Best Ssd For Video Editing 2020

Best SSD for Gaming (Updated 2021)

Check out our list of the best solid-state drives that you can find in 2021. We've included incredible products that can be purchased a great prices.

SSDs (solid-state drives) have become increasingly cheaper over the last few years, making them the ideal alternative to conventional hard drives (HDDs). SSDs are known for one main thing, and that is speed. Even the worst SSD will perform significantly faster than HDDs. For gamers, various factors influence what SSD you should purchase, and there are several offers, so finding one requires well-thought considerations.

A computer with a fast CPU can be slowed down by slow storage. Typical HDDs take longer to feed data to the CPU as they use various platters and physical read/write arms to fetch information. An SSD is devoid of these features, offering faster installations, booting, and game reloading speeds. Paired with fast CPUs, solid-state drives are the ultimate choice for all gamers that prioritize speed.

SSDs have replaced HDDs as the best storage for gaming, offering swift performance, which every gamer seeks. However, they tend to be expensive, and the cost will soar if you need to install and run several games. Modern games require 50GB, with some advanced titles taking up to 150GB of your storage. A standard 10TB HDD will cost under $200 when a 4TB SSD can set you back $500. Nonetheless, SSDs provide the best performance for gaming and operating other programs. You can take a look at our list of the best SSDs for gaming and weigh the pros and cons of each product against your preferences. When you finish this guide, you'll be able to find the perfect one for your situation!

The 970 EVO plus is an excellent upgrade of the 970 EVO. This new version can reach the sequential read or write speed of 3,500/3,300 MB/s. The gadget is powered by V-NAND technology for higher power efficiency and excellent performance. Other features include optimized firmware to enhance write performance and intelligent TurboWrite to boost speed. This makes it ideal for hardcore gamers, tech enthusiasts, and professionals.

When it comes to design, Samsung 970 EVO plus is engineered to fit the 2TB M.2 form factor, which is quite enough storage capacity. This capacity enables you to do more and accomplish more. The 970 EVO features a nickel-coated controller and heat spreader for excellent heat dissipation. It's embedded with a Dynamic Thermal Guard to monitor and maintains temperatures at its best automatically. This is to ensure the SSD delivers unparalleled reliability and minimizes performance drops.

If data security is your major concern, then 970 EVO plus SSD got you covered. Enjoy seamless cloning and file transfers with Samsung Magician Software. This SSD software enhances performance and secures data with automatic firmware updates. Being a gamer means you'll spend most of your time on the screen. In most cases, this leads to high consumption of power. But it's different with 970 EVO. The device is designed for lower power consumption.

Key Features

Capacity: 500 GB
Interface: PCI Express x4, NVMe 1.3
Sequential Read Speed: 3,300 MB/s
Weight: 0.28 ounces
5-year warranty

Specifications

Capacity: 500 GB
Hardware Interface: PCI Express x4
Compatible Devices: This drive is compatible with servers and arrays that accept M.2 2280 PCIe drives
Brand: Samsung

Pros

Offers enhanced bandwidth
It's power-efficient, ideal for high-end gamers
4K and 3D content designers
Excellent performance for writing data
Exceptional endurance
Good reliability rating

Cons

The drive may run hot in the idle state
Might be hard to install

Sabrent is not a new brand in the market. The company has proved its reliability by manufacturing durable products, and Sabrent Rocket Q (8TB) is no exception. If you have been in the market searching for a high capacity and durable SSD for gaming, then your search has come to an end. This SSD is designed with you in mind.

This new series offers a great combination of performance and value. However, all these features come at a heavy price tag. The 8TB SSD provides the massive capacity to slot right in your notebook if you're always on the go.

The company includes plenty of software support. If you want to change 512e and 4Kn formats, you can download Sabrent's sector size convertor. There is also a control panel app that monitors the device as well as updating the firmware. Another great software is the Acronis True Image OEM which is used for drive cloning and backup.

The Sabrent Rocket Q is embedded with a copper label on top to aid with cooling. It also utilizes the Phison E12S NVMe controller. This controller is built on a 12nm process node to tame temperature and power.

