Upgrading your SSD is n’t just important for blow up your storage . buy one of the good SSD option for your PC , PS5 or Steam Deck can also boost execution , specially for boot - up and loading times .
The tricky thing is receive the best SSD for your want . While you’re able to see the specification for the estimated speed , you wo n’t know the full extent of the functioning without testing an SSD firsthand . This is where we come in , as we look back the latest and greatest SSDs , ensure to carry on both benchmark tests and real - domain testing to evaluate performance .
We also try other aspects of an SSD , including thermic functioning and note value for money . Those SSDs that are rated extremely by our experts are considered for this very good SSD guide , making certain you ’re getting the best bang for your buck .
We ’ve also made certain to include a variety of option , including the cut edge PCIe 5.0 drives for personal computer , as well as those design for the PS5 or Stream Deck . So take a browsing below and find the utter option for your need .
Along with our in - depth examination of SSDs , we ’ve reviewed a range of personal computer constituent to help you kit out out your gimmick . For our guides on these , check outbest gaming central processor , best computer graphic cardsand more .
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Learn more about how we test SSDs
When test an SSD , we use both synthetic benchmark run , while also find out file transfers via both Steam and Windows explorer . We also factor in the like of price , design and temperature when attain a final score .
Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000
Pros
Cons
Crucial T500
Kingston Fury Renegade SSD
WD Black SN850
WD Black SN770M
Samsung 860 Evo
Trusted Score
TheGigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000is the immobile SSD we ’ve ever tested . It ’s up to of a serial read speed of up to 12,000MB / s , which is twice as fast as a large figure of the SSDs currently uncommitted on the mart .
The enhanced speed are all thanks to the parachuting up to the newfangled PCIe 5.0 standard , although this means you ’ll need a cutting - edge PC to make use of its full potential , and so is wasted on consoles such as the PS5 .
Not only did it prove to be excellently speedy when loading up games , but our run also show it to only take 37.40 second to remove a 120 GB file . New PCIe drive can suffer from overheating suffering , but the Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000 has luckily been paired with a satisfying heatsink to forfend this event .
If you want the fastest potential performance , and have the necessary processor and motherboard to reap its full potential , then the Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000 is the best SSD you could buy right now .
reader : Zak StoreyFull review article : Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000 review
Most SSD makers are now focalise on cause the jump to new PCIe 5.0 drives to take functioning to fresh heights , but theCrucial T500instead rivet on achieving the best SSD performance on the old PCIe 4.0 multiplication .
The Crucial T500 is the fastest PCIe 4.0 SSD we ’ve tested , achieving sequential read speeds of up to 7400MB / s , which is push the sheer limit point of the engineering science . It performed very well in our benchmark tests too , include the Final Fantasy XIV in - game swiftness test and only take 37.40 indorsement to transfer a 120 GB file .
It hail bundled with a heatsink , which is gravid to keep it cool and at an optimal performance degree , but it ’s unluckily difficult to prise off if you desire to use your own heatsink or you ’re clamber to outfit inside your PC . Fortunately , you are able to purchase the SSD without a heatsink to annul this issue .
If you ’re still using a PCIe 4.0 central processing unit in your PC , then the essential T500 is the best SSD we ’ve tested , extradite the fastest speeds we ’ve seen from this propagation .
referee : Zak StoreyFull review : Crucial T500 Review
Purchasing an SSD can be a shade confuse forPS5owners , as you need to check that the speeds are just correct to see a legato functioning without overpay . TheKingston Fury Renegade SSDis our favourite of the crew , with a fantastic balance of price and performance .
The Kingston Fury Renegade is a PCIe 4.0 SSD that ’s capable of up to a 7300MB / s sequential speeding , which is just shy of the performance of the Crucial T500.Our benchmark tests back up its gamey carrying into action claim , prove excellent across the board , including flying gaming load time and quick single file transportation .
The SSD derive bundled with a solid scummy - visibility heatsink too , which leave it to to easily fit out inside a PC or even the PS5 .
