In 2014, the gaming world was undergoing a quiet revolution—solid-state drives (SSDs) were beginning to replace traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) as the go-to storage solution for serious gamers. While SSDs weren’t yet mainstream, early adopters quickly realized their impact: drastically reduced load times, smoother gameplay, and faster system responsiveness. Fast forward to today, and the question “what is the best SSD for gaming 2014?” has evolved into a search for modern drives that honor that legacy with cutting-edge speed, reliability, and value. Whether you’re upgrading an older rig or building a new gaming machine inspired by that era’s performance leap, we’ve tested and ranked the top SSDs that deliver the kind of performance those early gamers could only dream of.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What Is The Best Ssd For Gaming 2014 Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD for Gaming Laptops and Handheld Devices
The WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD is built for gamers who demand speed, portability, and reliability. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, this drive delivers a noticeable performance boost over older Gen3 SSDs—making it a worthy successor to the early SSDs that changed gaming in 2014.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface for maximum bandwidth
- ✓ Up to 35% faster than previous-gen WD Black drives
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor ideal for laptops and handhelds
- ✓ SANDISK TLC 3D NAND for durability and longevity
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between raw speed and real-world usability. Whether you’re loading massive open-world games or multitasking between apps, the SN7100 keeps up without breaking a sweat. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes you wonder how you ever gamed without it.
Best For
Gamers using modern laptops, handheld devices like the Steam Deck, or compact gaming PCs who need high-speed storage in a small package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds
- Excellent thermal performance
- Reliable brand with strong warranty
- Great for portable gaming setups
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may need aftermarket cooling in tight builds)
- Higher cost per GB compared to SATA options
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…” — TechGamer92
“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!!” — ConsoleToPC
2. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and PC
The WD Black SN850X with heatsink is a powerhouse designed for both PC and PS5 gamers. With read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and a sleek integrated heatsink, it prevents thermal throttling during long gaming sessions—making it one of the most reliable high-performance SSDs on the market.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Integrated heatsink for optimal cooling
- ✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
- ✓ PS5-certified for seamless compatibility
- ✓ Built with SANDISK TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Capacities up to 8TB available
Why We Recommend It
This drive doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. The included heatsink ensures sustained performance, even under heavy loads, and the plug-and-play design makes installation a breeze. It’s the SSD that would’ve made 2014 gamers jealous.
Best For
PS5 owners and high-end PC builders who want top-tier speed with zero thermal worries.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional sustained performance
- Heatsink included—no extra purchase needed
- PS5-ready out of the box
- Strong endurance rating
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Overkill for basic computing tasks
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…” — SpeedDemon
“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…” — BuildMaster
3. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write spe…
This version of the WD_BLACK SN850X offers the same elite performance as its heatsink-equipped sibling but without the added cooler—making it a more budget-friendly option for PC builders who already have adequate airflow or plan to use their own heatsink.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same 7,300MB/s read speeds as the heatsink model
- ✓ Lower price point without sacrificing core performance
- ✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern motherboards
- ✓ Ideal for custom-cooled systems
- ✓ Backed by WD’s reputation for reliability
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a high-performance PC and want the speed of the SN850X without paying extra for a heatsink you might not need, this is the smart choice. It delivers nearly identical performance at a better value.
Best For
DIY PC builders with good case airflow or those using aftermarket cooling solutions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- More affordable than the heatsink version
- Compatible with most gaming rigs
- Low power consumption
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may throttle in poorly ventilated cases)
- Not officially PS5-certified (though many users report success)
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…” — PCBuilder_X
“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…” — GamersRiseUp
4. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe Gen4 for PS5 Gaming and PC Storage
This 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD offers impressive speeds up to 7,350MB/s at a competitive price point. Designed for both PS5 and PC use, it includes an optional heatsink and all necessary installation hardware—making it a great entry into high-speed storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4x4 interface for maximum throughput
- ✓ Includes heatsink, screw, and screwdriver
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
- ✓ Up to 7,350MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Affordable performance for the capacity
Why We Recommend It
For gamers looking to expand their PS5 storage or upgrade an older system without breaking the bank, this SSD delivers excellent value. The included accessories save time and money, and performance is solid for everyday gaming.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers needing PS5 expansion or a fast boot drive for a mid-range PC.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great price-to-performance ratio
- All-in-one installation kit
- Reliable speeds for gaming
- Works well in compact builds
Cons:
- Brand less established than Samsung or WD
- Lower endurance compared to premium drives
Customer Reviews
“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…” — DIYGamer
“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…” — LaptopUpgrader
5. Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PS5 and High-End Computing
The Samsung 990 Pro with heatsink is a flagship SSD engineered for peak performance and thermal efficiency. With read speeds up to 7,450MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, it’s one of the fastest drives available—perfect for gamers who refuse to compromise.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading 7,450MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Integrated heatsink for sustained performance
- ✓ PS5-certified and PC-ready
- ✓ Samsung’s 6th-gen V-NAND technology
- ✓ 5-year warranty with high TBW rating
Why We Recommend It
Samsung has long been synonymous with quality, and the 990 Pro lives up to that legacy. It’s fast, cool, and built to last—making it ideal for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Best For
High-end gaming rigs, content creators, and PS5 users who want the absolute best performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fastest consumer SSD on the market
- Excellent thermal management
- Trusted brand with strong support
- Great for heavy workloads
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Overkill for casual users
Customer Reviews
“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…” — StorageNerd
“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…” — CreativePro
6. Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SATA III SSD for Reliable PC and Laptop Storage
The Samsung 870 EVO is the gold standard for SATA SSDs. While not as fast as NVMe drives, it maxes out the SATA III interface at 560MB/s read and 530MB/s write—delivering reliable, consistent performance for older systems and secondary storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Maximizes SATA III bandwidth
- ✓ Industry-leading reliability with up to 2,400 TBW
- ✓ Broad compatibility with older laptops and desktops
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 4TB
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
If you’re upgrading from an HDD or using an older system that doesn’t support NVMe, the 870 EVO is the safest, most reliable choice. It’s the SSD that would’ve been a dream back in 2014.
