Buying Guide
The Best PCIe 5.0 SSDs
Five SSDs compared, from the T705 1TB to the T710 2TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
PCIe 5.0 SSDs double the sequential speed of Gen4 drives on a supported M.2 slot. Every pick has PCIe 5.0, ordered by read speed.
Our comparison rests on published figures for sequential read, sequential write and interface; where a maker leaves out sequential write, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Fastest Rated Write Speed
Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TBThe fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Check price for Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Crucial T710 2TBThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND.
Best for: Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND and can spend more than the MP700 PRO XT 2TB costs.
Check price for Crucial T710 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Sabrent Rocket 5 2TBA PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive.
Best for: Buyers who want PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive.
Check price for Sabrent Rocket 5 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Crucial T705 1TBUndercutting the Rocket 5 2TB on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Rocket 5 2TB the next step up.
Check price for Crucial T705 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TBA 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.
Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check 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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND. | Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND and can spend more than the MP700 PRO XT 2TB costs. | Check price for Crucial T710 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive. | Buyers who want PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive. | Check price for Sabrent Rocket 5 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Rocket 5 2TB on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the Rocket 5 2TB the next step up. | Check price for Crucial T705 1TB on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Write Speed1 of 5
Corsair MP700 PRO XT 2TB
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
- 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 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. 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. When we checked, only the 990 EVO Plus 2TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the T710 2TB cost more.
Key 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 T705 1TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Crucial T710 2TB
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 Micron TLC NAND and can spend more than the MP700 PRO XT 2TB costs.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed rules it out for your setup.
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 3 here, behind the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,500MB/s) and ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 2TB (6,300MB/s). 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the MP700 PRO XT 2TB the nearest cheaper option.
Key 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 T705 1TB at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
Sabrent Rocket 5 2TB
The Rocket 5 2TB stands out for a PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive.
Best for
- Buyers who want PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive.
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 14,000MB/s rated read speed and is rated for 2TB. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 14,000MB/s: the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,900MB/s, and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB comes in at 7,250MB/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. When we checked, only the T705 1TB cost less, and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB cost more.
Key specs
- Sequential read
- 14,000MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4
- Capacity
- 2TB
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 read speeds up to 14,000MB/s
- PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive
- PCIe 5.0 x4 interface
- 2TB capacity
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- No published rated write speed
- Costs more than the T705 1TB at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed rated write speed, look to the MP700 PRO XT 2TB instead: it offers 14,500MB/s, while this one gives no figure.
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Crucial T705 1TB
The T705 1TB is built around TLC NAND at 13,600MB/s.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Rocket 5 2TB the next step up.
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 the spec sheet, it offers a 13,600MB/s rated read speed and is rated for 1TB. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 13,600MB/s: the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,900MB/s, and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB comes in at 7,250MB/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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Rocket 5 2TB the next step up.
Key specs
- Sequential read
- 13,600MB/s
- Interface
- PCIe 5.0 x4
- Capacity
- 1TB
Pros
- TLC NAND at 13,600MB/s
- Rated read speed of 13,600MB/s, ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 2TB
- 1TB capacity, the only one here
- Undercutting the Rocket 5 2TB on price when we checked
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- No published rated write speed
The catch
There is no published rated write speed figure, whereas the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,500MB/s.
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB
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
- Worth skipping when needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed is a problem.
Why we like it
Its 7,250MB/s reads keep it close to the fastest Gen4 drives. On rated read speed it trails the group at 7,250MB/s, while the MP700 PRO XT 2TB offers 14,900MB/s. Its 6,300MB/s rated write speed is the slowest in this group; the MP700 PRO XT 2TB leads at 14,500MB/s.
No other pick in this guide offers a PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 interface; compare the Rocket 5 2TB, which has a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface. 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. When we checked, only the Rocket 5 2TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the MP700 PRO XT 2TB cost more.
Key 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
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Rated read speed trails the MP700 PRO XT 2TB (14,900MB/s)
- Costs more than the T705 1TB at the time of writing
The catch
Rated read speed is its weakest area, and the MP700 PRO XT 2TB covers it better at 14,900MB/s.
How We Chose These PCIe 5.0 SSDs
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, interface and capacity, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out rated write speed.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MP700 PRO XT 2TB to the 990 EVO Plus 2TB, state rated read speed, interface and capacity.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Rocket 5 2TB and the T705 1TB give no rated write speed.
- Price range
- From the T705 1TB to the T710 2TB, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a PCIe 5.0 SSD
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB tops rated read speed at 14,900MB/s and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB sits lowest at 7,250MB/s; 2 picks share the top figure. The MP700 PRO XT 2TB is the pick for rated read speed.
How much rated write speed you need
Across these 3 picks rated write speed spans 6,300MB/s (the 990 EVO Plus 2TB) to 14,500MB/s (the MP700 PRO XT 2TB). If rated write speed is your first filter, the MP700 PRO XT 2TB sets the ceiling at 14,500MB/s. The Rocket 5 2TB and the T705 1TB give no rated write speed figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
An M.2 SSD installed on a motherboard Capacity
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB, the T710 2TB, the Rocket 5 2TB and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB list 2TB; the T705 1TB lists 1TB. Settling capacity first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The Rocket 5 2TB: a PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive. The T705 1TB: TLC NAND at 13,600MB/s. The 990 EVO Plus 2TB: Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 caching for large transfers.
An M.2 SSD going into a motherboard slot Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the T705 1TB through the T710 2TB all landed in the $250 to $500 tier, which leaves rated read speed to decide it.
How to Choose a PCIe 5.0 SSD
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 Micron TLC NAND and can spend more than the MP700 PRO XT 2TB costs | T710 2TB | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with Micron TLC NAND |
| Buyers who want PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive | Rocket 5 2TB | A PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Rocket 5 2TB the next step up | T705 1TB | Undercutting the Rocket 5 2TB on price when we checked |
| 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 |
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. "Not listed" marks rated write speed where the Rocket 5 2TB and the T705 1TB leave the figure out.
| 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 |
| Rocket 5 2TB | 14,000MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 2TB |
| T705 1TB | 13,600MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 5.0 x4 | 1TB |
| 990 EVO Plus 2TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,300MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 | 2TB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the T710 2TB compare with the MP700 PRO XT 2TB on rated write speed?
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB leads at 14,500MB/s, with the T710 2TB at 13,800MB/s. The spread runs down to the 990 EVO Plus 2TB at 6,300MB/s. The Rocket 5 2TB and the T705 1TB are left out of this ranking because their rated write speed isn't stated; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Is the T710 2TB worth paying more than the T705 1TB?
The spec sheets show rated read speed (14,900MB/s against 13,600MB/s) in its favour. Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the gains in rated read speed cost little extra by tier.
What makes the MP700 PRO XT 2TB the Fastest Rated Write Speed?
The label rests on the fastest rated write speed here (14,500MB/s). The T710 2TB is next on rated write speed at 13,800MB/s, so this pick's 14,500MB/s is 5% further out. It suits anyone who puts rated write speed first.
Do the MP700 PRO XT 2TB and the 990 EVO Plus 2TB differ on interface?
The MP700 PRO XT 2TB, the T710 2TB, the Rocket 5 2TB and the T705 1TB use PCIe 5.0 x4; the 990 EVO Plus 2TB uses PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2.
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 Rocket 5 2TB: a PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive.
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 Rocket 5 2TB for a PCIe Gen 5 NVMe drive and the T705 1TB for undercutting the Rocket 5 2TB on price when we checked if those matter more to you.
Gen5 drives run hot; use the motherboard's heatsink or the drive's own.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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