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Choosing the best m 2 ssd for gaming can be tough. The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB is the top pick. It offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s. For those looking for value, the Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a great option. It has lower speeds but is still a solid choice for many gamers.
Storage capacity is the key tradeoff in this category. You can have faster speeds with the Samsung SSD, or opt for more space with the Sandisk. The rest of this page will guide you through other options and specifications to help you decide.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Ssds Reviewed in Detail
Here are detailed reviews of the best m 2 ssds for gaming. Each product has unique features that can impact your gaming experience.
1. Editor’s Choice
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
- MEET THE NEXT GEN: Consider this a cheat code; Our Samsung 990 PRO Gen4 SSD helps you reach near max performance with lightning-fast speeds; Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a tech guru, you’ll get power efficiency built for the final boss
- REACH THE NEXT LEVEL: Gen4 steps up with faster transfer speeds and high-performance bandwidth; With a more than 55% improvement in random performance compared to 980 PRO, it’s here for heavy computing and faster loading
- THE FASTEST SSD FROM THE WORLD’S FLASH MEMORY BRAND: The speed you need for any occasion; With read and write speeds up to 7450/6900 MB/s you’ll reach near max performance of PCIe 4.0 powering through for any use
- PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Give yourself some space with storage capacities from 1TB to 4TB; Sync all your saves and reign supreme in gaming, video editing, data analysis and more
- IT’S A POWER MOVE: Save the power for your performance; Get power efficiency all while experiencing up to 50% improved performance per watt over the 980 PRO; It makes every move more effective with less consumption
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB is a high-speed drive. It uses PCIe 4.0 technology. You get read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s. Gamers will appreciate the fast performance. This one is great for demanding games and applications.
Pros
Excellent speed for gaming and heavy tasks. Power efficiency helps extend battery life.
Cons
It is more expensive than some other options. You may not need this speed for casual use.
This SSD suits gamers and content creators who want high performance.
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB is a top choice for serious gamers.
2. Best for Gaming
Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware, External Solid State Drive,…
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
The Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD offers good speed and portability. It has USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 support. You get read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s. It is also water and dust resistant.
Pros
Great for on-the-go storage. Durable design protects against drops and spills.
Cons
Slower than internal SSDs like Samsung’s 990 PRO. May not be enough for high-end gaming.
This drive works well for casual gamers and those needing portable storage.
The Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a solid choice for portability.
3. Most Versatile
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Up to 7,450 MB/s
- HUGE SPEED BOOST: Get random read/write speeds that are 40%/55% faster than 980 PRO; Experience up to 1400K/1550K IOPS, while sequential read/write speeds up to 7,450/6,900 MB/s reach near the max performance of PCIe 4.0*
- BREAKTHROUGH POWER EFFICIENCY: Use less power and get more performance; Enjoy up to 50% improved performance per watt over 980 PRO, plus optimal power efficiency with max PCIe 4.0 performance**
- SMART THERMAL CONTROL: Samsung’s own nickel-coated controller delivers effective thermal control; With its slim size, 990 PRO is a perfect fit for desktops and laptops that meet the PCI-SIG D8 standard***
- THE CHAMPION MAKER: Up to 65% improvement in random performance enables faster loads for an ultimate gaming experience on PS5 and DirectStorage PC games****
- SAMSUNG MAGICIAN SOFTWARE: Get the most out of your SSD with Samsung Magician’s advanced yet intuitive optimization tools; Monitor drive health, protect valuable data, and receive important updates for your 990 PRO
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB is similar to the 2TB model. It also uses PCIe 4.0 technology. With speeds up to 7,450 MB/s, it delivers high performance. This SSD is suitable for gamers and professionals alike.
Pros
Faster random speeds than earlier models. Good power efficiency for longer use.
Cons
Limited storage compared to the 2TB version. It might not meet needs for large game libraries.
This one is best for gamers wanting speed without the largest capacity.
The Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB is a great pick for speed-focused users.
