Building or upgrading a PC with AMD’s cutting-edge AM5 platform? You’re in for a treat! With support for lightning-fast DDR5 RAM and next-gen PCIe 5.0 connectivity, AM5 systems are designed for unparalleled performance. But to truly unlock that potential, you need to pick the best SSD for AM5. A high-speed Solid State Drive isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for rapid boot times, near-instantaneous game loading, and seamless productivity across demanding applications.
In this guide, we’ll dive into 10 excellent options, ranging from barebones systems ready for your custom SSD to pre-built powerhouses and server solutions, all designed to leverage the power of the AM5 platform. We’ll explore what makes each pick stand out and help you find the perfect storage solution for your needs.
Our Top 10 AM5 Picks for Optimal SSD Performance
Let’s explore the systems and components that pave the way for the ultimate AM5 storage experience.
MINISFORUM MS-A1 Workstation Barebone Version
The MINISFORUM MS-A1 is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to build a compact yet powerful AM5 workstation from the ground up. This barebones system gives you the freedom to choose your CPU, GPU, RAM, and crucially, your SSD. It boasts impressive storage flexibility with two DDR5-5200 slots and a primary M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot compatible with RAID0 and RAID1. Even better, it offers three additional M.2 NVMe SSD slots, making it a dream for those who need massive, high-speed storage capacity for tasks like 3D rendering or video editing.
- Key Features:
- Barebone design: Allows full DIY customization for CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD, and OS.
- AMD AM5 Socket CPU support.
- Multiple Network Ports: Two 2.5G RJ45 ports, Dual Band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.2.
- Upgraded Cooling System: Dual-fan 4-heat pipe design (low noise at 37 dB).
- Triple Video Output: HDMI (4K@60Hz), DP (4K@144Hz), USB-C (Alt DP, 4K@144Hz).
- Flexible Expandability: Two DDR5-5200 slots, primary M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot (RAID0/1 compatible).
- Three additional M.2 NVMe SSD slots for extensive storage.
- Pros:
- Exceptional storage expandability with four M.2 NVMe slots.
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast SSDs.
- RAID capabilities for data redundancy or performance.
- Compact workstation design with robust cooling.
- Great for professional applications and extensive media libraries.
- Cons:
- Barebones means you need to buy all other components separately.
- No CPU or integrated graphics means additional investment required.
- User Impressions: Users highly appreciate the DIY flexibility and the sheer number of M.2 slots, which provides ample room for high-performance SSDs. They see it as a powerful foundation for a custom-built workstation or high-end home server, emphasizing its quiet operation.
- See it on Amazon here
AVGPC Max Gaming PC – AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-Core
For gamers and power users who want an AM5 system ready to go right out of the box, the AVGPC Max Gaming PC with the Ryzen 7 8700G is a fantastic choice. This pre-built beast comes equipped with a speedy 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, ensuring your games load in a flash and your Windows 11 Home OS boots up almost instantly. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics are surprisingly capable, but the B650 motherboard’s expandability also primes it for future dedicated GPU upgrades, making it a versatile platform for the best SSD for AM5 gaming experience.
- Key Features:
- Pre-built system with Windows 11 Home.
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-core, 16-thread AM5 processor (5.1GHz max boost, unlocked).
- Integrated Radeon 780M graphics, ready for future GPU upgrades.
- AMD B650 M-ATX motherboard with 4 DIMM slots.
- 16GB DDR5 5200MHz RAM.
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD included.
- 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler for CPU.
- 750W Gold Rated PSU.
- WiFi / Bluetooth, Gaming Keyboard and Mouse included.
- Pros:
- Excellent gaming performance with a fast NVMe SSD out of the box.
- Integrated graphics are strong for a pre-built.
- Ready for future upgrades, including a dedicated GPU.
- Efficient cooling system for stable performance.
- Comes with peripherals for immediate use.
- Cons:
- The included SSD, while good, might not be PCIe 5.0 (common for pre-builts at this price point).
- Not as customizable as a barebones system.
- User Impressions: Users love the “plug-and-play” convenience and the raw power for gaming. They often highlight the smooth performance due to the fast SSD and RAM combination, appreciating the system’s ability to handle modern titles with ease.
- See it on Amazon here
B650 Plus ITX Motherboard Support DDR5 MAX 96GB M.2 SSD
A solid foundation is key to any high-performance build, and this B650 Plus ITX Motherboard offers just that for your AM5 system. While specific features are light, its name indicates support for DDR5 memory and, crucially, M.2 SSDs. For an ITX board, this means you can build a compact, powerful machine without sacrificing speed. It’s the perfect backbone for integrating your chosen, high-speed M.2 NVMe SSD, allowing you to maximize storage performance in a small form factor.
