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Looking for the best budget SSD for gaming without sacrificing speed or reliability? You’re not alone. As modern games grow larger and load times become a bigger bottleneck, upgrading to a fast solid-state drive is one of the smartest moves you can make—even on a tight budget. Whether you’re building a new gaming rig, upgrading your laptop, or expanding storage on a console like the PS5, there are now several affordable NVMe and SATA SSDs that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared seven of the top-performing budget SSDs to help you find the perfect balance of price, capacity, and speed.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Is The Best Budget Ssd For Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and High-Performance Gaming
This SSD is a powerhouse built specifically for gamers who want top-tier performance without overspending. With blazing read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, it drastically cuts down game load times and system bootups—perfect for competitive play or immersive single-player experiences.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Sequential read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s
✓ Includes integrated heatsink for thermal management
✓ Optimized for PS5 and high-end gaming PCs
✓ Built with reliable SanDisk TLC 3D NAND
✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB
Why We Recommend It
The WD_BLACK SN850X strikes an impressive balance between premium performance and reasonable pricing. It’s not the cheapest option, but for the speed and reliability you get—especially with the included heatsink—it offers outstanding value for serious gamers.
Best For
Gamers upgrading their PS5 or building a high-performance PC who want near-flagship speeds without paying flagship prices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- Excellent compatibility with PS5 and modern motherboards
- Reliable long-term performance under heavy use
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than entry-level Gen4 drives
- Overkill for casual users or older systems
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “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, matching the specs perfectly.”
Customer Review: “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 no joke.”
2. Crucial P310 4TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for Gaming PCs, Laptops, and Consoles
If you’re tired of deleting games to make space, the Crucial P310 4TB is a game-changer. Offering massive storage at a surprisingly affordable price per gigabyte, this Gen4 NVMe drive delivers fast load times and smooth multitasking across laptops, desktops, and handheld consoles.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds
✓ Massive 4TB capacity ideal for game libraries
✓ Compatible with ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and more
✓ Uses efficient 176-layer TLC NAND technology
✓ Low power consumption for better battery life
Why We Recommend It
For gamers who need both speed and space, the P310 4TB is hard to beat. It’s one of the most cost-effective high-capacity SSDs on the market, making it perfect for anyone tired of juggling storage or waiting on slow drives.
Best For
Enthusiasts with large game collections, handheld console users, and budget builders who refuse to compromise on capacity or performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding value per GB
- Fast Gen4 speeds for quick loading
- Broad compatibility with modern devices
- Reliable Crucial build quality
Cons:
- No heatsink included (may need aftermarket cooling)
- Write speeds drop slightly under sustained loads
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 noticeably quicker than my old SATA drive.”
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. Boot times are superfast, and game loading speeds have improved dramatically.”
3. Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and Workstations
Don’t let the “budget” label fool you—the Samsung 990 Pro is a premium SSD that often goes on sale, making it an incredible value. With near-max Gen4 speeds and a built-in heatsink, it’s perfect for PS5 upgrades and high-end gaming rigs alike.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write up to 6,900 MB/s
✓ Integrated heatsink keeps temps low during marathon sessions
✓ Samsung’s reputation for reliability and firmware support
✓ Optimized for both gaming and creative workloads
✓ Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
When the 990 Pro hits its sale price, it becomes one of the best deals in gaming storage. You’re getting flagship-level performance with excellent thermal management—all from the world’s #1 flash memory brand.
Best For
PS5 owners, content creators, and PC gamers who want top-tier performance and are smart enough to wait for a sale.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen4 drives available
- Heatsink included out of the box
- Exceptional random read/write performance
- Strong long-term reliability
Cons:
- Full price is steep—wait for discounts
- Overkill for basic office or web browsing
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. While the majority of my backups are on mirrored HDDs, I use these Samsung NVMe drives for caching and temp storage. They run cool, perform flawlessly, and handle constant I/O without breaking a sweat.”
Customer Review: “This SSD is an absolute beast. The Samsung 990 PRO delivers insane read and write speeds — my system boots in seconds and large sessions in Logic load almost instantly. It runs cool, installs easily, and performs flawlessly under heavy workloads. Perfect for music production, gaming, or any creative task.”
4. Crucial P310 500GB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 6,600MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop , & Handheld
Need a compact, affordable SSD for a handheld or thin laptop? The Crucial P310 500GB delivers solid Gen4 speeds in a tiny M.2 form factor—perfect for upgrading devices like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 6,600 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds
✓ Compact M.2 2280 design fits most modern systems
✓ Compatible with handhelds, laptops, and desktops
✓ Energy-efficient for longer battery life
✓ Reliable Crucial engineering and support
Why We Recommend It
For gamers on the go or those upgrading compact systems, this SSD offers a sweet spot of speed, size, and affordability. It’s not the biggest or fastest, but it’s incredibly versatile and well-priced.
Best For
Handheld console users, ultrabook owners, and anyone needing a reliable secondary drive for games or apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Fits in tight spaces
- Low power draw
- Easy plug-and-play installation
Cons:
- 500GB fills up fast 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 noticeably quicker.”
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.”
5. Crucial P310 1TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop , & Handheld …
The 1TB version of the Crucial P310 offers the perfect middle ground between capacity and cost. With full Gen4 speeds and broad compatibility, it’s ideal for mainstream gamers who want fast load times without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,100 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write speeds
✓ 1TB capacity fits dozens of modern games
✓ Works with laptops, desktops, and handheld consoles
✓ Uses advanced 176-layer 3D TLC NAND
✓ Backed by Micron’s reliability and global support
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers nearly the same performance as premium drives at a fraction of the cost. It’s one of the best all-around options for gamers who want speed, space, and value in one package.