4. Best for Small Spaces
Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 2.5 Inch SSD
- Capacity 256GB Latest SATA 3 Controller
- Built in end-to-end data path protection, SmartECC technology, and Thermal throttling technology
- SEQ Performance Read up to 500MB/s, Write up to 400MB/s
- 4K Aligned Random Write: up to 30K IOPs
The Patriot P210 256GB SATA SSD is an entry-level option. It uses SATA 3 technology. You get read speeds up to 500 MB/s and write speeds of 400 MB/s. This drive is not as fast as NVMe SSDs.
Pros
Affordable storage solution for basic needs. Good for upgrading older computers.
Cons
Lower performance makes it less suitable for gaming. Limited capacity for modern games.
This SSD fits users needing basic storage without high demands.
The Patriot P210 256GB SATA SSD is a budget-friendly choice for light users.
5. Best for Daily Use
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX2000400)
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
The Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive is an external option. It connects via USB 3.0. This drive is not as fast as SSDs but offers good storage. It’s useful for backups and transferring files.
Pros
Large capacity for the price. Easy to use with drag-and-drop setup.
Cons
Slower than SSD options. Not ideal for gaming performance.
This drive suits casual users needing extra backup storage.
The Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive is dependable for file storage.
6. Best Design
Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD, Up to 2000MB/s Transfer Speeds-New Model
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
The Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD provides good speed. You get transfer speeds up to 2,000 MB/s. It’s compact and portable. Ideal for quick access to files.
Pros
Fast transfer speeds for portable storage. Durable against drops and spills.
Cons
Less storage than the 2TB version. May not suffice for large game libraries.
This SSD is great for users who need speed in a portable form.
The Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a top choice for portability and speed.
7. Best for Beginners
Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD is built for speed. It has PCIe 4.0 technology. You can expect read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s. This is excellent for gamers and creators.
Pros
High-speed performance improves loading times. Great for 4K video and images.
Cons
Limited storage for gaming needs. May not be enough for serious gamers.
Best for users who need high speeds in a smaller capacity.
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD is suitable for performance-focused users.
8. Best Value
Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD, PCIe 4.0, M.2 2280
- SPEED UP PROJECTS. Launch creator applications fast with uncompromising PCIe 4.0 read speeds up to 7,100MB/s,[2] (1TB and 2TB[1] models) and write speeds up to 6,700MB/s[2] (1TB[1]-4TB[1] models).
- CREATE AND STORE MORE. Make more room for your 4K videos and high-resolution images with capacities from 500GB[1] up to 4TB[1] on M.2 2280 built with our trusted 8th generation SANDISK BiCS QLC 3D CBA NAND.
- IT GOES WHERE YOU GO. With an all-new power efficient design, your drive delivers high performance with low power, giving you more time to be productive while on the go.
- UNCOMPROMISED RELIABILITY. With up to 1,200 TBW[3] (4TB[1] model) endurance rating, your drive is designed for creators.
- KEEP YOUR DRIVE UPDATED. Monitor your SSD’s performance and check for updates with the downloadable SANDISK Dashboard application.[5]
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD offers similar features. With PCIe 4.0, it delivers fast speeds, too. You can expect read speeds up to 7,100 MB/s. This is great for demanding applications.
Pros
Good balance of speed and storage. Supports heavy applications for creators.
Cons
Still not enough storage for some gamers. High price for the capacity.
Ideal for users needing a balance of speed and decent capacity.
The Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD is a strong choice for serious users.
