When it comes to building or upgrading a gaming PC, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is switching to a high-performance M.2 SSD. But with so many options on the market, figuring out what is the best M.2 SSD for gaming can feel overwhelming. The right drive doesn’t just reduce load times—it improves overall system responsiveness, enables faster game installations, and future-proofs your rig for demanding titles and AI-enhanced workflows. Whether you’re chasing blistering PCIe Gen4 speeds or cutting-edge Gen5 performance, we’ve tested and ranked the top contenders based on real-world benchmarks, thermal management, reliability, and value.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Is The Best M 2 Ssd For Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 M.2 2280 for Gaming and Laptops
The WD Black SN7100 is built for gamers who demand speed without compromise. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds hitting 6,900MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe SSD delivers noticeably faster boot times, quicker level loads, and seamless multitasking—all while staying cool under pressure.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Up to 35% faster than previous-gen WD Black drives
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB—perfect for large game libraries
- ✓ Optimized for both gaming laptops and desktops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an ideal balance between peak performance, reliability, and thermal efficiency. Whether you’re loading massive open-world games or streaming gameplay while running Discord and OBS, the SN7100 handles it all without breaking a sweat.
Best For
Gamers upgrading from older SATA or Gen3 SSDs who want a noticeable real-world performance boost without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional sequential read/write speeds
- Low power consumption and efficient heat dissipation
- Reliable endurance rating (up to 1,200 TBW)
- Easy installation with broad motherboard compatibility
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may require third-party solution in tight builds)
- Higher-tier models get pricey at 4TB
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, and about 6800 MB/s.”
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. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and High Performance
The WD Black SN850X isn’t just fast—it’s built for sustained performance. With read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and an optional integrated heatsink, this SSD is a favorite among PC and PS5 gamers alike. It’s engineered to stay cool during marathon sessions and handle heavy workloads with ease.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Integrated heatsink version available (perfect for PS5)
- ✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,600MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
- ✓ Supports advanced gaming features like Microsoft DirectStorage
Why We Recommend It
This drive consistently ranks as one of the most reliable Gen4 SSDs on the market. The heatsink variant is especially valuable for console users or compact builds where airflow is limited. It’s fast, stable, and ready for next-gen gaming.
Best For
PS5 owners and high-end PC builders who want a plug-and-play SSD with premium thermal management.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding sustained performance under load
- Heatsink model prevents thermal throttling
- Excellent compatibility with PS5 and modern motherboards
- High endurance rating (up to 1,200 TBW for 2TB)
Cons:
- Heatsink version costs slightly more
- Non-heatsink model may need aftermarket cooling in small cases
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. Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s.”
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”
3. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB M.2 SSD Gen4 with Fast Speeds for PC and Laptops
The Samsung 990 EVO Plus offers near-flagship performance at a more accessible price point. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology, it delivers smooth gaming experiences and responsive system performance—without the premium cost of top-tier PRO models.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Hybrid DRAM-less design with excellent power efficiency
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large-file performance
- ✓ Nickel-coated controller for superior thermal control
- ✓ Available up to 4TB for expansive storage needs
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for the best value in a Gen4 SSD, the 990 EVO Plus is hard to beat. It runs cooler than many competitors, uses less power, and still delivers speeds that crush older SATA drives—making it ideal for budget-conscious gamers who refuse to compromise.
Best For
Mid-range gaming PCs and laptops where power efficiency and thermal performance matter as much as raw speed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Low heat output and energy consumption
- Reliable Samsung firmware and long-term support
- Works well in both desktops and thin laptops
Cons:
- DRAM-less design may impact sustained write performance
- Not as fast as Samsung’s PRO series under extreme loads
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As a PC builder and heavy gamer, my old SATA SSD was becoming a serious bottleneck for my i7-12700K and RTX 5070 Ti system. I chose the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB to be my new primary OS and games drive, and the difference is staggering. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.”
Customer Review: “I picked up this Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB to upgrade one of our PCs, and it has been a really good improvement so far. Installation was simple. It slotted right into the M.2 spot and the system recognized it right away. I cloned the old drive and everything transferred without any issues.”
4. Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 for High-End Gaming and Workstations
The Samsung 990 PRO is a powerhouse designed for enthusiasts and professionals. With read speeds up to 7,450MB/s and write speeds reaching 6,900MB/s, it’s built to handle not just gaming but also content creation, AI workloads, and heavy multitasking—all while maintaining rock-solid stability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Near-max PCIe Gen4 bandwidth utilization
- ✓ Over 55% improvement in random performance vs. previous gen
- ✓ Advanced thermal management with nickel-coated controller
- ✓ Optimized for DirectStorage and Windows 11
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for those who want the absolute best Gen4 performance without jumping to PCIe 5.0 prices. It’s reliable, blisteringly fast, and ideal for gamers who also stream, edit videos, or run virtual machines.
Best For
High-end gaming rigs, workstations, and users who want future-ready performance with proven Samsung reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds with excellent consistency
- Strong endurance rating (up to 1,200 TBW)
- Excellent compatibility with AMD and Intel platforms
- Low latency and high IOPS for snappy responsiveness
Cons:
- More expensive than non-PRO models
- Can run warm under sustained loads (heatsink recommended)
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 the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these for cache and they’ve been flawless.”
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”
5. Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD for Gaming and AI Applications
Step into the future with the Samsung 9100 PRO, one of the first consumer PCIe 5.0 SSDs built for next-gen gaming and AI-driven applications. With staggering read speeds up to 14,700MB/s and write speeds hitting 13,400MB/s, this drive redefines what’s possible in consumer storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 5.0 x4 interface for double Gen4 bandwidth
- ✓ Random read/write up to 1.85M/2.6M IOPS
- ✓ Optimized for AI content creation and ultra-fast game loading
- ✓ Robust heatsink design to manage high-speed thermals
Why We Recommend It
If you’ve invested in a Z790 or X670E motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support, the 9100 PRO unlocks the full potential of your system. It’s overkill for casual users—but perfect for early adopters, streamers, and creators who need every byte of speed.
Best For
Cutting-edge gaming PCs, AI development workstations, and users who want to future-proof their build for 5–7 years.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched sequential and random performance
- Excellent for DirectStorage and GPU decompression
- Premium build quality with effective thermal solution
- Ideal for 4K/8K video editing and large dataset processing
Cons:
- Requires PCIe 5.0 motherboard to reach full speed
- Higher power draw and heat output than Gen4 drives
- Premium pricing puts it out of reach for budget builds
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. The first thing I noticed was the strong and durable build.”
Customer Review: “If you want a serious performance boost, the Samsung 9100 PRO is a beast. I dropped the 4TB version into my laptop, and load times basically disappeared—projects that used to take minutes now open in seconds. The PCIe 5.0 speed is no joke; it easily hits the advertised 14,000+ MB/s read speeds.”
6. WD Black SN8100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen5 for Gaming and Video Editing
The WD Black SN8100 is built for the next generation of gaming and content creation. As a PCIe Gen5 SSD, it delivers jaw-dropping read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000MB/s—nearly double that of top Gen4 drives—while maintaining impressive power efficiency.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 x4 interface for maximum bandwidth
- ✓ Over 100% more power efficient than Gen4 at average load
- ✓ Optimized for gaming, video editing, and AI workloads
- ✓ Advanced thermal management for sustained performance
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for users who want bleeding-edge speed without sacrificing efficiency. It’s ideal for 8K video editors, competitive gamers using DirectStorage, and anyone building a high-end system with PCIe 5.0 support.
Best For
Enthusiasts with PCIe 5.0 motherboards who demand the fastest storage for gaming and professional applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading Gen5 speeds
- Excellent power efficiency for a high-performance drive
- Reliable thermal performance under heavy loads
- Great for future-proofing high-end builds
Cons:
- Requires compatible motherboard (Intel 13th/14th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000)
- Higher cost per GB compared to Gen4 options
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 and very easy to install and I had no problem with the benchmark.”
