With so many new components hitting the market, and the excitement of building a new PC for whatever your needs may be, we wanted to provide an updated list of the best SSDs to help complete any new or upgraded PC. We also know that as games get bigger, console gamers on the PS5 or the newly released PS5 Pro may want to upgrade their storage, so we made sure to detail all options that will work on the console out of the box or with an added accessory.
The solid-state drive is a vital part of any PC build and plays a key role in ensuring your system runs at its best. We’ve tested a wide range of drives from several manufacturers to identify the most reliable options that deliver top performance and are built to last. With both PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 now offering strong choices—and prices finally coming down—we’ve included picks from both categories to help you upgrade or build your next PC. Many drives didn’t make the cut this year, but as with all our guides, we’ll continue to update this one as more drives pass through our test benches and prove worthy of recommendation.
WD Black SN8100
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $229 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 4×4
It can be hard to find a fast and efficient solid-state drive that delivers the reliability needed, but the latest from WD_BLACK checks all the boxes. In testing, it set new highs across PCMark 10’s storage benchmark and CrystalDiskMark, offering a clear sense of how it performs in real scenarios—from Windows boot and game loads to Adobe app launches. It surpassed previous Gen5 leaders and delivered the kind of responsiveness you can actually feel, not just see in synthetic benchmarks. It also matches or beats some of the best solid-state drives we’ve tested for gaming-centric tasks, reinforcing its position as a best-in-class option for fast installs, captures and asset transfers.
For CGMagazine, what sets the WD_BLACK SN8100 apart is its balance of power and thermals. Built around Silicon Motion’s 6-nanometre SM2508 controller and Kioxia BiCS8 TLC, it delivers top-tier throughput with excellent power efficiency. Launch capacities are single-sided, improving compatibility with compact builds and laptops that have tight M.2 tolerances. Reviewers consistently highlight its leading random read performance, critical for snappy system behaviour, alongside sequential speeds that closely match vendor claims in real-world testing. It’s also PlayStation 5-compatible for storage expansion, easily clearing Sony’s read-speed guidance. However, Gen5 bandwidth isn’t utilized on the console, and a heatsink remains necessary for sustained workloads. With up to 4 TB available now and 8 TB promised, the SN8100 is the Gen5 drive to beat if absolute performance is the priority.
- Drastically enhance your gaming and content creation experience with PCIe Gen 5 technology.
- Enjoy breakneck sequential speeds of up to 14,900MB/s(2) read, 14,000MB/s write,(2) and over 2,300,000 IOPS (2TB – 4TB models).(1)
Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro M.2 2280
Writer: Matt Keith
Price Range: $139.99 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 5×4
The Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro M.2 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 NVMe SSD is a lightning-fast PCIe Gen5 SSD. Leveraging Lexar’s vast experience with storage technology, the NM1090 Pro provides read speeds up to 14,000MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 13,000MB/s. Taking full advantage of the latest PCIe 5.0 technology, this NVMe SSD is ready to take on the most resource-heavy gaming titles.
More impressive still is the NM1090’s 6nm controller, allowing for better heat dissipation even under full load. Whether moving large files or playing through the latest AAA title, the NM1090Pro stays impressively cool throughout. Even during stress testing, the NM1090 Pro sub 70℃ temps consistently, a testament to the 6nm controller’s efficiency.
Taking full advantage of Microsoft DirectStorage³, Lexar’s NM1090 Pro manages to produce faster load times for games while drawing less CPU power. Ideal for those wishing to create fast, yet efficient systems, the NM1090 Pro provides everything needed to make this dream a reality. Rated for 1.5 million hours, you can rest assured your data will be safe for years to come.
Available in 4TB, 2TB, and 1TB, the NM1090 Pro can accommodate a wide range of storage needs. Available on Amazon for 494.99, 269.99, and 179.99, the Lexar Professional NM1090 Pro M.2 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 NVMe SSD is an excellent solution for new and existing productivity and gaming rigs. If you’re in the market for an exceptionally fast SSD, the NM1090 Pro is a choice worth considering.
SK Hynix Platinum P41
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $103.99 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 4×4
When building systems in the CGMagazine offices, we have been very impressed with the SSDs from SK Hynix, which is why the SK Hynix Platinum P41 was one of the top contenders for our best SSDs of 2024 list. This drive is a standout PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, delivering exceptional performance at competitive prices. Available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities, it boasts incredible sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,000 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively.
