Buying Guide
The Best SSDs for a Steam Library
From the P310 2TB to the SN5000 4TB: five SSDs ranked on rated read speed and rated write speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A Steam library grows fast, so capacity matters more than peak speed. Every pick is a PCIe 4.0 drive of 2TB or more, ordered from the lowest price.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: sequential read, sequential write and interface come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing sequential write is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Crucial P310 2TB
The cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Crucial P310 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
WD Blue SN5100 2TB
A five-year limited warranty.
Best for: Buyers who want five-year limited warranty.
Our take Check price for WD Blue SN5100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Write Speed
WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB
The fastest rated write speed here (6,900MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Our take Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung 990 2TB
Samsung Magician software for firmware updates.
Best for: Buyers who want Samsung Magician software for firmware updates.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
WD Blue SN5000 4TB
The top of this price range, adding a 1,200TBW endurance rating on the 4TB model.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for WD Blue SN5000 4TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Crucial P310 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| A five-year limited warranty. | Buyers who want five-year limited warranty. | Check price for WD Blue SN5100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated write speed here (6,900MB/s). | Buyers who put rated write speed first. | Check price for WD_BLACK SN7100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Samsung Magician software for firmware updates. | Buyers who want Samsung Magician software for firmware updates. | Check price for Samsung 990 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a 1,200TBW endurance rating on the 4TB model. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for WD Blue SN5000 4TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated write speed matters most to you; the SN7100 2TB offers 6,900MB/s.
Why we like it
On rated read speed it ties with the SN5100 2TB at 7,100MB/s. Its 6,000MB/s rated write speed is the slowest in this group; the SN7100 2TB leads at 6,900MB/s. You also get 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the SN5100 2TB the next step up.
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
- Rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, ahead of the SN5000 4TB
- The cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB
Cons
- Rated write speed trails the SN7100 2TB (6,900MB/s)
Also Consider2 of 5
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
- Buyers who want five-year limited warranty.
Skip if
- Pass if a published rated write speed matters; this one has none.
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. On rated read speed it ties with the P310 2TB at 7,100MB/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 priced above the P310 2TB and below the SN7100 2TB at the time of writing. There is no published rated write speed figure, whereas the SN7100 2TB offers 6,900MB/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 SN5000 4TB
Cons
- No published rated write speed
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Write Speed3 of 5
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
- Buyers who put rated write speed first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the P310 2TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It matches the 990 2TB on rated read speed (7,250MB/s). Its 6,900MB/s rated write speed is the fastest here; the 990 2TB comes next at 6,450MB/s. You also get 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. Its price falls between the SN5100 2TB and the 990 2TB, based on our last check.
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 P310 2TB
- Fastest rated write speed of the picks (6,900MB/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Samsung 990 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 2TB stands out for Samsung Magician software for firmware updates, and it adds 7,250MB/s rated reads, near the PCIe 4.0 ceiling.
Best for
- Buyers who want Samsung Magician software for firmware updates.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the P310 2TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 7,250MB/s rated read speed and offers a 6,450MB/s rated write speed. Its 6,450MB/s rated write speed ranks second of 3 here, behind the SN7100 2TB (6,900MB/s) and ahead of the P310 2TB (6,000MB/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 priced above the SN7100 2TB and below the SN5000 4TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,450MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates
- 7,250MB/s rated reads, near the PCIe 4.0 ceiling
- Rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, ahead of the P310 2TB
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
WD Blue SN5000 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WD Blue SN5000 is the slowest drive here at 5,500MB/s reads, but still loads games quickly.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: slower 5,500MB/s rated reads.
Why we like it
It is the budget way to 4TB. On rated read speed it trails the group at 5,500MB/s, while the SN7100 2TB offers 7,250MB/s. You also get a 1,200TBW endurance rating on the 4TB model, Acronis True Image for Western Digital migration software and a lower price per terabyte than performance drives.
