Buying Guide
The Best SSDs for Gaming Laptops
We weighed five SSDs on rated read speed and rated write speed; the T500 2TB has the fastest rated read speed, and the P310 1TB costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A gaming laptop takes a bare M.2 2280 drive, since the lid leaves little room for a tall heatsink. Every pick lists laptop use, and we ordered them from the highest listed read speed down.
We ranked these SSDs on sequential read, sequential write and interface using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these SSDs ourselves, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Crucial T500 2TB
The fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Crucial T500 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Strong Alternative
WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB
Next-generation TLC NAND.
Best for: Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND.
Our take Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Crucial P310 1TB
The cheapest way into this group, below the SN7100 1TB.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the SN7100 1TB.
Our take Check price for Crucial P310 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Crucial P310 2TB
An Acronis data migration bundle.
Best for: Buyers who want Acronis data migration bundle.
Our take Check price for Crucial P310 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for Crucial T500 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) |
| Next-generation TLC NAND. | Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND. | Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the SN7100 1TB. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the SN7100 1TB. | Check price for Crucial P310 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| An Acronis data migration bundle. | Buyers who want Acronis data migration bundle. | Check price for Crucial P310 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Read Speed1 of 5
Crucial T500 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The T500 2TB offers 7,400MB/s reads and 7,000MB/s writes, the fastest rated writes among the 2TB Gen4 drives here.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the P310 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it leads this guide at 7,400MB/s, ahead of the T500 1TB (7,300MB/s). On rated write speed it leads this guide at 7,000MB/s, ahead of the SN7100 1TB (6,900MB/s). You also get Micron TLC NAND and an Acronis data migration bundle.
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 most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the T500 1TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,400MB/s
- Sequential write: 7,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Micron TLC NAND
- Acronis data migration bundle
- Fastest rated read speed of the picks (7,400MB/s)
- Fastest rated write speed of the picks (7,000MB/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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
- If budget leads, the P310 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 7,300MB/s: the T500 2TB offers 7,400MB/s, and the P310 2TB comes in at 7,100MB/s. Its 6,800MB/s rated write speed ranks third of 5 here, behind the T500 2TB (7,000MB/s) and ahead of the P310 2TB (6,000MB/s). It also comes with 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. It was priced above the P310 2TB and below the T500 2TB at the time of writing.
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
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the P310 1TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 7,250MB/s rated read speed ranks third of 5 here, behind the T500 2TB (7,400MB/s) and ahead of the P310 2TB (7,100MB/s). On rated write speed it sits mid-pack at 6,900MB/s: the T500 2TB offers 7,000MB/s, and the P310 2TB comes in at 6,000MB/s. It also comes with 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. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper P310 1TB and the pricier P310 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: 1TB
Pros
- Next-generation TLC NAND
- Design aimed at handhelds and laptops as well as desktops
- Rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, ahead of the P310 1TB
- Rated write speed of 6,900MB/s, ahead of the T500 1TB
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Crucial P310 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The P310 1TB stands out for an Acronis data migration bundle, and it adds a design that also suits handheld consoles.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the SN7100 1TB.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, behind the T500 2TB (7,400MB/s) is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 7,100MB/s rated read speed and offers a 6,000MB/s rated write speed. It uses Micron's G8 NAND with thermal control and is up to twice as fast as Gen3 drives for boot and app launches. 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 SN7100 1TB was closest. What it gives up: rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, behind the T500 2TB (7,400MB/s); by contrast, the T500 2TB offers 7,400MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,100MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- Acronis data migration bundle
- Design that also suits handheld consoles
- The cheapest way into this group, below the SN7100 1TB
Cons
- Rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, behind the T500 2TB (7,400MB/s)
Worth a Look5 of 5
Crucial P310 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The P310 2TB offers 7,100MB/s reads at one of the lowest 2TB prices here.
Best for
- Buyers who want Acronis data migration bundle.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the T500 2TB offers 7,400MB/s.
Why we like it
It matches the P310 1TB on rated read speed (7,100MB/s). On rated write speed it ties with the P310 1TB at 6,000MB/s. It also offers an Acronis data migration bundle.
