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When it comes to gaming, every millisecond counts—and your storage drive plays a bigger role than you might think. The best type of SSD for gaming is one that combines blazing-fast load times, reliable performance, and enough capacity to store your growing library of AAA titles. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig, upgrading a laptop, or expanding storage on a console like the PlayStation 5, choosing the right SSD can dramatically reduce load screens, improve system responsiveness, and future-proof your setup. In this roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the top SSDs built specifically for gamers, focusing on speed, durability, compatibility, and value.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best Type Of 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 NVMe SSD is purpose-built for gamers who demand speed, reliability, and portability. With read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s, it delivers near-instant game loads and seamless multitasking—perfect for gaming laptops and handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 interface for maximum bandwidth
✓ Up to 35% faster than previous-gen drives
✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most modern systems
✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND for durability
✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between raw performance and real-world usability. Whether you’re installing it in a high-end gaming laptop or a compact handheld, the SN7100 consistently delivers top-tier speeds without breaking a sweat.
Best For
Gamers using laptops or portable gaming devices who need fast, reliable internal storage without sacrificing space.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen4 speeds
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent thermal efficiency
- Great for Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally upgrades
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may need aftermarket cooling in tight builds)
- Higher cost per GB compared to Gen3 options
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. Performance? 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. Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Fast Gaming Storage
The Samsung T7 2TB Portable SSD is a sleek, pocket-sized powerhouse ideal for gamers who need extra storage on the go. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it’s perfect for expanding game libraries on consoles or backing up saves across devices.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe NVMe technology for fast data transfer
✓ Shock-resistant and drop-tested up to 3 meters
✓ Password protection with AES 256-bit encryption
✓ Works seamlessly with PC, Mac, and Android
✓ Compact aluminum design dissipates heat efficiently
Why We Recommend It
It’s rare to find a portable SSD that’s both fast and durable—but the T7 nails it. Whether you’re carrying games between home and a friend’s house or backing up your PS5 library, this drive handles it all with ease.
Best For
Gamers who need portable, high-capacity storage for consoles, laptops, or cross-platform gaming setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultra-portable and durable
- Fast enough for external game storage
- Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
- Great build quality and sleek design
Cons:
- Slower than internal NVMe drives
- Limited by USB bandwidth (not ideal for OS booting)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
3. Samsung T7 1TB Portable SSD with High-Speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 for Gaming
The Samsung T7 1TB offers the same reliable performance as its larger sibling but at a more budget-friendly price point. It’s an excellent entry-level portable SSD for gamers who want fast external storage without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Same PCIe NVMe core as the 2TB model
✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility (up to 1,050MB/s)
✓ Lightweight and pocket-sized
✓ Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables
✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Why We Recommend It
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want Samsung’s trusted quality and solid speeds, the 1TB T7 is a smart pick. It’s great for storing indie games, mods, or media files while keeping your main drive clutter-free.
Best For
Casual gamers or students looking for affordable, portable storage for games and files.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable brand with strong warranty
- Fast enough for most external gaming needs
- Easy plug-and-play setup
Cons:
- Only 1TB capacity may fill up quickly with AAA games
- Not suitable for running demanding games directly from the drive
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Top quality, no issues, uploading is fast, as well as downloading. The memory is huge. 200 hours of video, and it didn’t even use 1% of storage space.”
Customer Review: “The T7 was received in Fat32 Format with MBR Partition. I’m using this as a backup drive for a Win 11 Pro Desktop PC, so the first thing I did was reformat the Drive as NTFS with GPT partitions which is better suited for the Win 10/11 OS. With that out of the way, I turned to the provided USB C to C”
4. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and Gaming
Designed specifically for the PlayStation 5, the WD Black SN850X 2TB with heatsink delivers console-ready performance with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s. It’s also a stellar choice for high-end gaming PCs that demand top-tier responsiveness.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Pre-installed heatsink fits PS5 expansion slot perfectly
✓ Optimized firmware for gaming workloads
✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND
✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is purpose-built for gamers who refuse to compromise. The included heatsink ensures stable performance during long sessions, and it’s one of the few drives officially validated for PS5 expansion.
