Affordable PCIe 4.0 SSD, manufactured by Biwin, impresses with its performance, standing out as one of the top valued options we've recently evaluated.
Article: The Best SSDs for Gaming in 2025
In the realm of high-performance storage solutions, SSDs (Solid State Drives) have become a cornerstone for gamers seeking faster load times and smoother gaming experiences. As technology advances, the market is flooded with options, each promising to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. In this article, we'll delve into the current landscape of SSDs, focusing on the best PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 SSDs for gaming in 2025.
PCIe 5.0 SSDs: The Future-Proof Choice
PCIe 5.0 SSDs, such as the WD Black SN8100, are hailed as the crème de la crème of storage devices, offering exceptional performance and future-proofing. With sequential read speeds exceeding 14,000MB/s, these drives are more than twice as fast as their PCIe 4.0 counterparts. However, gaming load times and performance gains with PCIe 5.0 over high-end PCIe 4.0 drives are often marginal, as game data throughput rarely saturates PCIe 4.0 bandwidth.
Despite the marginal gains, PCIe 5.0 SSDs are considered a premium choice, mainly justified by future-proofing and workloads beyond gaming, such as AI training and 8K video editing. Notable PCIe 5.0 SSDs include the SK Hynix Platinum P51, Samsung 9100 Pro, and WD Black SN8100.
PCIe 4.0 SSDs: The Best Value for Gamers
PCIe 4.0 SSDs, like the WD Black SN850x and Seagate FireCuda 530, remain highly popular for gaming due to their excellent speed at a better price point. These Gen 4 drives are more than capable for gaming and consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, which are designed around PCIe 4.0 speeds.
The WD Black SN850x offers sequential read speeds up to 7300MB/s and very high IOPS, striking a strong balance between cost and sustained gaming performance. These Gen 4 drives are more than capable for gaming and consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, which are designed around PCIe 4.0 speeds.
Comparing the Two: A Price and Speed Perspective
While PCIe 5.0 SSDs offer impressive speeds, they remain significantly more expensive and may run hotter, making them a premium choice primarily for future-proofing and workloads beyond gaming. In contrast, PCIe 4.0 SSDs offer better value for gamers, with high-end models like WD SN850x and FireCuda 530 delivering near-peak current-gen speeds at a lower cost and adequate thermal management.
Notable Mentions: Affordable Options for Gaming
The NV7400, priced at $120 or £108 for 2 TB, is considered a budget-friendly option for PCIe 4.0 SSDs and a contender in the market for the best SSD for gaming. This drive, powered by the same controller as Lexar's NM790, offers sequential read speeds of up to 7400 MB/s.
Lexar also offers a fast and great value 1 TB 2230 SSD for devices like Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. The Silicon Power XS70 is an extremely fast drive for Sony's PlayStation 5. Moreover, an 8 TB version of the best SSD for gaming has been released, catering to gamers with vast collections.
Jacob Ridley, a tech journalist who has worked for PCGamesN, PC Gamer, and is currently reporting on the latest developments in the technology and gaming industries, has thoroughly reviewed the NV7400 on his website.
In conclusion, for most gamers in 2025, PCIe 4.0 SSDs remain the best value, delivering excellent speed at a lower price and excellent compatibility with current gaming systems. PCIe 5.0 SSDs like the WD Black SN8100 are recommended if you want the fastest storage and future-proofing but at a premium cost.
- For an optimal balance between speed, cost, and future-proofing, the WD Black SN8100, a PCIe 5.0 SSD, is a professional choice for gamers seeking a premium gaming experience.
- In the realm of affordable gadgets for gaming, the NV7400, a PCIe 4.0 SSD, is hailed as a budget-friendly option, offering impressive sequential read speeds for a competitive price.
- Technology enthusiasts eager for top-tier workstation performance and 8K video editing might find the SK Hynix Platinum P51, a PCIe 5.0 SSD, an ideal gadget, boasting exceptional speeds for Win moves in the season of advanced gaming and beyond.