The read/write performance can reach up to 3300/2900 MB/s. Power consumption is relatively low compared to conventional hard drives.

Key Features

Capacity: 8 TB
Interface: PCle Gen3 x4
Free Sabrent Acronis True Image
Dimensions: 3.15 x 0.86 x 0.11 inches
Data transfer rate: 3200 MB/s

Specifications

Capacity: 8TB
Hardware Interface: M.2 PCIe Gen3 x 4
Compatible Devices: ONFi 2.3, ONFi 3.0, ONFi 3.2 and ONFi 4.0
Brand: Sabrent Rocket

Pros

Plenty of software support
High efficiency
Largest storage capacity M.2 SSD available
5-year warranty
Competitive performance

Cons

It might throttle without cooling
It comes with a heavy price tag

The WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD comes with a revamped firmware for enhanced performance. The SSD is among the fastest drives on the market, and it boasts of a new image. The updated dashboard tweaks to the hardware configuration.

The drive is designed to offer speedy performance, thanks to the NVMe interface. This is ideal as it gives hardcore gamers the competitive edge they need. When you're looking for the best SSD, storage capacity becomes a crucial factor to consider. And in this case, WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD boasts of 64-layer 3D NAND, which pushes limitations of storage.

The first thing you'll notice with this SSD is its sleek design. The modern construction goes well with a variety of desktop PC builds that support the M.2 connection. It's also the ideal component to complement systems with RGB lighting and other cooling technologies.

When you on the gaming mode on the dashboard, the system's sleep mode will get disabled to provide a consistent in-game experience.

The SSD is engineered to prioritize speeds for reading and writing. More so, its price-per-gig is appealing, making it suitable for game fanatics who are on a budget. Its new gaming mode prevents the device from entering low-power mode for peak performance.

With more power, more heat will be generated. To prevent the drive from overheating, the heatsink is made of solid aluminum and firm EKWD.

Key Features

Capacity: 250 GB
Interface: PCle Gen3 8GB/s
5-year warranty
Weight: 0.27 ounces

Specifications

Capacity: 250GB
Hardware Interface: Solid State Drive
Compatible Devices: Desktop
Brand: Western Digital

Pros

A variety of capacity options
Exceptional performance for gaming
Easy to install
Low per-gigabyte cost
Durable
Value for money

Cons

Cloning software might not be excellent
A few complaints about a functionless Acronis software

Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 is yet another powerful SSD designed for hardcore gamers. With a small M.2 form factor, the P34A80 allows for effortless installation in the thinnest notebooks, PC desktops, and mobile applications.

When it comes to SSD, stability and durability become core features. And Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 supports the RAID engine to maintain data integrity and system stability during high-demanding applications. Thus, making it suitable for heavy workloads, professional use, content creation, and gaming.

The superfast PCle Gen3 x4 interface enhances the read/write sequential speeds up to 3,400/3,000 MB/s. This snappy guy is engineered to speed up your system, and it comes at an affordable price. The Phison's E12 NVMe controller is paired TLC NAND flash.

Essentially, the device features a reliable and secure support system through a Format NVM command, SMART data reporting and trim. Also, to secure data, the silicon SSD comes with end-to-end protection, Low Density Parity Check, and Raid engine. This makes sure its endurance ratings are competitive, around 600TB(write endurance) at its 1TB storage capacity, which matches Samsung's high-end SSDs like the 970 EVO plus.

There is also a limited 5-year warranty that applies only if you have not exhausted write endurance. There is an SSD toolbox for download on Silicon power's site that allows you to check the SSD's SMART data as well as monitor its endurance and health status.

