Buying Guide
The Best SSDs Under $300
From the P310 1TB to the SN5100 2TB: 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
Between $150 and $300, you can buy 4TB Gen4 drives or fast Gen5 models. Every pick sits in that range, ordered by read speed.
We sorted these picks by sequential read, sequential write and interface, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips sequential write, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Samsung 990 PRO 1TB
The fastest rated read speed here (7,450MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 PRO 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Lexar NM790 1TB
A 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model.
Best for: Buyers who want 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model.
Our take Check price for Lexar NM790 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB
A 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.
Our take Check price for Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Crucial P310 1TB
The cheapest way into this group, below the NM790 1TB.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Crucial P310 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
WD Blue SN5100 2TB
The top of this price range, adding a five-year limited warranty.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for WD Blue SN5100 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The fastest rated read speed here (7,450MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for Samsung 990 PRO 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model. | Buyers who want 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model. | Check price for Lexar NM790 1TB (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 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the NM790 1TB. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Crucial P310 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a five-year limited warranty. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for WD Blue SN5100 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Fastest Rated Read Speed1 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 put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the P310 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. Nothing else here matches its 7,450MB/s rated read speed; the NM790 1TB comes closest at 7,400MB/s. On rated write speed it leads this guide at 6,900MB/s, ahead of the NM790 1TB (6,500MB/s).
You also get 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. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper 990 EVO Plus 1TB and the pricier SN5100 2TB, at the time of writing.
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
- Fastest rated read speed of the picks (7,450MB/s)
- Fastest rated write speed of the picks (6,900MB/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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
- Buyers who want 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the P310 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It suits gamers and creators who want Gen4 speed at a mid-range price. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 7,400MB/s: the 990 PRO 1TB offers 7,450MB/s, and the SN5100 2TB comes in at 7,100MB/s. Its 6,500MB/s rated write speed ranks second of 4 here, behind the 990 PRO 1TB (6,900MB/s) and ahead of the P310 1TB (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 P310 1TB and below the 990 EVO Plus 1TB at the time of writing.
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
- Rated read speed of 7,400MB/s, ahead of the 990 EVO Plus 1TB
Cons
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 990 EVO Plus 1TB stands out for a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes, and it adds Samsung Magician software for firmware updates.
Best for
- Buyers who want design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes.
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 7,150MB/s rated read speed and offers a 6,300MB/s rated write speed. On rated read speed it sits mid-pack at 7,150MB/s: the 990 PRO 1TB offers 7,450MB/s, and the SN5100 2TB comes in at 7,100MB/s. Its 6,300MB/s rated write speed ranks third of 4 here, behind the 990 PRO 1TB (6,900MB/s) and ahead of the P310 1TB (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. 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 was priced above the NM790 1TB and below the 990 PRO 1TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Sequential read: 7,150MB/s
- Sequential write: 6,300MB/s
- Interface: PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2
- Capacity: 1TB
Pros
- Design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes
- Samsung Magician software for firmware updates
- Rated read speed of 7,150MB/s, ahead of the P310 1TB
Cons
- Needs a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot to reach its rated speed
- 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 in the build.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated write speed matters most to you; the 990 PRO 1TB offers 6,900MB/s.
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. On rated write speed it trails the group at 6,000MB/s, while the 990 PRO 1TB offers 6,900MB/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 the cheapest of the group when we checked; the NM790 1TB was the next step up.
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 NM790 1TB
Cons
- Rated write speed trails the 990 PRO 1TB (6,900MB/s)
Premium Pick5 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
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the 990 PRO 1TB offers 7,450MB/s.
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 1TB 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the 990 PRO 1TB the nearest cheaper option. Rated read speed is its weakest area, and the 990 PRO 1TB covers it better at 7,450MB/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
- 2TB capacity, the only one here
- The top of this price range, adding a five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the 990 PRO 1TB (7,450MB/s)
- No published rated write speed
- Costs more than the P310 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose These SSDs Under $300
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Endurance
- We noted TBW ratings and warranty length where listed.
- Design
- We checked interface, DRAM cache and heatsink options.
- 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 Under $300
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 P310 1TB to 6,900MB/s on the 990 PRO 1TB. Pick the lowest figure that covers your use; the extra usually costs more than it returns.
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.
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.
How to Choose an SSD Under $300
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | 990 PRO 1TB | The fastest rated read speed here (7,450MB/s) |
| Buyers who want 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model | NM790 1TB | A 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model |
| Buyers who want design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes | 990 EVO Plus 1TB | A design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | P310 1TB | The cheapest way into this group, below the NM790 1TB |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | SN5100 2TB | The top of this price range, adding a five-year limited warranty |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Drive | Sequential read | Sequential write | Interface | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 PRO 1TB | 7,450MB/s | 6,900MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| NM790 1TB | 7,400MB/s | 6,500MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| 990 EVO Plus 1TB | 7,150MB/s | 6,300MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 or 5.0 x2 | 1TB |
| P310 1TB | 7,100MB/s | 6,000MB/s | PCIe 4.0 x4 | 1TB |
| SN5100 2TB | 7,100MB/s | Not listed | 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 $150 to $250 | P310 1TB, NM790 1TB, 990 EVO Plus 1TB, 990 PRO 1TB |
| About $250 to $500 | SN5100 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these SSDs compare on rated read speed?
The 990 PRO 1TB leads at 7,450MB/s, ahead of the NM790 1TB at 7,400MB/s; the SN5100 2TB sits at the other end with 7,100MB/s.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The P310 1TB cost the least when we checked, and the SN5100 2TB sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
How much storage do I need for games?
2TB suits most players; 4TB suits large libraries without uninstalling.
Do I need an SSD heatsink?
Use one on fast drives. Most boards include M.2 heatsinks; otherwise buy the heatsink version.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the 990 PRO 1TB, chosen for the fastest rated read speed here (7,450MB/s). Look at the NM790 1TB for a 1,000TBW endurance rating on the 1TB model, the 990 EVO Plus 1TB for a design that runs on PCIe 4.0 x4 or PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes and the P310 1TB for the cheapest way into this group, below the NM790 1TB if those matter more to you.
Pick capacity first; the speed difference matters less day to day.