If you’re a serious gamer looking to maximize your gaming performance, upgrading to an M.2 SSD is a must. With blazing-fast read and write speeds, these cutting-edge solid-state storage upgrades can drastically reduce load times and improve overall system responsiveness.
But with so many options, choosing the best NVMe M.2 SSD for your gaming rig can be tricky if you don’t already know which one to pick.
Let’s see if we can help…
NVMe M.2 SSD for Gaming
The NVMe SSD is the fastest storage tech on the market, but which is best for gaming?
We tested multiple drives in many game systems and found the top M.2 drives.
We tested over a dozen cheapest and best sellers and picked our favorites.
What is an NVMe M.2 SSD?
An NVMe M.2 SSD is internal hardware storage, a type of solid-state drive that connects via the M.2 interface and uses the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) protocol to communicate with the computer.
NVMe is specifically designed to take advantage of the high-speed PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, allowing for significantly faster data transfer rates compared to older SATA-based SSDs.
This makes NVMe M.2 SSDs ideal for gaming, video editing, and other demanding applications where speed is crucial. The compact M.2 form factor also makes them suitable for laptops and small form factor PCs where space is limited.
When it comes to SSDs, speed is the name of the game. In any application, there is a very real need to get the data from the storage device to the computer as quickly as possible.
In gaming, however, a large amount of storage space is rarely a consideration, which means that a fast SSD is just as important as a large capacity.
Here’s what we learned from our testing:
1. M.2 SSDs for Gaming
SSDs are all about speed. In gaming, fast SSDs are as important as big storage.
Why M.2 SSDs Are Ideal for Gaming PCs
M.2 SSDs are fast, small, and energy-efficient. They’re perfect for gaming PC storage. As SSDs get more popular, makers aim to boost performance without raising prices.
M.2 SSDs use SATA or NVMe controllers. NVMe is better for gaming because it’s faster. NVMe SSDs use PCIe for more bandwidth than SATA SSDs.
Types of M.2 SSDs: NVMe vs SATA
There are many M.2 SSDs to choose from. New NVMe drives offer top performance, while SATA drives are more affordable. These drives can handle demanding tasks and keep your gaming computer fast for years.
- NVMe M.2 SSDs: These drives are fast and perfect for gaming and video editing. They cut down load times and improve your gaming experience.
- SATA M.2 SSDs: While slower than NVMe, SATA M.2 SSDs are faster than HDDs. They’re a budget-friendly option for faster performance.
2. Best M.2 SSDs for Gaming
It’s time to pick up your controllers and start gaming. Not all SSDs are the same. M.2 SSDs are the best for gaming performance, reliability, and price.
Top Picks for M.2 SSDs
- Samsung 990 Pro: The Samsung 990 Pro is the top pick for gaming SSDs. It has read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,900 MB/s. It’s perfect for fast load times and smooth gameplay.
- WD Black SN850: The WD Black SN850 is also great for gamers. It supports PCIe 4.0 for faster data transfer. It has sequential read speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s, making it future-proof.
- Crucial P5 Plus: For a budget-friendly option, the Crucial P5 Plus is a good choice. It has NVMe performance with read speeds up to 6,600 MB/s. It’s ideal for gaming PCs and content creators.
Gamers need different things from regular users, such as SSDs. It’s key to know what you need to pick the right SSD.
Store all your games, apps, photos, music, videos, and more on our industry-leading M.2 SSDs.
The Samsung 990 EVO: Best for Gaming and Console Upgrades
For console upgrades, the Samsung 990 Pro is the best value. It has 2TB storage, fast load times, and great performance. It’s also affordable.
For a solid M.2 for gaming, consider the Samsung 990 EVO. It has great performance, low latency, and a good price. It’s a safe choice.
3. Don’t Buy a Cheap M.2 SSD
SSDs may seem cheap, but they can be expensive to use. Here are tips for finding a cheap but reliable SSD:
- Start with Crucial: They offer the best SSDs at similar prices. You can find a drive that fits your budget.
- Don’t buy a drive you’ve never tried: Research before choosing an SSD, if you’re new to them.
- Look for a warranty: A warranty is important. It ensures you can get your money back if the drive fails.