Best For
Mainstream PC gamers, students, and anyone building or upgrading a system on a reasonable budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Fast enough for competitive gaming
- Wide device compatibility
- Reliable long-term operation
Cons:
- No included heatsink
- Slightly lower endurance than premium models
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 noticeably quicker.”
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.”
6. SIX 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD with Heatsink for Gaming and AI Computing
Ready for the future? The SIX Gen5 SSD delivers mind-bending speeds over 14,000 MB/s—perfect for early adopters with compatible motherboards. While still niche, it’s surprisingly affordable for a Gen5 drive and includes a robust heatsink.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Sequential speeds up to 14,356 MB/s read
✓ 2,000K IOPS for ultra-responsive gaming
✓ Built-in heatsink manages high Gen5 thermals
✓ Uses efficient 6nm controller and 3D TLC NAND
✓ Ideal for AI workloads and 8K content
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve got a Gen5-ready system (like Intel 13th/14th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000), this SSD lets you future-proof your build without emptying your wallet. It’s fast, cool, and surprisingly accessible.
Best For
Tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and anyone building a cutting-edge gaming or productivity rig.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing Gen5 speeds
- Heatsink included
- Great for multitasking and large files
- Competitive pricing for Gen5 tech
Cons:
- Requires Gen5-compatible motherboard
- Overkill for most current games
- Higher power draw than Gen4
Customer Reviews
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Customer Review: “Got this for my new Ryzen 9 build and wow—the speeds are unreal. Loading 4K textures in games feels instant, and file transfers that used to take minutes now finish in seconds. The heatsink keeps it running cool even under load.”
7. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD, up to 540MB/s – CT1000BX500SSD1, Solid Stat…
Not every gamer needs NVMe speeds. If you’re upgrading an older PC or laptop with a SATA interface, the Crucial BX500 offers reliable, affordable storage that’s still miles ahead of traditional hard drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 540 MB/s read speeds (SATA III limit)
✓ 1TB capacity at a very low price per GB
✓ 2.5-inch form factor fits most laptops and desktops
✓ 45x more energy efficient than HDDs
✓ Shock-resistant and silent operation
Why We Recommend It
For budget-conscious users or those reviving older systems, the BX500 is a no-brainer. It won’t win speed awards, but it transforms sluggish machines into responsive gaming platforms overnight.
Best For
Upgrading older PCs, budget builds, or as a secondary storage drive for media and backups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- Easy to install in any system
- Greatly improves system responsiveness
- Reliable Crucial quality
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Limited to SATA III speeds
- No DRAM cache (affects sustained writes)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you: – DRAM cache: ❌ – Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌ – Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌ On the other hand, it’s cheap, reliable, and works.”
Customer Review: “Dropped this into an older HP laptop that was crawling and now it runs like new. Boot times are snappy, apps launch instantly, and overall responsiveness is night-and-day better. Installation was simple, and the system recognized it right away. If you’re trying to squeeze more life out of aging hardware, this is the way to go.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Budget Ssd For Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best budget SSD for gaming, we focus on four key areas: speed, capacity, compatibility, and value. Speed determines how quickly games load—look for NVMe Gen4 drives with at least 5,000 MB/s reads. Capacity matters because modern AAA titles can exceed 100GB each; we recommend 1TB as a minimum for serious gamers. Compatibility ensures the drive works with your PC, laptop, or console—check if you need M.2 NVMe, 2.5-inch SATA, or a heatsink for PS5. Finally, value means getting the most performance per dollar without cutting corners on reliability.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to spend $200+ to get a great gaming SSD. Most of our top picks range from $50 to $150. Set a target based on your needs: $50–$80 for a 500GB–1TB SATA or entry-level NVMe, $80–$120 for a fast 1TB Gen4 drive, or $120–$150 if you want 2TB+ capacity. Watch for sales—brands like Crucial, Samsung, and WD often discount high-capacity models, making premium storage surprisingly affordable.
Final Thoughts
The best budget SSD for gaming isn’t always the cheapest—it’s the one that delivers the right mix of speed, space, and reliability for your setup. Whether you’re upgrading a PS5, building a new PC, or breathing life into an old laptop, there’s a great option on this list that won’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is NVMe really better than SATA for gaming?
A: Yes—but only if your system supports it. NVMe drives are significantly faster than SATA SSDs, reducing game load times and improving level streaming. However, if your PC only has SATA ports, a SATA SSD like the Crucial BX500 is still a massive upgrade over a hard drive.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my SSD?
A: Only if you’re using a high-speed NVMe drive in a confined space (like a PS5 or small-form-factor PC). Heatsinks prevent thermal throttling during long gaming sessions. Many drives—like the WD_BLACK SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro—include one.
Q: Can I use one of these SSDs in a PS5?
A: Absolutely! The PS5 supports M.2 NVMe SSDs with heatsinks. Just ensure the drive is Gen4, has a heatsink, and meets Sony’s speed requirements (at least 5,500 MB/s). Our top picks like the WD_BLACK SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro are PS5-certified.
Q: Will a larger SSD improve gaming performance?
A: Not directly—but it helps indirectly. A nearly full SSD can slow down over time due to reduced free space for caching. Keeping at least 10–20% free ensures consistent performance, so bigger is often better for long-term use.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs less reliable?
A: Not necessarily. Brands like Crucial, Samsung, and WD use quality NAND and rigorous testing—even their budget lines are built to last. Just avoid no-name brands with unrealistic specs. Stick to trusted manufacturers for peace of mind.
Ready to level up your gaming experience? Don’t let slow storage hold you back. Whether you need lightning-fast NVMe speeds or reliable SATA storage, our top picks offer unbeatable value. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab your ideal SSD today—and get back to gaming faster than ever!
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