Best For
Upgrading older gaming PCs, laptops, or using as secondary storage in modern builds.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Proven reliability and longevity
- Excellent for OS and game storage on older systems
- Wide compatibility
- Great value for SATA performance
Cons:
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Limited to SATA speeds
Customer Reviews
“I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely…” — RetroGamer
“I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly. As always, Samsu…” — FlightSimFan
7. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD for Everyday Computing and Upgrades
The 1TB version of the Samsung 870 EVO offers the same legendary reliability in a smaller capacity. Perfect for boot drives or game libraries on older systems, it’s a cost-effective way to experience SSD speeds without upgrading your entire setup.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read/write up to 560/530 MB/s
- ✓ Up to 600 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ Compatible with nearly any SATA-enabled device
- ✓ Low power consumption
- ✓ Trusted by professionals and gamers alike
Why We Recommend It
For users with older hardware or those on a tight budget, this SSD provides a massive leap in responsiveness over HDDs. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes everyday computing feel new again.
Best For
Budget upgrades, secondary storage, or older laptops needing a speed boost.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable and reliable
- Easy to install
- Great for OS and frequently used games
- Long lifespan
Cons:
- Not suitable for modern high-speed gaming rigs
- Limited by SATA interface
Customer Reviews
“I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5″ SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely…” — OldButGold
“I installed the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB SSD in my Alienware Aurora 11 as additional storage for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and it performs flawlessly. Installation was quick and easy, and the speed improvement is impressive. Load times are much faster, and everything runs smoothly. As always, Samsu…” — SimPilot
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Ssd For Gaming 2014
Essential Factors We Consider
When determining the best SSD for gaming—whether you’re reliving the 2014 SSD revolution or building a modern rig—we evaluate speed, compatibility, durability, and value. NVMe drives like the WD Black SN7100 and Samsung 990 Pro dominate with Gen4 speeds, while SATA options like the Samsung 870 EVO remain ideal for older systems. We also consider thermal performance, warranty, and real-world gaming load times.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for basic SATA models to over $200 for high-capacity NVMe drives. For most gamers, a 1TB–2TB NVMe SSD offers the best balance of speed and storage. If you’re on a tight budget, the Samsung 870 EVO or SIX Gen4 SSD provide excellent entry points. Remember: even a modest SSD upgrade can transform your gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD for gaming in 2014 was a game-changer—and today’s drives are light-years ahead. Whether you choose the blazing WD Black SN7100, the reliable Samsung 870 EVO, or a budget-friendly Gen4 option, you’re investing in faster load times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is an NVMe SSD worth it for gaming?
A: Absolutely. NVMe SSDs drastically reduce game load times and improve system responsiveness compared to SATA SSDs or HDDs. While the difference in actual gameplay may be subtle, the overall experience is significantly smoother.
Q: Can I use any SSD in my PS5?
A: No. The PS5 requires an NVMe SSD with a heatsink (or compatible aftermarket cooler) and specific speed and size requirements. Always check Sony’s compatibility list before purchasing.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: It depends. In well-ventilated cases or laptops, you may not need one. But for PS5 use or compact builds, a heatsink prevents thermal throttling and maintains peak performance.
Q: Will an SSD improve FPS in games?
A: Not directly. An SSD improves load times and asset streaming, but FPS is primarily determined by your GPU and CPU. However, faster storage can reduce stuttering in open-world games.
Q: How long do SSDs last?
A: Modern SSDs are extremely durable. Most consumer drives can handle hundreds of terabytes written (TBW). With normal use, an SSD will likely outlast your system.
Ready to upgrade your gaming experience? Whether you’re chasing the nostalgia of 2014’s SSD breakthrough or building the ultimate modern rig, one of these drives will deliver the speed and reliability you need. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on your new SSD today!