Powered by SK Hynix’s in-house Aries controller and 176-layer TLC NAND, the drive excels in both gaming and productivity tasks, setting benchmarks in PCMark 10 and 3DMark tests. It is also PS5-compatible, though its lack of a built-in heatsink necessitates an aftermarket solution for optimal thermal management. Thankfully, the SK Hynix Haechi H01 heatsink is made for the task, and in our testing does a fantastic job of pulling heat away from the drive while in use.
While the Platinum P41 runs hot under sustained workloads, its efficiency and reliability remain top-tier. With a five-year warranty and endurance ratings of up to 1,200 TBW for the 2 TB model, it is a durable choice for power users. For gamers and PC builders seeking premium performance without breaking the bank, this SSD is an excellent pick.
- Top-tier performance – Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,500 MB/s with proprietary SK hynix HYPERWRITE cache technology
- Pioneering power efficiency – next-tier power efficiency that keeps your system running smoother than ever
Corsair MP700 Pro
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $249.99 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 5×4
Even with how new the technology still is, we wanted to ensure we included at least one PCIe 5.0 drive, and few compared to what we saw from the Corsair MP700 Pro. This drive is a powerhouse PCIe 5.0 SSD designed for enthusiasts seeking top-tier performance.
With sequential read and write speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s and 12,000 MB/s, respectively, it ties with the Crucial T700 as one of the fastest SSDs available. Its performance shines in tasks like gaming and file transfers, where it consistently outpaces PCIe 4.0 drives by significant margins. In benchmarks, it excels at both large and small file operations, making it ideal for demanding workloads or for those who need the best potential performance from their PC.
Corsair offers flexibility with cooling options, including air-cooled, liquid-cooled, or bare configurations. While the integrated fan ensures thermal stability, it may add slight noise to your setup. The MP700 Pro is available in 2 TB and 4 TB capacities, backed by a five-year warranty and robust endurance ratings (up to 3,000 TBW). However, as with all PCIe 5.0 drives, you will need a capable system, and with this still being a relatively new feature, this drive is limited to those with relatively new builds only.
- Gen5 Performance Powered by NVMe 2.0: PCIe Gen5 x4 combines with the massively high-bandwidth NVMe 2.0 interface to unleash higher-speed data transfers and greater M.2 SSD performance than ever before. *SSD cooling required.
- Your PC Made Faster: Load games, boot Windows, and manage large files with unprecedented speed, reaching up to 12,400MB/sec sequential read and 11,800MB/sec sequential write speeds. **Performance and endurance vary by capacity
Seagate FireCuda 530
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $169.99 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 4×4
I have been a fan of the Seagate FireCuda range for a while now, and the FireCuda 530 is no exception. This drive is a standout PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, offering exceptional speed, endurance, and stability for gamers and content creators. With sequential read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s (depending on capacity), it delivers incredible performance ideal for demanding applications like next-gen gaming and video editing. Its use of the Phison E18 controller and 3D TLC NAND ensures reliability and efficiency, while its rated endurance of up to 5,100 TBW (terabytes written) far exceeds many competitors, making it a durable choice for heavy workloads.
Available in capacities ranging from 500 GB to 4 TB, the FireCuda 530 also includes a five-year warranty and a three-year data recovery service. It is compatible with the PlayStation 5 if you supply your own heatsink or buy the EKWB-designed heatsink model. While it is one of the more expensive drives on our list, its performance justifies the investment for users seeking top-tier storage.
- Speed reigns—Seagate’s FireCuda 530 dominates the SSD lineup, delivering pure performance, absolute power, the most advanced components, and unrivaled endurance.date transfer rate:7300.0 megabits_per_second
- Exhilarating performance up to 7300MB/s—harness the full power of PCIe Gen4 speeds to dominate next-generation games and apps
Samsung 990 PRO
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $219.99 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 5×4
While we are already seeing some fantastic PCIe 5.0 drives, few Gen 4 drives compare to the performance of the Samsung 990 PRO. This drive ranks among our best Gen 4 tests and delivers amazing performance, ideal for gamers, content creators, and professionals. With sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s, respectively, it outpaces its predecessor, the 980 PRO, by significant margins. Random read/write speeds see a 55 per cent improvement, making it perfect for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. We use one of these drives in our test bench and in our editing PC, and it is one I swear by if you can look past the price.
