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When it comes to PC gaming, every second counts—especially during load times. The best SSD for PC gaming doesn’t just store your games; it transforms your entire experience by slashing boot times, accelerating level loads, and ensuring smooth gameplay even in massive open-world titles. With today’s high-speed NVMe Gen4 drives, you can enjoy blazing read and write speeds that make older SATA SSDs feel like dial-up. Whether you’re building a new rig or upgrading your current setup, choosing the right SSD is one of the smartest performance investments you can make.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Ssd For Pc Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4 PCIe M.2 for PC Gaming
The WD Black SN7100 2TB is built for gamers who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With Gen4 NVMe performance and impressive read/write speeds, this drive delivers a noticeable boost in game loading and system responsiveness.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,250MB/s read and 6,900MB/s write speeds (1–2TB models)
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with Sandisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB—perfect for large game libraries
- ✓ Optimized for gaming laptops and desktops
- ✓ Durable design with excellent thermal management
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes an ideal balance between raw speed, capacity, and gaming-focused engineering. It’s faster than many competitors in real-world gaming scenarios and offers consistent performance under heavy loads.
Best For
Serious gamers looking for a high-speed, reliable Gen4 SSD that won’t bottleneck their high-end PC build.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for faster game loads
- Robust build quality designed for gaming workloads
- Great value for a premium Gen4 drive
- Compatible with most modern motherboards
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may require third-party cooling on some systems)
- Limited to 2TB max capacity
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: Upgraded from a Gen3 SSD and the difference is night and day—games load in seconds now. Highly recommend for any gaming rig.”
“Customer Review: Solid performance, easy install, and no overheating issues even during long sessions. Worth every penny.”
2. 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…
The WD_BLACK SN850X is a flagship-grade SSD that lives up to its reputation. With near-max Gen4 speeds and optional heatsink support, it’s a favorite among enthusiasts and competitive gamers alike.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Optional integrated heatsink version available (1TB & 2TB)
- ✓ Built with Sandisk TLC 3D NAND for endurance and speed
- ✓ Supports up to 8TB capacity (higher models)
- ✓ Optimized firmware for gaming and content creation
Why We Recommend It
This drive consistently ranks among the fastest consumer SSDs on the market. Its thermal performance, especially with the heatsink, makes it ideal for sustained gaming sessions without throttling.
Best For
High-performance gaming PCs, streamers, and users who want both speed and visual flair with the sleek heatsink design.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the fastest Gen4 SSDs available
- Heatsink version keeps temps low during intense use
- Excellent compatibility with PS5 and PC
- Long lifespan with high TBW (terabytes written) rating
Cons:
- Heatsink version costs more
- 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.”
“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.”
3. WD_BLACK SN850X 4TB NVMe SSD – M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s Read speeds, Up to 6,300 MB/s write spe…
Need massive storage without sacrificing speed? The 4TB WD_BLACK SN850X gives you flagship performance with enough space to install dozens of AAA titles—all while maintaining Gen4-level responsiveness.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same elite 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds as smaller models
- ✓ Massive 4TB capacity for expansive game libraries
- ✓ Built with high-endurance Sandisk TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, PC, and workstation builds
- ✓ Optional heatsink version available for thermal control
Why We Recommend It
You’re getting top-shelf performance at a surprisingly reasonable price per gigabyte. This is the SSD to buy if you want future-proof storage without upgrading for years.
Best For
Gamers with large game collections, content creators, or anyone who refuses to delete old favorites to make room for new ones.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge capacity with no speed compromise
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Reliable and durable for long-term use
- Works seamlessly in multi-drive setups
Cons:
- 4TB model runs hotter under load (heatsink recommended)
- Higher upfront cost than lower-capacity drives
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.”
“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.”
