Buying Guide
The Best SSDs for Video Editing
From the P310 2TB to the 990 EVO Plus 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
Video editing needs capacity for footage and fast reads for scrubbing timelines. Every pick is 2TB or larger and reads at 7,000MB/s or more, ordered by capacity.
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.
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Lexar NM790 4TB
The fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Lexar NM790 4TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 4TB
The top of this price range, adding a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 4TB (opens in a new tab)
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)
Strong Alternative
TEAMGROUP MP44 2TB
SLC caching for bursts of writes.
Best for: Buyers who want SLC caching for bursts of writes.
Our take Check price for TEAMGROUP MP44 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 Lexar NM790 4TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 4TB (opens in a new tab) |
| 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) |
| SLC caching for bursts of writes. | Buyers who want SLC caching for bursts of writes. | Check price for TEAMGROUP MP44 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Read Speed1 of 5
Lexar NM790 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NM790 4TB offers a 3,000TBW rating, the highest here, with 7,400MB/s reads.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the P310 2TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is DRAM-less, which rarely matters for games. Nothing else here matches its 7,400MB/s rated read speed; the 990 EVO Plus 4TB comes closest at 7,250MB/s. You also get 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. Its price falls between the MP44 2TB and the 990 EVO Plus 4TB, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,400MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,500MB/s
- Endurance: 3,000TBW
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- DRAM cache: No (HMB)
- Capacity: 4TB
Pros
- 3,000TBW endurance rating
- Lower power draw than DRAM-equipped Gen4 drives, by Lexar's figure
- Fastest rated read speed of the picks (7,400MB/s)
- Fastest rated write speed of the picks (6,500MB/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 EVO Plus 4TB runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 with 7,250MB/s reads, a good fit for secondary M.2 slots.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
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
Its 7,250MB/s rated read speed ranks second of 5 here, behind the NM790 4TB (7,400MB/s) and ahead of the MP44 2TB (7,000MB/s). On rated write speed it sits mid-pack at 6,300MB/s: the NM790 4TB offers 6,500MB/s, and the MP44 2TB comes in at 6,000MB/s. A PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 interface is unique to it among these picks, while the P310 2TB uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface.
It also comes with 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the NM790 4TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,250MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,300MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2
- Capacity: 4TB
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
- Rated read speed of 7,250MB/s, ahead of the P310 2TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, behind the NM790 4TB (7,400MB/s).
Why we like it
On rated read speed it ties with the SN5100 2TB at 7,100MB/s. It matches the MP44 2TB on rated write speed (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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the SN5100 2TB the next step up. What it gives up: rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, behind the NM790 4TB (7,400MB/s); by contrast, the NM790 4TB offers 7,400MB/s.
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 MP44 2TB
- The cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB
Cons
- Rated read speed of 7,100MB/s, behind the NM790 4TB (7,400MB/s)
Also Consider4 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 MP44 2TB at the time of writing. There is no published rated write speed figure, whereas the NM790 4TB offers 6,500MB/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 MP44 2TB
Cons
- No published rated write speed
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
TEAMGROUP MP44 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MP44 2TB offers 7,000MB/s reads and 6,000MB/s writes with a slim graphene label.
Best for
- Buyers who want SLC caching for bursts of writes.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the NM790 4TB offers 7,400MB/s.
Why we like it
A graphene label helps spread heat, which works alongside a motherboard heatsink. Its 7,000MB/s rated read speed is the slowest in this group; the NM790 4TB leads at 7,400MB/s. On rated write speed it ties with the P310 2TB at 6,000MB/s.
You also get SLC caching for bursts of writes. 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 third of 5, between the cheaper SN5100 2TB and the pricier NM790 4TB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,000MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,000MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4
- Capacity: 2TB
Pros
- SLC caching for bursts of writes
- Slim graphene label for laptops
- 7,000MB/s rated reads
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the NM790 4TB (7,400MB/s)
- Rated write speed trails the NM790 4TB (6,500MB/s)
- Costs more than the P310 2TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These SSDs for Video Editing
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Design
- We checked interface, DRAM cache and heatsink options.
- Endurance
- We noted TBW ratings and warranty length where listed.
- Capacity
- We compared drives at the same capacity within each guide.
- Speed
- We compared rated sequential read and write speeds.
What to Look for in an SSD for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated write speed you need
Among these picks, rated write speed runs from 6,000MB/s on the MP44 2TB to 6,500MB/s on the NM790 4TB. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
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.
DRAM cache helps heavy use
Drives with DRAM cache hold speed better under long writes. DRAM-less drives with HMB are fine for games.
Cool the drive
Fast drives throttle when hot. Use the motherboard's M.2 heatsink or a heatsink version of the drive.
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.
How to Choose an SSD for Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | NM790 4TB | The fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s) |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | 990 EVO Plus 4TB | The top of this price range, adding a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes |
| 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 want SLC caching for bursts of writes | MP44 2TB | SLC caching for bursts of writes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NM790 4TB | 7,400MB/s | 6,500MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4TB |
| 990 EVO Plus 4TB | 7,250MB/s | 6,300MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 | 4TB |
| 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 |
| MP44 2TB | 7,000MB/s | 6,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2TB |
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 $250 to $500 | P310 2TB, SN5100 2TB, MP44 2TB |
| About $500 to $1000 | NM790 4TB, 990 EVO Plus 4TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these SSDs compare on rated read speed?
The NM790 4TB leads at 7,400MB/s, ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 4TB at 7,250MB/s; the MP44 2TB sits at the other end with 7,000MB/s.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
Start with the P310 2TB, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The 990 EVO Plus 4TB is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.
Are DRAM-less SSDs bad?
No. Modern DRAM-less drives with HMB are fine for games; DRAM helps sustained heavy writes.
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
Our first pick is the NM790 4TB, chosen for the fastest rated read speed here (7,400MB/s). Look at the 990 EVO Plus 4TB for the top of this price range, adding a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes, the P310 2TB for the cheapest way into this group, below the SN5100 2TB and the SN5100 2TB for a five-year limited warranty if those matter more to you.
Keep footage and cache on a separate drive from the OS for smoother editing.