So, you’ve decided to jump into the world of AMD’s AM5 platform, maybe with a brand-new Ryzen 7000 or 8000 series CPU. That’s awesome! But to truly unleash the beast, you can’t skimp on storage. We’re talking about finding the best SSD for AM5 – one that keeps up with the blazing speeds and next-gen capabilities of your new rig.
With PCIe Gen 5 and Gen 4 support, AM5 systems offer incredible bandwidth for solid-state drives. This means faster game loading, lightning-quick file transfers, and a snappier overall computing experience. It’s not just about capacity anymore; it’s about sheer speed and responsiveness.
Choosing the right SSD (or the right system to house it!) can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options out there. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some top-notch systems and components that either include fantastic SSDs or provide the perfect foundation for the best SSD for AM5 builds. Let’s dive in!
1. MINISFORUM MS-A1 Workstation Barebone Version
If you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to build your AM5 powerhouse from the ground up, the MINISFORUM MS-A1 barebone workstation is a fantastic starting point. This isn’t an SSD itself, but it provides an incredible foundation for your chosen storage solution. What makes it stand out is its emphasis on expandability, offering multiple M.2 NVMe SSD slots, including a primary PCIe 4.0 slot that supports RAID 0 and RAID 1. This means you can customize your storage for either extreme speed or enhanced data security, tailoring it perfectly to your needs and allowing you to integrate the best SSD for AM5 as you see fit.
Key Features:
– Barebone version, allowing for full DIY customization with your preferred CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD, and OS.
– Supports AMD AM5 Socket CPUs, ready for the latest Ryzen processors.
– Equipped with multiple M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots for extensive storage expansion (one primary, three additional).
– Advanced dual-fan, 4-heat pipe cooling system ensures stable performance and low noise.
– Features multiple network ports (2x 2.5G RJ45), Dual Band WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.2 for robust connectivity.
– Triple video output (HDMI, DP, USB-C Alt DP) supporting multiple 4K displays.
Pros:
– Excellent platform for DIY enthusiasts and custom builds.
– Abundant M.2 slots for massive storage expansion and flexibility.
– Robust cooling system ensures stable performance under load.
– Versatile connectivity options for various professional or home uses.
Cons:
– Requires separate purchase of CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD, and OS.
– May not be ideal for users seeking a pre-built, ready-to-go solution.
User Impressions:
Users appreciate the MS-A1 for its compact size, robust build quality, and incredible expandability, making it a dream for those who love to customize their systems. The cooling solution receives praise for keeping temperatures in check, even during demanding tasks.
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2. MINISFORUM MS-A1 Mini Workstation Mini Barebone PC
Another excellent barebone option from MINISFORUM, this MS-A1 Mini Workstation takes the expandability even further, solidifying its place as a top contender for those seeking a flexible system to pair with the best SSD for AM5. This model boasts an impressive four M.2 2280 SSD slots, with a mix of PCIe 4.0 x4, PCIe 3.0 x4, and PCIe 4.0 x1 support. This allows for incredibly fast data transfer rates up to 7000 MB/s and a staggering total capacity of up to 16 TB, giving you unparalleled storage potential for all your games, projects, and media.
Key Features:
– Plug-in Processor compatible with Socket AM5 CPUs, supporting up to AMD Ryzen 7 8700G desktop processors.
– Features two SO-DIMM DDR5 slots, expandable up to 96GB for smooth multitasking.
– Supports four M.2 2280 SSDs (2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1) with speeds up to 7000 MB/s and total capacity up to 16 TB.
– “Cold Wave Pro Cooling” system with dual fans and four heatpipes ensures efficient, quiet operation (37 dB).
– Rich connectivity options: Type-C, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, multiple USB ports, 2.5G Ethernet, and Oculink.
– Compact size (187 x 189 x 48 mm), ideal for small spaces.
Pros:
– Exceptional SSD expandability with four M.2 slots and high-speed PCIe 4.0 support.
– Massive potential storage capacity up to 16TB.
– Efficient and quiet cooling system.
– Comprehensive connectivity for a wide range of peripherals.
Cons:
– Barebone, so requires additional component purchases.
– Some users might prefer a larger form factor for easier access.
