Looking for the best SSD drive for your MSI H170A PC Mate? You’re in the right place. This motherboard supports both SATA III and M.2 NVMe SSDs, giving you flexibility depending on your performance needs and budget. Whether you’re upgrading an older system for faster boot times or building a high-speed gaming rig, choosing the right SSD can dramatically improve responsiveness, load times, and overall system efficiency. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed six top-performing SSDs that are fully compatible with the MSI H170A PC Mate—covering everything from blazing-fast PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 NVMe drives to reliable, budget-friendly SATA options.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 6 What Ssd Drive Is Best For Msi H170A Pc Mate Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN8100 4TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 for Gaming and Video Editing
The WD Black SN8100 4TB is a powerhouse SSD built for gamers, content creators, and power users who demand top-tier speed and reliability. With PCIe Gen5 technology, it delivers nearly double the performance of previous-gen drives, making it ideal for heavy workloads like 4K video editing and fast game loading.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 14,900MB/s and write speeds up to 14,000MB/s
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe interface for maximum bandwidth
- ✓ Over 100% more power efficient than Gen4 drives at average operating power
- ✓ 4TB capacity provides ample space for large game libraries and media files
- ✓ Robust thermal management prevents throttling under load
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is our top pick because it offers unmatched speed and future-proofing for the MSI H170A PC Mate, especially if you’re using a compatible CPU and BIOS update that enables PCIe Gen5 support. It’s perfect for users who want the absolute best performance without compromise.
Best For
Gamers, video editors, and professionals who need ultra-fast storage and large capacity in a single drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds
- Excellent power efficiency
- Large 4TB capacity
- Reliable thermal performance
Cons:
- Requires compatible hardware for full Gen5 benefits
- Higher price point than Gen4 alternatives
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” — Customer Review
“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” — Customer Review
2. Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload
While not an SSD itself, the Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload is a smart way to fund your SSD upgrade. It lets you add funds to your Amazon balance instantly, set up auto-reload, and manage spending—perfect for budgeting your next storage purchase.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Instant balance top-up with secure payment
- ✓ Set up Auto-Reload for convenience
- ✓ Use funds toward any SSD or tech purchase on Amazon
- ✓ No expiration date on gift card balances
- ✓ Ideal for gifting or personal budgeting
Why We Recommend It
We include this as our Editor’s Choice because it’s a practical tool for managing your SSD upgrade budget. Whether you’re saving up for a high-end NVMe drive or just want flexibility, this lets you control your spending while preparing for a smooth purchase.
Best For
Shoppers planning an SSD upgrade who want to budget wisely or gift tech-savvy friends and family.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible and secure funding method
- No fees or expiration
- Works with all Amazon purchases
- Auto-Reload simplifies future buys
Cons:
- Not a physical product—requires separate SSD purchase
- Limited to Amazon ecosystem
Customer Reviews
“In the quiet contemplation of our modern lives, where the complexity of desire meets the simplicity of provision, the Amazon Gift Card Balance Reload emerges as a tool of both practicality and subtle freedom. With a few deliberate clicks, one replenishes not merely a monetary sum, but the capacity t” — Customer Review
“I recently used the Amazon.com Gift Card Balance Reload option, and I’m thoroughly satisfied with the process and the overall experience. Here’s my detailed review:ConvenienceThe Gift Card Balance Reload feature is incredibly convenient for anyone who shops frequently on Amazon. It allows me to add ” — Customer Review
3. Timetec 256GB SATA III 2.5 Inch SSD for Desktop and Laptop PCs
The Timetec 256GB SATA III SSD is a reliable, no-frills storage solution perfect for upgrading older systems like those built around the MSI H170A PC Mate. It delivers solid performance for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 550MB/s and write speeds up to 500MB/s
- ✓ 3D NAND and SLC cache technology for improved performance
- ✓ 1,000,000 hours MTBF for long-term reliability
- ✓ Compatible with Windows 7 through Windows 11 and most Linux distributions
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to install in 2.5-inch drive bays
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is our Best Budget pick because it offers excellent value for users who need a basic but reliable upgrade. While it doesn’t match NVMe speeds, it’s a huge leap over traditional HDDs and works seamlessly with the SATA ports on the MSI H170A PC Mate.
Best For
Users on a tight budget upgrading from an HDD or needing a secondary drive for documents, apps, or light gaming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Easy installation
- Reliable performance for daily use
- Wide OS compatibility
Cons:
- Limited 256GB capacity
- Slower than NVMe drives
- Plastic housing feels less premium
Customer Reviews
“Blazing Speed and Huge Capacity in a Budget-Friendly SSDI’ve been running the Timetec 2TB SSD in one of my desktop builds for a while now, and it’s been rock solid. Installation was completely painless—just swap it into a 2.5” bay, plug in SATA power and data, and the system recognized it immediatel” — Customer Review
“I can’t complain the product have a good speed is plastic light weight and work pretty well.” — Customer Review
4. MSI SPATIUM M470 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD PCIe Gen4 for High Performance
The MSI SPATIUM M470 is a high-performance NVMe SSD designed specifically for MSI systems, making it a natural fit for the MSI H170A PC Mate. With PCIe Gen4 support, it delivers fast speeds and seamless compatibility.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface with NVMe 1.4 standard
- ✓ Sequential read speeds up to 5,000MB/s and write speeds up to 4,400MB/s
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, games, and applications
- ✓ Optimized for MSI motherboards with stable firmware
- ✓ Low power consumption and efficient heat dissipation
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this SSD for MSI users who want a plug-and-play experience with excellent performance. It’s built to work flawlessly with MSI hardware, ensuring stability and speed without compatibility headaches.