The Risks of Choosing a Cheap SSD
Buying the cheapest SSD may seem smart. But, cheap SSDs are made with low-quality parts. They won’t last as long as more expensive ones. Here are tips for choosing a good SSD for gaming or everyday use.
SSDs are popular now, with prices at all-time lows. But, the performance benefits are small. There are many other things to consider.
Durability and Heat Management in SSDs
I don’t suggest a cheap M.2 SSD for gaming PCs or consoles. Cheap drives are more likely to fail or get damaged. The heat from gaming rigs can also harm them. A quality SSD with good heat management is key for a long-lasting gaming setup.
The Samsung 990 Pro is one of the fastest SSDs available on the market today. It’s designed to provide exceptional speed and reliability, making it ideal for both gaming and heavy workloads. In this review, we’ll dive into the specifications, installation process, and real-world performance of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD, comparing it to its predecessor, the Samsung 980 Pro.
Overview of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
The Samsung 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD that offers blazing-fast read and write speeds. It comes in three different storage configurations: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, allowing users to choose the model that best fits their needs. The 2TB model is featured in this review, and we will look at its performance in various applications, including gaming and content creation.
Key Specifications
- PCIe Interface: PCIe 4.0
- Storage Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Read Speed: Up to 7,450 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 6,900 MB/s
- Improvement Over Previous Models: 40% faster read speeds and 55% faster write speeds compared to the Samsung 980 Pro
These impressive specifications translate into faster boot times, quicker application launches, and seamless data transfer, making the Samsung 990 Pro an excellent choice for both gamers and professionals.
Installation Process
Installing the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
Installing an NVMe M.2 SSD like the Samsung 990 Pro is relatively straightforward. First, locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard, which may be underneath a heat sink. The SSD should be inserted into the M.2 slot at a 45-degree angle, and then secured with a screw. Once the physical installation is complete, you may need to format the drive to begin using it.
Tips for Installation
- Check Compatibility: Make sure your motherboard has a compatible M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0.
- Handle with Care: Always handle SSDs with care to avoid damaging components.
- Format the Drive: After installing, format the SSD in your system settings to make it ready for use.
Performance and Benchmarks
Benchmarking the Samsung 990 Pro
Spec sheets are one thing, but real-world testing is another. To evaluate the Samsung 990 Pro’s performance, we conducted multiple benchmarks to see how it performs under different scenarios.
CrystalDiskMark Test
One of the first tests we ran was the classic CrystalDiskMark test, which measures the exact read and write speeds of your SSD by running a 1GB file back and forth. The results were impressive:
- Read Speed: 7,175 MB/s
- Write Speed: 6,745 MB/s
These speeds are among the fastest we have ever seen, making the Samsung 990 Pro an excellent choice for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and graphic design. Note that benchmark results may vary based on hardware configuration and thermal conditions.
Comparison with the Samsung 980 Pro
When compared to its predecessor, the Samsung 980 Pro, the Samsung 990 Pro showed significant improvements:
- Read Speed: Up to 40% faster
- Write Speed: Up to 55% faster
In addition, the write speed clocked in around 2,000 MB/s faster than the 980 Pro, making it a substantial upgrade for those looking to improve their system’s performance.
Real-World Gaming Performance
We also tested the Samsung 990 Pro in gaming scenarios to see how it affects load times:
- Forza Horizon 5: Loaded in just 38 seconds
- Call of Duty: Warzone: Loaded in 42 seconds
These results demonstrate that the Samsung 990 Pro significantly reduces load times, providing a smoother gaming experience.
Handling Heavy Workloads
The Samsung 990 Pro is not just for gamers. It also excels in handling heavy workloads such as video editing, animation, and graphic design. The high read/write speeds ensure that users can tackle demanding projects without experiencing slowdowns or bottlenecks.
Applications Beyond Gaming
- Video Editing: Fast data access speeds make video editing seamless, allowing creators to work with large files effortlessly.
- Graphic Design and Animation: The Samsung 990 Pro’s quick read and write speeds are ideal for creative professionals who require efficiency in their workflow.
Installation Walkthrough
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Installing the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process:
- Locate the M.2 Slot: Find the M.2 slot on your motherboard. It may be underneath a heat sink, which you need to remove first.