User Impressions:
Reviewers highlight the incredible storage flexibility and the quiet operation of this mini PC. Its ability to house multiple high-speed NVMe drives makes it a fantastic choice for content creators, gamers, and anyone needing vast, fast storage in a tiny footprint.
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3. Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS 1U 4 Bay Server Ryzen 9 7900X
Now, if you’re looking for serious storage horsepower right out of the box, especially for a professional or server environment, the Cloud Ninjas ARA-4LS is a beast. This 1U server not only comes equipped with a powerful Ryzen 9 7900X AM5 processor and 64GB of DDR5 ECC memory, but it also includes two Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. These are some of the fastest consumer-grade SSDs on the market, ensuring incredible performance for demanding server tasks, virtualization, or high-speed data processing. Plus, it still offers an additional PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for future ultra-fast storage upgrades.
Key Features:
– Features a new AM5 Motherboard and a powerful Ryzen 9 7900X (12 Cores, 4.7 GHz) processor.
– Includes 64GB DDR5 PC5-4800 ECC Unbuffered Server Memory for stability and performance.
– Comes pre-installed with 2x Samsung 990 PRO 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs.
– Additional M.2 2280 slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 5.0) for further expansion.
– Designed as a 1U 4 Bay Server, suitable for rack-mount environments.
Pros:
– Includes two high-performance Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSDs, ready to go.
– Features a powerful Ryzen 9 7900X and ECC DDR5 memory for server-grade tasks.
– Offers future-proofing with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for next-gen SSDs.
– Compact 1U form factor for server racks.
Cons:
– Server-specific product, not designed for typical desktop use.
– The backplane is SATA Only, so included M.2 drives connect directly to the motherboard.
User Impressions:
This server is highly praised by those in IT and small business for its compact design, robust performance, and the inclusion of top-tier NVMe SSDs. It’s seen as a reliable and powerful solution for specific server applications requiring fast storage.
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4. B650 Plus ITX Motherboard Support DDR5 MAX 96GB M.2 SSD
If your goal is to build a compact yet powerful AM5 system, this B650 Plus ITX motherboard is a prime candidate. While it doesn’t come with an SSD, it’s the brain of your future mini-ITX build, and it’s perfectly designed to accommodate the best SSD for AM5 you can find. With support for DDR5 memory (up to 96GB) and crucial M.2 SSD slots, this motherboard ensures you can leverage the latest and fastest NVMe drives. It’s ideal for SFF (Small Form Factor) builds where space is at a premium but performance is non-negotiable.
Key Features:
– ITX form factor, perfect for compact and small form factor PC builds.
– Supports AMD AM5 processors.
– DDR5 memory support, with a maximum capacity of 96GB.
– Includes M.2 SSD slots for high-speed NVMe storage.
– Built on the B650 chipset, offering a good balance of features and value.
Pros:
– Enables powerful AM5 builds in a small footprint.
– Supports high-speed DDR5 RAM and NVMe M.2 SSDs.
– Great choice for custom mini-ITX gaming rigs or compact workstations.
Cons:
– Motherboard only, requires all other components to build a PC.
– ITX form factor can sometimes limit expansion slots compared to larger boards.
User Impressions:
Users building SFF PCs love this motherboard for its compact design and full AM5 feature set. They often highlight its ability to power impressive gaming rigs or media centers that don’t take up much space, all while supporting high-performance M.2 SSDs.
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5. AVGPC Max Gaming PC – AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-Core
For those who just want to plug in and play, the AVGPC Max Gaming PC is a fantastic pre-built option that combines AMD’s powerful AM5 platform with a ready-to-go storage solution. This system comes equipped with a speedy 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD right out of the box, ensuring that Windows 11 Home boots in a flash and your games load quickly. Powered by the Ryzen 7 8700G with integrated Radeon 780M graphics, it’s a solid choice for gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks, proving that you can get great performance with the best SSD for AM5 included in a complete package.
Key Features:
– Pre-built gaming PC with Windows 11 Home.
– Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G (8-core, 16-thread, 5.1GHz max boost) with integrated Radeon 780M graphics.
– Built on a CEC-compliant AMD B650 M-ATX motherboard with 4 DIMM slots.
– Includes 16GB DDR5 5200MHz RAM.
– Features a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD for fast storage.
