Buying Guide
The Best Gaming SSDs With DRAM Cache
Five SSDs compared, from the SN7100 1TB to the T710 2TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A DRAM cache keeps write speed steady when you install large games. Every pick has a DRAM cache and 1TB or more, ordered by write speed.
Our comparison rests on published figures for sequential read, sequential write and interface; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Rated Write Speed
Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB
The fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Our take Check price for Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Crucial T710 2TB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Crucial T710 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB
The lowest price among these SSDs at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB
Next-generation TLC NAND.
Best for: Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND.
Our take Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Crucial T500 1TB
Micron TLC NAND.
Best for: Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND.
Our take Check price for Crucial T500 1TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s). | Buyers who put rated write speed first. | Check price for Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Crucial T710 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these SSDs at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Next-generation TLC NAND. | Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND. | Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Micron TLC NAND. | Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND. | Check price for Crucial T500 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Write Speed1 of 5
Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,900MB/s reads and 14,500MB/s writes, the fastest Corsair drive here.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated spee rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it ties with the T710 2TB at 14,900MB/s. Its 14,500MB/s rated write speed is the fastest here; the T710 2TB comes next at 13,800MB/s. Like the T710 2TB, it has a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface, while the SN7100 1TB uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface.
It also comes with the highest rated writes among the drives here and DirectStorage support. It is an M.2 2280 drive, the standard length on desktop boards; check which of your board's slots it goes in, as some share lanes with SATA ports. Use a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, usually the one closest to the CPU, and a board heatsink or the drive's own; in a PCIe 4.0 slot it runs at 4.0 speed. It was priced above the SN7100 2TB and below the T710 2TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 14,900MB/s
- Sequential write: 14,500MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 read speeds up to 14,900MB/s
- The highest rated writes among the drives here
- DirectStorage support
- Fastest rated write speed of the picks (14,500MB/s)
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Costs more than the SN7100 1TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Crucial T710 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The T710 2TB is a PCIe 5.0 drive rated for 14,900MB/s reads and 13,800MB/s writes with a five-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it ties with the MP700 PRO XT 2TB at 14,900MB/s. Its 13,800MB/s rated write speed ranks second of 5 here, behind the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,500MB/s) and ahead of the T500 1TB (6,800MB/s). Like the MP700 PRO XT 2TB, it has a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface, while the SN7100 2TB uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface.
It also offers Micron TLC NAND. It is an M.2 2280 drive, the standard length on desktop boards; check which of your board's slots it goes in, as some share lanes with SATA ports. Use a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, usually the one closest to the CPU, and a board heatsink or the drive's own; in a PCIe 4.0 slot it runs at 4.0 speed. Only the MP700 PRO XT 2TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 14,900MB/s
- Sequential write: 13,800MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
- Warranty: 5-year
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 read speeds up to 14,900MB/s
- 5-year warranty
- Micron TLC NAND
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Costs more than the SN7100 1TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SN7100 1TB offers 7,250MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes on TLC NAND, close to the 990 PRO for less.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, behind the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s).
Why we like it
On rated read speed it ties with the SN7100 2TB at 7,250MB/s. It matches the SN7100 2TB on rated write speed (6,900MB/s). Like the SN7100 2TB and T500 1TB, it has a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface, while the MP700 PRO XT 2TB uses a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface.
It also offers next-generation TLC NAND and a design aimed at handhelds and laptops as well as desktops. It is an M.2 2280 drive, the standard length on desktop boards; check which of your board's slots it goes in, as some share lanes with SATA ports. It runs at full speed in any PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and still works, slower, in a PCIe 3.0 slot.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the T500 1TB was closest. What it gives up: rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, behind the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s); by contrast, the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,900MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,900MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- Next-generation TLC NAND
- Design aimed at handhelds and laptops as well as desktops
- Rated write speed of 6,900MB/s, ahead of the T500 1TB
- The lowest price among these SSDs at the time of writing
Cons
- Rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, behind the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s)
Also Consider4 of 5
WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SN7100 2TB offers 7,250MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes on TLC NAND.
Best for
- Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,900MB/s.
Why we like it
It matches the SN7100 1TB on rated read speed (7,250MB/s). On rated write speed it ties with the SN7100 1TB at 6,900MB/s. It shares a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface with the SN7100 1TB and T500 1TB; the T710 2TB goes with a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface.
You also get next-generation TLC NAND and the highest rated writes among the 2TB Gen4 drives here. It is an M.2 2280 drive, the standard length on desktop boards; check which of your board's slots it goes in, as some share lanes with SATA ports. It runs at full speed in any PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and still works, slower, in a PCIe 3.0 slot.
Its price falls between the T500 1TB and the MP700 PRO XT 2TB, based on our last check. If rated read speed is your priority, the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,900MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Next-generation TLC NAND
- The highest rated writes among the 2TB Gen4 drives here
- Rated write speed of 6,900MB/s, ahead of the T500 1TB
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s)
- Costs more than the SN7100 1TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Crucial T500 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The T500 1TB offers 7,300MB/s reads and 6,800MB/s writes on Micron TLC NAND.
