Choosing the best SSD for PC can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market—especially when you’re looking for speed, reliability, and value. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig, upgrading an older desktop, or just want faster boot times and smoother multitasking, the right solid-state drive makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared the top-performing SSDs across different categories to help you find the perfect match for your setup. From blazing-fast PCIe Gen5 drives to budget-friendly Gen4 options, we’ve got you covered.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Which Is The Best Ssd For Pc Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB NVMe SSD with 7,300 MB/s Read Speed for Gaming PCs
The WD_BLACK SN850X 2TB is our top pick for the best SSD for PC, especially if you’re serious about gaming or content creation. With read speeds up to 7,300 MB/s, this Gen4 NVMe drive delivers lightning-fast load times and rock-solid reliability. It’s built with SanDisk TLC 3D NAND and comes with an optional heatsink version that keeps temps low during intense sessions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Blazing 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Available in capacities up to 8TB—perfect for storing large game libraries
- ✓ Optional heatsink model for improved thermal performance
- ✓ Optimized for PS5 and high-end gaming PCs
- ✓ Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes the perfect balance between speed, capacity, and durability. Whether you’re loading massive open-world games or transferring large video files, the SN850X handles it all without breaking a sweat. Plus, its compatibility with both PC and PS5 makes it incredibly versatile.
Best For
Gamers, streamers, and power users who need top-tier performance and ample storage without compromising on reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional read/write speeds for Gen4
- Available with integrated heatsink
- High endurance rating (1,200 TBW for 2TB model)
- Seamless compatibility with modern motherboards
Cons:
- More expensive than entry-level SSDs
- Heatsink version adds slight bulk
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. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat…” — Alex R.
“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…” — Jamie L.
2. Crucial P510 1TB PCIe Gen5 SSD with 11,000 MB/s Speed for Laptops and Desktops
If you’re rocking a newer PC with PCIe Gen5 support, the Crucial P510 is a game-changer. Delivering up to 11,000 MB/s read and 8,500 MB/s write speeds, this SSD is built for next-gen performance. Despite being compact and power-efficient, it doesn’t sacrifice speed or reliability—making it ideal for both laptops and desktops.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen5 interface with backward compatibility to Gen4
- ✓ Up to 11,000 MB/s read and 8,500 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, apps, and AAA games
- ✓ Low power consumption optimized for laptops
- ✓ Micron 3D NAND technology for enhanced endurance
Why We Recommend It
The P510 brings cutting-edge Gen5 speeds at a surprisingly reasonable price point. It’s one of the few Gen5 drives that actually delivers real-world performance gains without requiring extreme cooling. Plus, its laptop-friendly design means you can enjoy desktop-level speeds on the go.
Best For
Early adopters with Gen5-compatible systems, laptop users wanting maximum speed, and anyone looking to future-proof their build.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True Gen5 performance at an accessible price
- Backward compatible with Gen4 systems
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor
- Reliable Micron NAND and controller
Cons:
- Requires Gen5 motherboard for full speed
- No included heatsink (may need third-party cooling under heavy load)
Customer Reviews
“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” — Michael T.
“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.” — Sarah K.
3. Crucial P310 500GB NVMe SSD with 6,600 MB/s Speed for PC and Handheld Gaming
Don’t let the price fool you—the Crucial P310 packs serious performance into a budget-friendly package. With 6,600 MB/s read speeds and compatibility with handhelds like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, this Gen4 SSD proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get fast, reliable storage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ PCIe Gen4 NVMe with up to 6,600 MB/s read speeds
- ✓ Works seamlessly with PCs, laptops, and select handheld consoles
- ✓ 500GB capacity offers solid value for everyday use
- ✓ Low-profile design fits tight builds
- ✓ Built with Micron’s proven 3D NAND technology
Why We Recommend It
This SSD delivers near-top-tier Gen4 speeds at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for upgrading older systems or building a budget gaming PC without sacrificing performance. The handheld compatibility is a rare bonus that sets it apart from competitors.
Best For
Budget-conscious gamers, handheld console users, and anyone upgrading from SATA SSDs or HDDs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Broad compatibility across devices
- Reliable and durable Micron components
- Easy installation with no extra drivers needed
Cons:
- Only 500GB capacity (may feel limiting for large game libraries)
- No heatsink included
Customer Reviews
“I recently upgraded to the Crucial P310 2TB SSD (CT2000P310SSD801) and it’s been a fantastic addition to my setup. Here’s a quick breakdown: What I like: Plenty of space: 2 TB gives me lots of room for OS, apps, games, and files without tight space concerns. Fast speeds: For Gen4 NVMe, load and boot ti…” — David M.
“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. The performance is outstanding for both gaming and everyday use. Boot times are superfast, and game loading speeds have ” — Lisa P.
4. Crucial T710 1TB PCIe Gen5 SSD with 14,900 MB/s Speed for Gamers and Creators
For those who demand absolute peak performance, the Crucial T710 is a beast. With read speeds hitting 14,900 MB/s and write speeds up to 13,800 MB/s, this Gen5 SSD is built for creators, streamers, and hardcore gamers who work with 8K video or massive game files. It’s engineered specifically for Intel 13th/14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 platforms.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading 14,900 MB/s read and 13,800 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Optimized for high-end Intel and AMD platforms
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for creative workflows and large game libraries
- ✓ Advanced thermal management (heatsink version available)
- ✓ Micron’s latest Gen5 controller and NAND tech
Why We Recommend It
This is one of the fastest consumer SSDs available today. If you’re editing 8K footage, compiling large codebases, or just want the absolute quickest load times possible, the T710 delivers—no questions asked. Just make sure your system supports Gen5!
