Buying Guide
The Best PCIe 4.0 SSDs
Five SSDs ranked on rated read speed and rated write speed; the NM790 1TB is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
PCIe 4.0 drives reach about 7,000MB/s and work in almost every current motherboard. Every pick is a PCIe 4.0 x4 drive, ordered by read speed.
Rankings weigh sequential read, sequential write and endurance as the makers state them; if a maker skips endurance, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Samsung 990 PRO 1TB
The highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here.
Best for: Buyers who want highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 PRO 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung 990 PRO 4TB
The top of this price range, adding near-maximum PCIe 4.0 performance, by Samsung's description.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 PRO 4TB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Lexar NM790 1TB
The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 PRO 1TB.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Lexar NM790 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Lexar NM790 2TB
A 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model.
Best for: Buyers who want 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model.
Our take Check price for Lexar NM790 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Acer Predator GM7 2TB
HMB in place of onboard DRAM.
Best for: Buyers who want HMB in place of onboard DRAM.
Our take Check price for Acer Predator GM7 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here. | Buyers who want highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here. | Check price for Samsung 990 PRO 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding near-maximum PCIe 4.0 performance, by Samsung's description. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Samsung 990 PRO 4TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 PRO 1TB. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Lexar NM790 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model. | Buyers who want 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model. | Check price for Lexar NM790 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| HMB in place of onboard DRAM. | Buyers who want HMB in place of onboard DRAM. | Check price for Acer Predator GM7 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Samsung 990 PRO 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 PRO 1TB offers 7,450MB/s reads and 6,900MB/s writes, the top rated speeds among the 1TB Gen4 drives here.
Best for
- Buyers who want highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the NM790 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its random read and write are 40% and 55% faster than the 980 PRO, and Samsung's nickel-coated controller manages heat in slim laptops too. It also offers Samsung Magician software for firmware updates. 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 NM790 1TB and below the NM790 2TB at the time of writing. There is no published rated endurance figure, whereas the NM790 2TB offers 1,500TBW.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,450MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,900MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- The highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates
- Rated read speed of 7,450MB/s, ahead of the NM790 1TB
Cons
- Costs more than the NM790 1TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Samsung 990 PRO 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 PRO 4TB keeps its 7,450MB/s reads and DRAM cache at double the capacity.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the NM790 1TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the fast, safe choice for a large library. On rated read speed it ties with the 990 PRO 1TB at 7,450MB/s. It matches the 990 PRO 1TB on rated write speed (6,900MB/s).
It also offers near-maximum PCIe 4.0 performance, by Samsung's description. 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.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Predator GM7 2TB the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed rated endurance, look to the NM790 2TB instead: it offers 1,500TBW, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,450MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,900MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- DRAM cache: Yes
- Capacity: 4TB
Pros
- Onboard DRAM cache
- Near-maximum PCIe 4.0 performance, by Samsung's description
- Rated read speed of 7,450MB/s, ahead of the NM790 1TB
- 4TB capacity, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the NM790 1TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Lexar NM790 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NM790 1TB offers 7,400MB/s reads and a 1,000TBW rating, but uses HMB rather than onboard DRAM.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB.
Why we like it
It suits gamers and creators who want Gen4 speed at a mid-range price. It matches the NM790 2TB and the Predator GM7 2TB on rated read speed (7,400MB/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 undercut the 990 PRO 1TB and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: no DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB. If that matters, the 990 PRO 4TB has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,400MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,500MB/s
- Endurance: 1,000TBW
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- DRAM cache: No (HMB)
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model
- HMB in place of onboard DRAM
- 7,400MB/s rated reads, near the PCIe 4.0 ceiling
- The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 PRO 1TB
Cons
- No DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Lexar NM790 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NM790 reaches 7,400MB/s reads with a 1,500TBW rating and no DRAM, using host memory instead.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB.
Why we like it
For games that trade-off rarely shows. It matches the NM790 1TB and the Predator GM7 2TB on rated write speed (6,500MB/s). It also offers lower power draw than DRAM-equipped Gen4 drives, by Lexar's figure.
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 990 PRO 1TB and below the Predator GM7 2TB at the time of writing. What it gives up: no DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB; by contrast, the 990 PRO 4TB has it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,400MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,500MB/s
- Endurance: 1,500TBW
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- DRAM cache: No (HMB)
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model
- Lower power draw than DRAM-equipped Gen4 drives, by Lexar's figure
- Highest rated endurance of the picks (1,500TBW)
Cons
- No DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB
- Costs more than the NM790 1TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
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
- Buyers who want HMB in place of onboard DRAM.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the 990 PRO 1TB offers 7,450MB/s.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it ties with the NM790 1TB and the NM790 2TB at 7,400MB/s. You also get 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 NM790 2TB and below the 990 PRO 4TB at the time of writing. It gives ground on rated read speed, where the 990 PRO 1TB offers 7,450MB/s.
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
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the 990 PRO 1TB (7,450MB/s)
- No DRAM cache, unlike the 990 PRO 4TB
- Costs more than the NM790 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These PCIe 4.0 SSDs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Speed
- We compared rated sequential read and write speeds.
- Design
- We checked interface, DRAM cache and heatsink options.
- Capacity
- We compared drives at the same capacity within each guide.
- Endurance
- We noted TBW ratings and warranty length where listed.
What to Look for in a PCIe 4.0 SSD
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated read speed you need
Among these picks, rated read speed runs from 7,400MB/s on the Predator GM7 2TB to 7,450MB/s on the 990 PRO 1TB. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a PCIe 4.0 SSD
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here | 990 PRO 1TB | The highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 990 PRO 4TB | The top of this price range, adding near-maximum PCIe 4.0 performance, by Samsung's description |
| Keeping the budget tight | NM790 1TB | The cheapest way into this group, below the 990 PRO 1TB |
| Buyers who want 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model | NM790 2TB | A 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model |
| Buyers who want HMB in place of onboard DRAM | Predator GM7 2TB | HMB in place of onboard DRAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Endurance | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 PRO 1TB | 7,450MB/s | 6,900MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| 990 PRO 4TB | 7,450MB/s | 6,900MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| NM790 1TB | 7,400MB/s | 6,500MB/s | 1,000TBW | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| NM790 2TB | 7,400MB/s | 6,500MB/s | 1,500TBW | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Predator GM7 2TB | 7,400MB/s | 6,500MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | NM790 1TB, 990 PRO 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | NM790 2TB, Predator GM7 2TB |
| About $500 to $1000 | 990 PRO 4TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these SSDs compare on rated write speed?
The 990 PRO 1TB, at 6,900MB/s. The 990 PRO 4TB follows at 6,900MB/s, while the Predator GM7 2TB has 6,500MB/s.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
Start with the NM790 1TB, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The 990 PRO 4TB is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
Do I need an SSD heatsink?
Use one on fast drives. Most boards include M.2 heatsinks; otherwise buy the heatsink version.
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.
Are DRAM-less SSDs bad?
No. Modern DRAM-less drives with HMB are fine for games; DRAM helps sustained heavy writes.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the 990 PRO 1TB, chosen for the highest rated reads among the 1TB Gen4 drives here. Look at the 990 PRO 4TB for the top of this price range, adding near-maximum PCIe 4.0 performance, by Samsung's description, the NM790 1TB for the cheapest way into this group, below the 990 PRO 1TB and the NM790 2TB for a 1,500TBW endurance rating on the 2TB model if those matter more to you.
A Gen4 drive in a Gen3 slot still works, at roughly half speed.