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When it comes to building or upgrading a gaming PC, one of the most impactful upgrades you can make is installing a high-performance SSD. The best SSD for gaming dramatically reduces load times, improves system responsiveness, and ensures smoother gameplay—especially in open-world titles and fast-paced shooters. Whether you’re loading massive game worlds or transferring large files, a top-tier NVMe SSD with fast read/write speeds and reliable endurance makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ve tested and ranked the five best SSDs for gaming in 2024, balancing speed, capacity, durability, and value to help you pick the perfect drive for your setup.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Ssd For Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD_Black SN850X 8TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s Write spe…
The WD_Black SN850X 8TB NVMe SSD is a powerhouse built for serious gamers and content creators who demand maximum storage and blazing-fast performance. With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,300 MB/s, this PCIe Gen4 drive delivers near-instant game loads and seamless multitasking.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds
✓ Massive 8TB capacity for storing dozens of AAA games
✓ Optional heatsink version available for sustained performance
✓ Built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND for durability
✓ Optimized for PS5 and high-end gaming PCs
Why We Recommend It
This SSD stands out as the best SSD for gaming due to its unmatched combination of speed, capacity, and reliability. Whether you’re loading massive open-world games or editing 4K video, the SN850X handles it all without breaking a sweat.
Best For
Gamers with large game libraries, streamers, and professionals needing high-speed, high-capacity storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely fast PCIe Gen4 performance
- Huge 8TB capacity eliminates storage anxiety
- Excellent thermal management with heatsink option
- Reliable Western Digital build quality
Cons:
- Higher price point than smaller drives
- May be overkill for casual gamers
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, mat”
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”
2. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resi…
The SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is the ultimate travel companion for gamers on the go. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, it delivers up to 1050MB/s read speeds, making it perfect for running games directly from the drive or backing up your library.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds
✓ Rugged design with IP65 water and dust resistance
✓ 3-meter drop protection for durability
✓ Compact and lightweight with carabiner loop
✓ USB-C connectivity with backward compatibility
Why We Recommend It
This portable SSD is ideal for gamers who travel frequently or need extra storage without opening their PC. Its rugged build and fast transfer speeds make it a reliable choice for both gaming and media storage.
Best For
Traveling gamers, content creators, and anyone needing durable, high-speed portable storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance
- Extremely durable and water-resistant
- Compact and easy to carry
- Great for running games from external storage
Cons:
- Slower than internal NVMe drives
- Limited to USB interface speeds
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I picked up the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD as an upgrade from my older external hard drives, and it’s easily one of the best storage devices I’ve used. The speed difference alone makes it worth it—transfers that used to take minutes on my traditional hard drives now finish in seconds. Large fi”
Customer Review: “Well made and easy to use portable SSD. Nice bright blue color helps quick identification in a dark pack. Reasonable fast read and right speeds for a USB 3.2 product. Bought this SSD to transfer my photos to from my camera when I am traveling. Light weight and small SSD make a great traveling st”
3. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 …
The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB with Heatsink offers the same elite performance as its larger sibling but in a more affordable 2TB package. With integrated cooling, it’s perfect for compact builds and PS5 expansions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,300 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write speeds
✓ Includes pre-installed heatsink for thermal control
✓ Optimized for PS5 and high-performance PCs
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND
✓ Low-profile design fits most systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers top-tier gaming performance at a more accessible price point. The included heatsink ensures sustained speeds during long gaming sessions, making it a smart buy for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Best For
Gamers upgrading their PS5 or building a mid-range gaming PC who want high speed without the 8TB price tag.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- PS5-compatible out of the box
- Reliable and fast under load
Cons:
- 2TB may fill up quickly with modern games
- Heatsink adds slight height—check clearance
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, mat”
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”
4. SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD 2TB, PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Rea…
The Samsung 990 PRO with Heatsink is a flagship NVMe SSD designed for gamers who want maximum performance and reliability. With read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drives on the market.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds
✓ Integrated heatsink for optimal cooling
✓ Samsung V-NAND technology for endurance
✓ PS5 and PC compatible
✓ Advanced thermal management
Why We Recommend It
Samsung’s reputation for quality shines through in the 990 PRO. It’s a top contender for the best SSD for gaming, offering blistering speeds and excellent thermal performance under heavy loads.
Best For
Enthusiasts and competitive gamers who want the absolute fastest storage with premium build quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest consumer SSDs available
- Excellent cooling with built-in heatsink
- High endurance and long lifespan
- Trusted brand with strong reliability
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Overkill for everyday casual gaming
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am using two of these 1TB drives in a custom NAS box I put together running TrueNAS. I have two 12TB HDD drives, two slower SSDs, and two of these great Samsung 1TB NVMe drives. While the majority of my backups are on the mirrored HDD drives, and the TrueNAS boot drives are the SSDs, I use these”
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. SIX NVME M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0
The SIX NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe 4.0 offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. With read speeds up to 7,350 MB/s, it’s a great entry into Gen4 speeds without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Up to 7,350 MB/s read speeds
✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface
✓ Compatible with laptops, desktops, and PS5
✓ Includes optional heatsink and installation tools
✓ Affordable high-speed storage
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is perfect for gamers upgrading from Gen3 or building a new system on a budget. It delivers near-flagship speeds at a fraction of the cost.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers and first-time PC builders looking for high-speed storage without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for PCIe Gen4 performance
- Includes heatsink and installation kit
- Fast enough for modern gaming
- Wide compatibility
Cons:
- Unknown brand—less proven track record
- May not sustain peak speeds under heavy workloads
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded. 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. Installation was also pretty easy, I did have to use “
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Ssd For Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for gaming, we focus on speed, capacity, durability, and value. Look for NVMe PCIe Gen4 drives with read speeds above 5,000 MB/s for the best experience. Capacity matters too—modern games can take 100GB or more, so 2TB is the sweet spot for most gamers. Always check for heatsink compatibility, especially if installing in a PS5 or compact case.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the SIX NVMe start around $100 for 1TB, while high-end models like the WD_Black SN850X 8TB can cost over $600. We recommend spending between $150–$300 for a 2TB Gen4 drive with a heatsink for the best balance of performance and affordability.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a quality SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make for your gaming rig. Whether you prioritize speed, capacity, or portability, there’s an option on this list that fits your needs. Don’t settle for slow load times—upgrade today and feel the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does an SSD improve FPS in games?
A: Not directly. An SSD won’t increase frames per second (FPS), but it drastically reduces loading times, minimizes stuttering in open-world games, and improves overall system responsiveness.
Q: Can I use an external SSD for gaming?
A: Yes! Portable SSDs like the SanDisk Extreme are great for gaming on the go or expanding storage. However, internal NVMe drives offer faster speeds and lower latency.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my SSD?
A: It depends. If you’re installing in a PS5 or a tightly packed PC case, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. For well-ventilated desktops, it’s less critical but still recommended for sustained performance.
Q: Is PCIe Gen4 worth it over Gen3?
A: For gaming, the real-world difference is noticeable but not dramatic. Gen4 offers faster load times and better performance in data-heavy tasks, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your motherboard supports it.
Q: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A: We recommend at least 1TB for casual gamers and 2TB or more for serious players. With games like Call of Duty exceeding 200GB, larger capacities help avoid constant deletions.
Ready to level up your gaming experience? Choose one of our top-rated SSDs and say goodbye to long load screens. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on the best SSD for gaming today!
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