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 T500 1TB, based on our last check. If rated read speed is your priority, the T500 2TB (7,400MB/s) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,100MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Acronis data migration bundle
- One of the lowest 2TB prices here
- 7,100MB/s rated read speed
- 6,000MB/s rated write speed
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the T500 2TB (7,400MB/s)
- Rated write speed trails the T500 2TB (7,000MB/s)
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These SSDs for Gaming Laptops
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, interface and capacity, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and all 4 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the T500 2TB to the P310 2TB, state rated read speed, rated write speed and interface and share PCIe 4.0 x4 interface.
- Who each pick suits
- The T500 2TB for the fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s); the T500 1TB for micron TLC NAND; the SN7100 1TB for next-generation TLC NAND.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the P310 1TB ($150 to $250) to the T500 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an SSD for Gaming Laptops
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed
Across these 5 picks rated read speed spans 7,100MB/s (the P310 2TB) to 7,400MB/s (the T500 2TB). The T500 1TB comes second at 7,300MB/s, in the same price tier as the T500 2TB.
Rated write speed across these picks
The T500 2TB tops rated write speed at 7,000MB/s and the P310 2TB sits lowest at 6,000MB/s. For less, the SN7100 1TB is the runner-up at 6,900MB/s ($150 to $250 tier).
Extras that separate them
The SN7100 1TB: a design aimed at handhelds and laptops as well as desktops. The P310 1TB: a design that also suits handheld consoles. The P310 2TB: one of the lowest 2TB prices here.
How much to spend
$150 to $250 buys the P310 1TB and the SN7100 1TB; $250 to $500 buys the P310 2TB, the T500 1TB and the T500 2TB at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who put rated read speed first: the T500 2TB. Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the SN7100 1TB: the P310 1TB.
How to Choose an SSD for Gaming Laptops
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | T500 2TB | The fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s) |
| Buyers who want Micron TLC NAND | T500 1TB | Micron TLC NAND |
| Buyers who want next-generation TLC NAND | SN7100 1TB | Next-generation TLC NAND |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the SN7100 1TB | P310 1TB | The cheapest way into this group, below the SN7100 1TB |
| Buyers who want Acronis data migration bundle | P310 2TB | An Acronis data migration bundle |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The T500 2TB leads on rated read speed at 7,400MB/s, ahead of the T500 1TB at 7,300MB/s.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T500 2TB | 7,400MB/s | 7,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
| T500 1TB | 7,300MB/s | 6,800MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| SN7100 1TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,900MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| P310 1TB | 7,100MB/s | 6,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| P310 2TB | 7,100MB/s | 6,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The P310 1TB was the lowest-priced pick ($150 to $250) and the T500 2TB the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | P310 1TB, SN7100 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | P310 2TB, T500 1TB, T500 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the T500 2TB ahead of the T500 1TB on rated read speed?
The T500 2TB tops rated read speed at 7,400MB/s; the T500 1TB follows at 7,300MB/s, 1% apart. The spread runs down to the P310 2TB at 7,100MB/s.
How does the SN7100 1TB compare with the T500 2TB on rated write speed?
The T500 2TB leads at 7,000MB/s, with the SN7100 1TB at 6,900MB/s. The P310 2TB closes the ranking at 6,000MB/s.
What does the T500 2TB add over the P310 1TB?
What it brings is rated read speed (7,400MB/s against 7,100MB/s) and rated write speed (7,000MB/s against 6,000MB/s). On our last price check the P310 1TB was in the $150 to $250 tier and the T500 2TB in the $250 to $500 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated read speed and rated write speed decide your purchase.
Why is the P310 1TB our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the SN7100 1TB. It suits anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the SN7100 1TB.
Do the T500 2TB and the T500 1TB differ on capacity?
The T500 2TB and the P310 2TB use 2TB; the T500 1TB, the SN7100 1TB and the P310 1TB use 1TB.
What extras do the T500 2TB and the T500 1TB include?
The T500 2TB: Micron TLC NAND. The T500 1TB: Micron TLC NAND. The SN7100 1TB: next-generation TLC NAND.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the T500 2TB, chosen for the fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s). Look at the T500 1TB for Micron TLC NAND, the SN7100 1TB for next-generation TLC NAND and the P310 1TB for the cheapest way into this group, below the SN7100 1TB if those matter more to you.
Check whether your laptop has a second M.2 slot, whether it is PCIe 4.0, and whether the chassis allows double-sided drives before you buy.