Best NVMe SSD for Gaming

NVMe SSDsSamsung 980 ProSamsung 970 Evo PlusWD Black SN850WD Black SN750Kingston KC3000
LooksSamsung 980 ProSamsung 970 Evo PlusWD Black SN850WD Black SN750Kingston KC3000
AwardBest rated M.2 SSDBest NVMe SSD for PCIe 3.0Fastest PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDBest NVMe SSD for budgetFastest NVMe SSD for gaming
Form FactorM.2M.2M.2M.2M.2
Capacities250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB1TB, 2TB500GB, 1TB, 2TB250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
InterfacePCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3cPCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4PCIe 3.0 x4PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4
Sequential Reads7000 MBps3500 MBps7000 MBps3430 MBps7000 MBps
Sequential Writes5000 MBps3300 MBps5300 MBps3000 MBps7000 MBps
Warranty5 years5 years5 years5 years5 years

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When it comes to gaming, nothing is more critical than system responsiveness. Gamers are turning to NVMe SSDs to achieve the ultimate in-game performance. These cutting-edge storage devices offer unparalleled bandwidth and lightning-fast data transfer speeds compared to M.2 SATA SSDs. Whether you’re looking to improve boot-up times, load game levels faster, or gain an edge in competitive play, NVMe SSDs are the ultimate for gamers over SATA SSDs to have a better time working or playing.

In our review, we have taken a closer look at the latest NVMe SSDs that utilize both the PCIe Gen 4 and PCIe Gen 5 protocols. The PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs offer impressive speeds of up to 3000 MB/s (3 GB/s) with some models even reaching 7500 MB/s. While the introduction of PCIe Gen 5, we’re seeing a significant leap in sequential performance, which is 60% faster than some of the top NVMe SSDs on the market right now. With read speeds of up to 13,000 MB/s and write speeds of 12,000 MB/s, PCIe Gen 5 NVMe SSDs will deliver unmatched performance for gamers and power users alike.

Why We Choose these SSDS

NVMe SSDs are revolutionizing the industry for both professionals and gamers. Whether you’re streaming your games or playing the newest AAA titles, these cutting-edge devices will keep you one step ahead of the competition thanks to their super-fast speeds and expanded data access. Content creators will also benefit from the lightning-fast speeds as the NVMe protocol will enable handling large pile of files quickly and efficiently. Although SATA SSDs and standard HDDs offer comparable performance to NVMe SSDs, they also have benefits including compatibility and price.


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Best NVMe SSDs For Gaming PC

At A Glance:

  1. Samsung 980 Pro
  2. Samsung 970 Evo Plus
  3. WD Black SN850
  4. WD Black SN750
  5. Kingston KC3000
  6. Crucial P5 Plus
  7. Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus
  8. Patriot Viper VPR100

Samsung 980 Pro
Samsung 980 Pro (Image credit: DexPlora)

Samsung 980 Pro

Best rated M.2 SSD

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: | PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3cSequential Reads: | 7000 MBpsSequential Writes: | 5000 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Faster and efficient with PCIe 4.0

Support +AES 256-bit encryption

Optimized power for gaming

Long-life warranty

REASONS TO AVOID

It is pricy for the storage amount

Average endurance ratings

Samsung’s latest NVMe SSD is the 980 Pro. It offers blistering speeds and excellent scalability for even the most demanding workloads. The Samsung 980 Pro is also one of the most affordable NVMe SSDs on the market, making it a great option for those looking to get the best performance possible without breaking the bank. The Samsung 980 Pro offers sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. These incredible speeds make it perfect for desktop applications and gaming systems that require fast response times.

Installing Samsung 980 Pro in PC

The 980 Pro also supports Samsung’s V-NAND technology which allows it to reach its impressive performance levels while using less power than traditional SSDs. The Samsung 980 Pro is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable NVMe SSD that can deliver blistering performance. Samsung’s 980 Pro NVMe SSD is the first consumer-level M.2 (2280) SSD to feature the PCIe 4.0 x4 transfer interface protocol. The 980 Pro supports both SATA and NVMe storage protocols, making it compatible with a wide range of systems.

The Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD is a great choice for anyone looking for the best M.2 SSD that we say budget king. It has a thermal solution to reduce the fluctuations of temperature, making it a great choice for those who are concerned about their computer’s stability. You can watch our video for key details, here. Additionally, its performance is top-notch, and it is one of the easiest M.2 SSDs to install.

Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD with Heat Sink

Samsung’s latest 960 Pro-based NVMe SSD is one of the best on the market and we put it to the test in our full review. The 980 Pro offers much-improved performance over the 960 Pro, with an impressive write speed of 7,000MB/s and a read speed of 5,000MB/s. It also features a nickel-coated controller which results in reduced heat generation and improved durability. Overall, the 980 Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for the best NVMe SSD on the market.

Samsung 970 Evo Plus
Samsung 970 Evo Plus (Image credit: DexPlora)

Samsung 970 Evo Plus

Best NVMe SSD for PCIe 3.0

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 1TB, 2TBInterface: | PCIe Gen 3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3Sequential Reads: | 3500 MBpsSequential Writes: | 3300 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Huge storage bonus

Good performance and software features

Quick PCIe 3.0 SSD

Good with Trim and sleep mode

REASONS TO AVOID

No WWN included

The Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe SSD is the latest in a long line of high-performance solid-state drives from Samsung. Coming in at just under $1,000 USD, this drive is designed for enthusiasts and power users who demand the best possible speeds and performance. When it comes to speed, there is no denying that the 970 Evo Plus 1TB NVMe SSD is one of the fastest drives on the market. With sequential read speeds reaching up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 3,200 MB/s, this drive is capable of delivering lightning-fast performance when loading large files or gaming.

Samsung 970 Evo Plus SSD installing on AMD Motherboard

Another impressive feature of the 970 Evo Plus is to reach the fastest speed of PCIe 3.0 x4 connection slots. This means that you can use the drive on your desktop and a laptop for gaming purpose. When it comes to performance, there is no denying that this drive delivers. When it comes to solid-state drives, faster is always better as you can see our test. That’s why most people upgrade to a faster drive when they can. The 970 Evo Plus 1TB NVMe SSD from Samsung is no exception.

The Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB NVMe SSD is a high-performance storage device that uses V-NAND technology and firmware optimization to deliver fast performance. This SSD offers AES encryption for data security, and its sleek design makes it perfect for use in gaming systems or other environments where aesthetics are important.

Installing Samsung 970 Evo Plus in Desktop with PCIe M.2 Adapter Card

Overall, the Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe SSD is a high-performance storage device that comes with an in-house controller and full Turbowrite speeds. The compact M.2 (2280) form factor makes it very portable and the dynamic thermal guards help to keep the drive cool, even under heavy loads. Overall, the 970 Evo Plus 1TB NVMe SSD is a great choice for those looking for top performance and portability in a small form factor.

WD Black SN850
WD Black SN850 (Image credit: DexPlora)

WD Black SN850

Fastest PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: | NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4Sequential Reads: | 7000 MBpsSequential Writes: | 5300 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Excellent boot time

PCIe 4.0 performance

3D Nand reliability

Good for FPS games

REASONS TO AVOID

No encryption from software

Unspecified cache memory

The WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD is the latest in a long line of high-performance, SATA III-based Internal Solid State Drives (SSDs). It offers incredible performance and reliability in a small form factor. It’s perfect for small form factor systems and applications that require extreme speeds and low latency. The WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD comes with a five-year warranty and is backed by WD’s legendary customer service.

WD_Black SN850 unbox in hands

The WD Black SN850 is a PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD that offers up to 2TB capacity. It uses the latest NAND flash memory technology and has been designed for high-performance computing (HPC) applications and gaming systems. The WD Black SN850 supports NVMe 1.3 protocol, which provides faster data speeds and reduced latency compared to SATA III. This PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD is also backward compatible with previous versions of the NVMe protocol, making it a great choice for upgrading existing gaming or HPC systems.