4. Crucial P310 4TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280, Up to 7,100MB/s, for Laptop, Desktop , & Handheld …
The Crucial P310 4TB offers excellent Gen4 performance at a more accessible price point. It’s a versatile drive that works across laptops, desktops, and even handheld gaming devices like the ROG Ally.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,100MB/s read and 6,000MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Spacious 4TB capacity for games, apps, and media
- ✓ Broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, and select handhelds
- ✓ Energy-efficient design ideal for portable systems
- ✓ Backed by Micron’s reliable NAND technology
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers near-flagship speeds without the premium price tag. It’s especially great for gamers who use multiple platforms or want a single drive for both gaming and productivity.
Best For
Multi-device gamers, laptop users, and budget-conscious builders who still want Gen4 performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Works in a wide range of devices
- Low power consumption
- Easy installation with standard M.2 form factor
Cons:
- No included heatsink
- Slightly lower write speeds compared to top-tier drives
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 and fast speeds—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.”
5. 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD Gen4 with Heatsink for PS5 and Gaming PCs…
This affordable Gen4 SSD comes with a pre-installed heatsink, making it plug-and-play ready for PS5 expansion or high-performance PC builds. It’s a great entry point into Gen4 speeds without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 7,350MB/s read speeds via PCIe Gen4x4 interface
- ✓ Includes aluminum heatsink for thermal regulation
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
- ✓ Easy installation with included screws and tools
Why We Recommend It
For gamers wanting to upgrade their PS5 or build a budget-friendly high-speed PC, this SSD offers excellent value. The included heatsink is a rare bonus at this price.
Best For
PS5 owners needing storage expansion, budget PC builders, and anyone wanting hassle-free Gen4 performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Includes heatsink—no extra purchase needed
- Impressive speeds for the price
- Plug-and-play compatibility with PS5
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity (may fill up quickly with modern games)
- Write speeds not as high as premium drives
Customer Reviews
“Customer Review: 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.”
“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.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Ssd For Pc Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best SSD for PC gaming, we focus on speed, capacity, compatibility, and value. Look for NVMe Gen4 drives with read speeds above 5,000MB/s—this ensures fast game loads and smooth streaming of assets. Capacity matters too: 1TB is the minimum for serious gamers, but 2TB or more is ideal. Always check your motherboard’s M.2 slot support (Gen3 vs Gen4) and whether you need a heatsink for thermal throttling prevention.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get great gaming performance. Budget options like the Crucial P310 offer solid Gen4 speeds under $100 for 1TB. Mid-range picks like the WD Black SN7100 deliver elite performance for around $120–$150. If you’re building a high-end rig or expanding a PS5, investing $200–$300 in a 2TB or 4TB flagship drive ensures longevity and maximum enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to a fast SSD is one of the most impactful changes you can make for gaming. Whether you prioritize raw speed, massive storage, or budget-friendly value, there’s an SSD on this list that fits your needs. Don’t settle for slow load times—your games deserve better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need a Gen4 SSD for gaming?
A: While Gen3 SSDs are still fast, Gen4 drives like the WD Black SN850X reduce load times significantly in newer titles, especially open-world games with large textures. If your system supports Gen4, it’s worth the upgrade.
Q: Can I use these SSDs in a PS5?
A: Yes! The WD_BLACK SN850X (with heatsink), Crucial P310, and the 1TB Gen4 with heatsink are all PS5-compatible. Just ensure the drive includes or supports a heatsink, as the PS5 requires it for thermal management.
Q: Will a faster SSD improve FPS in games?
A: Not directly. FPS is determined by your GPU and CPU. However, a faster SSD reduces stuttering, pop-in, and loading delays by streaming game data more efficiently—making your experience feel smoother overall.
Q: How much storage do I need for PC gaming?
A: Modern AAA games can take 80–150GB each. We recommend at least 1TB, but 2TB or more is ideal if you play multiple large titles. The 4TB options on this list are perfect for collectors.
Q: Do I need to install a heatsink on my SSD?
A: It depends. If your case has good airflow or you’re using a laptop/handheld, you might skip it. But for high-performance desktops or PS5 use, a heatsink prevents thermal throttling and maintains peak speeds.
Ready to level up your gaming experience? Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best SSD for your setup—and say goodbye to long load screens forever!
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