- Capacity: Look for an SSD with a minimum size of 500GB.
- Read and write speeds: SSD with high read/write speeds are ideal for faster game load times.
- Price: SSDs can range in price, so consider your budget when selecting the best one for you.
- Review ratings: 4.9/5 stars with 55,000+ ratings on Amazon
- Suggested retail price: $129.99 (500GB)
- Important specs: 500GB-2TB capacity options, read speeds up to 3500MB/s, write speeds up to 3300MB/s, M.2 form factor, PCIe Gen 3.0 x 4, NVMe 1.3, AES 256-bit encryption
- Why it’s recommended: The Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD offers excellent performance and reliability, making it a top choice for gamers. The fast read and write speeds ensure quick loading times and improved game performance.
- Who it’s perfect for: Gamers who want top-of-the-line performance from their SSD and have a budget to accommodate it.
- Review ratings: 4.8/5 stars with 700+ ratings on Best Buy
- Suggested retail price: $144.99 (500GB)
- Important specs: 500GB-2TB capacity options, read speeds up to 6600MB/s, write speeds up to 5000MB/s, M.2 form factor, PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 interface, NVMe 1.4, AES 256-bit encryption
- Why it’s recommended: The Crucial P5 Plus SSD offers extremely fast read and write speeds thanks to its PCIe Gen 4.0 interface. The large capacity and robust encryption make it an excellent option for gamers and other users who need both speed and security.
- Who it’s perfect for: Gamers who want top performance and have upgraded to a Steam Deck with PCIe Gen 4.0 support.
- Review ratings: 4.8/5 stars with 24,000+ ratings on Amazon
- Suggested retail price: $99.99 (500GB)
- Important specs: 500GB-2TB capacity options, read speeds up to 3470MB/s, write speeds up to 3000MB/s, M.2 form factor, PCIe Gen 3.0 x 4, NVMe 1.3, AES 256-bit encryption
- Why it’s recommended: The WD Black SN750 SSD offers fast read and write speeds and is very reasonably priced, making it a great value for gamers on a budget.
- Who it’s perfect for: Gamers who want good performance at a budget-friendly price.