- Key Features:
- AM5 Motherboard with ITX form factor.
- Supports DDR5 Memory (up to 96GB).
- Integrated M.2 SSD support.
- Suitable for compact builds.
- Pros:
- Ideal for small form factor (SFF) AM5 builds.
- Supports fast DDR5 RAM.
- Allows for M.2 NVMe SSDs, essential for modern performance.
- Cons:
- Limited information on specific features (e.g., number of M.2 slots, PCIe generation).
- ITX boards can sometimes have fewer expansion slots compared to ATX.
- User Impressions: Users seeking to build compact AM5 PCs would find this board appealing for its ITX form factor and inherent M.2 SSD support, allowing for a neat and efficient build with fast storage.
- See it on Amazon here
Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U 4 Bay Server Ryzen 9 7950X
If you’re in the market for a powerhouse server with serious storage capabilities, the Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U server is a compelling option. This pre-configured server comes with an AM5 Motherboard, a monstrous Ryzen 9 7950X 16-core CPU, and 32GB of DDR5 ECC server memory. Critically for our topic, it includes two brand-new Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. With both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots available, this server is perfectly equipped to handle the absolute best SSD for AM5 performance for demanding server tasks, data processing, and virtual machines.
- Key Features:
- Pre-configured 1U Rackmount Server.
- New AM5 Motherboard.
- New AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16-Core CPU.
- 32GB DDR5 PC5-4800 ECC Unbuffered Server Memory.
- Two (2x) 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs included.
- Two M.2 2280 Slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 5.0).
- Note: Backplane is SATA Only, but the M.2 slots are separate.
- Pros:
- Extremely powerful Ryzen 9 7950X processor.
- Comes with two top-tier Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSDs.
- Future-proof with PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
- ECC memory for data integrity.
- Ideal for demanding server applications.
- Cons:
- 1U form factor might be noisy for non-server environments.
- Server-grade features might be overkill for a desktop user.
- SATA backplane might limit 3.5/2.5″ drive expansion speed.
- User Impressions: Users building high-performance servers praise the combination of powerful Ryzen CPUs, abundant ECC memory, and the inclusion of high-speed NVMe SSDs, especially the PCIe 5.0 readiness for blazing-fast storage.
- See it on Amazon here
Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U 4 Bay Server Ryzen 9 7900X
Similar to its 7950X sibling, this Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U server variant features the potent AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12-core processor and a generous 64GB of DDR5 ECC server memory. It also includes two brand-new Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe SSDs, making it another fantastic option for server-grade storage performance. With dedicated PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, this system is built to handle the most data-intensive workloads, leveraging the full speed potential of the best SSD for AM5 platforms.
- Key Features:
- Pre-configured 1U Rackmount Server.
- New AM5 Motherboard.
- New AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12-Core CPU.
- 64GB DDR5 PC5-4800 ECC Unbuffered Server Memory.
- Two (2x) 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs included.
- Two M.2 2280 Slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 5.0).
- Note: Backplane is SATA Only, but the M.2 slots are separate.
- Pros:
- Powerful Ryzen 9 7900X CPU.
- Abundant 64GB ECC RAM.
- Includes two high-end Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSDs.
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for bleeding-edge storage.
- Excellent for high-throughput server tasks.
- Cons:
- Specialized server hardware may be an over-investment for casual use.
- Noise levels typical of 1U servers.
- User Impressions: Server administrators and data professionals commend this system for its enterprise-grade components, including the ECC memory and dual high-speed NVMe SSDs, which ensure reliability and outstanding data transfer rates.
- See it on Amazon here
Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U 4 Bay Server Ryzen 9 9900X
The Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U server with the Ryzen 9 9900X processor pushes the boundaries further. Equipped with 64GB of DDR5 ECC memory and, importantly, two Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe SSDs, this server is designed for top-tier performance. The inclusion of both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots ensures that any modern high-performance SSD can be fully utilized, making it a stellar choice for anyone seeking the absolute best SSD for AM5 server applications where speed and reliability are paramount.
- Key Features:
- Pre-configured 1U Rackmount Server.
- New AM5 Motherboard.
- New AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core CPU.
- 64GB DDR5 PC5-4800 ECC Unbuffered Server Memory.
- Two (2x) 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs included.
- Two M.2 2280 Slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 5.0).
- Note: Backplane is SATA Only, but the M.2 slots are separate.
- Pros:
- Very high-performance Ryzen 9 9900X CPU.
- Ample 64GB of ECC DDR5 RAM.
- Dual high-speed 990 PRO NVMe SSDs included.
- PCIe 5.0 ready for future SSDs.
- Built for demanding, mission-critical server environments.
- Cons:
- Server-specific, not suitable for typical desktop use.
- High cost due to premium server-grade components.