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. Only the 990 2TB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 5,500MB/s
- Endurance: 1,200TBW
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 4TB
Pros
- 1,200TBW endurance rating on the 4TB model
- Acronis True Image for Western Digital migration software
- Lower price per terabyte than performance drives
- 4TB capacity, the only one here
Cons
- Slower 5,500MB/s rated reads
- Rated read speed trails the SN7100 2TB (7,250MB/s)
- No published rated write speed
How We Chose These SSDs for a Steam Library
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five drives on rated read speed, rated write speed, interface and capacity as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the P310 2TB to the SN5000 4TB, state rated read speed, interface and capacity and share PCIe 4.0 x4 interface.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The SN5100 2TB and the SN5000 4TB give no rated write speed.
- Price range
- From the P310 2TB to the SN5000 4TB, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an SSD for a Steam Library
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated read speed
Here rated read speed runs from 5,500MB/s on the SN5000 4TB to 7,250MB/s on the SN7100 2TB. The SN7100 2TB is the pick for rated read speed.
How much rated write speed you need
Here rated write speed runs from 6,000MB/s on the P310 2TB to 6,900MB/s on the SN7100 2TB. Start with the SN7100 2TB if rated write speed decides it. No figure for the SN5100 2TB and the SN5000 4TB.
Features beyond the spec table
The SN7100 2TB: the highest rated writes among the 2TB Gen4 drives here. The 990 2TB: 7,250MB/s rated reads, near the PCIe 4.0 ceiling. The SN5000 4TB: Acronis True Image for Western Digital migration software.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the P310 2TB at the low end to the SN5000 4TB at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible: the P310 2TB. Buyers who put rated write speed first: the SN7100 2TB. Spending more for the fullest feature set: the SN5000 4TB.
How to Choose an SSD for a Steam Library
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | P310 2TB | The cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB |
| Buyers who want five-year limited warranty | SN5100 2TB | A five-year limited warranty |
| Buyers who put rated write speed first | SN7100 2TB | The fastest rated write speed here (6,900MB/s) |
| Buyers who want Samsung Magician software for firmware updates | 990 2TB | Samsung Magician software for firmware updates |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | SN5000 4TB | The top of this price range, adding a 1,200TBW endurance rating on the 4TB model |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The SN7100 2TB leads on rated read speed at 7,250MB/s, ahead of the 990 2TB at 7,250MB/s. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P310 2TB | 7,100MB/s | 6,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
| SN5100 2TB | 7,100MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
| SN7100 2TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,900MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
| 990 2TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,450MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
| SN5000 4TB | 5,500MB/s | Not listed | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4TB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SN7100 2TB ahead of the 990 2TB on rated write speed?
The SN7100 2TB leads at 6,900MB/s, with the 990 2TB at 6,450MB/s. The P310 2TB is at the other end of this group with 6,000MB/s. The SN5100 2TB and the SN5000 4TB don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
Is the SN5000 4TB worth paying more than the P310 2TB?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the P310 2TB still leads on rated read speed (7,100MB/s). The P310 2TB was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
What makes the P310 2TB the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB. It suits spending as little as possible.
Do the P310 2TB and the SN5000 4TB differ on capacity?
The P310 2TB, the SN5100 2TB, the SN7100 2TB and the 990 2TB use 2TB; the SN5000 4TB uses 4TB.
Beyond the specs, what sets the P310 2TB and the SN5100 2TB apart?
The P310 2TB: an Acronis data migration bundle. The SN5100 2TB: a five-year limited warranty. The SN7100 2TB: next-generation TLC NAND.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the P310 2TB, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB. Look at the SN5100 2TB for a five-year limited warranty, the SN7100 2TB for the fastest rated write speed here (6,900MB/s) and the 990 2TB for Samsung Magician software for firmware updates if those matter more to you.
Keep your most-played games on the fastest drive and the rest on bulk storage.