Buying Guide
The Best NVMe SSDs for Gaming
Six 2TB NVMe drives for gaming PCs, from PCIe 4.0 value drives to PCIe 5.0 flagships, compared on the specs that affect load times.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Games load faster from any NVMe drive than from a hard disk, but the gap between a good PCIe 4.0 drive and a PCIe 5.0 drive is small in most games. We weighed speed against price and warranty.
Specifications come from each listing; we did not benchmark these drives.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best NVMe for Gaming
WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB
7,250MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes on PCIe 4.0.
Best for: Most gaming PCs.
Our take Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Reads
WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB
14,900MB/s reads on PCIe 5.0.
Best for: Gen5 boards.
Our take Check price for WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Value PCIe 4.0
Acer Predator GM7 2TB
7,400MB/s reads at a lower price.
Best for: Budget builds.
Our take Check price for Acer Predator GM7 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Gen5 Writes
Crucial T710 2TB
13,800MB/s writes with a five-year warranty.
Best for: Large file moves plus gaming.
Our take Check price for Crucial T710 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Corsair Pick
Corsair MP600 Elite 2TB
7,000MB/s reads and 6,500MB/s writes.
Best for: Corsair builds.
Our take Check price for Corsair MP600 Elite 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 2TB
WD Blue SN5100 2TB
7,100MB/s reads with a five-year warranty.
Best for: Game libraries on a budget.
Our take Check price for WD Blue SN5100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,250MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes on PCIe 4.0. | Most gaming PCs. | Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 14,900MB/s reads on PCIe 5.0. | Gen5 boards. | Check price for WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 7,400MB/s reads at a lower price. | Budget builds. | Check price for Acer Predator GM7 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 13,800MB/s writes with a five-year warranty. | Large file moves plus gaming. | Check price for Crucial T710 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 7,000MB/s reads and 6,500MB/s writes. | Corsair builds. | Check price for Corsair MP600 Elite 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 7,100MB/s reads with a five-year warranty. | Game libraries on a budget. | Check price for WD Blue SN5100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best NVMe for Gaming1 of 6
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
- Most gaming PCs.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the SN5100 2TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 7,250MB/s: the SN8100 2TB offers 14,900MB/s, and the MP600 Elite 2TB comes in at 7,000MB/s. Its 6,900MB/s rated write speed ranks third of 5 here, behind the T710 2TB (13,800MB/s) and ahead of the MP600 Elite 2TB (6,500MB/s). It also comes with 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. It was priced above the SN5100 2TB and below the Predator GM7 2TB at the time of writing.
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 read speed of 7,250MB/s, ahead of the SN5100 2TB
- Rated write speed of 6,900MB/s, ahead of the Predator GM7 2TB
Cons
- Costs more than the SN5100 2TB at the time of writing
Fastest Reads2 of 6
WD_BLACK SN8100 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SN8100 lists the fastest reads here at 14,900MB/s.
Best for
- Gen5 boards.
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
Like the 9100 PRO, it needs a PCIe 5.0 slot to reach them. It matches the T710 2TB on rated read speed (14,900MB/s). On rated write speed it sits mid-pack at 11,000MB/s: the T710 2TB offers 13,800MB/s, and the MP600 Elite 2TB comes in at 6,500MB/s.
It shares a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface with the T710 2TB; the SN5100 2TB goes with a PCIe 4.0 x4 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. 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 highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the T710 2TB and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 14,900MB/s
- Sequential write: 11,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 5.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 read speeds up to 14,900MB/s
- Rated write speeds up to 11,000MB/s
- Rated write speed of 11,000MB/s, ahead of the SN7100 2TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Costs more than the SN5100 2TB at the time of writing
Best Value PCIe 4.03 of 6
Acer Predator GM7 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Predator GM7 2TB offers 7,400MB/s reads without onboard DRAM, relying on HMB.
Best for
- Budget builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the SN5100 2TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 7,400MB/s: the SN8100 2TB offers 14,900MB/s, and the MP600 Elite 2TB comes in at 7,000MB/s. It matches the MP600 Elite 2TB on rated write speed (6,500MB/s). It also offers listed PS5 compatibility and 7,400MB/s rated reads, near the PCIe 4.0 ceiling.
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. It was priced above the SN7100 2TB and below the MP600 Elite 2TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,400MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,500MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- DRAM cache: No (HMB)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- HMB in place of onboard DRAM
- Listed PS5 compatibility
- 7,400MB/s rated reads, near the PCIe 4.0 ceiling
- Rated read speed of 7,400MB/s, ahead of the SN7100 2TB
Cons
- Costs more than the SN5100 2TB at the time of writing
Best Gen5 Writes4 of 6
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
- Large file moves plus gaming.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated spee is a problem.
Why we like it
On rated write speed it leads this guide at 13,800MB/s, ahead of the SN8100 2TB (11,000MB/s). It shares a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface with the SN8100 2TB; the Predator GM7 2TB goes with a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface. You also get 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. Its price falls between the MP600 Elite 2TB and the SN8100 2TB, based on our last check.