- User Impressions: Users value the robust build and the inclusion of high-performance components like the 990 PRO SSDs, which significantly contribute to faster server response times and efficient data handling, making it a reliable workhorse.
- See it on Amazon here
Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U 4 Bay Server Ryzen 9 9950X
At the pinnacle of the Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS series, this 1U server boasts the incredibly powerful Ryzen 9 9950X 16-core CPU and a massive 128GB of DDR5 ECC server memory. This is a true data processing behemoth. It, too, comes with two Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe SSDs, and crucially, offers both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. For enterprise users, data centers, or researchers needing the ultimate in processing power and the absolute best SSD for AM5 platforms, this configuration stands out for its raw speed and enormous storage potential.
- Key Features:
- Pre-configured 1U Rackmount Server.
- New AM5 Motherboard.
- New AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-Core CPU.
- Massive 128GB DDR5 PC5-4800 ECC Unbuffered Server Memory.
- Two (2x) 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs included.
- Two M.2 2280 Slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 5.0).
- Note: Backplane is SATA Only, but the M.2 slots are separate.
- Pros:
- Unrivaled Ryzen 9 9950X CPU performance.
- Huge 128GB ECC DDR5 RAM capacity.
- Comes with two top-tier 990 PRO NVMe SSDs.
- Full PCIe 5.0 SSD support.
- Ideal for extreme data analytics, virtualization, and large databases.
- Cons:
- Extremely high price point.
- Overkill for most home or small business uses.
- User Impressions: This model garners praise for its ability to handle the most intensive workloads without breaking a sweat, thanks to the high core count CPU, vast memory, and included high-performance NVMe SSDs. Users highlight its reliability and speed for mission-critical applications.
- See it on Amazon here
AVGPC Max Gaming PC – AMD Ryzen 5 8500G 6-Core
The AVGPC Max Gaming PC with the AMD Ryzen 5 8500G offers a more budget-friendly entry into the AM5 gaming world without compromising on essential performance. This pre-built system includes a fast 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, ensuring quick boot-ups and smooth game loading, much like its Ryzen 7 sibling. The integrated Radeon 740M graphics are perfect for lighter gaming and general use, while the B650 motherboard maintains expandability for future upgrades. It’s a smart choice for those seeking a capable AM5 system with solid storage straight out of the box.
- Key Features:
- Pre-built system with Windows 11 Home.
- AMD Ryzen 5 8500G 6-core, 12-thread AM5 processor (5.0GHz max boost, unlocked).
- Integrated Radeon 740M graphics, ready for future GPU upgrades.
- AMD B650 M-ATX motherboard with 4 DIMM slots.
- 16GB DDR5 5200MHz RAM.
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD included.
- 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler for CPU.
- 650W Gold Rated PSU.
- WiFi / Bluetooth, Gaming Keyboard and Mouse included.
- Pros:
- Excellent value for an AM5 pre-built gaming PC.
- Includes a fast 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD.
- Good integrated graphics for its price point.
- Future-proof with B650 motherboard and GPU upgrade potential.
- Cons:
- Ryzen 5 8500G may not be enough for high-end gaming without a dedicated GPU.
- SSD is PCIe 4.0, not the bleeding-edge PCIe 5.0.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the balance of cost and performance, noting that the included NVMe SSD makes the system feel very responsive for daily tasks and gaming. It’s often recommended as a solid entry point to the AM5 ecosystem.
- See it on Amazon here
B650 Plus ITX AM5 Motherboard – DDR5 Support (Max 96GB)
Here’s another compact AM5 motherboard designed for enthusiasts who love small form factor builds. This B650 Plus ITX AM5 motherboard supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory, offering plenty of headroom for modern applications and gaming. While the features list is sparse, the “M.2 SSD” mentioned in the product title confirms its compatibility with high-speed NVMe drives, which is crucial for getting the best SSD for AM5 performance in a tight space. Its clean circuit layout and functional durability tests ensure a stable platform for your components.
- Key Features:
- AM5 Motherboard in ITX form factor.
- Supports DDR5 Memory (up to 96GB).
- M.2 SSD support confirmed by product title.
- Reasonable circuit layout for stable signal transmission.
- Integrated multiple interfaces for peripheral connection.
- Functional durability tested for stable device support.
- Pros:
- Excellent for compact, powerful AM5 builds.
- Supports the latest DDR5 RAM for high bandwidth.
- Ensures M.2 NVMe SSD compatibility.
- Designed for stable and durable operation.
- Cons:
- Specific details on M.2 slots (number, PCIe generation) are not provided.
- May require careful planning for cooling in a small case.
- User Impressions: Those building mini-ITX systems often find such boards appealing due to their compact size, enabling powerful builds in limited spaces, especially when paired with a high-speed M.2 SSD. They value the stability inherent in a well-laid-out board.