Best For
MSI PC builders and gamers who want a reliable, brand-matched NVMe SSD for their H170A-based system.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Optimized for MSI motherboards
- Fast Gen4 speeds
- Good thermal performance
- 1TB offers solid capacity for most users
Cons:
- Requires M.2 slot and Gen4 support (may need BIOS update on H170A)
- Not the fastest Gen4 drive on the market
Customer Reviews
“Fast, reliable, works great with my MSI X570S motherboard! Grabbed three of these for maximum storage” — Customer Review
“Due to it being an M.2 SSD, the speed, performance, and installment were incredibly easy. I’m considering buying another one of these to add more storage to my device.” — Customer Review
5. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 for Laptops and Gaming
The WD Black SN7100 2TB is a high-octane NVMe SSD built for gamers and mobile users who need speed and capacity. With PCIe Gen4 support, it delivers near-top-tier performance at a more accessible price than Gen5 drives.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s
- ✓ 35% faster than previous-gen WD Black drives
- ✓ 2TB capacity for large game libraries and media
- ✓ Built with SanDisk’s next-gen TLC 3D NAND
- ✓ Compact M.2 2280 form factor fits most systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes a great balance between speed, capacity, and value. It’s perfect for the MSI H170A PC Mate if you’re looking for serious performance without stepping up to Gen5 pricing.
Best For
Gamers and power users who want fast load times and plenty of storage for games and applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Gen4 performance
- Large 2TB capacity
- Reliable build quality
- Great for gaming and multitasking
Cons:
- Slightly slower than Gen5 drives
- Can get warm under heavy load (consider a heatsink)
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.PerformanceUsing 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!!” — Customer Review
6. WD Black SN7100 1TB NVMe SSD M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 for Portable Devices
The WD Black SN7100 1TB offers the same high-speed Gen4 performance as its 2TB sibling but in a more compact capacity. It’s ideal for users who need speed and reliability without maxing out storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900MB/s
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 x4 interface for maximum throughput
- ✓ 1TB capacity suits most gaming and productivity needs
- ✓ Built for durability and consistent performance
- ✓ Lightweight and ideal for small-form-factor builds
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is a great middle-ground option—fast enough for gaming and content creation, with enough space for your essential apps and files. It’s a smart choice for the MSI H170A PC Mate if you don’t need massive storage.
Best For
Users who want high-speed NVMe performance in a compact, affordable package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent speed for the price
- Reliable WD Black build quality
- Good for OS and primary applications
- Low profile, fits tight spaces
Cons:
- 1TB may fill up quickly with modern games
- No included heatsink
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.PerformanceUsing 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!!” — Customer Review
Complete Buying Guide for What Ssd Drive Is Best For Msi H170A Pc Mate
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best SSD for the MSI H170A PC Mate, we evaluate compatibility, performance, capacity, and value. This motherboard supports SATA III (6Gb/s) and M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4), so while it doesn’t natively support Gen4 or Gen5, a BIOS update may unlock higher speeds with compatible CPUs. We prioritize drives that offer the best balance of speed, reliability, and price for your specific use case—whether that’s gaming, productivity, or general computing.
Budget Planning
SSD prices vary widely. Budget options like the Timetec 256GB start under $30, while high-end NVMe drives like the WD Black SN8100 4TB can cost over $400. We recommend setting a budget based on your needs: $50–$100 for basic upgrades, $100–$200 for balanced performance, and $200+ for future-proofing. Don’t forget to factor in a heatsink if your case has limited airflow.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD for your MSI H170A PC Mate depends on your goals. For raw speed and future readiness, go with a Gen4 NVMe like the WD Black SN7100. For budget upgrades, the Timetec SATA SSD is a solid choice. And if you’re building a high-performance system, the WD Black SN8100 delivers unmatched speed. Always check your BIOS version and ensure your CPU supports the SSD’s interface for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the MSI H170A PC Mate support PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 SSDs?
A: The motherboard officially supports PCIe Gen3, but with a compatible CPU (like certain Intel 9th Gen or newer) and a BIOS update, some users have successfully run Gen4 SSDs at reduced speeds. Gen5 is not supported.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: It’s recommended, especially for high-performance NVMe drives. The MSI H170A PC Mate has limited built-in cooling, so adding a small heatsink can prevent thermal throttling.
Q: Will a 2TB SSD fit in my system?
A: Yes, as long as your case has space for a 2.5-inch drive or an available M.2 slot. The MSI H170A PC Mate supports both form factors.
Q: Can I use an SSD as a boot drive?
A: Absolutely. In fact, we highly recommend it. Installing your OS on an SSD drastically improves boot times and system responsiveness.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs less reliable?
A: Not necessarily. Brands like Timetec and WD offer reliable drives at lower prices. Look for features like 3D NAND, SLC caching, and high MTBF ratings to ensure durability.
Upgrading your MSI H170A PC Mate with a fast, reliable SSD is one of the best performance improvements you can make. Whether you’re after lightning-fast load times, more storage, or just a smoother computing experience, one of these six SSDs will fit your needs. Don’t wait—boost your system today and feel the difference speed makes. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and start your upgrade!