Joybuy Insights

Buying an M.2 NVMe SSD: a guide for PCs, laptops, gaming and PS5

An M.2 NVMe SSD can significantly speed up system start-ups, game installations and large file transfers. However, a high MB/s figure doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right upgrade for you. The key factors are the slot, PCIe generation, cooling and how you plan to use it.

Gaming PCs, laptops and workstations are particularly prone to three common buying mistakes that can lead to unnecessary costs:

  • The wrong slot: An M.2 slot doesn’t necessarily support NVMe or PCIe. Some slots are designed for SATA only.
  • Overestimating peak speeds: Advertised sequential speeds mainly apply to specific types of transfer under optimal conditions. Access times and random IOPS also affect how quickly programmes start.
  • Inadequate cooling: A PCIe 4.0 SSD or PCIe 5.0 SSD can get warm under sustained load. Without sufficient airflow or a suitable heatsink, its speed may be reduced.

Key things to consider when buying an M.2 NVMe SSD

1. Check the interface and PCIe generation

An NVMe SSD communicates over PCI Express. A PCIe 4.0 SSD theoretically has up to four data lanes available, while a PCIe 5.0 SSD offers greater bandwidth. However, the SSD can only run as fast as your motherboard, laptop or console allows.

Before buying, check the manual for the following:

  • M.2 M-Key for NVMe drives
  • PCIe x4 or an equivalent connection
  • Supported generation: PCIe 3.0, PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 5.0
  • Maximum drive height, particularly for laptops and compact PCs

A PCIe 5.0 SSD is often backwards compatible, but it won’t reach its advertised peak speeds in a PCIe 4.0 slot. For an older system, a suitable PCIe 4.0 SSD may therefore offer better value for money.

2. M.2 2280, capacity and height

The widely used M.2 2280 SSD is 22 millimetres wide and 80 millimetres long. This format fits many desktop PCs, laptops and mini PCs. Even so, check the installation length and available space.

Use these practical guidelines when choosing capacity:

  • 1TB NVMe SSD: suitable for an operating system, applications and a modest games library
  • 2TB NVMe SSD: a good choice for several large games, 4K video projects or extensive media archives
  • 4 TB: worth considering if you need to store large amounts of data locally over the long term

The usable capacity will be lower than the manufacturer’s stated figure because of formatting and system reserves. If you’re choosing an SSD for gaming, bear in mind that modern games often take up a lot of space.

3. Cooling, endurance and workload

M.2 SSDs generally run quietly during short bursts of activity. However, extended writes, video editing, 3D rendering and large game installations generate more heat. A motherboard heatsink, an SSD with an integrated heatsink or a well-ventilated case can help keep operating temperatures within the recommended range.

Also look out for:

  • TBW (Total Bytes Written): the stated total amount of data that can be written
  • IOPS: a measure of how many small read and write operations a drive can handle
  • DRAM, HMB and SLC cache: technologies that help manage storage
  • Manufacturer’s warranty and available management software
  • Regular backups, as even an internal SSD can fail without warning

For the PlayStation 5, the SSD must meet the console’s requirements. A suitable heatsink is also needed in many cases. Check compatibility against the latest device requirements before buying.

Our picks for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Kingston NV3 M.2 2280 SSD 1TB

Kingston NV3 M.2 2280 SSD 1TB

Why this product suits this profile: This 1TB SSD is for anyone looking to upgrade a compatible PC, laptop or mini PC with NVMe storage, without immediately opting for a larger capacity. According to the product specifications, it supports PCIe 4.0 and delivers read speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The M.2 2280 format and PCIe 4.0 NVMe interface make it easier to check compatibility with modern motherboards. You’ll still need to check the specific slot before buying.

Key benefits and strengths

1 TB capacity, M.2 2280, PCIe 4.0 and read speeds of up to 6,000 MB/s, according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD with heatsink 2TB

Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD with heatsink, 2TB

Why this product suits this profile: The 2TB version is a good fit for PC and console gamers, as well as anyone working with large video files and projects. Its integrated heatsink is useful in systems where a separate M.2 cooler can’t be used.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The pre-installed heatsink helps manage heat during extended periods of use. For the PS5, check that the heatsink’s dimensions fit in the expansion bay.

Key benefits and strengths

2 TB, PCIe 4.0 x4, read speeds of up to 7,450 MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,900 MB/s, according to the product specifications; integrated heatsink.

Suitable for: Specialist uses and power users
Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO SSD PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280

Lexar 2TB NM1090 PRO SSD PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 2280

Why this product suits this profile: This PCIe 5.0 SSD is for users with a compatible platform who need to transfer large files, manage extensive games libraries or work on demanding editing projects. Make sure your case has adequate ventilation.

How this product helps avoid the pitfall

The product specifications explicitly mention PCIe 5.0 x4, a heatsink or heat spreader, and active temperature control. Without a PCIe 5.0 slot, the benefits will be limited.

Key benefits and strengths

2 TB, read speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 13,000 MB/s, according to the product specifications, plus 1.4 PB TBW.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Get ready for installation and use

Before installation, shut down your computer completely and disconnect it from the mains. If possible, disconnect the battery in a laptop. Don’t touch the SSD’s contacts, and take care to avoid electrostatic discharge. The SSD is usually inserted into the M.2 slot at an angle, pressed down and secured with the supplied screw or mounting clip.

After installation, a new drive may need to be initialised and formatted in Windows, macOS or Linux. Back up important data before migrating or formatting. Manufacturer firmware and monitoring software can also provide information about temperature, drive health and updates.

M.2 NVMe SSD FAQs

Will any M.2 SSD fit in any M.2 slot?

No. M.2 describes the form factor only. A slot may support PCIe NVMe, SATA or different drive lengths. Check the interface, keying, length and available height in your device’s manual.

How long does an M.2 NVMe SSD last?

Lifespan depends on the NAND technology, amount of data written and usage. The TBW rating is a useful technical guide, but it can’t predict exactly when an individual drive will fail. Regular backups are still essential, even with a high TBW rating.

Does a faster SSD use more power?

Power consumption depends on the PCIe generation, controller, workload and power-saving states. PCIe 5.0 models can generate more heat under heavy load. For a laptop, power management and cooling, as well as speed, are important considerations. Check the manufacturer’s specifications too.