Buying Guide
The Best Gen5 NVMe SSDs for Gaming
Five SSDs ranked on rated read speed and rated write speed, where the 9100 PRO 2TB has the fastest rated read speed; the 990 EVO Plus 1TB is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Gen5 drives are the fastest consumer SSDs, though games gain little over Gen4 today. Every pick is PCIe 5.0, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects sequential read, sequential write and interface from maker specifications; a missing sequential read is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB
The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 EVO Plus 2TB.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB
A design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes.
Best for: Buyers who want design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB
The fastest rated read speed here (14,700MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Write Speed
Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB
The fastest rated write speed here (14,000MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Our take Check price for Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Corsair MP700 PRO 2TB
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with high-density TLC NAND.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Corsair MP700 PRO 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 EVO Plus 2TB. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| A design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes. | Buyers who want design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes. | Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated read speed here (14,700MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated write speed here (14,000MB/s). | Buyers who put rated write speed first. | Check price for Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with high-density TLC NAND. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for Corsair MP700 PRO 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 EVO Plus 1TB stands out for a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes, and it adds Samsung Magician software for firmware updates.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed.
Why we like it
It also offers a 7,150MB/s rated read speed and offers a 6,300MB/s rated write speed. Its 7,150MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the 9100 PRO 2TB leads at 14,700MB/s. On rated write speed it ties with the 990 EVO Plus 2TB at 6,300MB/s.
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 the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 990 EVO Plus 2TB was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,150MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,300MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- Design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates
- 1TB capacity, the only one here
- The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 EVO Plus 2TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Rated read speed trails the 9100 PRO 2TB (14,700MB/s)
Also Consider2 of 5
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 EVO Plus can run on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes, which suits boards that share lanes.
Best for
- Buyers who want design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed.
Why we like it
Its 7,250MB/s reads keep it close to the fastest Gen4 drives. Its 7,250MB/s rated read speed ranks third of 4 here, behind the 9100 PRO 2TB (14,700MB/s) and ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 1TB (7,150MB/s). It also offers Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 caching for large transfers and firmware updates through Samsung Magician software.
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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper 990 EVO Plus 1TB and the pricier 9100 PRO 2TB, at the time of writing. The trade-off is rated write speed; for more, the FURY Renegade G5 offers 14,000MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,300MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes
- Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 caching for large transfers
- Firmware updates through Samsung Magician software
- Rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 1TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Rated write speed trails the FURY Renegade G5 (14,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the 990 EVO Plus 1TB at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Read Speed3 of 5
Samsung 9100 PRO 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 9100 PRO doubles PCIe 4.0 speeds at 14,700MB/s reads with DRAM cache.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
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
It helps large file work more than game loading. Its 14,700MB/s rated read speed is the fastest here; the MP700 PRO 2TB comes next at 12,400MB/s. On rated write speed it sits mid-pack at 13,400MB/s: the FURY Renegade G5 offers 14,000MB/s, and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB comes in at 6,300MB/s.
It shares a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface with the FURY Renegade G5 and MP700 PRO 2TB; the 990 EVO Plus 2TB goes with a PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 interface. You also get in-house controller, DRAM and 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. Its price falls between the 990 EVO Plus 2TB and the FURY Renegade G5, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 14,700MB/s
- Sequential write: 13,400MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
- DRAM cache: Yes
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 read speeds up to 14,700MB/s
- Onboard DRAM cache
- In-house controller, DRAM and NAND
- Rated write speed of 13,400MB/s, ahead of the MP700 PRO 2TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Costs more than the 990 EVO Plus 1TB at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Write Speed4 of 5
Kingston FURY Renegade G5 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The FURY Renegade G5 is built around rated writes up to 14,000MB/s.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 14,000MB/s rated write speed and is rated for 2TB. Nothing else here matches its 14,000MB/s rated write speed; the 9100 PRO 2TB comes closest at 13,400MB/s. Like the 9100 PRO 2TB and MP700 PRO 2TB, it has a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface, while the 990 EVO Plus 1TB uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 interface.
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. When we checked, only the 9100 PRO 2TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the MP700 PRO 2TB cost more. If you want a confirmed rated read speed, look to the 9100 PRO 2TB instead: it offers 14,700MB/s, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential write: 14,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Rated writes up to 14,000MB/s
- Fastest rated write speed of the picks (14,000MB/s)
- PCIe 5.0 x4 interface
- 2TB capacity
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- No published rated read speed
- Costs more than the 990 EVO Plus 1TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Corsair MP700 PRO 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MP700 PRO 2TB is a PCIe 5.0 drive rated for 12,400MB/s reads and 11,800MB/s writes.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
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 sits mid-pack at 12,400MB/s: the 9100 PRO 2TB offers 14,700MB/s, and the 990 EVO Plus 1TB comes in at 7,150MB/s. Its 11,800MB/s rated write speed ranks third of 5 here, behind the FURY Renegade G5 (14,000MB/s) and ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 2TB (6,300MB/s). Like the 9100 PRO 2TB and FURY Renegade G5, it has a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface, while the 990 EVO Plus 1TB uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 interface.