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 SN5100 2TB at the time of writing
Best Corsair Pick5 of 6
Corsair MP600 Elite 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MP600 Elite 2TB offers 7,000MB/s reads and 6,500MB/s writes on TLC NAND as a bare drive.
Best for
- Corsair builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the SN8100 2TB offers 14,900MB/s.
Why we like it
Its 7,000MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the SN8100 2TB leads at 14,900MB/s. On rated write speed it ties with the Predator GM7 2TB at 6,500MB/s. It also comes with high-density 3D TLC NAND and a bare drive for boards with their own M.2 heatsink.
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. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Predator GM7 2TB and the pricier T710 2TB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,000MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,500MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- High-density 3D TLC NAND
- Bare drive for boards with their own M.2 heatsink
- 7,000MB/s reads and 6,500MB/s writes
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the SN8100 2TB (14,900MB/s)
- Rated write speed trails the T710 2TB (13,800MB/s)
- Costs more than the SN5100 2TB at the time of writing
Best Budget 2TB6 of 6
WD Blue SN5100 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The SN5100 2TB offers 7,100MB/s reads with a five-year warranty.
Best for
- Game libraries on a budget.
Skip if
- The maker gives no rated write speed, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It reads at up to 7,100MB/s, about 30% faster than WD's previous generation. Note that WD has replaced it with the SanDisk Optimus 5100. Its 7,100MB/s rated read speed ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the SN8100 2TB (14,900MB/s) and ahead of the MP600 Elite 2TB (7,000MB/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. It runs at full speed in any PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and still works, slower, in a PCIe 3.0 slot. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the SN7100 2TB was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed rated write speed should compare it with the T710 2TB, which offers 13,800MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,100MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Warranty: 5-year
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- Five-year limited warranty
- Rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, ahead of the MP600 Elite 2TB
- 7,100MB/s reads with a five-year warranty
Cons
- No published rated write speed
How We Chose These NVMe SSDs for Gaming
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Capacity
- We compared drives at the same capacity within each guide.
- Design
- We checked interface, DRAM cache and heatsink options.
- Endurance
- We noted TBW ratings and warranty length where listed.
- Speed
- We compared rated sequential read and write speeds.
What to Look for in a NVMe SSD for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
PCIe 4.0 is enough for games
Game load times barely change between fast PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 drives. PCIe 5.0 helps large file copies and creative work.
Buy more capacity than you think
Many new games need 100GB or more. 2TB is a comfortable minimum for a gaming library; 4TB avoids juggling installs.
Check your M.2 slots
Check which slots run at PCIe 5.0 or 4.0, and which disable SATA ports or a PCIe slot when used.
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.
Cool the drive
Fast drives throttle when hot. Use the motherboard's M.2 heatsink or a heatsink version of the drive.
DRAM cache helps heavy use
Drives with DRAM cache hold speed better under long writes. DRAM-less drives with HMB are fine for games.
How to Choose a NVMe SSD for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most gaming PCs | SN7100 2TB | 7,250MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes on PCIe 4.0 |
| Gen5 boards | SN8100 2TB | 14,900MB/s reads on PCIe 5.0 |
| Budget builds | Predator GM7 2TB | 7,400MB/s reads at a lower price |
| Large file moves plus gaming | T710 2TB | 13,800MB/s writes with a five-year warranty |
| Corsair builds | MP600 Elite 2TB | 7,000MB/s reads and 6,500MB/s writes |
| Game libraries on a budget | SN5100 2TB | 7,100MB/s reads with a five-year warranty |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN7100 2TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,900MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | Not listed |
| SN8100 2TB | 14,900MB/s | 11,000MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | Not listed |
| Predator GM7 2TB | 7,400MB/s | 6,500MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | Not listed |
| T710 2TB | 14,900MB/s | 13,800MB/s | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 5-year |
| MP600 Elite 2TB | 7,000MB/s | 6,500MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | Not listed |
| SN5100 2TB | 7,100MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 5-year |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PCIe 5.0 SSD worth it for gaming?
Not for load times, which change little. It helps large file transfers and creative work.
Do I need an SSD heatsink?
Use one on fast drives. Most boards include M.2 heatsinks; otherwise buy the heatsink version.
Are DRAM-less SSDs bad?
No. Modern DRAM-less drives with HMB are fine for games; DRAM helps sustained heavy writes.
How much storage do I need for games?
2TB suits most players; 4TB suits large libraries without uninstalling.
Can I use these in a PS5?
PCIe 4.0 M.2 drives work in a PS5 with a heatsink that fits the bay. Check Sony's size limits.
Can I clone my old drive to a new SSD?
Yes. Most makers offer free cloning software; check the drive maker's site.
Bottom Line
The WD Black SN7100 2TB is the best NVMe drive for most gaming PCs. The SN8100 and Crucial T710 suit Gen5 boards, the Predator GM7 is the value pick, the Corsair MP600 Elite suits Corsair builds, and the WD SN5100 is the budget choice.