Gaming SSDs for PC and PS5
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NVMe and SATA solid state drives for fast load times.
What to look at before you buy
Start with the slot, not the speed. Most desktops use M.2 2280 drives, which also fit a PS5, while the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and many small laptops need the short M.2 2230 size, so check the length your device accepts before anything else. A PS5 also asks for a heatsink, either on the drive or added by you.
Then choose the capacity. A 2 TB drive holds the system and a large game library on one disk, and 1 TB works if you keep only a few big games installed. The speed figures come next: Gen4 drives on our list read at 7,100 to 7,450 MB/s and a Gen5 drive reaches 14,700 MB/s, but a Gen5 drive only reaches its speed in a PCIe 5.0 slot.
Finally, look at the details that change long-term use: whether the drive has its own DRAM cache or uses host memory (HMB), the endurance and warranty the maker lists, and whether you need to clone your current drive before swapping it.
Tools that help you choose
Guides for this category
Frequently asked questions
What SSD size is recommended for a gaming PC in 2026?
2 TB is the comfortable size for a gaming PC, because large current games and the system fit together without constant uninstalling. 1 TB works if you play a handful of games at a time, and it is the usual step for a PS5 expansion on a tighter budget. Check the install size of the games you play on their store pages.
Is a Gen5 SSD worth it for gaming?
For most players, not for gaming alone. On paper a Gen5 drive reads about twice as fast as a good Gen4 one, but it only reaches that speed in a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, it costs more per terabyte and it runs hotter, so a heatsink matters. The extra speed shows most in large file transfers and video work.
What SSD do I need for a PS5?
Sony's storage expansion guide asks for a PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 drive, in sizes from 2230 to 22110, with a heatsink or similar cooling, and recommends reads of 5,500 MB/s or faster. Some drives ship with the heatsink fitted and are licensed for PS5; others need one added before you install them.