Key Features

Capacity: 1TB
Form factor: M.2 2280
Controller: Phison E12
Seq. read/write: 3,400/3,000 MB/s
Endurance: TBW
Data transfer rate: 3400 MB/s

Specifications

Capacity: 1TB
Hardware Interface: PCIE x 4
Compatible Devices: This drive is compatible with servers and arrays that accept M.2 2280 PCle drives
Brand: Silicon Power

Pros

Compatible with a variety of devices
Suitable for desktops and small form-factor PCs
Durable and stable
Speedy performance
Reasonably priced

Cons

Low endurance rate
Most users find it hard to install

ADDLINK S70 1TB aims at high-speed applications, suitable for gaming, photo editing, 3D animation, and video productions. The heavy workload needs an efficient processing system with no slowdowns or system lags. With a 3D NAND flash memory, the device provides fast data transfers, better clearance, and unrivaled reliability. With four lanes used to receive and transmit data simultaneously, you can expect a compelling performance of reading/writing sequentially. This performance may, however, change due to system hardware and configuration.

Data security is a concern for many people. But with this gadget, you have nothing to worry about. The ADDLINK S70 1TB is engineered with a RAID engine and Low-Density Parity-Check coding to keep data secure. More so, it's manufactured with high-quality flash chips and dynamic thermal mechanism for superior endurance and unmatched stability for intense applications.

S70 1TB is built-in the M.2 2280 form factor. This makes it ideal for thin, light laptops and systems with limited space. The multi-purpose SFF connector replaces small mSATA and mini-PCle slots.

This might not be your so affordable SSD, but it's worth every dime. The speed and performance are worthwhile. To back its durability, the device comes with a 5-year limited warranty to give you a rich owner experience.

Key Features

Capacity: 1 TB
Data Transfer: 3400MB/s
Sequential read/write: up to 3,500/3,000
Powered by 3D NAND Technology

Specifications

Capacity: 1TB
Hardware Interface: PCI Express x4
Compatible Devices: Desktop
Brand: Addlink

Pros

Exceptional sequential speeds
Five-year warranty
Great value
Easy installation process
High durability rating

Cons

It doesn't come with any software management tool
Fast sequential speeds may lead to overheating

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You cannot talk of the best SSD for gaming without mentioning Samsung 970 PRO M.2. This is an SSD that goes beyond your expectations in various aspects. Have the best experience for intensive workloads in workstations and PCs with 970 PRO. The device delivers ultimate performance powered by NVMe SSD leadership. With the new Phoenix controller and V-NAND technology meets the needs of gaming enthusiast, tech gurus, and professionals.

The Samsung 970 PRO M.2 delivers up to 1,200 TBW, making it achieve 50% greater endurance than its predecessors. Achieve a new level of gaming confidence with 970 PRO. The advanced nickel-coated controllers and heat spreader allows heat dissipation. It's also fitted with a dynamic thermal guard that automatically monitors and maintains ideal operating temperatures to prevent performance drops.

Additionally, the Samsung 970 PRO M.2 comes with Samsung Magician Software to make management simple. A 5-year limited warranty backs up the durability of this SSD.

To sum it up, this SSD is priced reasonably and offers almost the same performance, if not better, than its expensive counterparts in the same category. So if you are looking for something that will give more storage with exemplary performance, this is your best bet.

Key Features

Samsung V-NAND technology
Capacity: 512 GB
Interface: SATA 3.0 GB/s
Sequential write speed: 2,700 MB/s
5-year limited warranty
Dynamic Thermal Guard

Specifications

Capacity: 512 GB
Hardware Interface: SATA 3.0 Gb/s
Compatible Devices: This drive is compatible with servers and arrays that accept M.2 2280 PCIe drives
Brand: Samsung

Pros

High TBW rating
Comes with a long warranty
Durable and stable
Excellent overall performance
Controlled temperatures to prevent overheating

Cons

Above-average prices
Clients claim software didn't function as expected

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Crucial is a reputable and reliable brand that's praised for its durable products. With several years in the industry, the company boasts of unparalleled experience. With the heritage of award-winning SSDs, you can expect to have a solidly constructed device. The Crucial MX500 has been thoroughly tested, tried, and proven to give you a combination of security, quality, and performance.

If you're looking forward to having a quieter, faster, and cooler PC for your gaming session, then Crucial MX500 1TB is your ultimate choice. The device uses an adaptable pool of high-speed flash memory to provide excellent speed at a competitive price-performance ratio. This is a solid combination that enables the SSD to work with most systems.

