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When it comes to upgrading your MSI laptop, choosing the best PCIe SSD can make a world of difference in speed, responsiveness, and overall performance. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or power user, the right NVMe drive ensures faster boot times, quicker game loads, and smoother multitasking. MSI laptops—especially high-performance models like the Stealth, Creator, and Raider series—are built to support cutting-edge storage, including PCIe Gen4 and even Gen5 SSDs. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared the top PCIe SSDs that deliver maximum compatibility, speed, and value for MSI users.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Is Best Pcle Ssd For Msi Laptops Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Crucial T710 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink for Laptops and Desktops
The Crucial T710 2TB is a powerhouse SSD built for users who demand top-tier performance from their MSI laptop. With blazing-fast Gen5 speeds and a built-in heatsink, it’s ideal for high-end gaming, video editing, and multitasking without thermal throttling.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 performance with up to 14,900 MB/s read and 13,800 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 2TB capacity for storing large games, 8K videos, and creative projects
- ✓ Integrated heatsink prevents overheating during sustained workloads
- ✓ Optimized for Intel 13th/14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern MSI laptops
Why We Recommend It
If you’re running a high-end MSI laptop like the Stealth 17 or Creator Z17, this SSD unlocks the full potential of PCIe Gen5. It’s fast, reliable, and built to handle heavy workloads without breaking a sweat. The included heatsink is a smart addition for thermal management.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and professionals using MSI laptops with Gen5 M.2 slots who need maximum speed and storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast sequential read/write speeds
- Large 2TB capacity
- Heatsink included for better thermal performance
- Excellent compatibility with MSI’s latest laptops
Cons:
- Higher price point than Gen4 drives
- Overkill for basic office tasks
- May require BIOS update on older systems
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is an interesting piece of hardware. This particular NVME SSD Gen 5.0 exceeded read and write speeds for me in Crystal Disk, and that was on a working ‘C’ drive. This Gen 5.0 drive cooks, and in more ways than one. Running this in the Gen 5.0 slot on a Gigabyte X670E motherboard.”
Customer Review: “You might think (as I did) that you’re doing better by getting this OEM heatsink version – paying about $30 extra. I learned the lesson in a hard way that; exactly the opposite holds true. Crucial periodically runs deals; selling heatsink version even cheaper than naked drive. Don’t fall for that an”
2. 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe Gen3, 2280 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive
This budget-friendly Gen3 SSD is perfect for older MSI laptops or users needing a reliable secondary drive. It delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, making it a smart upgrade over SATA SSDs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen3 x4 interface with up to 3,500 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Dynamic SLC caching improves burst performance
- ✓ HMB (Host Memory Buffer) support enhances efficiency
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 size fits most MSI laptops
- ✓ Affordable price for entry-level NVMe performance
Why We Recommend It
Not every MSI laptop supports Gen4 or Gen5, and that’s where this drive shines. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into older models like the MSI GF63 or GL65, offering a noticeable speed boost over traditional storage.
Best For
Users with older MSI laptops looking for an affordable NVMe upgrade or a compact boot drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for Gen3 performance
- Easy installation and compatibility
- Reliable for daily use and light gaming
- Low power consumption
Cons:
- Only 256GB capacity may feel limiting
- Not suitable for heavy workloads or large game libraries
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Wow… I can’t believe I was struggling with external data storage for so long! This drive took minutes to clone from my original, less than 5 minutes to install, and is functioning exactly as advertised!”
Customer Review: “Works great! My mom’s Lenovo Thinkpad e580 was crawling like a snail. Installed this with a clean windows installation and whammo, now her laptop is a rabbit.”
3. Crucial P310 1TB M.2 2230 PCIe Gen4 SSD for MSI Claw and Ultrabooks
The Crucial P310 is a compact yet powerful Gen4 SSD designed for space-constrained devices like the MSI Claw, Stealth 14, and other ultrabooks. Despite its small 2230 size, it delivers impressive speeds and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 performance with up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write
- ✓ 1TB capacity in a tiny M.2 2230 form factor
- ✓ Broad compatibility with MSI Claw, Steam Deck, and ultraportables
- ✓ Low power consumption ideal for battery-powered devices
- ✓ Easy drop-in upgrade for supported MSI models
Why We Recommend It
If you own an MSI Claw or another compact MSI laptop, standard 2280 SSDs won’t fit. The P310 solves that problem with full Gen4 speeds in a tiny package. It’s a rare gem in the world of small-form-factor storage.