If you ’re looking for an SSD to upgrade your PS5 storage with , then we cogitate the Kingston Fury Renegade SSD is the best SSD to go for . That say , this is still an fantabulous choice for PC gamers , as the carrying into action is n’t too much different from the fantabulous important T500 .
Reviewer : Zak StoreyFull brushup : Kingston Fury Renegade SSD Review
TheWD Black SN850is one of the more affordable SSDs on this list , and represents superb time value due to its first-class performance . It ’s also oftentimes discounted , with the 1 TB variation dropping as low as £ 118.99 .
This SSD is compatible with personal computer as well as thePS5console , and it managed to get read and write grievance of up to 7000MB / s and 5300MB / s , severally . File transfer speeds were very impressive , with the 110GBMortal Kombat 11transferring over from another Gen 4 SSD at just 1.65GB / s.
There is a drawback to the heatsink model though , as the driveway can get very red-hot during extended use . However , since the average soul wo n’t be prove their SSD in this mode , we ca n’t see this being a huge publication for most people , even if it is something to be aware of .
Overall , if you ’re looking to upgrade your frame-up but do n’t desire to break the bank building , the WD Black SN850 is one of the best SSD choice on the market , and since it can be found in 500 GB , 1 TB , 2 TB and 4 TB variations , you should be able to find a contour and monetary value that wreak best for you .
Reviewer : Aleksha McLoughlinFull review : WD Black SN850 Review
The last few years have seen the emergence of hand-held gaming PCs , with the likes of theSteam DeckandAsus ROG Allygaining popularity . But one of the downsides to have such a thick equipment is that there ’s no room for a full - size SSD if you want to upgrade the storage . luckily , the mini dimensions of theWD_Black SN770MSSD relieve oneself it possible for you to boost the memory board .
The WD_Black SN770 M is available in various sizes , including 512 GB , 1 TB and 2 TB . As the Steam Deck is only usable with up to 1 TB by default , this means you’re able to effectively double the equipment ’s maximum capacity . The one caution is that the Steam Deck does n’t have a spare M.2 slot , so you ’ll take to supersede the existing drive in ordering to fit the WD_Black SN770 M inwardly .
Our benchmark tests show the WD_Black SN770 M to offer up to a 5215MB / s read speed , which is far quicker than any MicroSD card expansion will deliver . The SN770 M does lag behind full - size SSDs make for a desktop PC , but that ’s no surprisal given the dinky dimensions here .
So if you ’re look to upgrade the storage of your Steam Deck , Asus Rog Ally or any other microcomputer handheld , then the WD_Black SN770 M is the honorable SSD you could buy for the job . But appear elsewhere if you desire a great time value SSD for a desktop PC .
commentator : Zak StoreyFull review : WD_Black SN770 M Review
TheSamsung 860 Evois capable of squeezing every last drop of performance from its old SATA interface . It ’s significant to mark that anyone with a modern NVMe - compatible computer can profit from the fresh M.2 SSD monetary standard , like thePNY XLR8 CS3140 . However , Samsung ’s root is still perfectly serviceable and will be compatible with older setups that do n’t support NVMe drives .
With the older SATA criterion limit to 600MB / s focal ratio , the Samsung 860 Evo sees gloomy read and compose scores coming in at 550MB / s and 520MB / s , respectively . This means it ’s not a great choice for gamers , or anyone who wants rapid thrill - up times and quick data transfer speeds .
But it will provide serviceable loading and transfer time for anyone who just require a personal computer for basic productivity undertaking . It ’s also a bully low-cost pick for those who want plenty of entrepot space at an affordable price , with a fantastic range of configuration include 250 GB , 500 GB , 1 TB , 2 TB and 4 TB . With so many options you should be capable to chance a price point and entrepot choice that ’s right for you .
Reviewer : David LudlowFull review : Samsung 860 Evo review
Test Data
Full Specs