Best for
- Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated write speed matters most to you; the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,500MB/s.
Why we like it
Its 7,300MB/s rated read speed ranks third of 5 here, behind the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s) and ahead of the SN7100 2TB (7,250MB/s). On rated write speed it trails the group at 6,800MB/s, while the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,500MB/s. It shares a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface with the SN7100 1TB and SN7100 2TB; the T710 2TB goes with a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface.
It also offers a design for laptops and desktops. It is an M.2 2280 drive, the standard length on desktop boards; check which of your board's slots it goes in, as some share lanes with SATA ports. It runs at full speed in any PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and still works, slower, in a PCIe 3.0 slot. Its price falls between the SN7100 1TB and the SN7100 2TB, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,300MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,800MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- Micron TLC NAND
- Design for laptops and desktops
- 6,800MB/s rated writes
- Rated read speed of 7,300MB/s, ahead of the SN7100 1TB
Cons
- Rated write speed trails the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,500MB/s)
- Costs more than the SN7100 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming SSDs With DRAM Cache
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, interface and capacity as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MP700 PRO XT 2TB to the T500 1TB, state rated read speed, rated write speed and interface.
- Who each pick suits
- The MP700 PRO XT 2TB for the fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s); the T710 2TB for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND; the SN7100 1TB for the lowest price among these SSDs at the time of writing.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the SN7100 1TB ($150 to $250) to the T710 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Gaming SSD With DRAM Cache
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed across these picks
Here rated read speed runs from 7,250MB/s on the SN7100 2TB to 14,900MB/s on the MP700 PRO XT 2TB. The MP700 PRO XT 2TB is the pick for rated read speed.
Rated write speed
Here rated write speed runs from 6,800MB/s on the T500 1TB to 14,500MB/s on the MP700 PRO XT 2TB. Start with the MP700 PRO XT 2TB if rated write speed decides it.
Capacity
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB, the T710 2TB and the SN7100 2TB list 2TB; the SN7100 1TB and the T500 1TB list 1TB. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Features beyond the spec table
The SN7100 1TB: a design aimed at handhelds and laptops as well as desktops. The SN7100 2TB: the highest rated writes among the 2TB Gen4 drives here. The T500 1TB: a design for laptops and desktops.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the SN7100 1TB; $250 to $500 buys the T500 1TB, the SN7100 2TB, the MP700 PRO XT 2TB and the T710 2TB at our last check.
How to Choose a Gaming SSD With DRAM Cache
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated write speed first | MP700 PRO XT 2TB | The fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | T710 2TB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND |
| Keeping the budget tight | SN7100 1TB | The lowest price among these SSDs at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND | SN7100 2TB | Next-generation TLC NAND |
| Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND | T500 1TB | Micron TLC NAND |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB leads on rated read speed at 14,900MB/s, ahead of the T710 2TB at 14,900MB/s.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP700 PRO XT 2TB | 14,900MB/s | 14,500MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 2TB |
| T710 2TB | 14,900MB/s | 13,800MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 2TB |
| SN7100 1TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,900MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| SN7100 2TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,900MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
| T500 1TB | 7,300MB/s | 6,800MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The SN7100 1TB was the lowest-priced pick and the T710 2TB the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | SN7100 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | T500 1TB, SN7100 2TB, MP700 PRO XT 2TB, T710 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MP700 PRO XT 2TB ahead of the T710 2TB on rated write speed?
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB leads at 14,500MB/s, with the T710 2TB at 13,800MB/s. The T500 1TB is at the other end of this group with 6,800MB/s.
Is the T710 2TB worth paying more than the SN7100 1TB?
On paper it adds rated read speed (14,900MB/s against 7,250MB/s) and rated write speed (13,800MB/s against 6,900MB/s). The SN7100 1TB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the MP700 PRO XT 2TB the Fastest Rated Write Speed?
It earns the label for the fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s). It suits anyone who put rated write speed first.
Do the MP700 PRO XT 2TB and the SN7100 1TB differ on interface?
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB and the T710 2TB use PCIe 5.0 x4; the SN7100 1TB, the SN7100 2TB and the T500 1TB use PCIe 4.0 x4.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MP700 PRO XT 2TB and the T710 2TB apart?
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB: the highest rated writes among the drives here. The T710 2TB: Micron TLC NAND. The SN7100 1TB: next-generation TLC NAND.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MP700 PRO XT 2TB, chosen for the fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s). Look at the T710 2TB for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND, the SN7100 1TB for the lowest price among these SSDs at the time of writing and the SN7100 2TB for next-generation TLC NAND if those matter more to you.
Install games on the NVMe drive and keep archives on a cheaper one.