Best For
MSI Claw users and owners of ultrabooks with limited M.2 space who still want high-speed storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 speeds in a 2230 size
- 1TB capacity is generous for the form factor
- Reliable Crucial build quality
- Perfect for handhelds and ultraportables
Cons:
- Limited compatibility—only works in 2230 slots
- More expensive per GB than 2280 drives
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “AMAZING m.2, I used it to upgrade my Legion Go storage, from 512 OEM one to 2tb, with a 2230 to 2242 converter, working fine without any inconvenience. I cloned original m.2 by installing these at my desktop motherboard, all information was cloned super fast.”
Customer Review: “Great product — very small in size, easy to install, and instantly recognized by my computer. I got the 1TB version and set it up right away with no issues. The performance is excellent, and it delivers the fast speeds Crucial is known for.”
4. Crucial P510 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 1TB SSD, Up to 11,000MB/s
The Crucial P510 brings Gen5 performance to a more accessible 1TB capacity. It’s a balanced choice for MSI laptop users who want next-gen speed without the premium price of larger Gen5 drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 speeds up to 11,000 MB/s read and 8,500 MB/s write
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and moderate game libraries
- ✓ TLC NAND for better endurance and reliability
- ✓ Backward compatible with Gen4 systems
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most MSI laptops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes a great balance between speed, capacity, and price. It’s perfect for users who want a taste of Gen5 performance without maxing out their budget or needing 2TB of space.
Best For
MSI laptop users seeking Gen5 performance on a budget, especially for gaming and productivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast Gen5 speeds at a reasonable price
- Reliable TLC NAND
- Works in both Gen4 and Gen5 slots
- Good thermal performance
Cons:
- No heatsink included
- 1TB may fill up quickly with modern games
- Not as fast as top-tier Gen5 drives like the T710
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this Crucial NVMe drive to replace a Samsung Pro that seems to have an issue with one of Windows 11 updates. Although I updated the firmware, it still would go south from time to time. However, purchasing this Crucial P510, I find that it performs better than the Samsung 990 Pro ever did.”
Customer Review: “It’s a good drive. I think Crucial (Micron) just announced though, that they are stopping their consumer drives to concentrate on their commercial side, making drives for AI use. I’m happy with the speeds and it was a good drive for the money.”
5. WD Black SN8100 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD for Gaming and Video Editing
The WD Black SN8100 is engineered for gamers and creators who need extreme speed and reliability. With PCIe Gen5 support and industry-leading power efficiency, it’s a top contender for high-performance MSI laptops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 14,900 MB/s read and 14,000 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity with high endurance for heavy workloads
- ✓ Over 100% more power efficient than Gen4 drives
- ✓ Optimized for gaming and content creation
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor with robust thermal design
Why We Recommend It
Western Digital has built a drive that’s not just fast—it’s smart. The power efficiency means less heat and longer battery life, which is crucial for MSI gaming laptops used on the go.
Best For
Gamers and video editors using high-end MSI laptops who want peak performance and efficiency.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen5 drives available
- Excellent power efficiency
- Great for gaming and large file transfers
- Reliable WD Black branding
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- No included heatsink
- 1TB may not be enough for 4K video projects
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Coming from SN850x, those m.2 were already so fast but this one is almost double the speed, loading window only takes 3s (after initial mobo check). Heat management is not an issue at all unlike Samsung 9100 Pro that runs much hotter.”
Customer Review: “Expanding the storage on my children’s PlayStation 5 was a worthwhile investment. The chosen solution offers excellent value, rapid performance, and ample capacity for future game downloads, eliminating the need to delete existing titles.”
6. Crucial T710 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink for Laptops and Desktops
The 1TB version of the Crucial T710 offers the same Gen5 performance as its 2TB sibling but in a smaller capacity. It’s ideal for users who want top speed but don’t need massive storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 speeds up to 14,900 MB/s read and 13,800 MB/s write
- ✓ 1TB capacity for OS, apps, and key games
- ✓ Integrated heatsink for thermal management
- ✓ Optimized for Intel and AMD platforms
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor
Why We Recommend It
If you want flagship Gen5 performance without the 2TB price tag, this is the drive to get. The heatsink ensures stable performance during long gaming or rendering sessions.
