight or custom builds
- Excellent sustained performance
- Trusted brand with strong warranty
Cons:
- Requires separate cooling in high-load scenarios
- Not plug-and-play for PS5 (needs third-party heatsink)
Customer Reviews
“Upgraded to the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe from a Gen 3 SSD, and the difference is massive. This drive delivers exactly what it promises — insane speeds, great thermal performance, and rock-solid reliability.Speed & Performance:Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat”
“The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation in M.2 format was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced, and the system responded with impressive smoothness. Speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s are”
5. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD for PC and Laptop Storage Upgrade
Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus combines cutting-edge NAND technology with intelligent thermal control, delivering up to 7,150 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds. It’s a premium choice for users who demand reliability and top-tier performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,150 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large file performance
- ✓ Nickel-coated controller for superior heat dissipation
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and games
- ✓ Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Why We Recommend It
Samsung is a leader in NAND technology, and the 990 EVO Plus shows why. It’s fast, efficient, and built to last—perfect for power users who won’t compromise on quality.
Best For
Professionals, content creators, and enthusiasts who want a high-end NVMe SSD with excellent thermal management and software support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding real-world performance
- Excellent thermal control extends lifespan
- Samsung Magician adds useful tools
- High endurance and reliability
Cons:
- Higher price per GB than competitors
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
“As a PC builder and heavy gamer, my old SATA SSD was becoming a serious bottleneck for my i7-12700K and RTX 5070 Ti system. I chose the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB to be my new primary OS and games drive, and the difference is staggering. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.Real-“
“I picked up this Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB to upgrade one of our PCs, and it has been a really good improvement so far. Installation was simple. It slotted right into the M.2 spot and the system recognized it right away. I cloned the old drive and everything transferred without any issues.Performance”
Complete Buying Guide for Should I Buy Nvme Ssd
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether you should buy NVMe SSD, focus on speed, capacity, compatibility, and use case. NVMe drives use the PCIe interface, which is significantly faster than SATA—ideal for gaming, video editing, or fast boot times. Check your motherboard or laptop for M.2 slots and whether they support PCIe Gen3 or Gen4. Also consider if you need a heatsink, especially for PS5 or high-performance builds.
Budget Planning
NVMe SSDs range from around $50 for 500GB budget models to over $200 for high-capacity Gen4 drives. For most users, a 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD offers the best balance of speed, space, and value. If you’re on a tight budget, the Crucial P310 or SIX X7400 deliver great performance without overspending.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an NVMe SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to any system. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just want your computer to feel snappier, the right NVMe drive makes a noticeable difference. Based on our testing, the 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 with Heatsink is our top pick for its speed, value, and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I buy NVMe SSD if I already have a SATA SSD?
A: Yes—if you want faster load times, better multitasking, or are building a new system. NVMe is significantly faster and future-proof, especially for gaming and creative work.
Q: Can I use an NVMe SSD in my laptop?
A: Only if your laptop has an M.2 slot that supports NVMe (not all do). Check your manual or specs before buying.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: Not always, but it helps prevent thermal throttling during heavy use. PS5 requires one; desktops benefit from it under sustained loads.
Q: Is PCIe Gen4 worth it over Gen3?
A: If your system supports it, yes—especially for large file transfers and gaming. But Gen3 is still fast and more affordable.
Q: How long do NVMe SSDs last?
A: Most modern NVMe SSDs are rated for hundreds of terabytes written (TBW). With normal use, they’ll easily last 5–10 years.
Ready to upgrade? Don’t wait—your system deserves the speed boost. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab one of our top-rated NVMe SSDs and feel the difference today!
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