Finding the best SSDs for gaming is the most impactful upgrade you can make to a PC, dramatically improving load times and overall system responsiveness. A fast SSD is a key component we highlight in our complete guide on what to look for when buying a pre-built gaming PC, and this guide will help you choose the perfect model for your needs.
We’ll break down the key differences between the older SATA and modern NVMe interfaces and recommend the top 4 drives that offer the best performance, reliability, and value for gamers in 2025.
SATA vs. NVMe: What’s the Difference for Gamers?
Understanding the two main types of drives is the first step to finding the best SSDs for gaming.
- SATA SSD: These drives use the same 2.5-inch form factor as traditional hard drives. They are significantly faster than any HDD and are a fantastic, budget-friendly option for mass game storage.
- NVMe M.2 SSD: This is the modern standard. These drives plug directly into the motherboard and are multiple times faster than SATA. If you want the absolute fastest performance, NVMe drives are the best SSDs for gaming, hands down. For a highly technical look at the architecture, the team at StorageReview provides an excellent deep dive.
How much storage do you need? A 1TB drive is the recommended minimum for most gamers. A 2TB drive is the sweet spot, providing ample room for your OS and a healthy library of games.
Our Picks for the Best SSDs for Gaming in 2025
1. Samsung 980 Pro: The Best Overall NVMe SSD for Gaming
The Samsung 980 Pro has been a dominant force in the high-performance storage market, and it remains one of the best SSDs for gaming. As a PCIe Gen4 drive, it delivers incredibly fast read/write speeds (up to 7,000 MB/s) that obliterate game loading screens. It’s known for its exceptional reliability, backed by Samsung’s excellent Magician software.
- Type: NVMe M.2 (PCIe Gen4)
- Capacity: 1TB / 2TB
- Speed: Up to 7,000 MB/s
- Best For: Enthusiast gamers who want a top-tier, reliable boot drive.
While newer Gen5 drives are emerging, the 980 Pro offers a phenomenal blend of elite performance and mature pricing, making it the best all-around NVMe drive for the vast majority of gamers.
2. Crucial P3 Plus: The Best Value NVMe SSD for Gaming
Crucial, a brand by Micron, has a reputation for producing rock-solid, reliable hardware at an unbeatable price, and the P3 Plus is a perfect example. This PCIe Gen4 drive offers read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s—a massive upgrade over any SATA drive—at a cost that is often significantly lower than its top-end competitors. It’s an incredibly smart choice for gamers who want the benefits of NVMe speed without paying the premium for the absolute fastest drive on the market.
- Type: NVMe M.2 (PCIe Gen4)
- Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB
- Speed: Up to 5,000 MB/s
- Best For: Budget-conscious gamers who want the best performance-per-dollar.
For a secondary game drive or a main drive in a budget-focused build, the Crucial P3 Plus delivers incredible value and is an easy top recommendation.
3. WD_BLACK SN850X: The Best for Raw Performance
For the gamer who wants the absolute fastest drive, no questions asked, the WD_BLACK SN850X is a performance king. This drive is engineered specifically for hardcore gamers, pushing the limits of the PCIe Gen4 interface with read speeds of up to 7,300 MB/s. It features an advanced “Gaming Mode 2.0” in its software that uses predictive loading to further reduce in-game load times. It’s also available with an optional, sleek heatsink that includes RGB lighting.
- Type: NVMe M.2 (PCIe Gen4)
- Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB
- Speed: Up to 7,300 MB/s
- Best For: Gamers who demand the absolute maximum speed and cutting-edge features.
If your goal is to build a rig with zero compromises, the WD_BLACK SN850X is the apex predator of gaming SSDs.
4. Samsung 870 EVO: The Best SATA SSD for Gaming
While NVMe drives get all the attention, the SATA SSD is far from obsolete. For storing your massive back-catalog of games or for upgrading an older PC that lacks an M.2 slot, a high-quality SATA drive is the perfect solution. The Samsung 870 EVO is the undisputed champion in this category. It offers the fastest possible speeds the SATA interface can provide, combined with industry-leading reliability and endurance.
- Type: 2.5-Inch SATA
- Capacity: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB
- Speed: Up to 560 MB/s
- Best For: Mass game storage and upgrading older PCs.
Don’t let your old gaming laptop or desktop languish with a slow hard drive. The 870 EVO is a cost-effective and transformative upgrade that will make any older system feel brand new.
Conclusion: The Easiest Way to a Faster PC
Upgrading your storage is one of the most impactful changes you can make to your rig, a core principle we cover in our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming PCs. For gamers, choosing one of the best SSDs for gaming results in an immediate and noticeable improvement in day-to-day use. Paired with one of the best RAM kits for gaming, a new SSD can make an old system feel brand new.
For the best combination of speed, reliability, and price, the Samsung 980 Pro remains our top recommendation. No matter which of these best SSDs for gaming you choose, you’ll be waving goodbye to loading screens and getting into your games faster.