PC hardware · buying guide
Best SSD for a Gaming PC
An HDD isn't just slower, it's very likely to fail our predicted requirements outright. Here's why, how much capacity to buy, and real drives worth buying.
NVMe vs SATA
| Type | Typical speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SATA SSD | ~550 MB/s | Clears our predicted minimum, the cheapest way 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)
The cheapest realistic way off an HDD, 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)
One of the fastest consumer drives available, plenty of room for a full modern library.
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