– Cooled by a 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler.
– 750W Gold Rated PSU and AVGPC Max Air-flow M-ATX Case.
– Includes WiFi / Bluetooth, Gaming Keyboard, and Gaming Mouse.
Pros:
– Ready to use right out of the box with Windows 11 and peripherals.
– Comes with a fast 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD for excellent performance.
– Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8700G CPU with capable integrated graphics.
– Good cooling solution and high-rated PSU.
– Built and supported in the USA.
Cons:
– Less customizable than barebone options.
– Integrated graphics are good, but a dedicated GPU would be needed for max settings on demanding games.
User Impressions:
Buyers are generally thrilled with the plug-and-play convenience and solid performance for the price. The speed of the included NVMe SSD is frequently highlighted as a major plus, making it a great option for a first gaming PC or an upgrade that just works.
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Conclusion: Picking Your Perfect AM5 Storage Solution
Whether you’re building your dream machine with the most cutting-edge components or looking for a seamless pre-built experience, getting the right SSD (or system that supports it) is crucial for your AM5 setup. From barebone systems like the MINISFORUM MS-A1 that offer unmatched storage expandability, to the ready-to-rock AVGPC Max Gaming PC that includes a fast NVMe drive, there are excellent options for every type of user. Remember, for an AM5 build, you’re looking for PCIe Gen 4 or even Gen 5 NVMe SSDs to truly unlock that next-gen speed. Happy building and gaming!
FAQ Section
Q1: Why is an NVMe SSD important for an AM5 system?
A1: NVMe SSDs use the PCIe interface, which offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to older SATA SSDs. AM5 motherboards support PCIe Gen 4 and even Gen 5, allowing NVMe drives to achieve incredible data transfer speeds, drastically reducing loading times for games and applications, and making your system feel much snappier overall.
Q2: What’s the difference between PCIe Gen 4 and PCIe Gen 5 SSDs for AM5?
A2: PCIe Gen 5 is the latest generation, offering double the bandwidth of PCIe Gen 4. While Gen 4 SSDs are already incredibly fast (often up to 7,000 MB/s), Gen 5 drives can reach speeds over 10,000 MB/s. AM5 platforms support both, so a Gen 5 SSD will offer the absolute highest performance, but Gen 4 is still excellent and often more budget-friendly.
Q3: How much SSD storage do I need for my AM5 gaming PC?
A3: For a gaming PC, 1TB is a good starting point for your primary drive (OS and main games). However, with game sizes increasing, 2TB or more is becoming ideal. If you plan to store many large games, videos, or other media, you might consider multiple SSDs or higher capacities.
Q4: Can I use SATA SSDs with an AM5 motherboard?
A4: Yes, AM5 motherboards typically still include SATA ports, so you can connect traditional SATA SSDs. However, for your main operating system drive and frequently accessed applications/games, an NVMe SSD (especially a PCIe Gen 4 or Gen 5 one) will provide a much better experience due to its superior speed.
Q5: What is a “barebone PC” and why would I choose one for an AM5 build?
A5: A barebone PC is a pre-assembled computer system that typically includes the case, motherboard, and power supply, but doesn’t come with a CPU, RAM, or storage (SSD/HDD). You choose and install these components yourself. It’s a great option for DIY enthusiasts who want to customize every aspect of their build, often saving money or selecting very specific parts like the exact SSD they prefer.
Q6: Do all AM5 motherboards support M.2 NVMe SSDs?
A6: Yes, virtually all AM5 motherboards come with at least one, and usually multiple, M.2 slots designed specifically for NVMe SSDs. Many high-end boards offer multiple PCIe Gen 4 slots and even a PCIe Gen 5 slot for the ultimate performance.
Q7: Is it worth investing in a PCIe Gen 5 SSD for an AM5 system right now?
A7: PCIe Gen 5 SSDs offer incredible speeds, but they are also more expensive and tend to run hotter, sometimes requiring more substantial cooling. For most everyday tasks and gaming, PCIe Gen 4 SSDs offer excellent performance that few users will bottleneck. However, if you’re a professional dealing with massive files (e.g., video editing, 3D rendering) or simply want the absolute bleeding edge, a Gen 5 SSD could be a worthwhile investment for future-proofing.