Installing WD_Black SN850 and check speeds

The WD Black SN850 NVMe SSD is a high-performance storage device that offers sequential reads and writes speeds of up to 7000MB/s and 4100MB/s, respectively and we personally find it impressive, you can also watch our review. The WD Black SN850 also offers a five-year warranty. The WD Black SN850 is available in capacities of 480GB, 960GB, and 1920GB.

WD Black SN750
WD Black SN750 (Image credit: DexPlora)

WD Black SN750

Best NVMe SSD for budget

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: | PCIe 3.0 x4Sequential Reads: | 3430 MBpsSequential Writes: | 3000 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Best for budget

Good monitoring utility

Vast storage options

REASONS TO AVOID

Not the fast PCIe 3.0 SSD

Optional heatsink

The WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD is the latest in a line of ultra-fast storage solutions from WD. This PCIe 3.0 x4 drive offers speeds up to 2,000 MB/s and supports both M.2 and U.2 form factors for high-speed expansion. WD Black SN750 also features a host of advanced features such as data protection, TCG Opal 2.0 security encryption, and SmartEQ 2 automatic performance tuning to ensure your data is always fast and reliable.

Unboxing WD Black SN750 m.2 NVMe SSD with heatsink

With its sleek design and fast performance, the WD Black series NVMe SSD makes an ideal choice for any high-performance computer system. NVMe is quickly becoming the standard for high-speed storage in gaming machines, as it offers incredible speeds and capacities. The best NVMe SSDs for gaming will deliver lightning-fast performance, so you can enjoy your games to the fullest.

Whether you’re a PC gamer or console gamer. It has an M.2 (2280) Single-Sided PCIe 3.0 x4 interface device that supports both SATA and NVMe protocols and reaches a read speed of up to 3200 MB/s and a write speed of up to 2200 MB/s, which is truly consistant in all computing and gaming systems we have put togather for testing video.

WD Black SN750 m.2 NVMe SSD with heatsink installation

In our experiece, WD Black SN750 1TB NVMe SSD is one of the best SSDs on the market today. It is optimized for gaming and offers great performance enhancement and efficiency. Whether you are a PC gamer or just want to improve your system’s overall performance, this drive is a great choice.

Kingston KC3000
Kingston KC3000 (Image credit: DexPlora)

Kingston KC3000

Fastest NVME SSD for gaming

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB,  4TBInterface: | PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4Sequential Reads: | 7000 MBpsSequential Writes: | 7000 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Fast PCIe 4.0 performance

Effective under loads

High-endurance ratings

REASONS TO AVOID

Not very efficient for power

Encryption is weak

The Kingston KC3000 NVMe SSD is one of the most advanced solid-state drives on the market. It offers great performance and features that make it perfect for users who require the best possible storage solution. The Kingston KC3000 NVMe SSD is ideal for use in laptops, desktops, and even gaming systems.

Unboxing Kingston KC3000 NVMe SSD

The Kingston KC3000 NVMe SSD features a 7,000 MB/s read speed and a 7,000 MB/s write speed. It also has a capacity of up to 4TB, which is more than enough space to store your Videos, Games, and other important files, as it is cheaper than competition. You can watch our video review, for games performance.

The Kingston KC3000 NVMe SSD is a device that takes advantage of the new PCIe 4.0 x4 transfer interface protocol. This allows for faster data transfers than traditional SATA connections, which is great news for gamers and other users who rely on quick response times for their computing needs. The Kingston KC3000 also comes in a form factor that many users will be familiar with – it is an M.2 2280 drive housed on a double-sided PCB.

On the motherboard installed Kingston KC3000 NVMe SSD

This makes the drive compatible with most motherboards out there, making installation easy and ensuring that your computer is able to take advantage of all the storage capacity the Kingston KC3000 can offer. This new Kingston’s new KC3000 NVMe SSD is powered by the Phison PS5018-E18 controller and comes paired with Micron’s 176-Layer TLC flash. The Kingston KC3000 offers read speeds of 7GB and write speeds of 7GB making it a great choice for users who need high performance. Additionally, the Kingston KC3000 boasts a five-year warranty.