- See it on Amazon here
Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U 4 Bay Server Ryzen 9 7950X (128GB RAM)
Rounding out our list is another high-end Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U server, featuring the formidable Ryzen 9 7950X 16-core CPU. What sets this variant apart is its staggering 128GB of DDR5 ECC server memory, making it an absolute powerhouse for memory-intensive applications. Just like its siblings, it includes two Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 NVMe SSDs and supports both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. This configuration delivers truly immense processing and storage capabilities, ideal for large-scale databases, complex simulations, or heavy virtualization tasks, providing the ultimate best SSD for AM5 server solution.
- Key Features:
- Pre-configured 1U Rackmount Server.
- New AM5 Motherboard.
- New AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16-Core CPU.
- Massive 128GB DDR5 PC5-4800 ECC Unbuffered Server Memory.
- Two (2x) 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs included.
- Two M.2 2280 Slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 5.0).
- Note: Backplane is SATA Only, but the M.2 slots are separate.
- Pros:
- Top-tier Ryzen 9 7950X CPU.
- Unmatched 128GB ECC DDR5 RAM for demanding applications.
- Comes with two high-performance 990 PRO NVMe SSDs.
- Full PCIe 5.0 SSD support for peak data transfer.
- Designed for critical enterprise and research environments.
- Cons:
- Extremely expensive.
- Very niche product for dedicated server use.
- User Impressions: This particular server is lauded by users who require maximum memory and processing power coupled with high-speed storage. Its reliability and ability to handle extreme workloads make it a go-to for data-intensive professional applications.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions about SSDs for AM5 Systems
Choosing the right SSD for your AM5 setup can be a bit tricky with all the tech jargon. Here are some common questions to help clear things up!
Q1: What makes an SSD “best” for an AM5 system?
The “best” SSD for an AM5 system typically means a drive that can leverage the platform’s advanced features, primarily PCIe 5.0 (or at least PCIe 4.0) NVMe connectivity. These drives offer incredibly fast read/write speeds, significantly reducing game load times, application launch times, and large file transfers. Look for M.2 form factors with NVMe protocol.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 SSDs for AM5?
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is the interface that connects your SSD to your motherboard. PCIe 5.0 is the latest generation, offering roughly double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. While PCIe 4.0 SSDs are already blazing fast, PCIe 5.0 SSDs can deliver even higher sequential read/write speeds (e.g., 10,000 MB/s+ for PCIe 4.0 vs. 12,000 MB/s+ for PCIe 5.0). For most users, PCIe 4.0 is more than enough, but PCIe 5.0 offers future-proofing and extreme performance for professional workloads.
Q3: Do all AM5 motherboards support PCIe 5.0 SSDs?
Not all AM5 motherboards offer PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. While the AM5 CPU socket supports PCIe 5.0, some budget-friendly B650 motherboards might only have PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, or just one PCIe 5.0 slot. Always check the specific motherboard’s specifications to confirm its M.2 slot generations.
Q4: Is NVMe necessary, or can I use a SATA SSD with AM5?
While AM5 motherboards usually support SATA SSDs, you won’t get anywhere near the performance of an NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSD. NVMe drives, particularly M.2 NVMe, connect directly to the PCIe lanes of your CPU, offering dramatically higher speeds. For an AM5 system, an NVMe SSD is highly recommended to take full advantage of the platform’s speed.
Q5: How much SSD storage do I need for my AM5 gaming PC or workstation?
For a gaming PC, 1TB is a good starting point for your OS and a decent collection of games. If you have a large game library or handle large media files, 2TB or more is advisable. For workstations doing video editing, 3D rendering, or large data analysis, 2TB to 4TB (or more with multiple drives) is often necessary.
Q6: What factors besides speed should I consider when buying an SSD for AM5?
Beyond raw speed, consider:
– Endurance (TBW – Terabytes Written): How much data can be written to the drive over its lifetime. Higher TBW means better longevity.
– DRAM Cache: SSDs with a DRAM cache often perform better under sustained heavy loads.
– Controller: The SSD controller significantly impacts performance and reliability.
– Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands like Samsung, Crucial, WD, Seagate, SK Hynix, or Solidigm for reliability and support.
– Cooling: High-speed PCIe 4.0 and especially PCIe 5.0 SSDs can generate heat. Look for drives with integrated heatsinks or ensure your motherboard provides adequate M.2 cooling.
Q7: Can I use multiple SSDs in my AM5 system?
Absolutely! Most AM5 motherboards come with multiple M.2 slots, allowing you to install several NVMe SSDs. This is great for separating your OS drive from game libraries, or for dedicated storage for large projects in a workstation. Some motherboards even support RAID configurations for NVMe drives to boost performance or provide redundancy.