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When it comes to gaming, your SSD isn’t just about storage—it’s about speed, responsiveness, and immersion. The right SSD slashes load times, reduces in-game stuttering, and lets you jump into your favorite titles faster than ever. But with so many options—NVMe, SATA, Gen4, Gen5, portable, internal—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. After testing dozens of drives and analyzing real-world performance, we’ve narrowed down the best SSDs for gaming across different needs and budgets. Whether you’re upgrading your PC, expanding your PS5, or building a portable gaming rig, this guide will help you pick the perfect drive.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Type Of Ssd Is Best For Gaming Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD Black SN7100 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD for Gaming Laptops and Handheld Devices
The WD Black SN7100 is a powerhouse built specifically for gamers who demand speed and reliability. With blazing-fast read speeds up to 7,250MB/s and write speeds hitting 6,900MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe SSD dramatically cuts down game load times and system bootups. It’s compact, efficient, and perfect for gaming laptops, handhelds like the Steam Deck, or high-performance desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen4 interface with next-gen TLC 3D NAND
✓ Up to 35% faster than previous-gen drives
✓ Available in capacities up to 2TB
✓ Optimized for gaming laptops and portable devices
✓ Low power consumption with high endurance
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between performance, portability, and price. Whether you’re gaming on a laptop or handheld, the SN7100 delivers console-level load times and smooth multitasking. It’s reliable, fast, and built to handle long gaming sessions without thermal throttling.
Best For
Gamers using laptops, handheld devices, or compact PCs who want top-tier Gen4 speeds without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for Gen4
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- Great thermal performance under load
- Ideal for portable gaming setups
Cons:
- No included heatsink (may need third-party cooling in tight builds)
- Higher capacity models cost more per GB
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. 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. WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink for PlayStation 5 and High-Performance Gaming
The WD Black SN850X with heatsink is a premium SSD engineered for gamers who refuse to compromise. With read speeds up to 7,300MB/s and a built-in heatsink, it’s officially compatible with the PlayStation 5 and ideal for high-end gaming PCs. This drive delivers consistent performance even during marathon sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Built-in heatsink for optimal thermal management
✓ PS5-certified compatibility
✓ Up to 7,300MB/s read and 6,600MB/s write speeds
✓ Available up to 8TB capacity
✓ SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for durability
Why We Recommend It
This SSD is a favorite among enthusiasts for good reason—it’s fast, cool, and reliable. The included heatsink prevents throttling, making it perfect for the PS5 or high-airflow PC builds. If you want a no-compromise drive that just works, this is it.
Best For
PS5 owners and PC gamers who want maximum performance with zero thermal worries.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Heatsink included—ready for PS5 out of the box
- Top-tier Gen4 speeds with excellent consistency
- High endurance and long lifespan
- Great for large game libraries
Cons:
- More expensive than non-heatsink models
- Heatsink adds slight bulk (may not fit all laptop configurations)
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. Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s.”
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 no joke.”
3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD brings fast, reliable storage to gamers on the go. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and read speeds up to 1,050MB/s, it’s perfect for carrying your game library between consoles, PCs, or laptops. Compact, durable, and password-protected, it’s a smart choice for backup or expansion.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with USB-C connectivity
✓ Compact, pocket-sized design
✓ AES 256-bit hardware encryption
✓ Drop-resistant up to 3 meters
✓ Works with PC, Mac, Android, and gaming consoles
Why We Recommend It
While not as fast as internal NVMe drives, the T7 offers excellent portability and solid performance for an external SSD. It’s ideal for gamers who travel, stream, or need extra space without opening their PC. The build quality and speed make it a standout in its category.
Best For
Gamers who need portable storage for backups, game transfers, or expanding console storage affordably.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and extremely portable
- Fast for an external drive
- Secure with password protection
- Compatible with multiple platforms
Cons:
- Slower than internal NVMe SSDs
- Requires USB connection (not plug-and-play internal)
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 4TB NVMe SSD for High-Speed Gaming and System Expansion
The 4TB WD Black SN850X is a beast of a drive, offering massive storage and elite Gen4 performance. With the same 7,300MB/s read speeds as its smaller siblings, this high-capacity SSD is perfect for gamers with extensive libraries or content creators who need speed and space.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 4TB capacity for huge game libraries
✓ PCIe Gen4 with 7,300MB/s read speeds
✓ Optional heatsink version available
✓ Built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND
✓ Ideal for gaming and creative workloads
Why We Recommend It
If you’re tired of deleting games to make room for new ones, this SSD solves that problem. It combines the speed of the SN850X series with enough space to hold dozens of AAA titles. It’s a future-proof investment for serious gamers.