You also get high-density TLC NAND and NVMe 2.0 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. Only the FURY Renegade G5 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 12,400MB/s
- Sequential write: 11,800MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- High-density TLC NAND
- NVMe 2.0 support
- 12,400MB/s rated reads on PCIe 5.0
- Rated read speed of 12,400MB/s, ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 2TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Costs more than the 990 EVO Plus 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gen5 NVMe SSDs for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, interface and capacity from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the 990 EVO Plus 1TB to the MP700 PRO 2TB, state rated write speed, interface and capacity.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The FURY Renegade G5 gives no rated read speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the 990 EVO Plus 1TB ($150 to $250) to the MP700 PRO 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Gen5 NVMe SSD for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated write speed
Here rated write speed runs from 6,300MB/s on the 990 EVO Plus 2TB to 14,000MB/s on the FURY Renegade G5. The 9100 PRO 2TB comes second for less money.
Rated read speed across these picks
Here rated read speed runs from 7,150MB/s on the 990 EVO Plus 1TB to 14,700MB/s on the 9100 PRO 2TB. The 9100 PRO 2TB is the pick for rated read speed. No figure for the FURY Renegade G5.
Capacity
The 990 EVO Plus 1TB lists 1TB; the 990 EVO Plus 2TB, the 9100 PRO 2TB, the FURY Renegade G5 and the MP700 PRO 2TB list 2TB. Rule out the mismatches before looking at price.
Setup checks
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.
Extras that separate them
The 9100 PRO 2TB: in-house controller, DRAM and NAND. The FURY Renegade G5: rated writes up to 14,000MB/s. The MP700 PRO 2TB: NVMe 2.0 support.
Endurance is rarely a limit
TBW figures of 1,200 or more far exceed typical gaming writes. Heavy video work benefits from a higher rating.
How to Choose a Gen5 NVMe SSD for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | 990 EVO Plus 1TB | The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 EVO Plus 2TB |
| Buyers who want design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes | 990 EVO Plus 2TB | A design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | 9100 PRO 2TB | The fastest rated read speed here (14,700MB/s) |
| Buyers who put rated write speed first | FURY Renegade G5 | The fastest rated write speed here (14,000MB/s) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | MP700 PRO 2TB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with high-density TLC NAND |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The FURY Renegade G5 leads on rated write speed at 14,000MB/s, ahead of the 9100 PRO 2TB at 13,400MB/s. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 EVO Plus 1TB | 7,150MB/s | 6,300MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 | 1TB |
| 990 EVO Plus 2TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,300MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 | 2TB |
| 9100 PRO 2TB | 14,700MB/s | 13,400MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 2TB |
| FURY Renegade G5 | Not listed | 14,000MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 2TB |
| MP700 PRO 2TB | 12,400MB/s | 11,800MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 2TB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The 990 EVO Plus 1TB was the lowest-priced pick and the MP700 PRO 2TB the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | 990 EVO Plus 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | 990 EVO Plus 2TB, 9100 PRO 2TB, FURY Renegade G5, MP700 PRO 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest rated write speed: the FURY Renegade G5 or the 9100 PRO 2TB?
The FURY Renegade G5 leads at 14,000MB/s, with the 9100 PRO 2TB at 13,400MB/s. The 990 EVO Plus 2TB is at the other end of this group with 6,300MB/s.
Is the 9100 PRO 2TB ahead of the MP700 PRO 2TB on rated read speed?
The 9100 PRO 2TB leads at 14,700MB/s, with the MP700 PRO 2TB at 12,400MB/s. The 990 EVO Plus 1TB is at the other end of this group with 7,150MB/s. The FURY Renegade G5 doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
What does the MP700 PRO 2TB add over the 990 EVO Plus 1TB?
On paper it adds rated write speed (11,800MB/s against 6,300MB/s) and rated read speed (12,400MB/s against 7,150MB/s). The 990 EVO Plus 1TB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the 990 EVO Plus 1TB our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the 990 EVO Plus 2TB. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the 990 EVO Plus 1TB and the 9100 PRO 2TB differ on interface?
The 990 EVO Plus 1TB and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB use PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2; the 9100 PRO 2TB, the FURY Renegade G5 and the MP700 PRO 2TB use PCIe 5.0 x4.
Will the MP700 PRO 2TB work with my setup?
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. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the 990 EVO Plus 1TB, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the 990 EVO Plus 2TB. Look at the 990 EVO Plus 2TB for a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes, the 9100 PRO 2TB for the fastest rated read speed here (14,700MB/s) and the FURY Renegade G5 for the fastest rated write speed here (14,000MB/s) if those matter more to you.
Use the motherboard heatsink; Gen5 drives run hot.