- Insert the SSD: Insert the Samsung 990 Pro at a 45-degree angle into the M.2 slot.
- Secure the SSD: Use the provided screw to secure the SSD in place.
- Format the SSD: Once installed, format the SSD via your operating system to start using it.
Formatting the Drive
After physically installing the SSD, you need to format it before use. This process involves opening your system’s disk management tool, finding the new SSD, and initializing it for your preferred file system.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a top-tier choice for those looking for a high-performance SSD with incredible read and write speeds. Its ease of installation, excellent real-world performance, and substantial improvements over the previous generation make it a standout option for both gamers and creative professionals.
If you’re looking for an SSD that can handle heavy workloads, cut down on gaming load times, and improve your overall computing experience, the Samsung 990 Pro should be at the top of your list.
Questions about the Samsung 990 PRO
1. What makes the Samsung 990 Pro better than the Samsung 980 Pro?
The Samsung 990 Pro offers up to 40% faster read speeds and up to 55% faster write speeds compared to the Samsung 980 Pro. It also utilizes PCIe 4.0, which provides improved bandwidth for better performance.
2. Is the Samsung 990 Pro suitable for gaming?
Yes, the Samsung 990 Pro is an excellent SSD for gaming. It significantly reduces load times and improves overall system responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming setups.
3. Can I use the Samsung 990 Pro for video editing?
Absolutely. The high read and write speeds of the Samsung 990 Pro make it perfect for video editing, allowing you to work with large files efficiently.
4. How easy is it to install the Samsung 990 Pro SSD?
Installing the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is quite easy. It involves finding the M.2 slot on your motherboard, inserting the SSD, securing it with a screw, and formatting the drive. Most users can complete the installation in a matter of minutes.
5. What are the storage options available for the Samsung 990 Pro?
The Samsung 990 Pro comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB storage configurations, allowing users to select the capacity that best meets their needs.
Note: This video summary was fact-checked and edited by the White Box Storage Team for technical accuracy.
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Expanding Storage for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Future Builds
For console gamers, the best M.2 SSDs are those that support PCIe 4.0. The WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 PRO are great. They meet Sony’s standards for PS5, giving you fast load times.
For future-proof builds or content creation, look for PCIe Gen 5 SSDs. They will be faster than current SSDs. They’re great for 4K video editing and high-resolution gaming.
Conclusion
I recommend the Samsung 990 PRO as the top M.2 SSD for gaming.
The Samsung 990 Pro NVMe M.2 SSD is the best for gaming. Its price has dropped a lot. It has 3D TLC NAND memory for speeds up to 7,450 MB/s. This makes it perfect for gamers who want fast performance and lots of storage.
Choosing the right M.2 SSD can greatly improve your gaming PC, console, or content creation. There are many options, from fast speeds to budget-friendly choices. For gaming, the Samsung 970 EVO and WD Black SN850 are top picks. For future-proofing, PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are the next step. Think about your needs, budget, and future before deciding.
FAQ
1. What is the best M.2 SSD for gaming?
The Samsung 990 Pro and WD Black SN850 are the best for gaming. They have fast speeds and are reliable. Both are great for gaming PCs and consoles.
2. Should I choose an NVMe or SATA M.2 SSD for gaming?
An NVMe M.2 SSD is better for gaming because it’s faster. This means less waiting and smoother play. SATA M.2 SSDs are slower but better than traditional HDDs.
3. What is the best budget M.2 SSD for gaming?
The Crucial P5 Plus is a great budget option. It offers good gaming performance at a low price. It’s perfect for those on a budget.
4. Can I use an M.2 SSD to upgrade my PS5 or Xbox Series X?
Yes, the WD Black SN850 and Samsung 980 PRO are great for PS5 upgrades. They support PCIe 4.0 and have fast speeds. They’re perfect for expanding your console’s storage.
5. How do I ensure my M.2 SSD lasts longer?
To make your M.2 SSD last longer, choose a quality drive with good cooling. Avoid filling it with too many files and apps, and use it at the right temperatures. Drives like the Samsung 990 PRO are known for their durability.