Best For
PS5 owners and PC gamers who want maximum speed, thermal control, and future-proof storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- PS5-certified with perfect fit
- Exceptional sustained performance
- Heatsink prevents thermal throttling
- Great for 4K gaming and streaming
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Overkill for older systems without Gen4 support
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”
5. 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 non-heatsink version of the WD Black SN850X offers the same incredible performance as the PS5 model but gives you flexibility in cooling solutions. It’s ideal for custom PC builds where you already have a motherboard heatsink or plan to add an aftermarket cooler.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Same 7,300MB/s read and 6,300MB/s write speeds
✓ M.2 2280 form factor fits all modern motherboards
✓ Optimized for gaming and content creation
✓ Supports Microsoft DirectStorage for faster game loads
✓ Built for endurance with high TBW rating
Why We Recommend It
If you’re building a high-performance gaming PC and want maximum speed without being locked into a specific cooling setup, this version of the SN850X gives you freedom and power in one package.
Best For
PC builders who want top-tier NVMe performance and already have or plan to install their own M.2 heatsink.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched speed for Gen4 systems
- More flexible cooling options
- Great for DirectStorage-enabled games
- Reliable under heavy workloads
Cons:
- Requires separate heatsink for sustained loads
- Not plug-and-play for PS5 (needs modification)
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”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best Type Of Ssd For Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best SSD for gaming, we focus on four key areas: speed, capacity, form factor, and compatibility. NVMe Gen4 drives like the WD Black SN850X offer the fastest load times, while portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 are great for flexibility. Always check if your system supports PCIe Gen4—older motherboards may limit performance. Also consider whether you need internal storage (M.2) or external (USB), especially for consoles like the PS5.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $100 for budget portable drives to over $200 for high-capacity Gen4 NVMe models. For most gamers, a 1TB–2TB NVMe SSD offers the best balance of price and performance. If you’re on a tight budget, the Samsung T7 1TB is a solid entry point. For enthusiasts or PS5 owners, investing in a 2TB Gen4 drive with a heatsink ensures longevity and peak performance.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” SSD for every gamer—it depends on your setup, needs, and budget. But if you want our top pick overall, the WD Black SN7100 delivers elite speed, reliability, and portability in one sleek package. No matter which drive you choose, upgrading from an HDD or older SSD will transform your gaming experience with faster boots, quicker loads, and smoother gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any NVMe SSD for gaming?
A: Not necessarily. While most NVMe SSDs will work, Gen4 drives like the WD Black SN850X offer significantly faster speeds than Gen3 models—especially noticeable in large open-world games. Also, ensure your motherboard or console supports the drive’s interface.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my SSD?
A: It depends. For compact builds or consoles like the PS5, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. For desktop PCs with good airflow, it’s less critical—but still recommended for sustained workloads.
Q: Can I run games directly from a portable SSD?
A: Yes, but performance varies. USB-based drives like the Samsung T7 are fine for less demanding titles, but for AAA games, an internal NVMe SSD will provide much smoother gameplay and faster load times.
Q: Is 1TB enough for gaming?
A: It depends on your library. Modern AAA games can take 80–150GB each, so 1TB fills up quickly. We recommend 2TB as a sweet spot for most serious gamers.
Q: Are more expensive SSDs worth it for gaming?
A: Generally, yes—if you have a Gen4-compatible system. The jump from Gen3 to Gen4 is very noticeable in game loads and level streaming. However, for older systems, a high-quality Gen3 drive may offer better value.
Ready to level up your gaming rig? Click any “Check Price” button above to grab one of our expert-recommended SSDs and start enjoying faster load times, smoother gameplay, and more storage for your favorite titles today!
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