Best For
Gamers with large libraries or those who want a single drive for OS, games, and media.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge 4TB capacity
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- Reliable and durable
- Great for multitasking and heavy workloads
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- 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. Speeds over 7,000 MB/s are consistent.”
Customer Review: “The 1TB WD_BLACK SN850X was one of the best upgrades I made to my PC. Installation was quick and easy, and I noticed the difference from the very first boot: game loading times were drastically reduced.”
5. Crucial P510 1TB Gen5 NVMe SSD for Gamers and Creators with Ultra-Fast Speeds
The Crucial P510 is one of the first consumer Gen5 SSDs, delivering mind-blowing speeds up to 11,000MB/s read and 8,500MB/s write. Built for next-gen gaming and creative work, it’s backward compatible with Gen4 systems, making it a smart upgrade for future-ready builds.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ PCIe Gen5 technology
✓ Up to 11,000MB/s read speeds
✓ 1TB capacity with room for AAA games
✓ Backward compatible with Gen4 motherboards
✓ Optimized for gaming and content creation
Why We Recommend It
Gen5 is the future, and the P510 brings that future today. While not all games fully utilize Gen5 yet, this drive ensures you’re ready for what’s next. It’s especially great for fast bootups, level streaming, and reducing load times in supported titles.
Best For
Early adopters and high-end PC builders who want cutting-edge speed and future-proofing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Blazing-fast Gen5 speeds
- Backward compatible with Gen4
- Great for fast game and app loading
- Solid build quality from a trusted brand
Cons:
- Requires Gen5-compatible motherboard for full speed
- Higher power consumption under load
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I purchased this Crucial NVMe drive to replace a Samsung Pro that seems to have an issue with one of Windows 11 updates. Although I updated the firmware, it still would go south from time to time. However, purchasing this Crucial P510, I find that it performs better than the Samsung 990 Pro ever did.”
Customer Review: “It’s a good drive. I think Crucial (Micron) just announced though, that they are stopping their consumer drives to concentrate on their commercial side, making drives for AI use. I’m happy with the speeds and it was a good drive for the money.”
Complete Buying Guide for What Type Of Ssd Is Best For Gaming
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best SSD for gaming isn’t just about speed—it’s about matching the drive to your setup and needs. We evaluate interface type (NVMe vs. SATA), generation (Gen4, Gen5), form factor (M.2, 2.5-inch), capacity, thermal performance, and real-world gaming impact. NVMe drives, especially Gen4 and Gen5, offer the fastest load times, while SATA and external SSDs are better for backups or budget builds. Always check compatibility with your motherboard or console.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for basic SATA models to over $200 for high-capacity Gen5 drives. For most gamers, a 1TB–2TB Gen4 NVMe SSD offers the best value. If you’re on a tight budget, consider the Samsung T7 for portable use or a smaller NVMe drive for your OS and favorite games. Investing in speed now saves frustration later.
Final Thoughts
The best SSD for gaming depends on your system, budget, and usage. For most, the WD Black SN7100 or SN850X delivers unbeatable performance. If you’re future-proofing, the Crucial P510 is a bold Gen5 choice. And if portability matters, the Samsung T7 is a reliable companion. No matter your pick, upgrading to a fast SSD is one of the most impactful improvements you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is NVMe better than SATA for gaming?
A: Yes—NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA, with read speeds often 5–7x higher. This means quicker game loads, faster level streaming, and smoother performance in open-world titles.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my SSD?
A: It depends. If you’re using a PS5 or a compact PC with poor airflow, a heatsink helps prevent thermal throttling. For most desktop builds with good cooling, it’s optional but recommended for sustained performance.
Q: Can I use an external SSD for gaming?
A: Yes, but with caveats. External SSDs like the Samsung T7 work great for storing and playing less demanding games, but may lag behind internal NVMe drives in load times. Ideal for backups or portability.
Q: Is Gen5 SSD worth it for gaming?
A: Not yet—most current games don’t fully utilize Gen5 speeds. But if you’re building a high-end PC and want to future-proof, a Gen5 drive like the Crucial P510 is a smart long-term investment.
Q: How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?
A: We recommend at least 1TB. Modern AAA games can take 80–150GB each, so 1TB fills up fast. 2TB or more is ideal for serious gamers with large libraries.
Ready to level up your gaming experience? Don’t let slow load times hold you back. Pick one of our top-rated SSDs today and feel the difference speed makes. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal and start gaming faster!
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