Best SSD for a Gaming PC
WD_BLACK SN770 1TB (NVMe)
A well-reviewed PCIe 4.0 drive, the sweet spot for most new builds.
We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Choose a drive that fits your PC, your game library and your budget. Compare SATA and NVMe options before paying for speed or capacity you do not need.
NVMe vs SATA
| Type | Typical speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SATA SSD | ~550 MB/s | Clears our predicted minimum, a low-cost way to move off an HDD |
| NVMe SSD (PCIe 3.0) | ~3,500 MB/s | The realistic sweet spot for a new build today |
| NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0/5.0) | 7,000–14,000 MB/s | Faster load times, mainly noticeable on newer, larger open-world titles |
GTA 6 and Metro 2039 both predict roughly 150GB and 100GB installs respectively, on top of Windows and everything else you already have. See our GTA 6 storage breakdown for the full sizing reasoning.
How much capacity to buy
| Capacity | Realistic for |
|---|---|
| 500GB | OS + one or two large games, tight but workable |
| 1TB | The practical minimum for a modern library with 2-3 AAA titles installed |
| 2TB+ | Comfortable room for a full library without constant uninstall/reinstall cycles |
Recommended SSDs, by budget
Crucial MX500 1TB (SATA)
A low-cost way to move off an HDD, and it still clears every predicted minimum on this site.
WD_BLACK SN770 1TB (NVMe)
A well-reviewed, reasonably priced PCIe 4.0 drive, the sweet spot for most new builds.
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB (NVMe)
A 2TB PCIe 4.0 option for a larger library. Check motherboard compatibility and the current price before choosing it over a cheaper drive.