Gaming needs a faster and reliable PC. But this can only be enabled by a strong SSD. With Crucial MX500, you can get up your game and unleash your creativity. Whatever your passion, accelerate it with this powerful device.

The sequential reads/writes up to 560/510 MB/s and a random read/writes of 95k/90k on all file types. The performance is accelerated by Micron 3D NAND technology. More so, it's fitted with integrated power loss immunity to preserve all your saved work once the power goes off unexpectedly.

With AES 256-bit encryption, your data will be safe and secure from thieves and hackers. MX500 also comes with Acronis True image, great software for transferring data.

Key Features

Capacity: 1TB
Interface: SATA 6.0 GB/s
Sequential Read: 560 MB/s
5-year limited warranty
Form Factor: M2-2280

Specifications

Capacity: 1TB
Hardware Interface: SATA 6.0 Gb/s
Compatible Devices: This drive is compatible with desktops and laptops that accept 2.5" 7mm SATA drives
Brand: Crucial

Pros

Comes with a guide for easy installation
Easy to use
Long endurance rating
Comes at a competitive price
Great performance

Cons

It doesn't come with mounting screws
The firmware isn't quite effective

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If you want a rich and unparalleled gaming experience, you should prioritize buying Adata XPG SX8200 Pro SSD. Powered by the advanced 3D NAND technology and PCle NVMe interface, the device delivers a sequential read/write up to 3,500/3,000 MB/s. This is extraordinarily fast compared to a standard SATA SSD. The speed boosts the overall system responsiveness and significantly reduces game loading time for professionals.

This SSD is a suitable choice for artificial intelligence, video and graphic editing, large data analysis, and 3D modeling. However, actual performance might vary based on the host device, user applications, capacities, among many other factors.

Adata XPG SX8200 Pro SSD features a capacity of up to 1TB, providing higher storage space. The stronger durability is backed up by an extended warranty for a worry-free ownership experience. Additionally, the gadget supports LPDC error correcting code technology. The E2E Data protection ensures your data is safely guarded.

The SX8200 uses the M.2 form factor and is 2280. Ensure you check the motherboard manual to see if it's compatible with your system. But it's not compatible with Mac. You might be required to purchase some parts to use on the Mac system, which is an additional cost. The SSD toolbox and migration tool can be downloaded from the official website to transfer data effortlessly and securely.

Key Features

Capacity: 512 GB
Interface: M.2 PCle x4
Powered by 3D NAND Technology
Data Transfer: 3,500 MB/s
Weight: 1.06 ounces

Specifications

Capacity: 512 GB
Hardware Interface: Express Card
Compatible Devices: Desktop
Brand: XPG

Pros

Power-efficient SSD
High performance
Great software package
Stylish and modern look
Highly durable 5-year warranty

Cons

It might be a bit sluggish
It might not be ideal for boot/Windows bulk storage

The combination of stellar performance and affordability can be well spelled by mentioning Samsung 860 EVO 500GB. This is another excellent product from Samsung that showcases the brand's innovation and creativity in the technology world. The 860 EVO is explicitly designed to enhance the performance of mainstream PCs and laptops. Fitted with the latest V-NAND technology, this reliable and fast SSD comes in a wide range of capacities and compatible form factors.

Even when you're multitasking or working on heavy workloads, the speed will remain constant for faster file transfer. The gadget performs at a sequential read of 550 MB/s. The intelligent TurboWrite technology boosts the write sequential speeds up to 520 MB/s. However, the performance might vary based on the firmware version, configuration, and system hardware.

Whatever size your computer needs, the 860 EVO will be there for you. Choose among the 2.5-inch size for laptops and desktop PCs.

With Samsung 860 EVO 500GB in your possession, you'll benefit from faster, more fluid communication with the host system. The new MJX controller and refined ECC algorithm, higher speeds, will get generated and enhanced Linux compatibility.