Crucial P5 Plus
Crucial P5 Plus (Image credit: DexPlora)

Crucial P5 Plus

Affordable SSD for PCIe 4.0

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: | PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4Sequential Reads: | 6600 MBpsSequential Writes: | 5000 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Read and write acceleration

Full hardware-based encryption

Best controller technology

REASONS TO AVOID

Continuous usage makes it heat up (heatsink required)

No integrated heatsink

The Crucial P5 Plus NVMe SSD is an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts who demand the best performance possible. With speeds of up to 6GB/s, this drive delivers lightning-fast loading times and smooth gameplay. Additionally, the P5 Plus features a sleek design that makes it a great addition to any system. NVMe is the latest in storage technology and it offers some serious advantages for gaming. These include higher speeds and lower latency, which are both key factors in providing a smooth gaming experience.

The Crucial P5 Plus is a single-sided, M.2 2280 NVMe SSD designed for use in PCs and laptops. The drive supports PCIe 4.0 x4 transfer speeds and uses the NVMe 1.4 protocol. The Crucial P5 Plus is designed for high-performance storage in PCs and laptops. It supports PCIe 4.0 x4 transfer speeds and uses the latest NVMe 1.4 protocol, which offers faster performance than older protocols such as SATA III. Additionally, the P5 Plus is compatible with both Windows 10 and macOS Mojave, so it can be used with any modern PC or laptop.

Crucial’s new P5 Plus NVMe SSD is the latest in a long line of hardware-based encryption solutions for data security. The P5 Plus employs OPAL 2.0-compliant AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data against unauthorized access. The Crucial P5 Plus NVMe SSD is one of the best performing and most affordable NVMe SSDs on the market. It offers great performance, while also being one of the most affordable options you will find. If you are looking for a high-end NVMe SSD, but don’t want to break the bank, the Crucial P5 Plus may be a good option for you.

Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus
Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus (Image credit: DexPlora)

Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus

Best NVMe SSD for gaming

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: | PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3cSequential Reads: | 7100 MBpsSequential Writes: | 6600 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Fast and reliable

Upgradeable firmware

Good visuals with graphics

REASONS TO AVOID

Lack of AES-256 bit encryption

Introducing the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD! This high-performance drive is perfect for gamers and computer enthusiasts who demand the best performance possible. The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD offers blistering speeds, making it a great choice for anyone looking to achieve faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and incredible gaming experiences. With its lightning-fast read and write speeds, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD ensures that your data is always accessible and quick to access. So what are you waiting for? Add this amazing drive to your arsenal today!

The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a fast and reliable M.2 drive. The drive supports PCIe 4.0 x4 transfer speeds and offers read and write speeds of up to 7000 MB/s and 7000 MB/s, respectively. Additionally, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD comes with support for the NVMe 1.4 protocol, making it ideal for use with newer systems and applications.

The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD is a great option for those who want high-performance storage that can also be easily portable. The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe SSD is a double-sided M.2 2280 drive that uses PCIe 4.0 x4 technology to provide the fastest possible transfer speeds. It comes with the NVMe 1.4 protocol, which makes it compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms. Additionally, it has a capacity of 512GB, so it’s perfect for medium to large-size applications.

Patriot Viper VPR100
Patriot Viper VPR100 (Image credit: DexPlora)

Patriot Viper VPR100

Best RGB M.2 SSD

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: | M.2Capacities: | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TBInterface: | PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3cSequential Reads: | 3300 MBpsSequential Writes: | 2900 MBpsWarranty: | 5 years

REASONS TO BUY

Good combo for RGB cases

Solid endurance

Included with heatsink

REASONS TO AVOID

Not the fastest around

Small write cache

The Patriot Viper VPR100 NVMe SSD is a fast, reliable SSD that offers great value for money. It delivers excellent performance and is perfect for users who require the best possible storage performance. The VPR100 is also easy to use and has a sleek, modern design. Patriot’s Viper VPR100 NVMe SSD is a great choice for those looking for a fast and affordable NVMe drive. It offers great performance and affordability, making it a great option for users who need an affordable way to improve their system performance.