Best For
Gamers and professionals who want Gen5 speed in a compact, manageable capacity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast Gen5 performance
- Heatsink included
- Reliable Crucial build quality
- Good for high-end MSI laptops
Cons:
- 1TB fills up quickly with modern games
- Higher cost per GB than Gen4
- Overkill for basic use
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is an interesting piece of hardware. This particular NVME SSD Gen 5.0 exceeded read and write speeds for me in Crystal Disk, and that was on a working ‘C’ drive. This Gen 5.0 drive cooks, and in more ways than one.”
Customer Review: “You might think (as I did) that you’re doing better by getting this OEM heatsink version – paying about $30 extra. I learned the lesson in a hard way that; exactly the opposite holds true.”
7. Corsair MP700 PRO XT 1TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD for Gaming PCs
The Corsair MP700 PRO XT is a premium Gen5 SSD designed for gamers and power users. With blistering speeds and high-density 3D TLC NAND, it delivers both performance and endurance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 14,900 MB/s read and 14,500 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity with high endurance rating
- ✓ NVMe 2.0 interface for improved efficiency
- ✓ 3D TLC NAND for long-term reliability
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor with optional heatsink models
Why We Recommend It
Corsair has built a drive that competes with the best Gen5 SSDs on the market. It’s fast, reliable, and perfect for MSI laptops that support Gen5 storage.
Best For
Gamers and creators who want top-tier Gen5 performance and Corsair’s trusted build quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen5 drives available
- High endurance with TLC NAND
- Excellent for gaming and large file transfers
- Corsair reliability and support
Cons:
- Expensive
- No heatsink included in base model
- 1TB may not be enough for heavy users
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Recebido antes do prazo (compra internacional). Atualmente o SSD mais rápido do mercado. Satisfeitíssimo. Produto Corsair.”
Customer Review: “Recebido antes do prazo (compra internacional). Atualmente o SSD mais rápido do mercado. Satisfeitíssimo. Produto Corsair.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best PCIe SSD for MSI Laptops
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best PCIe SSD for MSI laptops, we evaluate several key factors: speed (Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5), capacity (256GB to 2TB+), form factor (M.2 2280 vs. 2230), compatibility with your specific MSI model, thermal performance, and value for money. MSI laptops vary widely—from thin ultraportables to high-end gaming rigs—so matching the SSD to your device’s capabilities is crucial.
Budget Planning
Prices range from under $30 for entry-level Gen3 drives to over $200 for top-tier Gen5 models. Determine your needs: casual users can thrive with a Gen3 or Gen4 SSD, while gamers and creators should invest in Gen4 or Gen5. Always check if your MSI laptop supports the SSD’s generation—using a Gen5 drive in a Gen4 slot still works but won’t reach full speed.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your MSI laptop with the right PCIe SSD is one of the best performance boosts you can make. Whether you go for the blazing Crucial T710, the compact P310, or a budget-friendly Gen3 option, ensure it matches your laptop’s specs and your usage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a PCIe Gen5 SSD in my MSI laptop?
A: Only if your MSI laptop has a Gen5-compatible M.2 slot. Check your model’s specifications—newer Stealth, Creator, and Raider models support Gen5, while older ones may only support Gen3 or Gen4.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD in an MSI laptop?
A: Most MSI laptops have limited space, so aftermarket heatsinks may not fit. However, some high-speed Gen4/Gen5 drives include slim heatsinks. If your laptop has room, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling.
Q: What’s the difference between M.2 2280 and 2230?
A: 2280 is the standard size (22mm wide, 80mm long), while 2230 is shorter (30mm long). MSI Claw and some ultrabooks use 2230—check your laptop’s manual before buying.
Q: Can I clone my old SSD to a new NVMe drive?
A: Yes! Use cloning software like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image to transfer your OS and files. Ensure the new SSD is equal or larger in capacity.
Q: Is a 1TB SSD enough for gaming?
A: It depends. Modern AAA games can take 100GB+ each. If you play multiple large titles, consider 2TB. For casual gaming, 1TB is sufficient.
Ready to supercharge your MSI laptop? Choose one of our top-rated PCIe SSDs and experience faster boot times, quicker game loads, and smoother performance. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on Amazon today!
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