When it comes to gaming, storage speed and capacity can make or break your experience. A slow drive means long load times, stuttering in open-world games, and frustrating delays when launching your favorite titles. That’s why choosing the best size SSD for gaming is crucial—not just for performance, but for future-proofing your setup. While 1TB used to be plenty, modern AAA games regularly exceed 100GB each, making 2TB the sweet spot for most gamers. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared the top SSDs that balance speed, reliability, and value, so you can spend less time waiting and more time playing.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Size Ssd For Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD for Gaming Laptops and Handheld Devices
The WD Black SN7100 2TB is built for gamers who demand speed and portability. With blazing read speeds up to 7,250MB/s, it loads games faster than most PCIe Gen4 drives—and does it all while staying cool and efficient. Whether you’re upgrading a gaming laptop or a handheld like the Steam Deck, this SSD delivers consistent performance without breaking a sweat.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,900MB/s
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Optimized for gaming laptops and handheld devices
- ✓ Available up to 2TB—perfect for storing dozens of AAA titles
- ✓ Low power consumption with high endurance rating
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, size, and compatibility. It’s not the absolute fastest on the market, but it’s incredibly reliable, runs cool, and works seamlessly in compact systems where space and thermals matter. For most gamers, especially those on the go, it’s the ideal upgrade.
Best For
Laptop gamers, handheld device users, and anyone looking for a fast, dependable 2TB SSD that won’t throttle under load.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent real-world gaming performance
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
- Consistently high speeds without overheating
- Great value for a high-performance Gen4 drive
Cons:
- No included heatsink (not needed for most laptops)
- Not PCIe 5.0—so future-proofing is limited
Customer Reviews
“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…” — TechUpgrader92
“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!!” — GamerDad2024
2. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and PC Gaming
The WD Black SN850X has been a favorite among PC and console gamers for years—and for good reason. This 2TB model comes with a sleek heatsink, making it perfect for the PlayStation 5 or high-airflow PC builds. With speeds up to 7,300MB/s, it crushes load times and handles multitasking like a champ.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read speeds (1TB–4TB models)
- ✓ Includes optional heatsink for PS5 and PC compatibility
- ✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
- ✓ Supports up to 8TB capacity for massive game libraries
- ✓ Low latency and high IOPS for smooth gameplay
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is a proven performer that just keeps getting better. The heatsink version is plug-and-play ready for PS5, and on PC, it delivers top-tier Gen4 speeds without breaking a sweat. It’s reliable, well-supported, and consistently ranks among the best for gaming workloads.
Best For
PS5 owners, PC gamers with Gen4 motherboards, and anyone who wants a no-compromise SSD with thermal protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—ready for PS5 out of the box
- Consistently high speeds across all capacities
- Excellent thermal management under heavy load
- Strong reputation for reliability and longevity
Cons:
- More expensive than non-heatsink versions
- Overkill for basic office or media use
Customer Reviews
“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…” — ConsoleToPC
“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…” — SpeedDemon_Gaming
3. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB NVMe SSD for High-Speed PC and Laptop Storage
Samsung’s 990 EVO Plus offers near-flagship performance at a more accessible price. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and intelligent TurboWrite technology, it handles large game files and OS operations with ease. It’s a smart pick if you want Samsung reliability without paying premium-tier prices.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write up to 7,250/6,300MB/s
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 boosts large-file performance
- ✓ Nickel-coated controller for superior thermal control
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 4TB
- ✓ Energy-efficient design ideal for laptops
Why We Recommend It
This SSD proves you don’t need to spend top dollar for excellent gaming performance. It’s fast, efficient, and built by one of the most trusted names in storage. If you’re building a budget-friendly gaming rig or upgrading an older system, this is a fantastic value.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers, laptop users, and anyone upgrading from SATA or older NVMe drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding price-to-performance ratio
- Runs cool even during extended gaming sessions
- Easy installation and broad compatibility
- Samsung Magician software for monitoring and optimization
Cons:
- Not as fast as PCIe 5.0 drives
- No heatsink included (but rarely needed)
Customer Reviews
“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. Real-” — BuildMaster_Pro
“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. Performance…” — HomeOfficeHero
4. Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD for Gaming and AI Workloads
If raw speed is your goal, the Samsung 9100 PRO delivers mind-bending PCIe 5.0 performance. With read speeds up to 14,700MB/s, it’s built for gamers who want zero load times and creators handling massive files. Just be ready for the heat—this drive demands a robust cooling solution.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe 5.0 x4 interface with up to 14,700/13,400 MB/s read/write
- ✓ Random read/write up to 1,850K/2,600K IOPS
- ✓ Optimized for gaming, AI, and content creation
- ✓ Advanced thermal management with nickel-coated controller
- ✓ Backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is built for the future. While not every game currently leverages PCIe 5.0 speeds, having that headroom means your system stays relevant longer. If you’ve got a high-end AM5 or Intel 13th/14th-gen build, this drive unlocks its full potential.
