We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best SSDs For Gaming PCs 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 7,450 MB/s for High End Computing, Gaming, and Heavy Duty Workstations, MZ-V9P4T0B/AM

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds

Most important from
16754 reviews

Storage Capacity
It gives roughly 4.1TB worth of storage, so you actually get more than what's advertised, which never happens.
Read/Write Speeds
This drive is ridiculously fast and perfect for anyone looking for top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, or high-end computing.

The SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB is a solid choice for gamers and heavy-duty computer users looking for high performance. With impressive read speeds up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of 6,900 MB/s, it delivers the speed needed for quick loading times in games and applications. One of its main strengths is its capacity, offering 4TB of storage, which is ideal for gamers who need to store large game libraries, videos, and other data.

Additionally, this SSD features PCIe 4.0 technology, providing a significant performance boost and ensuring compatibility with modern gaming PCs. The endurance rating is also commendable, making it a reliable choice for frequent writes typical in gaming and content creation. However, there are a few aspects to consider. The higher price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious users, especially if they don't require the extreme speeds offered by the 990 PRO. Additionally, while the 4TB capacity is outstanding, users with less demanding storage needs might find smaller, more affordable SSDs sufficient for their gaming setups. Lastly, the 990 PRO's slim M.2 2280 form factor means it's not compatible with all older systems, so checking compatibility beforehand is essential.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Storage Capacity
Read/Write Speeds

Most important from
16754 reviews

Storage Capacity
It gives roughly 4.1TB worth of storage, so you actually get more than what's advertised, which never happens.
Read/Write Speeds
This drive is ridiculously fast and perfect for anyone looking for top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, or high-end computing.
#2

Crucial T700 PCIe Gen5 NVMe 4TB SSD, Up to 12,400MB/s, Intel & Ryzen Compatible, for Hardcore Gaming & High-Speed Storage, Solid State Drive – CT4000T700SSD3

Rating
10.0
Read/Write Speeds

Most important from
1619 reviews

Read/Write Speeds
Blazing fast speeds unlock the full potential of PCIe 5.0, especially noticeable when handling large file transfers.

The Crucial T700 4TB Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD is built for gamers and creative professionals who need a lot of fast storage. With very high read speeds up to 12,400 MB/s and write speeds near 11,800 MB/s, it can load games and large files quickly, reducing wait times significantly. It supports Microsoft DirectStorage, which means games that use this technology will benefit from faster texture loading and smoother performance.

The 4TB capacity is generous, allowing you to store many games, large video files, and heavy applications without worrying about space. It uses the latest PCIe Gen5 interface, ensuring compatibility with modern gaming motherboards and future-proofing your setup. The M.2 form factor is compact and fits easily inside most gaming PCs, but it's important to install it with a heatsink and good airflow to keep it cool during intense use.

If you want a high-performance SSD that speeds up gaming and creative tasks with plenty of storage, the Crucial T700 offers impressive value. Just make sure your PC supports PCIe Gen5 and proper cooling for the best experience.

Rating
10.0
Read/Write Speeds

Most important from
1619 reviews

Read/Write Speeds
Blazing fast speeds unlock the full potential of PCIe 5.0, especially noticeable when handling large file transfers.
#3

SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 Internal Solid State Drive w/ V-NAND Technology, Storage and Memory Expansion for Gaming, Graphics w/ Heat Control, Max Speed, MZ-V7S2T0B/AM

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Form Factor

Most important from
60386 reviews

Capacity
This SSD is perfect for heavy storage of games or other files, offering excellent performance.
Read/Write Speeds
Installation is straightforward and the SSD delivers on its promises with quick read and write speeds.
Form Factor
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 is incredibly fast and works very well, making it a top choice for upgrading older devices.

The Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD offers impressive capabilities for gaming PCs. It comes with a storage capacity of 2TB, which is ample for storing large game files and multimedia. The NVMe M.2 form factor ensures compatibility with modern desktops and provides faster data access compared to traditional SSDs. Its sequential read and write speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s and 3,300 MB/s respectively, are excellent for gaming, significantly reducing load times and enhancing performance.

Additionally, the drive is equipped with V-NAND technology, promising reliable performance and durability with an endurance rating of up to 1,200 TBW, making it suitable for heavy usage over the years. Heat management is another strong point with Samsung’s Dynamic Thermal Guard, helping maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevent performance drops during intense gaming sessions. The included Samsung Magician software offers convenient tools for monitoring, updating, and boosting the drive’s performance, adding to its value.

As an internal SSD, installation requires opening up the desktop, which might be slightly challenging for some users. Despite this, the 970 EVO Plus is backed by a 7-year limited warranty, reinforcing its reliability and Samsung’s reputation for quality. For gamers looking for a high-capacity, high-speed, and reliable SSD, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus is a compelling choice.

Rating
9.4
Capacity
Read/Write Speeds
Form Factor

Most important from
60386 reviews

Capacity
This SSD is perfect for heavy storage of games or other files, offering excellent performance.
Read/Write Speeds
Installation is straightforward and the SSD delivers on its promises with quick read and write speeds.
Form Factor
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 is incredibly fast and works very well, making it a top choice for upgrading older devices.

Buying Guide for the Best SSDs For Gaming PCs

When it comes to building or upgrading a gaming PC, choosing the right SSD (Solid State Drive) is crucial for ensuring fast load times, smooth gameplay, and overall system responsiveness. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, and they can significantly improve your gaming experience. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting an SSD for your gaming PC, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
CapacityCapacity refers to the amount of data an SSD can store. This is important because games are becoming increasingly large, often requiring tens of gigabytes of storage space. SSDs typically range from 120GB to several terabytes. For gaming, a minimum of 500GB is recommended to store the operating system, a few games, and other essential software. If you plan to install many games or large applications, consider 1TB or more to ensure you have ample space.
Read/Write SpeedsRead and write speeds indicate how quickly data can be read from or written to the SSD. This is crucial for reducing game load times and improving overall system performance. SSDs are generally much faster than traditional hard drives, but there are variations among SSDs themselves. SATA SSDs typically offer read/write speeds of around 500MB/s, while NVMe SSDs can reach speeds of up to 3500MB/s or more. For gaming, NVMe SSDs are preferred due to their superior performance, but SATA SSDs are still a good option if you're on a tighter budget.
Form FactorThe form factor of an SSD refers to its physical size and shape, which determines compatibility with your PC. The most common form factors are 2.5-inch and M.2. 2.5-inch SSDs are similar in size to traditional hard drives and connect via SATA cables, making them compatible with most desktops and laptops. M.2 SSDs are smaller and connect directly to the motherboard, offering faster speeds and a more compact design. For gaming PCs, M.2 NVMe SSDs are often preferred for their performance and ease of installation, but ensure your motherboard has the necessary slot.
Endurance (TBW)Endurance, measured in Terabytes Written (TBW), indicates how much data can be written to the SSD over its lifespan. This is important for understanding the durability and longevity of the drive. Higher TBW values mean the SSD can handle more data writes before it may start to fail. For gaming, where large files are frequently read and written, an SSD with a higher TBW is beneficial. Look for SSDs with at least 150TBW for moderate use, and higher if you plan on heavy usage or frequent game installations.
InterfaceThe interface of an SSD determines how it connects to your PC and affects its speed. The two main interfaces are SATA and NVMe. SATA SSDs connect via the SATA interface and offer good performance, suitable for most gaming needs. NVMe SSDs connect via the PCIe interface and provide significantly faster speeds, making them ideal for high-performance gaming PCs. If your motherboard supports NVMe, it's worth opting for an NVMe SSD to take advantage of the speed benefits.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now