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. The installation and setup process was straightforward, and w”
7. Samsung 980 PRO 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 for Gaming and Maximum Speed
The Samsung 980 PRO has stood the test of time as one of the most reliable Gen4 SSDs ever made. With read speeds up to 7,000MB/s and a proven track record, it remains a top pick for gamers who want proven performance without chasing the latest specs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Proven PCIe Gen4 performance with 7,000MB/s read
- ✓ Elpsis controller for optimized speed and efficiency
- ✓ Compatible with PS5 (with aftermarket heatsink)
- ✓ Strong endurance and 5-year warranty
Why We Recommend It
While newer drives are faster, the 980 PRO still delivers excellent real-world performance and reliability. It’s a safe, trusted choice for gamers who want speed without complexity.
Best For
Gamers upgrading older systems or building mid-to-high-end PCs who want dependable Gen4 performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Consistently fast and reliable
- Widely compatible with most modern motherboards
- Great value for a high-end Gen4 drive
- Excellent for PS5 expansion (with heatsink)
Cons:
- Outpaced by newer 990 PRO and Gen5 drives
- Can throttle under sustained load without cooling
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “After upgrading my laptop with the Samsung 980 Pro SSD NVMe, I can confidently say this might be the single best upgrade I’ve ever made to any computer I’ve owned. From the moment I installed this sleek piece of technology, the difference was jaw-dropping. My laptop now boots in seconds.”
Customer Review: “This was my first time ordering and buying any type of product online through Amazons website and the process was very easy and simple to do. Plus I enjoyed the experience searching for the specific product I needed in order to increase my overall storage space capacity in my Sony Playstation 5.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best M 2 Ssd For Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When determining what is the best M.2 SSD for gaming, we evaluate several key factors: interface generation (Gen4 vs. Gen5), sequential and random read/write speeds, thermal performance, endurance (TBW rating), compatibility with your motherboard or console, and value for money. A great gaming SSD should reduce load times, support fast asset streaming, and remain stable during long sessions—without overheating or throttling.
Budget Planning
Prices vary widely: budget Gen4 drives like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus start around $0.08/GB, while premium Gen5 options like the WD Black SN8100 can exceed $0.20/GB. For most gamers, a 2TB Gen4 SSD offers the sweet spot of speed, capacity, and cost. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t overlook DRAM-less models—they’re slower under heavy writes but still dramatically faster than SATA for gaming.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to a high-quality M.2 SSD is one of the most noticeable improvements you can make to your gaming experience. Whether you choose our Best Choice (WD Black SN7100) for balanced performance, the Editor’s Choice (WD Black SN850X) for PS5 users, or the Best Budget pick (Samsung 990 EVO Plus), you’re investing in faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive system overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need a Gen5 SSD for gaming?
A: Not yet. While Gen5 SSDs like the Samsung 9100 PRO offer incredible speeds, most current games don’t fully utilize that bandwidth. Gen4 drives already provide near-instant load times, so unless you’re editing 8K video or using AI tools, a high-quality Gen4 SSD is more than sufficient.
Q: Can I use any M.2 SSD in my PlayStation 5?
A: Only if it meets Sony’s requirements: PCIe Gen4 x4, M.2 2280 form factor, and a heatsink (or you must add one). Drives like the WD Black SN850X with heatsink are PS5-certified and plug-and-play.
Q: Will a faster SSD improve FPS in games?
A: No—FPS is determined by your GPU and CPU. However, a faster SSD significantly reduces texture pop-in, level load times, and stuttering in open-world games, especially those using DirectStorage.
Q: How much storage do I need for gaming?
A: We recommend at least 1TB, but 2TB is ideal. Modern AAA games can take 80–150GB each, and with OS, apps, and updates, 1TB fills up quickly.
Q: Is DRAM important in an SSD for gaming?
A: DRAM helps with sustained performance and longevity, but for typical gaming workloads (mostly reads), DRAM-less SSDs like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus still perform excellently.
Ready to level up your gaming rig? Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best M.2 SSD for your setup—and say goodbye to loading screens forever!