The Viper VPR100 comes with a 6 Gbps interface, making it the fastest NVMe drive on the market. It also has a very low latency operation, making it perfect for gaming and other high-performance tasks. The Patriot Viper VPR100 NVMe SSD is a PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 2280 drive designed for high-performance systems. It has a form factor and transfers interface protocol similar to other high-end drives, such as the Samsung 960 Pro, but it offers much higher performance thanks to its NVMe 1.3 protocol.

The Patriot Viper VPR100 comes with a heatsink that helps keep the drive cool during heavy use, and its double-sided design means that it will fit in most cases. Its price is also relatively low when compared to other PCI express 3.0 x 4.0 M.2 drives on the market, so it’s a great option for budget-conscious users who want the best possible performance.

Buying Guide For NVMe SSD

How We Choose NVMe SSDs for this List

test nvme benchmark

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a newer technology for solid-state drives (SSDs) that provides improved performance and lower latency compared to older SATA-based SSDs. NVMe SSDs connect to the computer’s motherboard using a high-speed NVMe interface, which enables the drive to deliver faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and improved overall performance.

If you’re looking to upgrade your storage system or improve your gaming or computing experience, an NVMe SSD is definitely worth considering. With read and write speeds that can exceed 3000 MB/s (3 GB/s), NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA SSDs, which clocks in at around 550 MB/s. The faster transfer speeds can lead to faster load times for games and applications, as well as improved multitasking performance.

nvme m.2 installation method infographic

If you’re looking to upgrade your storage system, you should definitely consider an NVMe SSD. NVMe SSDs offer faster transfer speeds and lower latency compared to SATA SSDs, making them ideal for demanding applications like gaming, data analysis, and multitasking. With read and write speeds that can exceed 3000 MB/s (3 GB/s), NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA SSDs, which clocks in at around 550 MB/s.

FAQ about NVMe SSD

How long do NVMe SSDs last?

The average lifespan of an NVMe SSD is around 10 years, which is similar to SATA SSDs. However, the actual lifespan of an NVMe SSD can vary depending on factors like usage patterns, operating temperatures, and the quality of the components. NVMe SSDs are typically more reliable than SATA SSDs, as they use a more advanced interface and are designed with higher-quality components. Additionally, NVMe SSDs are typically lighter and more compact than SATA SSDs, which makes them a good choice for laptops and other portable devices.

Specification for NVMe SSD

Conclusion

SSD NVMe has come a long way since its inception and is now becoming the standard for high-performance storage. While there are still some disadvantages to using an SSD NVMe over a traditional spinning drive, such as decreased lifespan, it is definitely worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade your gaming PC or laptop. One of the biggest benefits of SSD NVMe is that it offers significantly faster loading times compared to traditional spinning drives.

Pros and Cons of NVMe SSD

This can be particularly beneficial if you’re into competitive online gaming, where milliseconds make all the difference. Additionally, because SSDs are so fast, they can also handle more intensive tasks simultaneously without becoming bogged down. So if you’re someone who likes to multitask and do lots of things at once, an SSD NVMe drive is definitely the way to go!

With its fast read and write speeds, SSD NVMe is perfect for applications that require quick response times and power, such as data analysis and gaming. Additionally, thanks to its increased storage capacity, SSD NVMe is also becoming popular for larger datasets. Overall, SSD NVMe is quickly becoming the standard for high-performance computing. If you’re interested in learning more about Solid State Drives, check out these links.

Nathaniel Cooper
Nathaniel Cooper is a writer and tech enthusiast who also works in media management, storage, and backup. He has more than 10 years of experience in the IT sector and is a seasoned professional. Popular websites like TechRadar and PCWorld have published Nathaniel's work, and currently serving our Dexplora. Nathaniel keeps himself busy by working on a variety of projects, including server management. When Nathaniel got free time, he likes to spend time with his family and play guitar.