Samsung Magician Software is designed to enable you to manage the SSD with a simple yet intuitive interface. You'll get firmware updates and easily install the updates from stability, compatibility, and performance. The SSD supports AES 256-bit hardware-based encryption to ensure your data is safe and secure.

Key Features

Capacity: 500 GB
Data transfer: 6 GB/s
Weight: 3.04 ounces
Powered by Samsung V-NAND Technology
AES 256-bit encryption

Specifications

Capacity: 500 GB
Hardware Interface: SATA 6.0 Gb/s
Compatible Devices: Backwards compatibility to SATA Rev. 2.0 (3Gb/s)
Brand: Samsung

Pros

High endurance
Great read/write speeds
Compact Affordable compatibility, and stability
Enhanced performance,
High compatibility, and stability

Cons

Some users find it hard to install
It has some software issues

Over the years, Intel has been at the forefront in delivering and meeting consumer demands at its best. The Intel Optane 905P SSD is the latest and fastest drive on the market. More so, it's an ideal gift for hardcore enthusiasts. This powerful SSD comes in a larger capacity (960 GB) than its predecessor. That's a lot of space for a small library of movies and decades of photos.

The Intel Optane 905P SSD does offer not only great performance but also does great on its look. Measuring 15mm in thickness, it might not be the thin nest drive, but you'll surely want to show it off. A black heatsink covers it for a sleek and modern look,

It has a power/SATA connector at the back to easily connect the data part to the M.2 port. The SSD is claiming 2,200MB/s sequential write and 2,600MB/s sequential read speeds.

The 905P utilizes Intel's Optane non-volatile memory, which uses the NVMe protocol to pass data. This SSD rocks when it comes to multi-queued and multi-threaded performance. It can locate and handle small files incredibly well. The promised longevity is impressive, and performance is great.

If money is not an issue, then this is the ideal SSD for the perfect gaming experience.

Key Features

Capacity: 1.5 TB
Interface: PCle NVMe 3.0 x4
3D XPoint Technology
Read/write speeds: 2,600/2,200 MB/s
Weight: 1.5 pounds

Specifications

Capacity: 1500 GB
Hardware Interface: Solid State Drive
Compatible Devices: Desktop
Brand: Intel

Pros

Solid construction
Durable
Large storage capacity
High random read/write performance
Excellent overall performance
Suitable for gaming, content creating, and professional use

Cons

Quite expensive
Slightly heavy

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Here are some elements that make a good SSD for gaming.

Compatibility And Optimal Size – 500GB+

Installing a game like FIFA 20 requires at least 50GB of storage, and others like Minecraft can eat up to 80GB. We expect games to get bigger with each upgrade and version as more features are added. As such, you need ample space to store your games. The storage will depend on what games you play and the exact number you want to keep. For instance, a 256GB SSD can save five to eight games. However, to enjoy fast performances, you need way more than that. It is advisable to get at least 500GB SSD, although 1TB is even better. Anything under 256GB won't suffice unless you have one game to play.

Also, modern SSDs are designed to operate across a wide variety of hardware and connections. It all depends on the system you have. Gamers with a mid-to-high-end motherboard or recent gaming desktop can install almost all types of drives currently available in the market. Laptop users, on the other hand, should consult with the manufacturer. Some solder the drives onto the motherboard making an upgrade impossible, while most now rely on the M.2 Form Factor that leaves no space for classic 2.5-inch laptop drives. A good SSD for gaming should be compatible with your hardware, so make sure you find one specifically designed to work with your interfaces and buses.

Speed And Power Consumption

SSDs are known for their speed and augmented program performance. However, there are various types at different speeds. Several factors also influence the speed you will achieve from an SSD. For instance, modern add-in-cards that operate over the PCI Express bus, which doubles the bandwidth, perform significantly faster than those relying on earlier SATA interface. Others, such as M.2, works with either interface, so the choice will depend on your needs. If you have "big" games that are storage and memory intensive, a swifter SSD, such as the NVMe, offers the best option. All gamers need SSDs to provide better speed, especially when running other programs, such as screen recorders.