Best For
Enthusiast gamers, content creators, and anyone with a PCIe 5.0-compatible motherboard who wants maximum performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest consumer SSD available today
- Excellent for multitasking and large game libraries
- Future-proof with PCIe 5.0 support
- Samsung’s reputation for quality and support
Cons:
- Requires strong airflow or aftermarket cooling
- Significantly more expensive than Gen4 drives
- Overkill for casual or retro gaming
Customer Reviews
“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. Build Quality: Strong and Durable. The first thing I noticed when I t…” — PCBuilder_Legacy
“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. Runs…” — AI_GameDev
5. WD Black SN8100 2TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD for Gaming and Video Editing
The WD Black SN8100 is WD’s answer to the PCIe 5.0 arms race—and it’s a serious contender. With read speeds up to 14,900MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drives on the market. It’s also surprisingly power-efficient, using over 100% less energy than previous-gen drives under typical loads.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe with up to 14,900/14,000 MB/s speeds
- ✓ Industry-leading power efficiency
- ✓ Optimized for gaming, video editing, and creative workflows
- ✓ Robust thermal design with minimal throttling
- ✓ Backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD combines cutting-edge speed with smart engineering. Unlike some PCIe 5.0 drives that run hot and throttle, the SN8100 stays cool and consistent. It’s perfect for gamers who also edit videos or stream, giving you speed and stamina in one package.
Best For
High-end gaming rigs, video editors, and power users who want top-tier performance without thermal headaches.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest consumer SSDs available
- Excellent power efficiency for a Gen5 drive
- Stable performance under sustained loads
- WD’s solid software and warranty support
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Requires PCIe 5.0 slot to reach full speed
Customer Reviews
“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 f…” — SpeedSeeker99
“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…” — FamilyGamerDad
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Size Ssd For Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best size SSD for gaming, we focus on three key areas: capacity, speed, and compatibility. A 2TB SSD is now the sweet spot—it holds 20–30 modern games without constant deletions. Speed matters too: PCIe Gen4 drives offer excellent performance for most users, while Gen5 is ideal for future-proofing high-end systems. Always check your motherboard or device specs to ensure compatibility, especially for PS5 or laptops with size restrictions.
Budget Planning
Prices vary widely. Budget options like the Samsung 990 EVO Plus offer great value under $150, while premium PCIe 5.0 drives can exceed $250. We recommend allocating around 10–15% of your total build budget to storage. Remember: a faster SSD improves your entire system’s responsiveness, not just game loads.
Final Thoughts
For most gamers, a 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD like the WD Black SN7100 or SN850X delivers the best mix of speed, space, and price. If you’ve invested in a latest-gen CPU and motherboard, consider a PCIe 5.0 drive like the Samsung 9100 PRO or WD Black SN8100. But don’t overspend—games today don’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds yet. Focus on capacity first, then speed, and always prioritize reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 1TB SSD enough for gaming in 2024?
A: It’s tight. Many AAA titles now exceed 100GB, so 1TB fills up fast. We recommend 2TB as the practical minimum for serious gamers who want to keep multiple large games installed.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my SSD?
A: Only if you’re using a high-speed drive (especially PCIe 5.0) in a confined space like a PS5 or small-form-factor PC. Most laptops and standard desktops don’t need one.
Q: Can I use a PCIe 5.0 SSD in a PCIe 4.0 slot?
A: Yes! PCIe 5.0 SSDs are backward compatible and will run at Gen4 speeds. It’s a great way to future-proof your system.
Q: Does SSD speed actually improve gaming performance?
A: Absolutely. Faster SSDs reduce load times, minimize texture pop-in, and improve overall system responsiveness—especially in open-world games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield.
Q: Should I get an external SSD for gaming?
A: Only for portability or console expansion (like Xbox Series X|S). Internal SSDs are always faster and more reliable for primary gaming storage.
Ready to level up your gaming experience? Don’t let slow storage hold you back. Whether you’re building a new rig or upgrading an old one, investing in the right size SSD for gaming is one of the smartest moves you can make. Click any “Check Price” button above to grab your top pick today—and get back to what matters: winning.