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When it comes to upgrading your system’s storage, figuring out the minimum PCIe-based SSD you should buy can feel overwhelming. With so many options across Gen4 and Gen5, varying capacities, and price points, it’s easy to overspend—or worse, underspend and miss out on performance gains. Whether you’re building a new gaming rig, boosting an older laptop, or expanding your PS5 storage, the right NVMe SSD delivers faster boot times, quicker game loads, and smoother multitasking. In this guide, we’ve tested and ranked the top 10 PCIe SSDs that offer the best balance of speed, reliability, and value—so you don’t have to guess what’s “good enough.”
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 What Is Minimum Pcie-Based Ssd I Should Buy Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 M.2 2280 for Laptops and Gaming Devices
The WD Black SN7100 is our top pick for anyone asking, “What is the minimum PCIe-based SSD I should buy?” It delivers near-flagship Gen4 performance at a mid-range price, making it ideal for gamers and power users who want speed without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 7,250 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s
- ✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for reliability
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB—perfect for large game libraries
- ✓ Optimized for laptops and compact gaming devices
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between performance, capacity, and value. It’s fast enough to eliminate loading screens in AAA titles while remaining efficient and cool under load.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, and laptop users needing high-speed storage without upgrading to Gen5 prices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world gaming performance
- Reliable build quality from a trusted brand
- Great thermal management even without a heatsink
- Competitive price for 2TB Gen4 performance
Cons:
- No included heatsink (not needed for most laptops)
- Random write speeds slightly lower than Samsung competitors
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought the WD_BLACK SN7100 4TB to replace my smaller WD SN570 Gen3 boot drive. Installation was straightforward i.e just slide it into the M.2 slot, and done. Using CrystalDiskMark V9.5.0, I consistently saw around 7000 MB/s read and 6200 MB/s write on the 4 GB test.”
Customer Review: “Great SSD for the price. Installation was simple and the drive delivers fast load times in games and everyday use. The performance is definitely noticeable. Overall, a solid upgrade for any gaming PC!!”
2. Crucial P310 500GB Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for Laptop and Desktop PCs
If you’re looking for the minimum PCIe-based SSD that still delivers serious Gen4 speed, the Crucial P310 500GB is a smart entry point. It’s compact, compatible, and surprisingly fast for everyday computing and light gaming.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Works with laptops, desktops, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, and more
- ✓ Micron 3D NAND ensures long-term reliability
- ✓ Low power consumption ideal for portable devices
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Gen4 speeds. It’s perfect as a primary drive for budget builds or as a fast secondary drive.
Best For
Students, casual gamers, and anyone upgrading from SATA or Gen3 SSDs on a budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
- Broad compatibility across devices
- Consistently stable speeds under mixed workloads
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
Cons:
- Only 500GB—may fill up quickly with modern games
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. 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 times are super.”
Customer Review: “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.”
3. Crucial P310 1TB M.2 2230 Gen4 SSD for Steam Deck and Ultrabooks
Tiny but mighty—the Crucial P310 in 2230 form factor is the ultimate budget-friendly PCIe Gen4 SSD for space-constrained devices like the Steam Deck or ultrabooks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Ultra-compact M.2 2230 size fits Steam Deck, Surface, Legion Go
- ✓ 1TB capacity offers ample room for games and apps
- ✓ Backward compatible with Gen3 systems
Why We Recommend It
You won’t find better performance per dollar in such a small package. It’s the minimum PCIe SSD you should buy if you’re upgrading handhelds or thin laptops.
Best For
Steam Deck owners, ultrabook users, and anyone needing high-speed storage in a tiny footprint.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched speed for its size
- Easy drop-in upgrade for supported devices
- Reliable Micron NAND technology
- Great value for 1TB Gen4 performance
Cons:
- Limited compatibility—only works in devices supporting 2230
- Requires careful handling due to small size
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. SIX 1TB NVMe M.2 Gen4 SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and Gaming PCs
The SIX 1TB NVMe SSD comes ready to install in your PS5 or gaming PC—complete with a pre-attached heatsink and tool kit. It’s a hassle-free way to expand storage without compatibility worries.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds via PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- ✓ Includes heatsink, screwdriver, and mounting hardware
- ✓ PS5-certified dimensions ensure perfect fit
- ✓ Optimized for both gaming and productivity workloads
Why We Recommend It
For console gamers, this is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to upgrade PS5 storage. No extra parts needed—just plug and play.