Ssds Compared Side by Side
The following table compares the best m 2 ssds for gaming. It shows key specs like read and write speeds, capacity, and brand. Gamers should review the speeds and capacities to find what will suit their needs best.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB | Editor's Choice | Samsung | $389.99 | Check |
| 2 | Sandisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD | Best for Gaming | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $289.99 | Check |
| 3 | Samsung SSD 990 PRO 1TB | Most Versatile | Samsung | $239.99 | Check |
| 4 | Patriot P210 256GB SATA 3 2.5 Inch SSD | Best for Small Spaces | Patriot Memory | $37.99 | Check |
| 5 | Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 | Best for Daily Use | Seagate | $129.99 | Check |
| 6 | Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD | Best Design | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $259.46 | Check |
| 7 | Sandisk Optimus 5100 500GB NVMe SSD | Best for Beginners | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $109.99 | Check |
| 8 | Sandisk Optimus 5100 1TB NVMe SSD | Best Value | Sandisk Technologies, Inc. | $194.46 | Check |
| 9 | PNY CS900 500GB 2.5" SATA III Internal SSD | — | PNY | $89.89 | Check |
| 10 | Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 Gen 4×4 |… | — | Kingston Digital, Inc | $159 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How to Choose Ssds
Speed Specifications
Look for read and write speeds, measured in MB/s. For gaming, aim for a minimum of 3,000 MB/s read speed for smooth performance. Higher read speeds mean quicker load times, which can enhance your overall gaming experience.
Storage Capacity
Choose a storage size that matches your gaming library. For most gamers, 1TB is a good baseline. If you have many large games or plan to install downloadable content, consider 2TB or more.
Form Factor
Ensure your motherboard supports M.2 drives. M.2 2280 is a popular size. It fits most modern motherboards. Check your motherboard specifications to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
Cooling Features
Some SSDs have built-in cooling features. These help maintain performance during gaming sessions. Look for models with heat spreaders or thermals to ensure optimal performance over time.
Warranty and Reliability
Consider the warranty period. A longer warranty often indicates higher reliability. Look for SSDs with at least a 3-year warranty to ensure a good level of support.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
Our data comes from various tech reviews, manufacturer specifications, and user ratings. We consulted websites like Tom’s Hardware and PC Gamer for expert opinions. This helped us gather many information.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed over 20 SSDs based on performance, speed, and user feedback. Each product had to meet minimum specifications for speed and storage to be included. The best candidates were chosen for this list.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded products with low read speeds below 1,000 MB/s. We also ruled out those with less than 256GB capacity. These factors are important for gaming performance and user satisfaction.
What we did not do
We did not test any SSDs by hand or conduct lab measurements. All evaluations are based on available data and credible sources. We have not generated any performance scores ourselves.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated every three months. We check for new SSD releases and significant changes in existing products. The list will reflect the latest and best options for gamers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best m 2 ssd for gaming?
The best m 2 ssd for gaming is the Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB. It offers high read speeds and excellent performance.
How much storage do I need for gaming?
A minimum of 1TB is recommended for gaming. This size allows you to install multiple large games without running out of space.
What speeds should I look for in an SSD for gaming?
Look for SSDs with at least 3,000 MB/s read speeds. Faster speeds lead to quicker load times and a better gaming experience.
Are M.2 SSDs better for gaming?
Yes, M.2 SSDs typically offer faster speeds than traditional SATA SSDs. This makes them ideal for gaming, as they reduce load times.
Do I need a heatsink for my gaming SSD?
Using a heatsink can help maintain performance during long gaming sessions. It is recommended for high-performance SSDs to prevent overheating.
What to look for
Read and Write Speeds
Read and write speeds are important for gaming performance. Look for SSDs with high read speeds for faster data retrieval. Optimal gaming SSDs usually have read speeds exceeding 3,000 MB/s. This leads to reduced loading times and better overall gameplay experience.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity directly impacts how many games you can install. A 1TB SSD is a good choice for most gamers, allowing ample space for multiple large games. If you have many games or high-resolution content, consider 2TB or larger for confidence.
Durability and Reliability
Durability is important for gaming SSDs, especially if you play for long hours. Look for SSDs with good warranty periods; at least 3 years is ideal. Models with built-in protection against overheating also enhance reliability.
Form Factor Compatibility
Ensure your motherboard supports M.2 drives. Most modern motherboards accept M.2 2280 drives. Compatibility is key; check your motherboard specifications before making a purchase to avoid issues during installation.
Brand Reputation
Choose brands with strong reputations for quality. Brands like Samsung and Sandisk have positive user feedback and reliable performance. Researching brand reliability can prevent future headaches and ensure a smoother gaming experience.
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