Best For
Professional creators, high-end gamers, and tech enthusiasts with Gen5-compatible motherboards.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched Gen5 performance
- Excellent for data-intensive tasks
- Robust build quality and reliability
- Future-proof investment for high-end builds
Cons:
- Very high cost per GB
- Requires active cooling under sustained loads
- Limited real-world benefit on non-Gen5 systems
Customer Reviews
“This is an interesting piece of hardware. This particular NVME SSD Gen 5.0 exceeded read and write speeds for me in Crystal Disk, and that was on a working ‘C’ drive. This Gen 5.0 drive cooks, and in more ways than one. Running this in the Gen 5.0 slot on a Gigabyte X670E motherboard. I made the erro…” — Ryan S.
“You might think (as I did) that you’re doing better by getting this OEM heatsink version – paying about $30 extra. I learned the lesson in a hard way that; exactly the opposite holds true. Crucial periodically runs deals; selling heatsink version even cheaper than naked drive. Don’t fall for that an” — Kevin W.
5. WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with 7,300 MB/s Read Speed for High-Performance PCs
The 1TB version of the WD_BLACK SN850X brings the same elite Gen4 performance in a more compact capacity. Perfect for users who want speed without maxing out storage, this SSD still hits 7,300 MB/s read speeds and includes the option for a sleek heatsink. It’s a proven performer trusted by gamers and professionals alike.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 7,300 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write speeds
- ✓ Optional heatsink model for better thermal control
- ✓ SanDisk TLC 3D NAND for long-term reliability
- ✓ PS5-certified and PC-compatible
- ✓ 5-year warranty and high endurance rating
Why We Recommend It
If you don’t need 2TB+ but still want flagship-level speed, this is the SSD to get. It’s reliable, fast, and widely compatible. Whether you’re building a compact PC or upgrading a laptop, the SN850X 1TB won’t disappoint.
Best For
Mid-range builders, laptop upgraders, and gamers who prioritize speed over massive storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Top-tier Gen4 performance
- Available with or without heatsink
- Excellent compatibility and reliability
- Great for OS, apps, and frequently played games
Cons:
- 1TB may fill up quickly with modern games
- Higher price per GB compared to budget drives
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. Speed & Performance: Right out of the box, I was getting read/write speeds over 7,000 MB/s, mat…” — Chris D.
“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…” — Emma J.
Complete Buying Guide for Which Is The Best Ssd For Pc
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best SSD for PC, we evaluate several key factors: interface type (Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5), read/write speeds, storage capacity, compatibility with your motherboard and devices, thermal performance, and value for money. We also test real-world performance in gaming, boot times, and file transfers—not just synthetic benchmarks.
Budget Planning
SSDs range from under $50 for basic 500GB Gen3 models to over $200 for high-capacity Gen5 drives. For most users, a 1TB Gen4 SSD offers the sweet spot between speed, capacity, and cost. Gamers should aim for at least 1TB, while creators may need 2TB+. Always check if your motherboard supports the SSD’s interface—Gen5 drives won’t reach full speed on older boards.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing frame rates, faster renders, or just a snappier system, upgrading to a quality SSD is one of the best investments you can make. Our top picks cover every need and budget—from the budget-friendly Crucial P310 to the ultra-fast T710. Choose based on your system, use case, and future plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between Gen4 and Gen5 SSDs?
A: Gen5 SSDs use the latest PCIe 5.0 interface and offer nearly double the bandwidth of Gen4 drives—up to 14,000+ MB/s vs. ~7,000 MB/s. However, you need a compatible motherboard (Intel 13th/14th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000) to unlock Gen5 speeds.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my NVMe SSD?
A: It depends. High-performance drives like the SN850X or T710 can get hot under heavy load. A heatsink helps maintain speed and longevity—especially in small cases or enclosed systems like the PS5. Budget drives usually don’t need one.
Q: Can I use an M.2 SSD in any PC?
A: Most modern motherboards have M.2 slots, but check your manual to confirm support for NVMe (not just SATA) and the correct keying (usually M-key). Also verify physical space—some large heatsinks won’t fit in compact builds.
Q: Is 500GB enough for a gaming PC?
A: It’s tight. Modern AAA games can take 80–150GB each. If you play multiple titles, go for 1TB or more. Use 500GB for your OS and a few favorite games, but expect to manage space carefully.
Q: Are cheaper SSDs reliable?
A: Many budget SSDs (like the Crucial P310) use reputable NAND and controllers and are perfectly reliable for everyday use. Just avoid no-name brands with unknown components. Look for models from Samsung, WD, Crucial, or Kingston.
Ready to supercharge your PC? Pick one of our expert-recommended SSDs today and feel the difference in every boot, load, and transfer. Don’t wait—your faster, smoother computing experience is just a click away!