Yes, the ultimate gaming setup also requires choosing the right storage system. In 2025, a good, fast SSD will make all the difference between a rage quit and a resounding victory. NVMe, PCIe 5.0; we’re breaking it all down today. As a bonus, we’ll give you the top 5 best SSDs for gaming in 2025… But you already know we’re experts on this subject…
Which SSD should you choose for gaming?
For gaming, choose a latest-generation NVMe PCIe 5.0 SSD with a minimum of 1 TB of storage. Compared to previous SSDs and compared to prehistoric HDDs, this technology literally erases loading times. Speeds easily reach 7000 MB/s compared to 150 MB/s for an ancient HDD. No more waiting, time for action! But be careful, not all SSDs are equal. Capacity, performance, budget, and brand remain determining criteria. Let’s analyze each aspect together to find your future gaming companion.
What storage capacity should you plan for your games?
As a minimum, plan on 1 TB to be comfortable and accommodate several major titles. Some games are in the crosshairs, exceeding 100 GB. Hello, Call of Duty. That’s why with less than 1 TB, with games that have become super heavy, you’ll quickly be limited. With 1 TB, you can comfortably store 8 to 12 recent games. Heavy users will opt for 2 TB without hesitation. This capacity saves you the hassle of constantly uninstalling your old games. Space is freedom!
Features that impact games
Sequential read speed directly influences your gaming load times. Aim for a minimum of 5000 MB/s for optimal performance. IOPS (operations per second) are even more important for fast file opening. A good gaming SSD boasts 500,000 IOPS for random reads. TLC or QLC cache memory determines the durability of your SSD. Avoid QLC for intensive gaming! 3D NAND technology stacks cells to increase density. The higher the stacking, the better the performance.
Which SSD for gaming?
The M.2 format is establishing itself as the ultimate benchmark for gaming SSDs in 2025. All the best gaming PCs are equipped with it, with a minimum capacity of 1 TB. The PCIe 5.0 interface multiplies the performance compared to 4.0 and 3.0. However, if you don’t want the ultimate gaming configuration, but a comfortable and affordable solution for gaming, a SATA SSD is more than enough.
What budget should you plan for a gaming SSD?
Expect to pay between 80 and 200 euros for a quality 1TB gaming SSD. The price difference is mainly explained by the difference in performance between the first models and the best SSD for gaming.
While a model under 100 euros is already highly recommended, more expensive models will offer even more incredible transfer speeds. Then, if you want more than a terabyte, 2TB, 4TB, or even 8TB are good investments that you can keep for years, without reaching the end. And no, a 2TB SSD with equivalent performance does not cost twice as much as its 1TB counterpart. The price difference is not that great, in most cases!
Which SSD brand should you choose for gaming?
For gaming, Corsair hits hard with SSDs specially designed by gamers, for gamers. Optimized performance, reasonable price, and a neat aesthetic, because that’s always more pleasant! Also, Samsung dominates the market with its renowned 980 PRO and 990 PRO SSDs. Western Digital offers excellent alternatives with its SN850X range.
Crucial competes effectively with its P5 Plus with solid performance. Kingston and its KC3000 offer unbeatable value for money. In any case, please avoid unknown brands that offer unbeatable prices. Their disappointing performance completely ruins the gaming experience. At Cybertek, we only select products that have proven their reliability in the field.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Gaming SSD
Don’t be seduced by the lowest price alone. A poor-quality gaming SSD slows down your system instead of speeding it up. Compatibility with your configuration remains essential to avoid unpleasant surprises. It’s imperative to check that your motherboard supports the chosen format. An incompatible SSD is a completely useless purchase! Let’s analyze the most common pitfalls together. These mistakes cost a lot of time and money.
Choose a large enough SSD
The fatal mistake is underestimating your gaming storage needs. A 500GB SSD seems huge on paper. But modern gaming reality quickly eludes this illusion! Windows 11 already takes up 25GB as standard.
Add your essential software, and that leaves a maximum of 400GB. Three recent major games, and your SSD is full. This situation forces you to constantly juggle between installations and deletions. Always choose the higher capacity if your budget allows. You’ll thank us in six months when your gaming library has exploded.
How do you know if your SSD is compatible with your PC?
Make sure your motherboard has free M.2 slots. These slots look like small horizontal slits near the processor. Consult your motherboard’s manual for supported formats. 2280 SSDs (22mm x 80mm) remain the most common.
Pay attention to the PCIe generations supported by your configuration! A PCIe 4.0 SSD works on PCIe 3.0 but loses performance. The reverse is still impossible; a PCIe 3.0 SSD does not use PCIe 4.0. Manufacturers’ compatibility tools greatly simplify these checks. We’re talking about gaming SSDs in 2025, so there’s no excuse not to look for the latest technologies!
What should I do if my SSD is not detected?
First, check that your M.2 SSD is properly seated in its slot. These connectors require firm pressure to fully engage. The retaining screw should hold the SSD flat against the motherboard. Next, access the BIOS to enable the currently used M.2 slot. Some motherboards automatically disable SATA ports when you install M.2.
Windows may also require you to manually initialize the new drive. Open Disk Management to format your SSD. This step allows the system to properly recognize your new gaming storage.
What are the 5 best SSDs for gaming in 2025?
In 2025, the best SSDs for gaming include the MSI SPATIUM M560 M.2, Kingston Fury Renegade, Samsung 990 EVO Plus, PNY CS2150, and WD Black SN8100, among other models with high performance and supersonic speeds. Our ranking includes 1TB and 2TB models for the best compromise in terms of versatility. Beyond that, you’ll be spending over $200 and have serious gaming requirements that most users don’t have.
MSI SPATIUM M560 2TB M.2
Designed by MSI, the brand itself is a benchmark in gaming: read and write speeds that seem unreal, PCIe 5.0, and M.2 technology, it’s all there. With 2TB, this reference is currently on sale, making it the best current gaming SSD for less than 200 dollars.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB M.2
With a brand as proven as Samsung, you’d expect a reliable, durable, and high-performance component. Bingo. The 990 Pro, at 2 terabytes, offers excellent speeds, reliable installation, and a solid design, allowing for a lifespan equivalent to that of your PC.
PNY 2TB M.2 NVMe Gen5 – CS2150
Optimized for the most demanding tasks, including gaming, PNY leverages the stability of its very high transfer performance. The result? No latency, with very fast speeds without stuttering.
WD Black SN8100 1TB NVMe Gen5 M.2
Unbeatable in the 1TB game. Western Digital offers ultra-fast speeds suitable for high-level gaming. A benchmark in the storage world, WD guarantees reliability and long-lasting performance on its SSD, which you can keep for the life of your PC.
There you have it, you’ve now mastered all the secrets of gaming SSDs! No more excuses for those loading times that drag down your games. Adapt your choice to your real needs and your budget. Head to Cybertek to find your future gaming companion!