Samsung’s proprietary Pascal controller enhances power efficiency by up to 50 per cent while maintaining exceptional thermal management through a nickel-coated controller and heat spreader label. This ensures consistent performance even under heavy workloads. The SSD is available in configurations with or without a heatsink—ideal for both PCs and PlayStation 5 consoles. While its premium pricing may deter budget-conscious buyers, the 990 PRO’s unmatched speed and reliability make it a top-tier choice for those seeking cutting-edge storage solutions.
- 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
WD Black SN850X
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $124.82 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 4×4
The WD Black range of drives always manages to find a place on any PC parts list, and there is a reason for that: rock-solid stability and great performance. The WD Black SN850X keeps up this tradition. This is a standout PCIe 4.0 SSD designed for gamers and performance enthusiasts.
Boasting blazing sequential read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s and write speeds of 6,600 MB/s, it delivers top-tier performance, though it lags slightly behind competitors like the Samsung 990 PRO in some benchmarks. Its Game Mode 2.0 optimizes load times, making it a strong choice for gaming, as evidenced by faster loading speeds in titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 compared to some of the alternatives.
Available in capacities up to 8 TB, the SN850X offers flexibility for various needs, including gaming and content creation. However, it runs hot under heavy loads, so a heatsink—either from WD or your motherboard—is recommended. While its pricing is competitive for its class, cheaper alternatives may suffice for non-gaming tasks. The WD Black SN850X strikes an excellent balance between speed and value, making it a top pick for gamers seeking high-capacity storage without breaking the bank.
- TRANSFORM YOUR PC. Get top-tier performance and ridiculously short load times for your gaming PC or workstation with insane speeds up to 7,300 MB/s (2)
- MORE ROOM, MORE GAMES. Capacities up to 8TB (1) built with Western Digital TLC 3D NAND, means you get to download more games — and stop deleting your favorites.
Kingston Fury Renegade
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $189.95 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 4×4
Next on our list is the Kingston Fury Renegade SSD, a drive we use in many PCs in the CGMagazine offices, including my personal rig. This drive is a high-performance PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive tailored for gamers and power users, delivering solid speed and fantastic stability. With sequential read/write speeds of up to 7,300/7,000 MB/s and random IOPS reaching one million, it ensures lightning-fast load times for games and applications. Built with Micron’s 176-layer TLC NAND and the Phison E18 controller, it offers excellent durability, rated at one petabyte written per terabyte of capacity, and comes with a five-year warranty.
Available in capacities from 500 GB to 4 TB, the Fury Renegade is PlayStation 5-compatible and features optional heat management solutions such as a graphene heat spreader or full heatsink. I like this drive, but I have to admit it doesn’t outpace premium competitors like the Samsung 990 Pro in all benchmarks. However, thanks to its competitive pricing—especially for the 1 TB and 2 TB models—it is an attractive choice for those seeking top-tier performance without breaking the bank.
- Incredible PCIe Gen 4×4 NVMe performance at speeds up to 7300MB/s read and 7000MB/s write.Specific uses: Business,Gaming,Personal
- Low profile graphene aluminum heat spreader
Lexar NM790
Writer: Brendan Frye
Price Range: $99.99 and Up
Type: PCIe Gen 4×4
Rounding out the list, we have the Lexar NM790 SSD, a drive that balances high performance, efficiency, and affordability. As one of the least expensive on this list, it offers solid sequential read and write speeds of up to 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s, respectively, competing with premium Gen 4 drives while maintaining a budget-friendly edge. Its use of YMTC’s 232-layer TLC NAND and a DRAM-less design with Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology ensures smooth performance and reduced power consumption—up to 40 per cent less than DRAM-equipped alternatives—making it ideal for laptops and desktops alike.
Available in capacities ranging from 512 GB to 4 TB, the NM790 is particularly appealing for gamers and creators needing ample storage. Its optional integrated heatsink helps manage thermals during demanding tasks, while its compatibility with the PlayStation 5 adds versatility. A five-year warranty and solid endurance ratings further enhance its value proposition. For those seeking a reliable, high-capacity SSD without breaking the bank, the NM790 is a compelling choice. While it is a cheaper option, Lexar manages to deliver a fantastic SSD offering that is easy to recommend to anyone looking for a new drive.
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