What about power? Gamers with desktops plugged onto a power source 24/7 probably don't worry so much about power consumption. However, if you play on your laptop, energy consumption can be a deal-breaker as you search for efficient drives. Some drives inherently consume more power than others, draining your laptop battery much faster. This can result in premature wear for your batteries and other inconveniences. Your goal is to find a balance between speed and power consumption based on your needs. Some are extremely swift, but power-hungry while others are a tad slower, yet offer a solid two-hour surplus in unplugged runtime. Nonetheless, you need SSDs that don't hike your energy bills.

Now that you've finished this guide, you can revisit our list of the best SSDs for gaming and find the perfect one for you!

FAQ

Q: How does a gaming SSD work?

A solid-state drive (SSD) is similar to a hard drive in usage as both let you store large data volumes. Unlike random access memory (RAM), the content stored on an SSD is persistent, whether the computer is on or off. Hard drives have a different functionality compared to a basic SSD.

A gaming SSD lacks any moving parts, making them silent when in use. An SSD device reads and writes data on flash memory chips, which are also called NAND. Functionally, an SSD is closer to a USB flash drive more than a computer hard disk.

Q: Can gaming SSDs be used in Laptops?

Typically, you'll find an SSD used anywhere a typical hard drive resides. In fact, this flash technology is considered to be an upgrade to the spinning magnetic disk used in traditional drives. Both gaming laptops and PCs come with internal SSDs which boost the performance of such machines.

If a computer doesn't come with a pre-installed SSD, it's still possible to install one. However, you have to make sure that the CPU and motherboard are compatible with SSDs. If not, you can still use an SSD as an external drive by obtaining a SATA case.

Q: Are SSDs better than hard drives?

The answer to this question is "yes." SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives in both read and write speeds. In addition, they last longer since they don't have moving parts that can easily wear and tear over time. All the use cases of a typical hard drive can be replaced with an SSD. The results will be significantly better in every aspect.

The only caveat is that SSDs are quite expensive when compared to hard drives. This also explains why most gaming laptops will feature a 128GB or 256GB SSD coupled with a 2TB hard drive. Installing SSDs solely would make gaming computers too expensive for the average consumer.

Q: Are there different types of SSDs?

There are different types of SSDs based on the nature of technology behind the storage. The most common SSDs that you're likely to encounter are DRAM- and flash-based drives. DRAM-based SSDs use DRAM as the storage medium. Their main characteristic is fast data access, which is typically less than 10 microseconds. Such SSDs are used to store applications that can't handle latency. Flash-based SSDs are slightly slower. However, they aren't as volatile as their counterparts. Their content can survive power outages.

Q: Can SSDs be used in extreme temperatures?

SSDs have higher temperature tolerance compared to hard drives. While typical hard drives will fail when operated below 40˚F or above 130˚F, SSDs have a wider tolerance. They'll work efficiently below -15˚F and above 150˚F . This makes SSDs more efficient for use in regions that typically experience extreme temperatures such as hot arid areas. Keep in mind that heat damage can be impossible to repair since it interferes with the structure of the silicone materials in the drive.

SSDs are a great pick if your main concern is durability.

Q: Are there any limits in terms of write cycles?

SSDs don't have unlimited write cycles. This problem is worse in the MLC variants which have a limit if 10,000 write cycles. On the other hand, flash SSDs have a limit of 100,000 cycles. Theoretically, the SSD will continue to function after exhausting the write cycles.

However, it can easily corrupt the stored data. In comparison, HDDs will continue to work efficiently past their projected lifespan as long as the moving parts remain undamaged. In practice, this is much harder to guarantee since storage devices tend to be dropped quite often.

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Christina Vidal (18 Articles Published)

Christina is a detail-driven and highly experienced author with more than 13 years of experience developing and producing original content for a variety of publications. She is also a speaker, and lecturer with insight into human innovation and high-performing teams. Her background includes writing both short and feature-length articles on a variety of subjects such as news, culture, travel, the arts, and business. Christina's work is personable, insightful, knowledgeable, and engaging.