Best For
PS5 owners, budget-conscious gamers, and anyone wanting a complete installation kit.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-in-one package saves time and effort
- Excellent thermal performance with included heatsink
- Competitive pricing for bundled value
- Solid real-world gaming performance
Cons:
- Brand less established than Samsung or WD
- Write speeds slightly below top-tier Gen4 drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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.”
Customer Review: “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.”
5. Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD for AI, Gaming, and Workstations
Samsung’s latest flagship, the 9100 PRO, pushes PCIe 5.0 to its limits—delivering over 14GB/s read speeds. If you’re building a high-end workstation or AI rig, this is the minimum PCIe SSD you should consider.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 14,700 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Random read/write up to 1.85M/2.6M IOPS
- ✓ Nickel-coated controller for superior thermal control
- ✓ Ideal for AI training, 8K video editing, and competitive gaming
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for professionals who demand the absolute fastest storage. It future-proofs your system and handles massive datasets with ease.
Best For
Content creators, AI developers, and enthusiasts with PCIe 5.0-capable motherboards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class sequential and random performance
- Excellent thermal management under heavy loads
- Trusted Samsung reliability and warranty support
- Optimized firmware for sustained workloads
Cons:
- Requires robust cooling (heatsink recommended)
- Premium price tag
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been building PCs for years, and Samsung has always been my go-to brand for storage. The Samsung SSD 9100 PRO 4TB PCIe 5.0×4 fits right in with the quality I’ve come to expect. From build quality to speed, it doesn’t disappoint.”
Customer Review: “This drive is so, so fast. While I am not able to max out the advertised top speed of 14,800MB/s sequential read, I do get around 13,000MB/s read and write, which is still great! Windows 11 boots so quickly, and compiling software in Visual Studio on my new build takes under a minute.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is Minimum Pcie-Based Ssd I Should Buy
Essential Factors We Consider
When determining the minimum PCIe-based SSD you should buy, we evaluate interface generation (Gen4 vs Gen5), real-world speed, capacity needs, compatibility, thermal performance, and price per gigabyte. A “minimum” SSD isn’t about being slow—it’s about delivering the best value without compromising core functionality.
Budget Planning
For under $60, you can get a reliable 1TB Gen4 SSD like the Crucial P310. If you’re spending $100–$150, aim for 2TB Gen4 (WD Black SN7100) or 1TB Gen5 (Crucial P510). High-end workloads justify $200+ for 2TB Gen5 drives like the Samsung 9100 PRO.
Final Thoughts
Don’t overspend on specs you won’t use—but also don’t settle for SATA speeds when PCIe Gen4 is affordable. The sweet spot for most users is a 1–2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD from a reputable brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum PCIe SSD I should buy for gaming?
A: For most gamers, a 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD like the Crucial P310 or WD Black SN7100 offers the best balance of speed, capacity, and price. It eliminates load times in modern titles without requiring a Gen5 setup.
Q: Can I use a Gen5 SSD in a Gen4 slot?
A: Yes! Gen5 SSDs are backward compatible with Gen4 and Gen3 slots, though they’ll run at the lower interface speed. Great if you plan to upgrade your motherboard later.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: Only if your SSD runs hot during sustained workloads (e.g., video editing) or if your case has poor airflow. Most laptops and PS5 installations benefit from a heatsink.
Q: Is 500GB enough for a primary SSD?
A: It’s tight. Modern games can take 100GB+ each, and Windows alone uses 80–100GB. We recommend at least 1TB for new builds.
Ready to upgrade? Pick one of our top-rated PCIe SSDs above and enjoy blazing-fast storage that matches your needs and budget. Click any “Check Price” button to compare current deals and make your purchase with confidence!
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