It’s common to see install sizes and updates for modern games coming in at over 50 to 100 GB per title. That’s just the way it is these days, and it’s not likely to change. Instead of constantly deleting games to make room for these hard drive hogs, maybe it’s time get more storage for your desktop, laptop, PS5, or Steam Deck. Thankfully, our collection of the best SSD deals will help you add more SSD real estate without breaking the bank. There are hundreds of SSDs out there, but we’ll be focusing on products that are good performers, reliable, and not too expensive.
M.2 SSDs are available in two speed classes (SATA, NVMe), and they all look nearly identical. So, gamers should carefully seek out NVMe models, specifically ones that support PCIe 4.0 speeds (all of the SSDs in this post support it, and are PS5-compatible) If your PC supports PCIe 4.0, you'll get very fast speeds. It'll still work on PCIe 3.0 motherboards, too, just at less-than-advertised speeds.
A small, but important note for your shopping journey: M.2 NVMe SSDs are available in a variety of sizes, with the two most common being 2280 and 2230. 2280 is the larger of the two and is compatible with desktops, most laptops, and the PS5, while the smaller 2230 models featured near the bottom of this post are supported in handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. In case you're looking for 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, we won't be including those in this post.
Do you need a heatsink on your SSD? If you’re installing it into a PS5, then yes, you do. It’s not a bad idea on desktops and laptops, either, but it may not be necessary. We’ve included some options that have a built-in heatsink, and some that don't. FYI: equipping a bare SSD with an aftermarket model is a relatively simple and inexpensive process.
If you’re purchasing an SSD for your desktop PC, a laptop, or a PlayStation 5, your best overall option for the money is going to be the Samsung 990 Pro. This model is available with or without a heatsink and
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