In 2025, gaming SSDs are faster and more affordable than ever, with PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 drives redefining storage benchmarks. Whether you’re battling in Cyberpunk 2077 or exploring Elden Ring’s vast open world, the right SSD can slash load times, eliminate stutters, and future-proof your rig. After analyzing over a dozen expert reviews and benchmarks, we’ve ranked the top 5 SSDs for gaming based on speed, durability, and value. Let’s dive in!
1. WD Black SN850X — Best Overall Gaming SSD
Price: ~$150-$280 depending on size
Key Features:
- 7,300 MB/s Read & 6,600 MB/s Write: Dominates PCIe 4.0 performance with optimized DirectStorage support.
- Advanced Cooling: Stays below 58°C under load, even without a heatsink.
- 4TB Capacity: Massive storage for AAA titles like Call of Duty (200GB+ installs).
- WD Dashboard Software: Monitor temps, enable Game Mode 2.0, and customize RGB on heatsink models.
Pros:
- Unbeatable balance of speed, thermals, and price.
- 5-year warranty and 1,200 TBW endurance.
Cons:
- PCIe 5.0 drives offer higher theoretical speeds (but limited real-world gains).
Verdict: The SN850X is the go-to SSD for gamers prioritizing reliability and 4K gaming performance without overspending.
2. Samsung 990 Pro — Fastest PCIe 4.0 SSD
Price: ~$190-$300 depending on size
Key Features:
- 7,450 MB/s Read & 6,900 MB/s Write: Sets PCIe 4.0 benchmarks, ideal for DirectStorage-enabled games.
- 1.4M IOPS: Handles random reads/writes for seamless open-world asset streaming.
- PS5 Compatibility: Optional heatsink model works flawlessly with Sony’s console.
Pros:
- Best-in-class sequential speeds for competitive gamers.
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates and health checks.
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than WD SN850X.
Verdict: A premium pick for gamers craving bleeding-edge PCIe 4.0 performance and PS5 compatibility.
3. Crucial T705 — Best PCIe 5.0 Future-Proof Drive
Price: ~$230-$600 depending on size
Key Features:
- 14,500 MB/s Read & 12,000 MB/s Write: Blows past PCIe 4.0 limits, optimized for next-gen games.
- Phison E26 Controller: Manages thermals efficiently with optional heatsink.
- 4TB Option: Ideal for content creators and gamers with massive libraries.
Pros:
- Unmatched raw speed for 8K gaming and 4K video editing.
- Backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 systems.
Cons:
- Requires PCIe 5.0 motherboard for full performance.
- Higher power draw (up to 12W under load).
Verdict: A luxury SSD for enthusiasts building rigs to handle GTA VI and beyond.
4. Lexar NM790 — Best Budget PCIe 4.0 SSD
Price: ~$140
Key Features:
- 7,400 MB/s Read & 6,500 MB/s Write: Matches premium drives at 60% of the cost.
- DRAM-Less Design: Uses Host Memory Buffer (HMB) to keep prices low.
- 4TB Model: Affordable high-capacity option for hoarders.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for 1440p and 1080p gaming.
- Cool operation (57°C peak) without a heatsink 2.
Cons:
- Lower endurance (600 TBW for 1TB) compared to WD/Samsung.
Verdict: Perfect for budget builds needing Gen 4 speeds without sacrificing capacity.
- [2TB] Exceptional performance up to 7400MB/s read, 6500MB/s write; 1500TBW
- 2x faster than PCIe Gen 3 SSDs
- Up to 40% less power consumption than DRAM cache-enabled PCIe Gen 4 SSDs
5. Teamgroup T-Force Z540 — Best PCIe 5.0 Value
Price: ~$140-$430 depending on size
Key Features:
- 12,400 MB/s Read & 11,800 MB/s Write: Balances speed and affordability in PCIe 5.0.
- Phison E26 Controller: Optimized for Intel 13th/14th Gen CPUs.
- 4TB Option: Future-proof storage for game libraries.
Pros:
- Cheaper than Crucial T705 with similar performance.
- Low-profile heatsink minimizes throttling.
Cons:
- Limited real-world gaming gains over PCIe 4.0 drives.
Verdict: A smart choice for early adopters wanting PCIe 5.0 without overspending.
Buyer’s Guide: Key Factors for Gaming SSDs
- Speed vs. Budget: PCIe 4.0 drives (WD SN850X, Samsung 990 Pro) offer the best price-to-performance ratio, while PCIe 5.0 (Crucial T705, Teamgroup Z540) caters to future-proofing.
- Capacity: 2TB is the sweet spot for 2025, but 4TB drives are rising in relevance (Starfield alone requires 125GB).
- Endurance: Look for 1,200+ TBW ratings for longevity (e.g., WD SN850X).
- Cooling: Heatsinks are critical for PCIe 5.0 drives but optional for most PCIe 4.0 models.
- Compatibility: Ensure your motherboard supports PCIe 4.0/5.0 before upgrading.
Real-World Performance Insights
In tests like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the difference between top drives is minimal:
- Samsung 990 Pro: 6.6 seconds load time
- WD SN850X: 6.7 seconds
- Lexar NM790: 6.9 seconds.
While PCIe 5.0 drives excel in synthetic benchmarks, PCIe 4.0 SSDs still dominate real-world gaming value. For example, the Lexar NM790 delivers 95% of the WD SN850X’s performance at half the price.
Final Thoughts
For most gamers, the WD Black SN850X remains the best overall SSD, blending speed, cooling, and affordability. Competitive players may prefer the Samsung 990 Pro, while future-proof builders should eye the Crucial T705 or Teamgroup Z540. Budget gamers can’t go wrong with the Lexar NM790.
Pro Tip: Pair your SSD with a PCIe 4.0/5.0-compatible CPU (e.g., AMD Ryzen 9000 or Intel Core Ultra) to avoid bottlenecks.
Ready to upgrade? Check retailer links for deals and kiss loading screens goodbye!
Keywords: best SSDs for gaming 2025, WD Black SN850X, Samsung 990 Pro, Crucial T705, Teamgroup T-Force Z540, Lexar NM790.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are at time of posting and are subject to change.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
